Kiwi Ears Melody 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.

Kiwi Ears Melody
Letshuoer S12 Ultra

HearWiki score

Sound

6.9

8.6

Value

7.1

8.9

Price (USD)

$89

$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.

Melody2023
S12 Ultra20252 yr newer

Specifications

MelodyS12 Ultra

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $89; $170
HearWiki score: 63; 83
Released: 2023; 2025
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: 1 planar; 1 planar magnetic
Driver type: planar; planar
Driver configuration: 1 planar; 1 planar magnetic
Driver size: 12 mm; 14.8 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Impedance: 18 Ω; 16 Ω
Sensitivity: 102 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -

Specification comparison of Kiwi Ears Melody vs Letshuoer S12 Ultra
Spec	Kiwi Ears Melody	Letshuoer S12 Ultra
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$89	$170
HearWiki score	63 / 100 Good	83 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2023	2025
Audio
Driver	1 planar	1 planar magnetic
Driver type	planar	planar
Driver configuration	1 planar	1 planar magnetic
Driver size	12 mm	14.8 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Impedance	18 Ω	16 Ω
Sensitivity	102 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-

What reviewers said

Kiwi Ears Melody

The Kiwi Ears Melody is a budget-friendly planar IEM that delivers a lively, bass-forward sound with a warm tilt, making it an engaging listen for those who prioritize fun over analytical precision. It offers excellent comfort thanks to its featherweight build, though its technicalities like micro-detail retrieval are only average, and the bundled accessories are basic for the price. Overall, it's a strong value for listeners seeking a distinctive, energetic planar tuning without breaking the bank.

Pro:Punchy, well-extended bass with a fun, energetic character
Pro:Very lightweight and comfortable for extended listening sessions
Pro:Smooth yet lively treble that avoids harshness

Con:Micro-detail resolution is only average, not highly resolving
Con:Midrange tonality can sound a bit uneven or recessed
Con:Accessories and packaging are fairly basic for the cost

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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New comparison Kiwi Ears Melody Letshuoer S12 Ultra