LETSHUOER, celebrating its 8th anniversary, has introduced a new model of in-ear wired headphones – LETSHUOER S08 at a very affordable price. Unlike many similar planar models on the market, the S08 stand out for their design and sound. In this review, we will take a closer look at:
- sound features of the model.
- design, packaging and comfort of the headphones.
- make a comparison with other headphones.
- decide whether to buy headphones in your collection.
What does the manufacturer offers in the in-ear headphones
LETSHUOER S08?
LETSHUOER S08 In-Ear Headphones - Sound
The headphones I got for review were improved by our author Alexander Chernov:
In the process of modernizing the LETSHUOER S08 headphones, a number of important manipulations were carried out to improve their sound. Alexander removed the mesh from the soundhole with a needle and took out the filter, which was inside the case. Then he put the wire mesh back in place. The modernization allowed to get rid of the obstacle in the form of a dense filter in the path of sound, which significantly expanded the range of sound, increasing the detail and depth of the scene. As a result, the headphones sounded more open and natural, which had a positive effect on the perception of musical detail and overall acoustic spatiality.
This is how I received the headphones for review, and it is their sound that I will thoroughly test.
The LETSHUOER S08 have a slightly V-shaped Harman-style response, which makes the sound energetic and dynamic, with emphasis on the bass and treble, while the mids are slightly pushed back. The soundstage remains melodic, with pronounced monitor characteristics - the sound is detailed and balanced. In general, the sound can be described as lively and musical, with a slight bias towards analyticity, which will appeal to fans of accurate reproduction.
To evaluate the headphones, I use my stock High-end players: the Questyle QP1R and Questyle QP2R, as well as the Hiby R3 Pro.
My sonic preferences are centered on maximizing fidelity to the original sound, without adding effects or enhancements. That’s why I chose the Questyle QP1R as my main source – its sound is the most reference and closest to the original.
- Bass – 8: The bass component of the LETSHUOER S08 is powerful and deep. The sub bass is impressively present, creating a dense and rich sonic cushion, but not out of control. The midbass is also well expressed, clear and energetic, making percussion and bass guitar more juicy. Attacks and fades are sensitive, and the drum kit and trombone sound with excellent punch, creating a physical sense of rhythm. An example track is Daft Punk’s “Giorgio by Moroder”, where the dynamics and rhythm of the bass are clearly felt.
- The midrange is 7.5 : slightly receding into the shadows, but still clear and detailed. Male and female voices sound natural, but without over-emphasis, and vocals are not “pushed forward”. Instruments such as violins, flutes, and keyboards have sufficient clarity and texture. The sound lacks massiveness but retains the correct timbres. A good example is Adele‘s ” Hello”, where the voices sound expressive and deep, but without being intrusive.
- High frequencies – 8 : LETSHUOER S08’s treble is bright and transparent, but not aggressive. Cymbals, triangles, and whistles sound clear and airy, but may seem a bit harsh at peak moments if listened to for long periods of time. High frequencies are not synthetic, although they can get a little light on complex tracks. Pink Floyd’s “Time” is a good example, where the sounds of cymbals and bells are spatial and detailed.
- Detail – 8 : in the headphones at a high level. The headphones capture the smallest nuances of the recording, down to extraneous noises in the studio or the breath of the performer. This makes them interesting for listening to high-quality recordings, but they do not overload the ear with details, avoiding the effect of “dryness”. Example – Norah Jones “Don’t Know Why (Live)”, where you can hear the small nuances of the recording without losing the overall musical perception.
- Scene – 7.5 : in S08 is quite wide, with good depth and well-defined positioning of instruments. Localization of artists and instruments is good in both width and depth. The spatialization of the sound makes it easy to distinguish the location of each instrument on stage, creating an effect of presence. This can be clearly seen in Hans Zimmer’s “Time”, where you can easily distinguish the different orchestral sections and their position in space.
- Conclusion: The LETSHUOER S08 will suit those looking for a headphone with a balance between detail and musicality. They are good for genres where precise bass control and bright treble are important, such as electronica, pop and classical. Less recommended for extended listening to very bright tracks or for those who prefer a soft and relaxed sound, as the treble can get a bit tiring on long sessions.
