Letshuoer Astralis - A Cold And Distant Star

 3.5⭐️

+ Clean and clear slightly W-shaped tuning makes for a decent all-rounder 

+ Quick, articulate, and well-extended planar-style bass response 

+ Slightly forward midrange helps to put a spotlight on vocals

+ Treble is detailed and sibilant-free

+ Solid and comfortable shell design with a great aesthetic 

+ Nice modular cable

- Overall tuning is a little too cold and sterile

- Would like more mid-bass and a longer, more natural decay

- Vocal presentation on the thinner and colder side

- Treble is thin, incisive, and sometimes harsh; could use more air and extension 

- Suffers from some zingy planar timbre

- Accessories are a little underwhelming for the price

thaslaya's star rating system:

☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!

☆☆☆☆ - Recommended

☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me

☆☆ - Can't see the appeal

☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer: 

This product was provided to me by Letshuoer in exchange for my impartial and honest review. I receive no compensation, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Non-affiliate link for those interested:

https://letshuoer.net/products/letshuoer-astralis-hifi-in-ear-earphones-15-5mm-5th-generation-planar-diaphragm-driver

Gear used: 

●Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

●Various DAC/amps

Source:

●Listening was done using Amazon Music HD/Ultra HD and local FLAC files. 

Introduction: 

Over the past three years in this hobby, I've come to know Letshuoer quite well. I've reviewed a number of their products and heard just about every one of their planar IEMs. The company recently released the Ember, another single planar which is fantastic. I honestly didn't think Letshuoer would follow that up with yet another planar IEM, but here we have the Astralis. This latest model features a new 15.5mm fifth-generation proprietary ring-type planar driver. The Astralis comes with a price tag of $189 and is available directly through Letshuoer and other retailers worldwide. This is one company that knows its way around a planar driver, so let's break down the new Astralis and see what it has to offer.

Build, fit, ergonomics:

The Astralis comes in a fairly small box, typical of Letshuoer's more budget-friendly offerings. First of all, I love the box art. I also really like how its design and theme tie into the faceplate. It's the little attention to detail like this that makes me appreciate the thought that goes into the design. The unboxing is pretty simple and straightforward. The shells are made of a sturdy aluminum alloy housing and have a decent weight balance. I'd say the size is on the smaller side of average, and the insertion depth is about average. Historically, I've had fit issues with some of Letshuoer's smaller IEMs, but the Astralis manages to buck the trend, and it's easier to maintain a proper seal. The nozzle measures 6.1mm at the widest point of the lip, and there are two small vents on the shell: one located right behind the flat two-pin connection and the other on the inside that faces the ear. Circling back to the design, the shells are silver in color, and the faceplates have quite a unique aesthetic. It's a bit three-dimensional with two distinct areas. The bottom sticks out a bit further and has an aluminum build with the Letshuoer logo featured on it. The top portion is flat and recessed with a grid-like geometric pattern in a navy blue color. Personally, I think the design is great. It has a subtle classiness, yet it still manages to catch the eye without being flashy or gaudy. The stock cable is made of silver-plated monocrystalline copper and features interchangeable 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations. I like the silver and dark gray color scheme, as well as the screw-on locking mechanism and the soft, pliable nature. However, it does feel a little cheap in hand, though I'm partial to a heavier and more substantial cable, so your mileage may vary. I chose to substitute a blue NiceHCK JIALAI JLY2 cable to help bring out the blue in the faceplates. There are nine pairs of silicone tips in total included in the box, along with a round holder for storage. Letshuoer's tips are generally good, but they don't always work best for me on smaller-sized shells. I was unable to get a great fit and seal with the stock tips, so I opted for my Final Type E tips instead. The case is Letshuoer's typical plastic puck-style screw-on case, which I would really like to see the company move away from. It's fine from a protection standpoint, but it looks and feels cheap. Some other companies are able to offer a nice leather zipper case at this price, and I feel that Letshuoer should follow suit. The only other accessory of note is a simple Velcro cable tie. Overall, I think the build quality and design of the shells are decent, but the accessories are a little lackluster. The modular cable is a nice inclusion, but I would really like to see a more premium case.

