Dan Reviews | S12, S12 Pro, Z12. Greatness here. NOT all

[@dansaudioreviews]

STORE www.linsoul.com/products/letshuoer-s12-pro?_pos=1&_psq=s12&_ss=e&_v=1.0&sca_ref=1723281.uURKdX74u0 EDIT:: I want to make sure people are aware of downsides to my favorite pick in the S12 series, the S12 Pro. Like its siblings, there can be a treble heat that is high for some tastes. Please be aware of this. If the S12 Pro sounds utterly easy on the treble in the demo, it isn’t necessarily how it might sound in person. Your playback device at home may not portray the hot treble so hot, so if it sounds buttery up too, be warned - it isn’t in real life. But just like most IEMs right now, there’s pros and cons. If you can’t hear what I hear, please try focusing on just one instrument in a track at a time. Listen to the hi hats and how they present differently across the three IEMs on the same track. Listen to the fullness of vocals - are they thinner and lighter, or are they weightier? How do kick drums sound (the low end sound)? What about the strum of the bass strings, is there texture in the bass? Etc etc. Go back and forth on the track. The differences are very clear and once you train yourself to hear it like this, you can’t go back - you can’t unhear it so easy.

[@ryg1991]

I agree with you, Dan, a 100% Thank you for letting us hear it. Your efforts are very well appreciated. You are the no. 1 reviewer I always get excited for. Don't change the approach! I watch your video even if it's 50 minutes long! Loved every bit of it. I love your explanation and side stories. Keep em' coming!

[@vespersaint]

holy crap the timing of this video. i've watched all your s12 and s12pro videos and i LITERALLY got my s12 pro this morning and am using it for the first time now LOL! thanks for helping me decide on the s12 pro. again, i'm blown away by the timing of this video. it's like it was meant to be.

[@dansaudioreviews]

It WAS meant to be! 🤯 Haha jk. But cool timing ✌🏻

[@christe5257]

I have owned the Z12 for the past 9 months and they are still my favorite IEM from others I have purchased. I had purchased the Z12, since it had 3 db more bass than the S12. Definitely glad I did. I agree that the S12 Pro are a little better, but they are the next generation. I describe S12 Pro as more impactful (sub-bass and mid) than the S12. Sometimes they get just a little too much. That is where the Z12 is slightly tamed down. S12 is the least favorite. Great discussion. I learn alot from your reviews. Very thoughtful. Thanks

[@fiddlix]

I have the OG S12 and the S12 Pro. The S12 Pro has definitely had a slight re-tune. Micheal Bruce dissected one and the Pro has a medium density tuning foam in the nozzle where the OG has none.

[@furry0ssa]

Yes, that's the only difference between OG and Pro. Z12 probably use high density ;) Anyway ... for peoples who want to experience good "planar" sound and like to experiment, they only need a pair of OG's and pack of different tuning foams (low, mid and high density) or you can play with felt which I use mostly for headphone and earbuds tuning. IMHO, I consider Pro version as good purchase only if you are looking a version with modular cable and Z12 if you want to support Zeos ;)

[@fiddlix]

@@furry0ssa Nope..The Z12 has a different vent filter inside the shell. 😎

[@Hijynx87]

@@fiddlixthe one that Bruce says to poke out?

[@fiddlix]

@@Hijynx87 yes.

[@Hijynx87]

@@fiddlix gotcha. I like the sound of my z12 golds with azla vivid tips so I didn’t do the mod. I’ll probably get an s12 og and do it, or bug one from Mike. Or get an mp145…..or wait for timeless 2.

[@BabyTeru]

Got the s12 from the day of its release and it's still my fav iem aside from the olina se. It managed to put me on a pause from purchasing another iem till this day. Great video by the way, i enjoy watching your take on these 3 iems. ❤

[@dansaudioreviews]

❤️🙇🏻‍♂️

[@jb678901]

Yes, this was also my "problem" with the S12 OG...it took me out of the IEM market for the better part of a year. It's still my overall favorite...though I admittedly limit my IEM budget...as it was quickly building up to my vintage lens and vintage audio addictions. For most of 2023, I have tried really hard to avoid looking for the next best thing and enjoy the STUFF I already own. [P.S....Dan's Audio hasn't been much help with this IEM acquisition addiction!]

