Wired IEMs
KZ ZAR
70Good
$100
Full review dataKZ ZAR 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
Letshuoer S12 Ultra
83Outstanding
$170
Full review dataScore 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.
- KZ ZAR
- Letshuoer S12 Ultra
HearWiki score
70
83
Sound
7.3
8.6
Value
5.1
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 3 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 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- ZAR2022
- S12 Ultra20253 yr newer
Specifications
ZARS12 Ultra
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $100
- $170
- HearWiki score
- 70
- 83
- Released
- 2022
- 2025
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 1DD + 7BA hybrid
- 1 planar magnetic
- Driver type
- hybrid
- planar
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 7BA
- 1 planar magnetic
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 14.8 mm
- Drivers per side
- 8
- 1
- Frequency response
- 20 Hz - 40 kHz
- -
- Impedance
- 16.5 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 109 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- ANC type
- none
- -
- Transparency mode
- No
- -
- Companion app
- No
- -
- Custom EQ
- No
- -
- Wear detection
- No
- -
- Controls
- buttons
- -
- Voice assistant
- No
- -
- Water resistance
- none
- -
- Foldable
- No
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- USB-C
- No
- -
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- -
- Call noise reduction
- No
- -
What reviewers said
KZ ZAR
The KZ ZAR is an ambitious eight-driver hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a 10mm dynamic driver with seven balanced armatures for a lively, U-shaped sound. It delivers punchy bass, clear mids, and detailed treble with strong technical performance for its price, all in a comfortable, well-built shell with a quality stock cable. Wired-only and app-free, it is a straightforward choice for listeners who want energetic tuning without extra features.
- Pro:Powerful, deep bass with good control
- Pro:Detailed and clear treble response
- Pro:Comfortable fit with solid passive isolation
- Con:V-shaped tuning not for purists seeking neutrality
- Con:No detachable or balanced cable option
- Con:Lacks any wireless or app-based features
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.
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