Today, Nihal reviews the LETSHUOER Cadenza 12 2024, an updated version of the company’s hybrid single dynamic and 11 BA driver flagship IEM. It is priced at $1999.
Disclaimer: This sample was sent to me for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or status. I thank LETSHUOER for their support.
Click here to read more about LETSHUOER products previously tested on Headfonics.
This article follows our latest scoring guidelines which you can read in more detail here.
LETSHUOER needs no introduction. The Chinese brand has released many solid IEMs over the years, from budget to flagship, all of which have been well-received. The Cadenza4, released last year, is one of my favorites, and I still swear by it.
Cadenza 12, the brand’s flagship hybrid IEM, was first released in early 2023. This release was a bold move for such a high-end model. Although I have never had the chance to try it before, based on many positive reviews, I am certain the IEM is widely loved and appreciated.
Due to supply issues in late 2024, LETSHUOER replaced some internal components in the Cadenza 12, resulting in a changed tuning. Since then, only the updated 2024 version has been available.
LETSHUOER provided the original Cadenza 12 to compare with the newer version, and I now totally understand why it is so highly praised.
In this review, I will cover the Cadenza 12 2024 in detail and compare it to the older version and other flagship IEMs such as the Noble Audio Kublai Khan.
Features
LETSHUOER Cadenza 12 2024 is a universal in-ear monitor featuring a 12-driver setup, including one dynamic driver and 11 balanced armatures, with a mix of Sonion and Knowles drivers and a 6-way crossover.
A 10mm dynamic driver with an LSS Kevlar Dome Driver caters to the low end, while the exact breakdown of the BA drivers handling the mids and highs is unknown.
Additionally, there is a network of five acoustic bores, each dedicated to a specific set of drivers. The drivers are matched and grouped to mitigate any phase issues.
The Cadenza 12 2024 is rated with an impedance of 16 Ω and a sensitivity of 110 dB/mW @1kHz, making it a fairly easy IEM to drive. However, as you will read on page 2 of this review, it does scale quite well with better sources.
Design
The moment I picked up the Cadenza 12 2024, I was impressed by its high-quality design. The shell is built from titanium alloy, which is low in density yet highly durable.
The shells are surprisingly lightweight, though not as much as resin shells. The polished surface is very smooth to the touch. The shells are quite ergonomic in shape, without any edges or bumps around the curves.
However, one downside of a mirror-like finish is that it attracts fingerprints and requires regular cleaning. You also need to be careful when storing it, as it may scratch easily.
The brand’s logo is neatly carved along the edge of the faceplate on both shells. The nozzle length is moderate, with an average width, and is protected by mesh filters.
The IEM connects via a 2-pin 0.78mm socket. Overall, the design is luxurious and justifies the premium price tag.
Comfort & Isolation
Given the size of the Cadenza 12 2024 shells and the titanium body, one might expect them to be heavy and question their comfort. However, I’m happy to report that they are very comfortable. They are lightweight, with smooth curves and an ergonomic design that ensures a proper fit.
Besides being lightweight, I also feel that the weight distribution is quite balanced so that they don’t fall off due to their weight. They fit well without sticking out or causing fear of being pulled off. Once they are in the ear, they stay put. I never find them tiring, even in longer sessions.
The isolation is very good, cutting out quite a lot of external noise. Even if you’re in a slightly noisy environment, you should still be pretty comfortable with some background chatter. While using the Cadenza 12 2024, I didn’t experience any pressure buildup, even for extended listening sessions.
Ear Tips
LETSHUOER has included a wide variety of ear tips in the package. These tips come in three types: vocal, bass, and balanced, and each is available in three sizes: S, M, and L. The diameters of their stems and bores vary. I tried these ear tips briefly and found just a slight change in the tuning.
While the variety is decent, the quality of these ear tips could be much better. For an IEM carrying a premium price tag, these ear tips do not match up.