[@nsivaraj777]

Dan huge👍. S12 pro and olina w/ tanya filters are the last iem i purchased and will be, because the audio output is just as i require 😎

[@CMDPromptify]

Thanks as always for the detailed and enthusiastic videos. I very much appreciate the sound samples. Looks like this one ruffled a few feathers. I think at this point most of us who are willing to sit through several hours of samples understand that our experience is washed through whatever bud/headphone/IEM and source we're using that day. The value of these listening experiences is the opportunity to experience contrast. We can still make predictions about what will probably work for us based on these differences, even if our samples aren't a 1-to-1 reproduction. It's pretty remarkable how much difference one can detect when really taking the time to listen and swap between multiple output devices - even the old stuff that isn't as sophisticated as the IEMs we're exploring. It just takes effort on the part of the consumer. Really, none of this production is magic. It's just effort. I've found utility in graphs for trying to decipher whether or not an IEM is worth exploring further. There are some tunings that will always hurt. Other tunings are a little too safe and familiar. What does the graph of a successful venture look like? An unsuccessful venture? Does the graph I examine today indicate an IEM experience that will push on my interests a little bit more? Regardless of all those answers, I do try to find a sound sample. There are a handful of channels that do this well. Each methodology (graphing or sound samples) has its own merits, and it's on us consumers to take the time and learn about each. Combining the two tools has been super helpful for me around decision-making. It's good to have both. Without these tools, we get stuck in trying to describe subjective experiences through metaphors. Everyone wants sparkle, right? But more seriously... I'm new enough in the hobby that being right doesn't impact my identity or self worth. We can embrace objectivity where it does arise even if those measures or representations aren't perfect, while ~also~ recognizing that sound as a sensual experience is highly subjective. Our subjective experience may not jive exactly with what's on paper. Might be close, but not exact. Not only is that a-ok, it's elemental! Our bodies are the measuring device that we carry every day, not a graph or a lovingly crafted KZbin sample video. We consumers need to take some responsibility in examining available data ourselves. Our favorite content creators are highly skilled and committed guides, but they aren't us! Only we will know when the IEM is in our ears whether or not it is truly right for us. All of that is to say that your work has had a profound impact on my entry into this hobby. I'll park on one video for a couple of days and swap out every output device I can find in the house as I browse for a new IEM. Seems like this hasn't boiled over, which is great. The internet is crazy sometimes. I just wish you well. You and the many other KZbinrs have expressed a flexibility and latitude around listening experiences that contrasting opinions about anything - methods, sound, etc. - ought not be taken as barbs. Looking forward to your future work. Your channel is small but your influence is great!

[@dansaudioreviews]

Thank you so so much for taking the time to share so much of your thoughts, and so much of how meaningful you have found my channel to your exploration of IEMs. ❤️🙇🏻‍♂️ I agree with all that you said, regarding other reviewers and the use of graphs.

[@boingoneelie7892]

Thanks for making this vid! I got the s12 pro earlier this year and have enjoyed it a lot (seemed even better with spinfit tips)...since i have no viable options to make actual unit-in-ear comparisons between the vast # of iems, it's nice to hear the s12 pro stacks up well against others.

[@jaroslavfricek7772]

Common Dan ❗️You speak so little doing just the demos, that speaking this way for a bit is so refreshing and fun💪🙋‍♂️

[@dansaudioreviews]

🙇🏻‍♂️

[@marcotavani4924]

Thanks for making this video and all the others I've watched on your channel. I purchased the S12 Pro today and I'm excited to listen to them. I have no doubt they will be the best I could buy. Thank you again for your wonderful and innovative way of introducing us to the world of IEM hearphones. Have a nice day. Until next time

[@buttersugar2835]

For me , to think that 2 db can make such a different is a myth for me up until i tried different gears with similar tuning , and now your video just justify it for me , appreciate it a lot.

[@T1mofey]

In my opinion, the s12pro sounds warmer and more pleasant. Personally, I like their presentation the most.

[@mikafoxx2717]

While I do think graphs are a good tool, the subtle difference that 2dB brings is overall, significant. On my Sundara, I bump up 2khz by 2db and that's all it takes to make the vocals not audibly recessed. Every bit counts. I've heard etymotic er2 versus er4 and how people can hear the BA timbre despite etymotic being very close in tuning for their entire line.

