Wired IEMs
Letshuoer S12 Ultra
83Outstanding
$170
Full review dataLetshuoer S12 Ultra vs TRI Starsea: 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
TRI Starsea
62Average
$130
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.
- Letshuoer S12 Ultra
- TRI Starsea
HearWiki score
83
62
Sound
8.6
7.3
Value
8.9
5.8
Price (USD)
$170
$130
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 5 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 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- S12 Ultra20255 yr newer
- Starsea2020
Specifications
S12 UltraStarsea
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $170
- $130
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 62
- Released
- 2025
- 2020
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 1 planar magnetic
- -
- Driver type
- planar
- -
- Driver configuration
- 1 planar magnetic
- -
- Driver size
- 14.8 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 1
- -
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- -
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
TRI Starsea
The TRI Starsea is a wired hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs an 8mm dynamic driver with two balanced-armature drivers for a detailed, hi-fi sound presentation. It offers user-adjustable tuning switches, letting listeners tailor the frequency response to their preferences. Priced around $129, it targets audiophiles seeking a versatile and engaging listening experience without wireless features or noise cancellation.
- Pro:Hybrid driver setup delivers clear and layered sound
- Pro:Switchable tuning options for flexible sound signatures
- Pro:Comfortable fit suitable for extended listening sessions
- Con:No active noise cancellation, limiting isolation in noisy environments
- Con:Requires a wired source, which may be less convenient for some users
- Con:Tuning switches may be small and fiddly to adjust on the go
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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