I also did not get a very snug fit with them. I like the idea of brands collaborating with third-party providers to offer the best ear tips available on the market.
Experimenting with some aftermarket ear tips, I found that the SpinFit W1 ear tips fit quite well. They enhance bass reproduction and add some mid-bass impact.
Another set of ear tips I have been fond of recently is the Nostalgia Audio XWB. They are my go-to ear tips for the Cadenza 12 2024.
Stock Cable
The stock cable on the Cadenza 12 2024 is a 6N monocrystalline copper and silver hybrid. The cable has excellent build quality and complements the overall premium feel of the IEM well. The outer layer is a soft-to-the-touch black fabric covering.
Beyond the Y-split, the cable is coated in soft PVC, showcasing the internal wiring. The fabric sheath adds some stiffness to the cable and makes rolling it a bit bothersome. It takes up quite some space when stored and unwinds itself, making it tricky to keep neatly.
The adapter, Y-split, and slider are all built-in silver. The Y-split is just covered with a metal cylinder, which could be better built.
This cable is modular, allowing users to swap the plug between 3.5mm unbalanced, 4.4mm balanced, and 2.5mm balanced connectors. You can change the adapters easily by unscrewing them.
Overall, the cable is very functional, and you won’t feel the need to replace it, as it has good synergy with the IEM as well.
Packaging & Accessories
The Cadenza 12 2024 arrives in a large, heavy box exuding a premium vibe from top to bottom. The box is covered with a shiny silver outer layer with just the brand’s logo engraved on it. As soon as you hold it, you can tell it’s something special.
Removing this layer, you are greeted with a black box, again carrying the brand’s logo in silver on the top. This box is built from hard, sturdy cardboard.
Opening the top lid, you are greeted with the IEMs and accessories, neatly arranged in foam cutouts. The IEMs, shiny as pearls, are placed in the front section.
There is a large envelope containing manuals and warranty cards, placed on the top of the section that holds the carry case on one side and a metallic embossed plaque featuring a cartoon-like character wearing sunglasses and playing a violin. This plaque is quite heavy and can be used to decorate one’s desk.
The upper lid has a soft, cushioned internal lining, giving the packaging a very premium feel. The cable and its adapters are placed in the carry case. Under the IEMs are three sets of three different types of ear tips, neatly arranged in a foam cutout with markings. The colorful ear tips add an element of vibrancy.
If you remove the foam, the box can be divided into compartments using the included separators, which fit into the grooves. This allows you to further utilize the box for storing your IEMs and DAPs.
One thing they definitely should have added is small mesh pockets to store the IEM shells. Given that the shells are prone to scratches, mesh pockets are a must.
Carry Case
The included grey-colored carry case is crafted from leather, featuring a sophisticated design and silver stitching that adds a touch of elegance. The case feels smooth and high-quality, but its hard edges suggest that it is strong and durable. It can easily withstand some pressure, so the items are secure inside.
The brand logo is embossed on the top, enhancing its refined aesthetic. The case utilizes an auto-closure that effortlessly snaps shut. Internally, the case is lined with plush, soft fabric and includes additional cushioning.
However, despite its premium construction, the case’s compact size does not provide enough space for the IEMs, making storage a bit snug. Nevertheless, its well-thought-out design and high-quality materials make it a stylish and functional accessory.
Sound Impressions
The following sound impressions of the LETSHUOER Cadenza 12 2024 were completed using a mixture of my main sources, Lotoo’s Paw Gold Touch, and the Astell&Kern SP3000. For the review, I paired the IEMs with the stock cable and Nostalgia Audio’s XWB ear tips, size L.
Summary
The Cadenza 12 2024 delivers the sound you’d expect from a top-tier IEM. Its sound signature is balanced, with a slight emphasis on the upper frequencies.
The tuning is neutral, producing a highly resolving, razor-sharp, clear sound. The high-quality bass is a pleasure to hear, while the midrange remains mostly neutral with just a touch of warmth to prevent it from sounding too clinical. The treble is highly detailed, offering plenty of sparkle and air.
