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Letshuoer S12 Ultra vs TRUTHEAR NOVA: 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.

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.

  • Letshuoer S12 Ultra
  • TRUTHEAR NOVA
HearWiki score
83
75
Sound
8.6
7.8
Value
8.9
8.0
Price (USD)
$170
$160

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.

  • S12 Ultra20252 yr newer
  • NOVA2023

Specifications

S12 UltraNOVA
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$170
$160
HearWiki score
83
75
Released
2025
2023
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
1 planar magnetic
1DD + 4BA hybrid
Driver type
planar
hybrid
Driver configuration
1 planar magnetic
1DD + 4BA
Driver size
14.8 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
1
5
Frequency response
-
8 Hz - 40 kHz
Sound signature
-
warm
Impedance
16 Ω
14.8 Ω
Sensitivity
-
123 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
-
123
Active noise cancelling
-
No
Weight
-
5.6 g
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 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

TRUTHEAR NOVA

The TRUTHEAR NOVA is a wired hybrid IEM that pairs a 10mm dynamic driver with four balanced armatures to deliver a warm, well-balanced sound with clean vocals and smooth treble. It offers strong resolution and good imaging for its price, though its larger shell and slightly thin lower mids may not suit everyone. This is a capable, feature-rich option for listeners seeking detail without fatigue, provided they can manage the fit.

  • Pro:Excellent resolution and clarity for the price
  • Pro:Smooth, non-fatiguing treble with good extension
  • Pro:Strong imaging and instrument separation
  • Con:Large shell may cause fit issues for smaller ears
  • Con:Lower mids can sound thin, affecting male vocals
  • Con:Occasional upper-mid glare on poorly mastered tracks

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonLetshuoer S12 UltraTRUTHEAR NOVA