Sound impressions:

I would describe the Astralis as having a nearly U-shaped or even slightly W-shaped tuning with an elevated, linear bass response and a slightly emphasized upper midrange that extends into a flatter treble response that rolls off around 10 kHz. It does have a somewhat colder tonality, as planars seem to do, but is also a bit relaxed and less energetic than many others I've heard. Drivability can sometimes be a factor with single planars, but the Astralis can get to high volumes with a simple dongle, and more power in and of itself doesn't seem to have an impact on the sound. The note weight could use some work, though, as there's a perpetual thinness that permeates the entire frequency response. It's not the most egregiously thin I've heard, but combined with the colder tonality, the Astralis strays further from my preferences. The detail retrieval is commendable, and the analytical nature means you won't be missing much in the way of nuance. The soundstage is pretty decent too, but it's a little wider than it is deep, which leads to a slight imbalance. Still, it sounds quite good, and the space is utilized well. The timbre is mostly fine, but there is a slight artificiality, and a bit of that planar sheen rears its head in the treble, which I'm surprised to see from Letshuoer since their last few single planar IEMs didn't have this. The imaging shows strong accuracy in both left-to-right detection and with distance, and the dynamics are in a good spot—not overly ambitious but also not underwhelming. The separation is one area of the technicalities in which Astralis excels. Each section of the frequency response shows a nice division and individuality; unfortunately, the layering does seem to suffer because of it. It's generally less cohesive than I typically prefer. Overall, I think the Astralis has solid technical performance, including a fairly expansive soundstage, great separation, and accurate imaging. Those looking for a more analytical style should be pleased, but the thinner note weight, less-than-stellar layering, and lack of musicality stick out to me.

In my experience, single-driver IEMs don't show huge differences when it comes to sources, and the Astralis is no exception. However, even though it's not especially sensitive, that doesn't mean it's not worth the effort it takes to find the right synergy. First, I tried the MuseHiFi M6 Double, but the tube mode didn't add the level of warmth I was hoping for, and the treble was still a little too thin and sharp for me. Next, I tested the Letshuoer DT03, and it smoothed out some of the incisiveness that I take issue with, but the midrange got a little recessed, which isn't ideal. The BLON V1 is a decent pairing since it has a smoother presentation and the midrange remains intact, but the treble is still a hair too thin for my preference. Ultimately, the best synergy I found is the DUNU DTC480. It combines the smoother treble presentation of the DT03 with the more forward and relevant midrange of the V1, all while keeping notes weighty and grounded.

●Lows - The Astralis generally has a very clean and articulate sound signature, and that's on full display here. The bass is elevated north of neutral and has a fairly linear response, but there's a little more focus on the sub-bass. In fact, the mid-bass is light for my taste, and I'd like to see more emphasis there. The extension isn't the deepest reaching, but it's pretty decent. The resolution is nice, and it never struggles with complex bass lines, but the texture is a bit on the dry side. It's well separated from the midrange, which is one of the real perks of the linear, sub-bass-focused style of bass response. It leaves the midrange wide open with absolutely no hint of bleed or intrusion, aiding in that clean and articulate presentation. The impact is a touch softer than I would prefer, but kick drums still have good presence and are clearly delineated. The rumble may be a bit of a disappointment for those who prefer a traditional DD-styled response. It sounds great as long as notes are sustained, but it's not as long-lasting as I would like, which also ties into the speed and decay. Bass notes are quick in their delivery but also have a quicker decay, which means they don't linger long enough to lend the naturalness that I want. Overall, the Astralis has a decently accentuated low end with nice extension and a clean and articulate nature, but there's nothing really special or standout here. It's a well-implemented planar driver that delivers good sub-bass extension, along with nice separation, impact, and rumble. But it also comes with some of the usual drawbacks of this driver type, like quicker decay, lack of sustain, and dry texture.

