AKG K374 vs Letshuoer S12 Ultra: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Letshuoer S12 Ultra comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Letshuoer S12 Ultra - Outstanding overall at around $169.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Letshuoer S12 Ultra leads on 3 of 4 measures.

AKG K374
Letshuoer S12 Ultra

HearWiki score

Sound

6.5

8.6

Value

8.9

Price (USD)

$89

$170

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The Letshuoer S12 Ultra is 7 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 7 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

K3742018
S12 Ultra20257 yr newer

Specifications

K374S12 Ultra

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $89; $170
HearWiki score: 51; 83
Released: 2018; 2025
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: 9 mm driver; 1 planar magnetic
Driver type: -; planar
Driver configuration: -; 1 planar magnetic
Driver size: 9 mm; 14.8 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 10 Hz - 24 kHz; -
Impedance: 28 Ω; 16 Ω
Sensitivity: 104 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Weight: 6 g; -
USB-C: No; -

Specification comparison of AKG K374 vs Letshuoer S12 Ultra
Spec	AKG K374	Letshuoer S12 Ultra
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$89	$170
HearWiki score	51 / 100 Average	83 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2018	2025
Audio
Driver	9 mm driver	1 planar magnetic
Driver type	-	planar
Driver configuration	-	1 planar magnetic
Driver size	9 mm	14.8 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	10 Hz - 24 kHz	-
Impedance	28 Ω	16 Ω
Sensitivity	104 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
Weight	6 g	-
USB-C	No	-

What reviewers said

AKG K374

The AKG K374 is a wired in-ear monitor that prioritizes solid construction and polished design. Its sound is clean and fairly balanced with modest bass, making it a strong value pick for everyday listening. While its imaging is respectable, a stiffer cable and less secure fit may be drawbacks for some users.

Pro:Solid build quality and materials
Pro:Clean, balanced sound signature
Pro:Good imaging for the price

Con:Cable can feel stiff
Con:Fit may be less secure with stock tips
Con:Bass quantity is modest

Letshuoer S12 Ultra

The Letshuoer S12 Ultra is a wired in-ear monitor that delivers Hi-Fi sound through a single 14.8mm planar magnetic driver housed in a lightweight aluminum-alloy shell. Aimed at music enthusiasts, it offers the signature planar-driver clarity and detail of the S12 series in a refreshed design, without any active noise cancellation or wireless features. Priced around $169, it's a straightforward, high-performance option for wired listening.

Pro:Detailed and fast planar magnetic sound
Pro:Lightweight and durable aluminum-alloy build
Pro:Accurate bass response with low distortion

Con:Requires a wired connection, no wireless freedom
Con:No active noise cancellation for noisy environments
Con:Open-back style may leak sound in quiet settings

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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