Additionally, the IEM boasts solid technical capabilities, with impressive depth in the soundstage. For me, it leans more toward technical precision rather than musicality, missing some emotions. It is not very forgiving of poorly recorded songs, as the higher frequencies can become a bit sharp.
Bass
The Cadenza 12 2024 delivers very detailed bass, prioritizing quality over quantity. It balances well between the sub-bass and mid-bass, complementing each other without overpowering.
The sub-bass has impressive depth, and it is full of rumbles and a reverberating effect when called for. The mid-bass is a bit reserved but still gives a good impact.
The bass is quick with a very pleasant decay. It does not linger excessively, preventing any sense of sluggishness or a sedated bassline. It’s always well-defined and never muddy or loose, even when transitioning between parts or complex passages.
It’s clear and well-defined on heavy bass tracks, never overpowering the mix, and when several instruments are competing for space, the bass stays quite distinct.
Its texture and subtleties are very effortless; whether in gentle bass sections or strong ones, every one of them is treated with precision and presented faithfully.
For someone who loves strong bass, the level of bass might feel a bit lacking. However, the quality is excellent, making up for it with clarity and depth.
The mid-bass could have been slightly more impactful, but given the balanced nature of the tuning, adding more bass might have compromised the overall presentation.
Midrange
The Cadenza 12 2024’s midrange is neutral, neither very forward nor recessed. It has just a little warmth to keep things engaging without being overly clinical. However, I wish the warmth were a bit more pronounced, as it would have certainly added a layer of sweetness and musicality.
The Cadenza 12′ 2024s lower midrange lacks body and is leaner. This, combined with a neutral sound profile, shifts the focus to the upper midrange, making the latter slightly sharper in presentation.
The vocals, especially the male vocals, miss some nuances and do not possess enough thickness or density to sound fully authentic.
Though sweet and natural, female vocals exhibit extra energy and a slight sharpness in the upper midrange region. However, this occasional sharpness should not be confused with thinner notes.
The upper midrange is nicely extended, with plenty of detail, giving a sense of openness. However, the balance between the lower midrange and the upper midrange seems to be slightly off.
I would have preferred some extra note weight, as the tail end occasionally comes across as lacking depth.
Treble
Cadenza 12 2024 has a very solid and well-defined treble profile. The treble is quite detailed, with plenty of sparkle and the right amount of energy.
However, the upper midrange to lower treble region can be a bit of a concern, as it feels exaggerated, adding a sharper-than-needed trait to the sound.
At times, it pushes my limits, but luckily, it never feels too harsh or uncomfortable. I have enjoyed very long sessions on Cadenza 12 2024 without any fatigue.
Moving upwards to the higher frequencies, the sound is very airy and well-extended. There is clarity and separation of sounds in instruments with high-frequency details. You get a highly resolving treble that never sounds harsh or metallic.
There is a natural decay with good layering, adding realism to the notes. The highs sound non-overlapping and nicely separated.
Instruments such as cymbals and hi-hats exhibit great energy without a hint of unnatural sharpness, while flutes and pianos are crisp and airy. Achieving such a detailed treble response without EST drivers must be challenging.
Staging & Dynamics
The Cadenza 12 2024’s soundstage is impressive but lacking in some areas. It could be taller and a bit wider. The depth of the stage is quite good. Overall, it presents a nice holographic, immersive stage but lacks a bit in each dimension.
There is a decent sense of space and separation, and the instruments have plenty of room to breathe. I never find any congestion or suffocation, even in very complex passages. The imaging is very strong, with the instruments positioned very accurately across the stage.
The IEM does a good job of picking up finer details, making every sound clear and precise. The Cadenza 12 2024 possesses strong dynamics, delivering both micro and macro dynamics satisfyingly, further enhancing the listening experience.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