●Mids - My impression of the midrange isn't quite as strong as the bass, but there are some positive takeaways. Like the bass, the midrange has a clean, clear, and well-separated presentation that's decently balanced between the upper and lower mids. Unfortunately, there's a sort of hollowness to it too that's a bit off-putting. Vocals are mildly energetic and slightly forward-presenting with nice detail and clarity, yet never come across as shouty or too in-your-face. Males and females are pretty well-balanced with the latter being just a bit more prominent. Unfortunately, there's an overproduced or artificial quality here that I just don't like. Vocals generally lean toward the thin and sterile side of the spectrum. It's not too bad, but it's far from the warmer and more grounded presentation I prefer. Also, more breathy female artists can be irritating at higher volumes, though never quite bad enough for me to swear them off completely. The instrument timbre tends to fare a bit better, and the separation and detail are impressive, but strings still don't sound quite as natural as I would hope. Overall, the midrange is more of a miss than a hit for me. I don't take any particular offense with the instrumentation outside of the slightly off timbre, and the separation and resolution are standout, but the vocal presentation is far from my taste. The lack of warmth, weight, and engagement doesn't exactly make me yearn to listen to my favorite vocal-focused tracks, but classical and orchestral music is still quite enjoyable. 

●Highs - As far as the treble goes, I wouldn't say it's polite, but it's mostly inoffensive while retaining decent energy and presence and a crisp and clean presentation. There's nice detail and a sparkly quality that keep it interesting, but I feel that it could use a bit more air. It's not in a particularly bad spot for me, though some better extension could also make it sound a little more balanced and complete across the frequency response. Cymbals have a decent level of natural splashiness, but perhaps just a hair too much, and there is some metallic timbre that creeps in on certain tracks. Snares and claps are generally crisp, clean, and energetic without any harshness. The main problem I have with the treble is the thin presentation, and "s" and "sh" vocal notes can be bothersome. Also, the balance is skewed a bit brighter than I like. Personally, I think this could be partially resolved by giving the upper mids a bigger boost, but it doesnt do much for the innate thinness. Luckily, there are no real sibilance issues to speak of, but there is some planar zinginess that is hard to ignore. Overall, the treble leaves me disappointed in that it's a bit of a throwback to the planars of yesteryear. It's not as bright as something like the original S12, but it does retain some of the characteristics of Letshuoer's older models, like the level of sparkle and crispness, as well as the colder, thinner tonality. I thought Letshuoer had been actively moving away from this style in their more recent releases, like the Ultra and Ember. However, this latest 15.5mm driver may need some extra time to work out those kinks. If you find yourself yearning for a bit more of that "traditional" planar treble, the Astralis may be to your liking, though it's not personally my thing. 

Comparisons: Credit to Audio Amigo for the graphs. 

