Synergy
Efficiency
The LETSHUOER S08 has an impedance of 26Ω and a sensitivity of 105 dB/mW, making it compatible with laptops, DAPs, and dongle DACs. However, smartphones and tablets with lower-powered headphone outputs may not be able to drive them sufficiently.
During my on-the-go testing, I paired it with the ddHifi TC35Pro E2 and TC44Pro E2 and the LETSHUOER DT03 portable DAC/AMP. For desktop pairings, I used the FiiO K11 desktop DAC/AMP via its 4.4mm balanced output.
While I achieved acceptable performance through the dongle DACs and DT03, I observed slightly better bass performance when I paired the S08 with the FiiO K11.
Pairings
The LETSHUOER S08 airs well with more powerful sources offering a more neutral presentation. I preferred the ddHifi TC44Pro 2 and FiiO K11 pairings throughout my testing.
I first tried LETSHUOER’s own DT03, which can power the S04. However, its lean midrange presentation made the midrange sound even more recessed. I found this combination detracted from my personal listening experience.
Since I was already a fan of the gentle U-shaped tonality employed by the S08, I gravitated towards sources that preserved this tonality, whilst having the power to maximize the IEM’s bass response.
I found that the K11 and TC44Pro 2 can properly drive the S08 through their respective 4.4mm balanced outputs, without adding too much color to the sound.
Select Comparisons
Hidizs MP145
Technical
Both the Hidizs MP145 and LETSHUOER S08 use a single planar magnetic driver. However, the MP145 opts for a slightly larger 14.5mm driver than the S08’s 13mm alternative.
The MP145 has an impedance and sensitivity of 30Ω and 104 dB, while the S08 has an impedance of 26Ω and a slightly higher sensitivity of 105 dB. In practice, I found that the S08 was easier to drive than the MP145.
Design
These two IEMs are constructed from CNC machined aluminum with an anodized finish and a separate faceplate and body, however, the S08 has a better fit.
The MP145 has a larger shell with a more intricate faceplate. The faceplate is cut by 3 strong edges, forming a fin towards the center of the shell. The S08’s shell has an “S” and “8-shaped’ pattern that melts the symmetrical indented and raised halves together.
In day-to-day usage, I found the S08 smaller and lighter shell more comfortable and the isolation performance was similar between both IEMs.
Performance
The Hidizs MP145 delivers a stronger low-end punch, particularly in the mid-bass, where it has a more forceful impact. The MP145 also edges out the S08 with a slightly deeper sub-bass rumble.
In the midrange, the LETSHUOER S08 excels with a more forward and natural presentation of vocals, especially in ballads and acoustic tracks. The MP145 has a more recessed midrange, particularly for vocals and acoustic string instruments, which can sound muffled.
The treble on the MP145 is noticeably more emphasized, particularly in the upper frequencies. Crash cymbals, hi-hats, and other high-frequency instruments come through with greater intensity, but they can also verge on sibilance, which may be fatiguing over extended listening sessions.
In genres like pop and rock, the MP145’s stronger V-shaped signature and more aggressive bass and treble make it more exciting than the S08. However, for ballads and acoustic tracks, the LETSHUOER S08 outperforms the MP145 with its more relaxed and natural vocal presentation.
Shozy P20
Technical
The LETSHUOER S08 and the Shozy P20 use a single planar magnetic driver, however, the P20 has a larger 14.5mm planar magnetic driver than the S08’s 4th generation 13mm driver.
The LETSHUOER S08 has an impedance and sensitivity of 26Ω and 105 dB/mW, while the Shozy P20 has an impedance of 30Ω and an identical 105 dB/mW sensitivity. In practice, the S08 was easier to drive than the P20.
Design
Compared to the P20’s two-dimensional circular pattern with a brushed finish, the LETSHUOER S08’s anodized “S” and “8” shaped design has a more luxurious feel.
Aesthetic preferences are subjective, but I find that the more three-dimensional faceplate design of the S08 has a more compelling appearance.
For day-to-day use, I found that the S08 was more comfortable even though the P20 was lighter due to the ergonomic shell fitting my ear better than the P20’s design.
Performance
The S08 stands out with a more pronounced bass impact, offering greater note weight and texture in percussive instruments.
Its U-shaped sound signature emphasizes both the sub-bass and mid-bass, making it the more engaging and dynamic option for bass-heavy genres.
The P20 takes a more restrained approach, delivering a slightly flatter sound that feels less exciting in the low-end, instead opting for a warmer and smoother presentation.
The midrange is where the SHOZY P20 shines. Vocals have more energy and emphasis on the P20, resulting in a more forward and engaging presentation.
Midrange Instruments also benefit from the P20’s better separation, creating a cleaner and more detailed soundstage, especially in complex mixes.
In the treble region, the P20 offers a more laid-back experience with better resolution overall, while the LETSHUOER delivers slightly more treble sparkle with more energy.
SIMGOT EA500LM
Technical
Inside the SIMGOT EA500LM is a single Lithium Magnesium dynamic driver, while the LETSHUOER S08 uses a single 13mm Planar magnetic driver.
The SIMGOT EA500LM has an impedance of 16Ω and a sensitivity of 106 dB/mW, while the S08 has an impedance of 26Ω and a sensitivity of 105 dB/mW. In practice, I found the EA500LM was easier to drive.
Design
The EA500LM has a metal shell with a polished mirror-like finish, compared to the S08’s anodized metal finish. The S08’s finish is more durable to daily wear and tear and is less prone to showing fingerprints as well.
I found the EA500LM to be less comfortable as its shell was larger and constructed out of denser material.
Performance
The EA500LM focuses more on the very low sub-bass, with far less emphasis on the mid-bass than the S08. This gives it a cleaner sound, particularly in vocal-led pop tracks
The S08’s more prominent mid-range gives Hip-Hop and EDM tracks a better sense of excitement than the EA500LM. However bass hits on the EA500LM have a more organic tonality.
Compared to the LETSHUOER S08, the EA500LM’s midrange sounds more compressed, and its instrument separation is not as defined. Vocals on the EA500LM have a somewhat grainy tonality, especially in comparison to the more natural yet recessed vocals of the S08.
The LETSHUOER S08 offers more treble energy overall. Despite having less treble emphasis, the EA500LM still manages to present hi-hats, cymbals, and chimes with a good sense of clarity, allowing these elements to stand out in the mix.
However, on the extreme high end, the EA500LM comes across as more sibilant than the S08, which handles high frequencies with better control and smoothness.
My Verdict
The LETSHUOER S08 is a set of well-built and tuned planar magnetic IEMs under $100. Despite not being as resolving as other planar IEMs, its mild U-shaped sound signature creates an exciting listening experience that doesn’t sacrifice mid-range performance.
Its instrument separation is sub-par for its class. However, it is still an option worth considering for fans of Hip-Hop, EDM, and Pop who prefer a more exciting listening experience.
LETSHUOER S08 Technical Specifications
- Driver configuration: 13mm Planar Magnetic Driver
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 40 kHz
- Impedance: 26 Ω
- Sensitivity: 105 dB
- Connector: 0.78mm 2-pin
- Plug: 3.5mm and 4.4mm
