EPZ K5 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.

EPZ K5
Letshuoer S12 Ultra

HearWiki score

Sound

6.5

8.6

Value

6.7

8.9

Price (USD)

$120

$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 2 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.

K52023
S12 Ultra20252 yr newer

Specifications

K5S12 Ultra

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $120; $170
HearWiki score: 58; 83
Released: 2023; 2025
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: 1DD + 4BA hybrid; 1 planar magnetic
Driver type: hybrid; planar
Driver configuration: 1DD + 4BA; 1 planar magnetic
Driver size: -; 14.8 mm
Drivers per side: 5; 1
Impedance: -; 16 Ω
Detachable cable: Yes; -
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; -

Specification comparison of EPZ K5 vs Letshuoer S12 Ultra
Spec	EPZ K5	Letshuoer S12 Ultra
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$120	$170
HearWiki score	58 / 100 Average	83 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2023	2025
Audio
Driver	1DD + 4BA hybrid	1 planar magnetic
Driver type	hybrid	planar
Driver configuration	1DD + 4BA	1 planar magnetic
Driver size	-	14.8 mm
Drivers per side	5	1
Impedance	-	16 Ω
Design
Detachable cable	Yes	-
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	-

What reviewers said

EPZ K5

The EPZ K5 is a wired hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a single dynamic driver with four balanced-armature drivers for a clear, detailed sound that retains musicality. It's designed for everyday and extended listening sessions, offering a balanced and engaging presentation. The detachable 2-pin cable adds to its versatility and longevity.

Pro:Hybrid driver setup for detailed and musical sound
Pro:Detachable 2-pin cable for easy replacement or upgrades
Pro:Suitable for long listening sessions

Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:Requires a wired source
Con:May not suit those preferring a heavily bass-boosted sound

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.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparison EPZ K5 Letshuoer S12 Ultra