●Letshuoer Ember ($500) - This is the first matchup of single planar IEMs in this section and also the first Letshuoer family feud. The Ember utilizes a 14.8mm driver, while the Astralis uses the newer 15.5mm driver. Starting with the accessories, both have similar tips, and the Ember comes with a nicer case and an Effect Audio cable, but I actually prefer the modular cable of the Astralis. Both also have similarly weighted metal shells, but the Ember is made of a titanium alloy, whereas the Astralis uses an aluminum alloy. The shapes and sizes are nearly identical, but the Astralis has a slightly larger nozzle and is a bit more comfortable for me. Design-wise, I much prefer the silver and blue aesthetic of the Astralis to the Ember's flame-inspired faceplate. Moving to the sound, the Ember has more of an L-shaped tuning with a larger bass shelf and a flatter midrange and treble, while the Astralis has a slight W-shape with linear bass, a mild upper midrange emphasis, and a rolled-off treble. In the bass, the Astralis has more sub-bass quantity and a deeper-reaching extension, while the Ember has more mid-bass and arguably a better balance across the low end. The Astralis also has more impact and a higher level of rumble, but comes with quicker decay too. The Ember's bass, while slightly slower and less "clean" sounding, is still quite resolving and generally sounds much more natural to my ear. In the midrange, these two are quite different, too. The Astralis pushes vocals, especially female, more forward in the mix, and they sound colder, thinner, and more energetic. Some tracks can get a touch shouty, but the Ember's warmer, smoother, and slightly pulled-back vocals sound much more natural, especially the timbre. Instruments too have a sweetness and realism that make orchestral arrangements sound fantastic, especially strings. The Astralis comes across as a bit too sterile, and the added sub-bass emphasis tends to throw off the balance. In the treble, the trend continues: the Ember sounds more natural and organic. It has better extension and more air, which helps to open up the entire soundscape. The Astralis comes across as a little closed off, and the treble is brighter and more energetic with some planar sheen and tizziness. It does offer a crisper texture, though, and more emphasis on snares for those who want it, but the Ember is much more inoffensive. As for technical performance, the Ember has better note weight, timbre, soundstage, layering, and imaging, but the Astralis holds its own in detail retrieval and separation, and it offers better dynamics. For me, this one comes down to a few factors, including the midrange, treble, and overall tuning balance and coloration. The Ember offers a level of warmth and emotional engagement that I absolutely love, and the slower, more natural-sounding bass manages to subvert some of my expectations of planar drivers. The Astralis adheres more closely to the traditional planar presentation in that it's a bit cold and clinical, but also clean and well-separated. It has a slightly pulled-back treble, which I would usually prefer, but it's still thin and a touch irritating at times. The Ember never suffers any harshness and manages to sound more complete thanks to the extra air and extension. The technicalities aren't too far off, but the Ember generally performs better across the board. When it comes down to it, the Ember simply does a better job of catering to my preferences. The DD-like bass, warm vocals, and crisp yet non-fatiguing treble are right in my wheelhouse. I'm sure others are bound to have the opposite opinion, which is half the fun of this hobby, but the Ember ticks many of my tuning boxes where the Astralis just doesn't.

My pick: Ember 

● NiceHCK NX8 ($200) - This matchup pits the single planar driver of the Astralis against the 1DD, 6BA, 1 piezoelectric tribrid configuration of the NX8. When it comes to accessories, both sets have a similar number of tips, but the Astralis' modular cable offers more versatility, while the NX8's leather zipper case is much nicer than the plastic puck. The build quality of the shells is quite different. The Astralis features a heavier and more durable aluminum alloy shell, whereas the NX8 utilizes resin and a metal nozzle. The nozzles are also removable, but they don't offer any change in tuning. The shells of these two are similar in size, but the NX8 offers a more comfortable fit for me due to its slightly longer nozzles and deeper insertion. Design-wise, I really like them both as they each have a unique aesthetic, but the Astralis manages to catch my eye a little more. Looking at the graph, these two share some general tuning similarities, but the Astralis is a little more W-shaped with more bass and a dip in upper-mids and treble, while the NX8 is U-shaped, with a more traditional upper-midrange emphasis. The bass is where these two share the most in common, but they are still unique. The Astralis has a little more quantity and is more sub-bass focused with a deeper extension. It also offers a bit more rumble, a cleaner texture, and quicker decay. While it may not sound as clean or reach as low, the NX8 uses a dynamic driver for the low end and is the more natural-sounding of the two. In the midrange, neither has a particularly weighty or grounded character, but the NX8 is a bit smoother and the tonality is a little warmer than the colder Astralis. Vocals are forward and clear on both sets, but the upper midrange peaks occur at different points along the frequency response, which changes their presentation. The Astralis has an earlier accentuation, which helps male artists take a bit more of the spotlight, whereas the NX8 peaks later, which is better for females. The Astralis tends to sound a touch thinner, but also cleaner, better separated, and more detailed, which is a nice perk. The treble of these two is also similar, but with a few caveats. The Astralis is brighter and thinner, but not by a huge margin, and it has more of an edge and sparkle. The NX8's treble is more grounded and less fatiguing, especially with cymbals. They sound quite natural on the NX8 compared to the Astralis' somewhat splashy and metallic nature. The NX8 also has a touch more air and extension. As for the technicalities, the NX8 has better timbre, note weight, and layering, but the Astralis sounds much more analytical thanks to improved soundstage, imaging, separation, and detail retrieval. For me, this one mostly comes down to the coloration and the treble response. Based on the graph, you wouldn't think these two sound a lot alike, but they really do have a lot of similarities, which means their slight differences make a bigger impact. The NX8 avoids some of the pitfalls of the Astralis, which include its colder tonality, premature midrange peak, and thinner, imbalanced treble. On the other hand, the Astralis has a bigger and deeper bass response that some may prefer, and a cleaner, better-separated presentation that is sure to attract an audience. It also has slightly better technical performance, but where the NX8 really pulls ahead is how it manages to draw me into the music with a higher level of engagement and musicality. It might be a rare occasion that I pick a single planar IEM over a well-implemented hybrid, and in this matchup, the Astralis doesn't quite pull off the upset, but not for lack of trying. I'd be eager to see if Letshuoer follows up the Astralis in the near future with a slightly altered tuning because a few small tweaks might make all the difference in this matchup.

