Kiwi Ears Quartet 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 Quartet
Letshuoer S12 Ultra

HearWiki score

Sound

6.9

8.6

Value

7.4

8.9

Price (USD)

$110

$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.

Quartet2023
S12 Ultra20252 yr newer

Specifications

QuartetS12 Ultra

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $110; $170
HearWiki score: 63; 83
Released: 2023; 2025
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: 2DD + 2BA hybrid; 1 planar magnetic
Driver type: hybrid; planar
Driver configuration: 2DD + 2BA; 1 planar magnetic
Driver size: 10 mm; 14.8 mm
Drivers per side: 4; 1
Impedance: 32 Ω; 16 Ω
Sensitivity: 110 dB/mW; -
Weight: 4 g; -
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; -

Specification comparison of Kiwi Ears Quartet vs Letshuoer S12 Ultra
Spec	Kiwi Ears Quartet	Letshuoer S12 Ultra
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$110	$170
HearWiki score	63 / 100 Good	83 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2023	2025
Audio
Driver	2DD + 2BA hybrid	1 planar magnetic
Driver type	hybrid	planar
Driver configuration	2DD + 2BA	1 planar magnetic
Driver size	10 mm	14.8 mm
Drivers per side	4	1
Impedance	32 Ω	16 Ω
Sensitivity	110 dB/mW	-
Design
Weight	4 g	-
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	-

What reviewers said

Kiwi Ears Quartet

The Kiwi Ears Quartet is a budget-friendly hybrid IEM that pairs two dynamic drivers with two balanced armatures for a lively, well-rounded sound. It offers solid build quality and a competitive feature set for the price, with a tuning that leans engaging rather than neutral. While not a one-size-fits-all choice, it delivers strong technical performance and good value for those seeking a versatile, configurable earphone.

Pro:Engaging and balanced hybrid tuning
Pro:Good build quality with detachable 2-pin cable
Pro:Strong technical performance for the price

Con:Tuning may not suit all listeners
Con:No noise cancellation or wireless options
Con:Requires a good source to shine fully

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 Quartet Letshuoer S12 Ultra