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Beyerdynamic DT 30 IE 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.

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.

  • Beyerdynamic DT 30 IE
  • Letshuoer S12 Ultra
HearWiki score
73
83
Sound
7.6
8.6
Value
8.1
8.9
Price (USD)
$150
$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 9 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 9 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • DT 30 IE2016
  • S12 Ultra20259 yr newer

Specifications

DT 30 IES12 Ultra
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$150
$170
HearWiki score
73
83
Released
2016
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
11 mm dynamic
1 planar magnetic
Driver type
dynamic
planar
Driver configuration
-
1 planar magnetic
Driver size
11 mm
14.8 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
5 Hz - 20 kHz
-
Impedance
18 Ω
16 Ω
Sensitivity
111 dB/mW
-
Active noise cancelling
No
-
Water resistance
IP54
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
No
-
Connector
3.5 mm
-
Model code
1002511
-

What reviewers said

Beyerdynamic DT 30 IE

The Beyerdynamic DT 30 IE is a wired, stage-focused in-ear monitor built around a single 11 mm dynamic driver, offering solid passive isolation and a durable, practical design. With an IP54 rating and a detachable cable, it's tailored for musicians and live performers who need reliable sound and ruggedness at a reasonable price. Its tuning prioritizes clarity and low distortion over flashy consumer bass, making it a straightforward professional tool.

  • Pro:Strong passive isolation for stage use
  • Pro:Durable build with IP54 water resistance
  • Pro:Detachable cable for easy replacement
  • Con:Wired only with no Bluetooth or ANC
  • Con:Sound signature may lack consumer-friendly bass
  • Con:Limited accessory ecosystem at this price

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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New comparisonBeyerdynamic DT 30 IELetshuoer S12 Ultra