My pick: NX8

● Letshuoer S12 Ultra ($170) - Here we have another Letshuoer planar battle, but at a much closer price point. The Ultra is the latest and final model in the S12 lineup, and it utilizes the older 14.8mm driver versus the new 15.5mm of the Astralis. The accessories are nearly identical, which should come as no surprise seeing as it's the same company and the same price bracket, but the Ultra also includes a simple USB-C dongle DAC. The build quality, size, and fit are nearly identical, but the shape of the Astralis is rounder while the Ultra is more triangular. From a design standpoint, the mocha-colored Ultra is nice but a little plain, whereas the silver and blue Astralis is more premium-looking. When it comes to the sound signature, the graph illustrates that there are definitely some familial ties, but the Astralis has a bit more bass and a little less upper mids and treble. The bass is probably where these two sound most similar. Both have an elevated bass response, but the Astralis has a bit more so. It has a slightly deeper-reaching extension, more impact, and a fuller profile. The Ultra may lag a bit in resolution and separation, but it's better balanced with the mids and highs, and it has more of a DD-like bass response thanks to the slower, more natural decay. The midrange is where the Ultra starts to pull ahead. The vocals are much smoother, more grounded, and more relaxed yet still prominent and forward in the mix. The Astralis comes across as thinner, colder, more energetic, and too clinically sounding for my taste. It's nearly devoid of that emotional connection I crave, but the Ultra has just the right combination of realism and warmth to draw me in. Even instruments have a smoother and more natural presentation, though the Astralis has a greater sense of depth for orchestral arrangements. The treble is also quite different, and one clearly comes out on top. The Ultra is again smoother and less energetic, but the bigger difference may be the note weight and texture. The Astralis has more sparkle and a crisper, sharper edge, but it also suffers a bit from that traditional planar zing along with some harshness on "s" and "sh" notes. The Ultra manages to achieve a more successful balance across the treble without being fatiguing or sounding incomplete. As for technical performance, the Astralis has better soundstage, dynamics, detail retrieval, and separation, while the Ultra excels in timbre, layering, and note weight. For me, this one comes down to the tuning balance and execution. There are certainly things about the Astralis that I like, for instance, the harder-hitting and deeper-reaching bass, but the Ultra simply has a better-balanced sound signature to my ears. The bass is more DD-like in nature, and the mids and treble are much smoother and more natural. The Astralis may appeal to those looking for a high level of detail and a thinner, edgier, more dynamic sound signature, but the Ultra's vocal engagement and superior balance easily win out for me in the end.

