Wired IEMs
Letshuoer S12 Ultra
83Outstanding
$170
Full review dataLetshuoer S12 Ultra vs Moondrop Kadenz: 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
Moondrop Kadenz
73Great
$190
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Letshuoer S12 Ultra leads on 4 of 4 measures.
- Letshuoer S12 Ultra
- Moondrop Kadenz
HearWiki score
83
73
Sound
8.6
8.0
Value
8.9
6.2
Price (USD)
$170
$190
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
Letshuoer S12 Ultra (2025) against Moondrop Kadenz (2024). These are 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.
- S12 Ultra20251 yr newer
- Kadenz2024
Specifications
S12 UltraKadenz
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $170
- $190
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 73
- Released
- 2025
- 2024
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 1 planar magnetic
- 1DD
- Driver type
- planar
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- 1 planar magnetic
- 1DD
- Driver size
- 14.8 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 1
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 35 Ω
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Detachable cable
- -
- Yes
- Connector
- -
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
What reviewers said
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
Moondrop Kadenz
The Moondrop Kadenz is a wired single-dynamic-driver IEM that builds on the legacy of the KATO, offering a natural, vocal-focused sound with impressive staging and imaging for its price. It comes with premium accessories and flexible DSP options, making it a versatile all-rounder, though its lighter bass and potentially uncomfortable shell fit are notable trade-offs.
- Pro:Natural timbre and transparent mids
- Pro:Excellent soundstage and imaging for a single DD
- Pro:Premium build and accessories
- Con:Light bass impact and somewhat dry balance
- Con:Shell shape and weight may cause comfort issues
- Con:Fit can be problematic for some ear shapes
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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