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FiiO F9 vs Letshuoer S12 Ultra: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the FiiO F9 vs Letshuoer S12 Ultra, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

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.

  • FiiO F9
  • Letshuoer S12 Ultra
HearWiki score
-
83
Sound
-
8.6
Value
-
8.9
Price (USD)
$100
$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.

  • F92018
  • S12 Ultra20257 yr newer

Specifications

F9S12 Ultra
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$100
$170
HearWiki score
Not scored
83
Released
2018
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
1DD + 2BA hybrid
1 planar magnetic
Driver type
hybrid
planar
Driver configuration
1DD + 2BA
1 planar magnetic
Driver size
9.2 mm
14.8 mm
Drivers per side
3
1
Frequency response
15 Hz - 40 kHz
-
Impedance
28 Ω
16 Ω
Sensitivity
106 dB/mW
-
Active noise cancelling
No
-
Controls
buttons
-
Weight
21 g
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
No
-
Connector
MMCX
-

What reviewers said

FiiO F9

The FiiO F9 is a triple-driver in-ear monitor that combines a 9.2mm dynamic driver with two balanced armatures for a detailed, balanced sound with a treble emphasis. It comes with detachable MMCX cables, including both 3.5mm and 2.5mm balanced options, and offers a comfortable fit with a lightweight build. Priced around $100, it's a solid choice for those seeking a hybrid sound without active noise cancellation.

  • Pro:Balanced sound with clear treble detail
  • Pro:Detachable MMCX cables with multiple connection options
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
  • Con:Treble peak may be too bright for some listeners
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Requires a source with enough power to drive efficiently

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 comparisonFiiO F9Letshuoer S12 Ultra