My pick: S12 Ultra

● AFUL Explorer ($120) - Here we have the single planar driver of the Astralis up against the 1DD, 2BA hybrid of the Explorer. Starting with the accessories, both have a similar number of tips and decent cables, but the Astralis' cable is modular. The Explorer, though, has a much nicer zipper case. The build quality and design are quite different. The Astralis is a little smaller and has a full aluminum alloy shell, while the Explorer has a full resin shell and a more semi-custom shape. The Explorer also has a longer nozzle and deeper insertion, which fit me a bit better. Both feature interesting designs, but I think the silver/dark navy three-dimensional faceplate of the Astralis looks more premium. Looking at the graph, these two do share a similar tuning target, but I swear they have a common ancestor somewhere in their genealogy because they sound quite similar, though the Explorer's meta-style tuning is a little flatter across the spectrum. In the bass, the Astralis has more quantity, better extension, and more rumble, which I like; however, the Explorer's DD has more texture and decay. The Astralis is also a bit more impactful with improved separation, but its general cleanliness is not really to my preference. The midrange also holds some interesting differences. The Explorer is much flatter, having only a few decibels' difference between the lower and upper mids. This translates to less vocal engagement for me, but I really like the smoother and more relaxed style. The Astralis comes off as more vocal-forward, and the entire midrange is sharper, more separated, and more spacious. I admit that the thicker lower mids of the Explorer are quite nice, but without a more accentuated upper-midrange, the overall balance is a bit off, which the Astralis handles better. Still, the Explorer's vocals have a smoothness and naturalness that I prefer, and it also better represents lower-register instruments. The treble really may be the key to this matchup. The Astralis is brighter with more sparkle and a cleaner texture, but it's also quite thin-sounding with more occurrences of harshness. The Explorer still has a slight treble tilt due to the flatter midrange, but it's much more tolerable. Honestly, neither treble really adheres to my usual preference, but the Astralis' planar timbre certainly doesn't do it any favors. When it comes to technical performance, the Astralis is the more capable of the two. It has better separation, detail retrieval, soundstage, imaging, and dynamics, whereas the Explorer excels in timbre and note weight. For me, this matchup hinges on the midrange and treble, as well as the overall presentation. The Astralis has a more balanced frequency response and is much cleaner sounding thanks to the higher degree of technicalities, but it comes across as a little cold and sterile. On the other hand, the Explorer could be labeled a little technically deficient, and the meta-style tuning won't be for everyone, but it does have a warmer, smoother, and more relaxed style that resonates with me. I do think the more forward upper midrange and extra bass emphasis make the Astralis a better all-rounder, but the Explorer's slightly thicker and much less tizzy treble makes for easier long-term listening. At the end of the day, I think these two actually complement each other well, but if I had to pick one to keep, it would definitely be the Explorer.

