In today’s feature, Nihal reviews the LETSHUOER Mystic 8, a new high-end 8 balanced armature driver universal IEM tuned for neutral lovers. It is currently priced at $989.00.
Disclaimer: This sample was sent to me in exchange 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 has consistently been one of the standout brands in the ChiFi scene. It has always impressed me and kept me excited about its upcoming releases.
After reviewing some of their recent products, like the Cadenza 12 2024 and Cadenza4, it’s clear they strategically position themselves across various budget segments with strong offerings.
In February this year, LETSHUOER announced the release of their latest IEM, Mystic 8, currently priced at $989. This is the first entry in their new “Myst” series, and as a high-end release, it sparked considerable anticipation.
In this review, I’ll take a detailed look at the Mystic 8, compare it with other IEMs in its price range, such as the Dita Audio Mecha and Yanyin’s Carmen, and see whether LETSHUOER has met my high expectations.
Features
LETSHUOER has gone for an all-balanced armature driver setup with the Mystic 8. It features eight balanced armature drivers, four each from Sonion and Knowles. Since balanced armature drivers take up less space, the shells are relatively compact.
The Mystic 8 also incorporates a low-pass filter module to enhance bass performance and employs a three-way crossover circuit along with a four-way acoustic tube configuration to precisely divide frequencies among the drivers.
With a sensitivity rating of 107 dB/Vrms and an impedance of 18Ω @ 1 kHz, the Mystic 8 is effortless to drive and doesn’t require much power.
Design
LETSHUOER always draws attention with its sleek designs and adds character to its releases. Mystic 8 is no different, with its striking design.
The design of the Mystic 8 is inspired by the Phantom Cat. The faceplate of the IEMs features a cutout depicting the cat, with the cat’s eyes made of faux diamond.
Additionally, the intricate silver swirl and patterns on the faceplate add significantly to its visual appeal.
The shells are made of CNC-machined titanium alloy, which is strong and corrosion-resistant, offering excellent durability. It is built with a high-gloss vapor black finish, contributing to a premium look.
I appreciate that they chose this color scheme instead of a silver polish, which is more prone to scratches. The nozzle is on the smaller side, featuring a fine silver-colored grill for added protection from dirt and earwax, and it holds the ear tips more securely than lipless designs.
Comfort & Isolation
The Mystic 8 is one of the most comfortable IEMs I’ve tried recently. With its smaller shells and very ergonomic design, the fit and comfort are exceptionally good.
The fit is nearly flush, as if the IEMs disappear into the ears. The corners of the shells are very smooth and do not create any pressure points. Additionally, the IEMs are lightweight, making them ideal for long usage.
The nozzles, with a normal length, contribute to a decent insertion and a secure fit. If you’re moving around, you don’t have to worry about the IEMs being pulled out or needing frequent readjustment.
The isolation level is quite decent, blocking out a fair amount of external noise. During my time with the Mystic 8, I didn’t experience any pressure buildup.
Ear Tips
The Mystic 8 has an extensive selection of ear tips ranging from wide to medium to narrow bore. These tips are more functional and thoughtful than what LETSHUOER included with the Cadenza 12. There are three different types of ear tips, each available in small, medium, and large sizes.
One set is grey with longer stems and a narrow bore. Another set is white with black stems; these have thick stems and narrow bores, but wider than the grey ones.
I find this set to be the best-fitting for my ear type. The last set is fully white, with shorter stems and the widest bore of all.
Other than the stock ear tips, I also tried a few aftermarket options. Among them, I found the Divinus Velvet ear tips to pair well, and they’ve become my go-to choice for these IEMs.
The bass on the IEM leans toward the lighter side, so you may want to look for tips that enhance bass response if you’d like to elevate it a bit.
Stock Cable
The Mystic 8 features a silver-plated monocrystalline copper cable. It has an 8-wire design with a matte, rubbery outer layer.
Even with an aesthetically pleasing and matching design scheme, the build of this cable feels very thin and flimsy, and one would not expect such a lightweight cable to come with premium IEMs costing nearly $1000.
Even the lower-budget offerings from LETSHUOER, such as the Cadenza 4 and S15, include better-built cables.
Not only the wire but also the adapter, Y-split, and 2-pin connectors fall short in terms of build quality and appeal. The 2-pin connector, with its plastic body, is especially poorly built. Due to its flimsy build, it tangles readily when rolled up.
Another drawback is the lack of a modular cable. While the included 4.4mm balanced cable is sufficient for most of the devices I use, modularity would improve compatibility with a wider range of sources.
Despite the lacklustre build, the cable is functional and doesn’t demand a swap based on performance alone.
Packaging & Accessories
All the IEMs from LETSHUOER that I’ve tried boast a very satisfying unboxing experience, along with a generous array of accessories. The Mystic 8 continues this legacy with packaging you’d expect from a premium IEM.
It arrives in a large box with an outer sleeve featuring a striking and artistic design in a silver and black color scheme. The wave-like silver pattern matches the design scheme found on the IEM faceplates.
The brand’s logo is prominently placed at the top-left corner of the sleeve. Removing this sleeve reveals an inner box with a dual-door flap design, sealed by the brand’s logo.
Opening the box unveils a neatly organized layout, with the IEMs displayed in foam cutouts, elegantly showcasing their faceplates. Below them sits a round black case arranged in a foam cutout.
