Wired IEMs
AudioSense AQ4
65Good
$180
Full review dataAudioSense AQ4 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
Letshuoer S12 Ultra
83Outstanding
$170
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Letshuoer S12 Ultra leads on 4 of 4 measures.
- AudioSense AQ4
- Letshuoer S12 Ultra
HearWiki score
65
83
Sound
7.6
8.6
Value
-
8.9
Price (USD)
$180
$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 3 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 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- AQ42022
- S12 Ultra20253 yr newer
Specifications
AQ4S12 Ultra
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $180
- $170
- HearWiki score
- 65
- 83
- Released
- 2022
- 2025
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- 1DD + 3BA hybrid
- 1 planar magnetic
- Driver type
- hybrid
- planar
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 3BA
- 1 planar magnetic
- Driver size
- -
- 14.8 mm
- Drivers per side
- 4
- 1
- Impedance
- 10 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 101 dB/mW
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- MMCX
- -
What reviewers said
AudioSense AQ4
The AudioSense AQ4 is a wired hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a single dynamic driver with three balanced-armature drivers for a four-driver setup. Designed for audiophiles, it offers a detachable MMCX cable and a compact, low-impedance build that works easily with portable sources. Its sound signature aims for detailed, multi-layered reproduction across the frequency range.
- Pro:Four-driver hybrid design for rich detail
- Pro:Detachable MMCX cable for easy upgrades
- Pro:Low impedance (10Ω) pairs well with most devices
- Con:No noise cancellation, so isolation relies on fit
- Con:High sensitivity may reveal hiss from noisy sources
- Con:Requires a quality source to avoid harshness in treble
Letshuoer S12 Ultra
The Letshuoer S12 Ultra is a wired in-ear monitor built around a single 14.8mm planar magnetic driver housed in a lightweight aluminum shell. It delivers the signature planar sound of the S12 line—fast, detailed, and punchy—in a refreshed design aimed at hi-fi enthusiasts. With a low 16-ohm impedance, it pairs easily with most sources, though it lacks any active noise cancellation.
- Pro:Fast, detailed planar sound with strong dynamics
- Pro:Lightweight and sturdy aluminum-alloy build
- Pro:Easy to drive thanks to low impedance
- Con:No noise cancellation or isolation features
- Con:Planar timbre may not suit all listeners
- Con:Cable and accessories are basic for the price
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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