Wired IEMs
Etymotic ER2XR
67Good
$160
Full review dataEtymotic ER2XR 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 3 of 4 measures.
- Etymotic ER2XR
- Letshuoer S12 Ultra
HearWiki score
67
83
Sound
7.9
8.6
Value
6.8
8.9
Price (USD)
$160
$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 6 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 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- ER2XR2019
- S12 Ultra20256 yr newer
Specifications
ER2XRS12 Ultra
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $160
- $170
- HearWiki score
- 67
- 83
- Released
- 2019
- 2025
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- dynamic
- 1 planar magnetic
- Driver type
- dynamic
- planar
- Driver configuration
- -
- 1 planar magnetic
- Driver size
- -
- 14.8 mm
- Drivers per side
- -
- 1
- Impedance
- 15 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 96 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
What reviewers said
Etymotic ER2XR
The Etymotic ER2XR is a wired dynamic-driver IEM that offers a neutral-to-slightly-warm sound signature with a moderate bass boost, while maintaining the brand's signature deep isolation and technical clarity. It delivers clean, detailed, and natural audio performance that stands out in the sub-$200 range, wrapped in a featherlight design with a solid accessory bundle. Its high impedance and low sensitivity mean it benefits from a dedicated amplifier to reach its full potential.
- Pro:Balanced, mildly warm tuning with a subtle bass lift
- Pro:Excellent isolation and technical detail for the price
- Pro:Very light and comfortable fit
- Con:Requires a capable source due to low sensitivity
- Con:Thin note texture may not suit bass-heavy listeners
- Con:Deep insertion fit is not for everyone
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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