On the right side, there’s a sleek, black envelope-style box labeled “Mystic 8 GIFT,” which contains a ‘Phantom Cat’ ring and a silver-finished metal necklace. Below this box is a pack containing three sets of ear tips. Inside the carry case, you’ll find the cable and a cleaning brush.
The inclusion of the necklace and ring is unusual but certainly surprising. I’m not sure if anyone will use them, though. I would have preferred something more practical, like a wristband or mesh pouches for storing the IEMs.
Carry Case
The carry case that comes with the Mystic 8 is a round puck-style case made of shiny aluminum with a black, thick silicone cover as a lid.
This case has to be one of the best I’ve seen in this price category. It has ample space and a very robust build. It easily fits the IEMs and the cable inside. The case is lightweight and convenient to use.
The silicone lid closes tightly with a firm seal, adding to the protection. The lid has the brand logo on top and a small overhang that allows you to remove the lid easily. The inner part and the bottom of the case have a rubber layer that helps prevent scratches, which is a thoughtful aftertouch.
Sound Impressions
The following sound impressions of the LETSHUOER Mystic 8 were completed using a mixture of my main source, Lotoo’s Paw Gold Touch, and occasionally the Questyle CMA18P. I paired the IEMs with the stock cable and the Divinus Velvet ear tips.
Summary
The Mystic 8 has a very unique tuning with a neutral profile; however, unlike others that lose musicality due to a dry and analytical sound, this one retains engagement. The bass is quite lean to start with, but the midrange and treble make up for it.
The tuning feels mature and very refined, though it misses the fun and excitement I often associate with bass-first tunings.
The timbre is very natural and organic, and there is excellent clarity in the sound without veering into sharp or spicy territory, and that’s where I think LETSHUOER has truly excelled. Midrange lovers are in for a treat with this one.
Bass
Where is the bass? That was the question when I first put the Mystic 8 in my ears. But after spending a fair amount of time with it, I believe I’ve adjusted to the lean bass.
I now appreciate the fact that the bass plays a supporting role rather than leading from the front. Both the sub-bass and mid-bass lack authority and impact, remaining lean throughout.
I still appreciate the sub-bass, which makes its presence known in a very subtle, though not impactful, way. It feels present but lacks depth and resonance, more of a surface-level presence than a truly impactful one. The mid-bass lacks quantity by a big margin. At times, the bass feels too lean to ignore.
Even with the leaner bass response, I find the quality uncompromised. The bass maintains respectable texture and layering. The bass isn’t dry; instead, it carries a satisfying touch of warmth. It resolves well, but alas, the lack of quantity always kicks in.
I do have some all-balanced armature IEMs that present a satisfactory amount of bass, but the Mystic 8’s bass seems purposefully lean. If you’re a basshead, you’re in for some disappointment. That said, the IEM serves bass-light genres such as classical, folk, vocal jazz, and acoustic music quite well.
Midrange
Midrange is where the real magic of the Mystic 8 lies. It has a very clean, highly detailed midrange. There’s enough warmth to keep things natural and full of emotion. The midrange is gently forward and closer to the ears, which feels prominent, just the way I prefer it.
Due to a lean bass shelf, the lower midrange lacks some body and weight; however, there’s just enough presence in this region to keep instruments and vocals from sounding thin. Vocals are not significantly affected, but instruments like bass guitars and cellos can feel a bit lacking in body.
Both male and female vocals sound full and well-textured, presenting nuances vividly. The body could have had more depth, but there’s little to complain about when the timbre is so perfectly executed.
Another standout aspect is how well the upper midrange is tuned, which shows no signs of sharpness or spiciness yet extends beautifully with the right amount of energy.
This adds a lot of character to female vocals, making them sound not only sweet but also highly detailed. I explored a wide range of female artists during my time with the Mystic 8. Overall, I find the midrange on the Mystic 8 to be rich and immersive, even if the notes lack a bit of depth.
Treble
The treble region on the Mystic 8 is all about smoothness and liveliness, but does not present itself in a very prominent way. There is plenty of air and sparkle present.
This is a non-exaggerated treble, devoid of any sharpness or harshness. The treble brings out details quite effortlessly, though some micro-details do fade quickly into the background.
The timbre feels very natural and complements the flat tuning of this IEM very well. I feel it strikes a fair balance between control and energy. There is enough bite and crispness without being too revealing.
The notes in this region are fast and have quick decay. Cymbal strikes have a pleasant splash but don’t linger too long, making the trailing ends feel slightly subdued.
For a hardcore treble lover, it may lack a bit of detail and can feel slightly less resolving. But believe me when I say that any more detailing could make it sound metallic or artificial.
Staging & Dynamics
The Mystic 8 performs well above average in most technical aspects. It doesn’t present itself as an overly technical set, but the way it balances musicality with technical performance is very commendable.
The soundstage doesn’t boast a highly holographic presentation but remains fairly spacious. The width is just decent, while the depth is above average. The vertical height doesn’t feel particularly tall either.
Overall, there’s enough space in the stage to avoid any sense of congestion. Where it excels is in imaging, which allows instruments to be pinpointed very precisely within the stage. Even during the most complex tracks, the spatial accuracy remains impressively clear.
Instrument separation is quite satisfactory, as there’s never a feeling of overlap; both instruments and vocals get ample space within the stage.
The resolution, as mentioned earlier, is a strong point, painting precise and clean musical images. It’s not a detail monster, but the micro-details are presented effortlessly, and you won’t miss the finer nuances either.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
