Wired IEMs
Kinera Thorking
81Outstanding
$2,500
Full review dataKinera Thorking vs Letshuoer Cadenza 12: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Kinera Thorking comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 81. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Kinera Thorking - Outstanding overall at around $2499.
Wired IEMs
Letshuoer Cadenza 12
71Good
$2,300
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Kinera Thorking leads on 3 of 4 measures.
- Kinera Thorking
- Letshuoer Cadenza 12
HearWiki score
81
71
Sound
9.2
8.8
Value
6.0
5.1
Price (USD)
$2,500
$2,300
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 Kinera Thorking 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.
- Thorking20252 yr newer
- Cadenza 122023
Specifications
ThorkingCadenza 12
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $2,500
- $2,300
- HearWiki score
- 81
- 71
- Released
- 2025
- 2023
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 1DD + 6BA + 4EST tribrid
- 1DD + 11BA hybrid
- Driver type
- tribrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 6BA + 4EST
- 1DD + 11BA
- Driver size
- -
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 11
- 12
- Frequency response
- 5 Hz - 50 kHz
- -
- Impedance
- 10 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
- -
- Balanced connection
- Yes
- -
What reviewers said
Kinera Thorking
The Kinera Thorking is a premium tribrid flagship IEM with a treble-forward, reference-style tuning that prioritizes air, detail, and transparency. Its 11-driver setup delivers strong technical performance with excellent separation and imaging, though the lean bass and lower midrange may not appeal to those seeking warmth or heavy impact. Best suited for treble enthusiasts and classical music fans, it pairs well with warmer sources to balance its bright character.
- Pro:Excellent treble extension and airiness
- Pro:Strong technicalities with precise imaging and layering
- Pro:Natural, coherent midrange
- Con:Lean bass and lower midrange may lack warmth
- Con:Not for bassheads or those seeking impactful low-end
- Con:Can sound dry at times
Letshuoer Cadenza 12
The Letshuoer Cadenza 12 is a flagship hybrid in-ear monitor that delivers a balanced, versatile sound profile suitable for a wide range of listeners. With a 12-driver setup combining one dynamic and eleven balanced armature drivers, it offers strong technical performance and premium presentation. Its comfortable fit, rich accessory package, and refined tuning make it a compelling choice in the high-end IEM market.
- Pro:Excellent overall sound quality and detail retrieval
- Pro:Comfortable fit with premium build
- Pro:Generous accessory package
- Con:High price point
- Con:Requires a capable source to perform at its best
- Con:Large shell may not suit smaller ears
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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