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FiiO FA1 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.

  • FiiO FA1
  • Letshuoer S12 Ultra
HearWiki score
50
83
Sound
6.3
8.6
Value
4.0
8.9
Price (USD)
$99
$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 5 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 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • FA12020
  • S12 Ultra20255 yr newer

Specifications

FA1S12 Ultra
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$99
$170
HearWiki score
50
83
Released
2020
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
balanced armature
1 planar magnetic
Driver type
balanced-armature
planar
Driver configuration
-
1 planar magnetic
Driver size
-
14.8 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 40 kHz
-
Impedance
15 Ω
16 Ω
Sensitivity
111 dB/mW
-
Active noise cancelling
No
-
Weight
4.5 g
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
No
-
Connector
3.5 mm
-

What reviewers said

FiiO FA1

The FiiO FA1 is a lightweight, wired single balanced-armature IEM that delivers a clear, neutral-leaning sound with strong detail retrieval for its price. Its comfortable build and easy-to-drive nature make it a solid choice for analytical listeners, though its bass response is modest and may not satisfy those seeking deep low-end punch.

  • Pro:Clear and resolving treble
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable fit
  • Pro:Easy to drive with high sensitivity
  • Con:Limited bass extension
  • Con:Lower mids can sound slightly artificial
  • Con:Not ideal for bass-heavy genres

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

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New comparisonFiiO FA1Letshuoer S12 Ultra