My pick: Explorer

● Hidisz MP143 ($110) - For the last matchup, we come full circle back to another battle of two single planars. The MP143 uses an older 14.3mm driver, as opposed to the newer and larger 15.5mm driver of the Astralis. Regarding accessories, the Astralis wins handily. It features a better, modular cable and an actual hardshell case. The 143, though, does include three tuning nozzles, which offer more tuning variety. For the sake of this comparison, I used the rose gold filter. When it comes to design and build quality, both sets have aluminum shells, but the 143 is much larger in size, though both offer a comfortable fit for me. Both also have an interesting, eye-catching design, but the two-toned color scheme of the Astralis looks a little more high-end. Sound-wise, these two sets follow a similar target, but the 143 has a little less bass and more emphasis on the lower/mid-treble and air. Starting with the bass, the Astralis definitely has more quantity, and the quality also outshines that of the 143. It's quicker and better extended with a cleaner texture and better resolution, whereas the 143's bass is slower, slightly woolly, and doesn't have the same level of rumble. I will say that the 143's slower decay is more to my taste, but as a whole, the Astralis' bass response is a few levels above. In the midrange, vocals come through a bit more forward and much more energetic on the Astralis. They also sound thinner, colder, and slightly artificial. The 143 can't quite match the Astralis' depth, separation, and detail, but it's slightly better balanced across the lower and upper midrange and has a more natural vocal timbre that really helps me better connect to the music. The treble is where these two deviate the most. The 143 is much smoother, a touch brighter, and airier with better extension, but also less energetic. The Astralis is thin, sharp, bothersome, and fatiguing. Breathy vocalists and certain "s" and "sh" notes can be quite irritating. Also, cymbals are a touch splashy and metallic, though the entire treble is cleaner and more detailed. Like the midrange, the 143's treble sounds more natural and better balanced to my ear, but those looking for maximum detail and crispness will likely prefer the Astralis. Regarding technical performance, the Astralis has better detail retrieval, imaging, separation, dynamics, and a slightly deeper soundstage, while the 143 offers superior timbre, layering, and note weight. For me, this matchup comes down to a few factors, but mostly the treble. The bass of the Astralis is cleaner and hits harder and deeper, which is great, but I prefer the slower decay of the 143. Unfortunately, the midrange comes off a little recessed compared to the Astralis, but it doesn't sound nearly as thin. To my surprise, and despite what the graph may convey, the 143 actually has a slightly more relaxed treble to my ear. It's thicker with less harshness, and the increased air is a great addition, but the Astralis has more sparkle and a crispness and sharpness some may prefer. I also need to award a few points in the 143's favor for offering three distinct tuning options, but the Astralis' technical performance and accessory package are much nicer. At the end of the day, I have to go with the option that better fits my preferences, and in this case, the treble of the 143 is simply much more tolerable.

My pick: MP143

In conclusion:

Over the last three years, I've come to know Letshuoer quite well. The company helped to pioneer the single planar IEM era, and I'm happy to see them continue to innovate with new technologies and tunings. After reviewing the Ember, which debuted only a few short months ago, I really thought the company would steer clear of any new planar IEMs for a period of time, so imagine my surprise when the Astralis was announced. Granted, this one uses a new 15.5mm driver, but I don't hear any distinct advantages over the older 14.8mm driver technology, at least not yet. With Letshuoer's S12 line now officially retired after four iterations, part of me wonders if the Astralis is an attempt to both debut the newest driver and to test the waters of producing a new line of single planar IEMs using said driver. Unfortunately, I think this latest release misses the mark. If this does turn out to be the start of a new era, I hope Letshuoer can improve upon the foundation that the Astralis laid forth because there is some good stuff here. The bass extension reaches deep, and the quantity is right up my alley. The midrange is clean, with vocals positioned far enough forward for my taste but not enough to sound imbalanced, and the treble is crisp and clear while steering clear of sibilance. However, there are still plenty of things I would change. More mid-bass and a longer, more natural decay would be appreciated. Also, I'd like a warmer and more engaging vocal presentation, and a heavier note weight in the treble would help to offset some of the innate thinness and incisiveness. As it stands, the Astralis might be the least appealing of the mid-fi planars that I own. It's definitely better than the original S12, though I've never heard the Pro version. The S12 2024 edition is by far one of the best-tuned planar IEMs I've come across, and the Ultra offers a slightly smoother, bassier, and less energetic alternative. The Ember is actually my favorite planar to date thanks to the warmth and uniqueness of its L-shaped tuning. Heck, even the cheaper Hidizs MP143 offers three distinct tuning nozzles and is generally more enjoyable for me. While it's not my favorite planar, I still believe the Astralis holds some value, but it doesn't quite have the star power (pun intended) it needs to shine brightly in today's market. It does kind of fill the gap between the brighter and more energetic original S12 and the more relaxed Ultra, but the argument could be made that that particular gap only serves a narrow niche of users. The tuning makes for a decent enough all-rounder in the sense that I don't feel it really struggles with any particular genre, but neither does it excel at any one either. Those looking for a clean, crisp, and slightly W-shaped planar set that doesn't neglect the bass response or allow the treble to take all the spotlight should definitely consider giving the Astralis a try. Personally, I'm much happier enjoying the warmth of the Ember and avoiding the cold orbit of the Astralis.