Comparison with planar competitors
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- LETSHUOER S08
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- TINHIFI DUDU
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- NICEHCK F1 PRO
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- TRN Azure Dragon
- LETSHUOER S08 and TINHIFI DUDU: The LETSHUOER S08 exhibits a more detailed and dynamic sound compared to the TINHIFI DUDU, which offer a more balanced and warm presentation with a slight emphasis on the treble. The S08's bass is significantly deeper and punchier, especially in the sub-bass, making them preferable for bass-accented genres such as electronic music and hip-hop. The TINHIFI DUDU, on the other hand, have a more relaxed midbass that may seem less aggressive. In terms of comfort, the TINHIFI DUDU's win with their lightweight body and soft ear cushions, while the LETSHUOER S08's can be a bit heavier and more demanding to fit properly. The S08 set is richer due to better accessories, but both sets provide a decent level of support in use. It's hard for me to name a winner in this comparison.
- LETSHUOER S08 and NICEHCK F1 PRO: The NICEHCK F1 PROs have a more airy and smoother sound, which makes them attractive for quiet delivery and less detailed sound. The LETSHUOER S08s excel in bass depth and punch, as well as detail and stage width. The S08s can sometimes sound a bit harsh in the treble, while the F1 PROs offer a more controlled upper end of the spectrum. In terms of comfort, the F1 PROs are lightweight, making them comfortable for extended wear, but the LETSHUOER S08s provide more high-level sound and a better package with a modular cable.
- LETSHUOER S08 and TRN Azure Dragon: The TRN Azure Dragon impress with their stage and wide delivery, outperforming the S08 in terms of spatialization and instrument positioning. However, the LETSHUOER S08s take the lead in detail and bass depth. The Azure Dragon is brighter in the highs, but may not seem dense enough in the low-frequency range, making them less versatile in terms of genre compatibility. The LETSHUOER S08s offer more confident punch and energy in rhythmic tracks, while retaining a nice brightness in the treble. In terms of comfort, the Azure Dragon win out thanks to a more ergonomic body design that fits better in the ear and the flagship design and kit, while the S08s may require additional experimentation with ear cushions to achieve an optimal fit.
Design, kit and comfort - LETSHUOER S08
The Leadsure S08 headphones come in a stylish and attractive packaging that has a large upside down 8 painted on it. Inside the box, the headphones are neatly stacked emphasizing the status of the headphones.
The ear cushions are made of soft silicone, which perfectly adapts to the shape of the ear and provides a comfortable fit. They isolate well from outside noise, allowing you to enjoy your music without distracting sounds. However, the third-party ear cushions slide along the soundhole, which reduces the depth of fit of the headphones, making it difficult to fit them snugly in the ear canal (which was not the case with the included ear cushions). Especially pleased with the presence of a convenient organizer – a round plate that exactly matches the diameter of the case to store all the complete ear cushions.
Leadsure S08 headphone cable consists of four cores, each includes 30 strands of silver-plated copper 0.05 mm thick. It has 3.5mm and 4.4mm modular connectors with a twist lock. I had no complaints with this cable – it remained soft, comfortable and provided good sound transmission to the headphones.
The black case made of soft-touch plastic is made in the shape of a round powder-coat.
Design - 8
Comfort - 8
Kit - 9
It's good when a manufacturer pays attention to details that make everyday use more convenient for consumers.
LETSHUOER S08 Features.
- Drivers: Fourth generation planar magnetic driver, 13mm in size
- Sensitivity: 105dB
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 40 kHz
- Impedance: 26 ohms
- Enclosure material: CNC (numerical control) anodized aluminum
- Cable: 4 conductors, each of which consists of 30 strands of silver-plated copper with a diameter of 0.05 mm
What's in the LETSHUOER S08 box?
A commendable set:
- Headphones.
- Wire.
- Interchangeable Jack 3.5mm and Jack 4.4mm connectors to the cable .
- Two types of ear cushions:
Light silicone,
Dark silicone. - Pouch.
- Instructions.
LETSHUOER S08 Conclusion
Summary: The Leadsure S08 are high-quality and musical planar headphones that will especially appeal to fans of modern sound with an emphasis on bass and smooth frequency transitions. While they are not leaders in detail or stage depth, their softness, musicality and versatility make them a great choice for everyday listening to pop, electronic music and other modern genres.
The set includes the headphones themselves, a set of silicone ear cushions in different sizes, a protective case and a modular cable. The headphones fit comfortably in the ears and do not cause discomfort even with prolonged use.
In terms of aesthetics and sound, these headphones are probably the best of all the planar models I've tested. So I'm sure they will be a great addition to any collection, especially after the upgrade, satisfying the needs of even the most demanding users.