[@HATEregelt]

For me the S12 Pro sounded the best for my preferences. Full bodied vocals and calmer upper registers which made it sound more natural to me, thanks for your work you handsome devil!

[@StarBuccaneers168]

Thanks Dan. I am on your side where people rely too much on the graphs, everyone's ears can perceive the sound differently. Too bad it's hard to demo ChiFi units in the US, so people want to have a reference before making the purchase. This is the content I am here for, listening to your deep thoughts on product and sound. With that said, S12 Pro > S12 > Z12. I have the S12 OG myself and I love it as a person not treble sensitive. PS: I thought Timeless was going to pop up at a certain point.

[@dansaudioreviews]

Haha, ya the timeless could have, but I’m already a bit done trying to present it too much in too much of my reviews. The thing is hot in the treble and wouldn’t get too much time if it were presented. Though, it COULD have maybe been nice to sneak in for a small bite in this video 😜

[@StarBuccaneers168]

@@dansaudioreviews 🙇

[@delicrux]

Honestly the z12came out before the s12 pro retune. When zeos collabed he said all he wanted for his preference was a couple DB boost in the bass. So I'm thinking his request and the popularity of the z12 gave letshuoer feedback that people wanted more bass then they returned again for the s12 pro there take on it. And added a better cable

[@owomuwu]

omgggggg thank you ive been so fricking confused and have felt complete gaslighted about my s12 and s12 pros, dude. like, testing different sources, so many genres, and i kept coming back to artists like 100 gecs and noticing just how distinctly strident and clear the high end of the s12 is compared to the pro. the latter isn't, like, missing something all of a sudden, but there's just this *piercing* detail retrieval in the original's treble... i am rather new to this hobby and am quite upset at being given the ol' graph runaround so immediately! lol. thank u speaking up dan ur my hero

[@dansaudioreviews]

So much love for you right now back ❤️

[@dansaudioreviews]

Exactly

[@genaishivatov1737]

Remove the foam rubber from the sound guide of the 12Pro - and you will get the same S12 😉😆

[@dansaudioreviews]

@@genaishivatov1737 Well even if the difference in materials is small, the aesthetic difference is substantial.

[@MinghaoLi-c7d]

s12 sounds the best for me and S12 pro is too dark. Z12 is an atrocity! Thanks for the demo

[@jb678901]

Like the office/desk/audio decisions and setup. Clean, minimalist...but loaded with excellent tech. Nice job!

[@dansaudioreviews]

Thank you 🙇🏻‍♂️

[@bozardo101]

I agree with your take. It's also just common sense. People shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. To get the full evaluation of something you must first listen to the IEM look at the graph and then compare using the same variables.

[@joshuahaloha8320]

The v shape of the OG s12 honestly has grown on me.

[@maninironmask7925]

Great video. I always appreciate the honesty and passion. Nearly always can hear what you are saying on each take.

[@steph7193]

Hi Dan very honest review and very helpful. I do like s12pro overall but z12 is fun in a different way I am happy with both.👍 thanks

[@dansaudioreviews]

🙇🏻‍♂️

[@Hijynx87]

Curious do you have the original z12 or the golds? Does your z12 have a wide “holographic” stage? I’ve got the golds and I think they sound pretty great, not timeless ae great but close.

[@steph7193]

​@@Hijynx87black and gold version sounds good

[@CesarGonzalez-mx7su]

For Metal/Rock is better Z12 o S12 Pro? Thanks.

[@steph7193]

@@CesarGonzalez-mx7su I like z12 has slightly more bass to my ears 👍

[@quackgarage9551]

Amazing video, amazing insights. You're by far my favorite "audio dude" ever. BTW, great timing, just got a great deal on the S12 Pro and the Olina SE until I ultimately decide what my end game IEM will be.

[@dansaudioreviews]

Thank you for the very kind and sincere appreciation for what I’m doing. It means a lot to hear these particular kind of comments! (The ones that show people jiving with my approach, style, and the kind of points or thoughts I’m trying to share). It’s a personally heartfelt feeling I get from that. Thank you 🙇🏻‍♂️

[@MrGumzie]

S12 Pro is the clear champ in this video. I would have really liked to hear the S12 Pro vs the Timeless. Hopefully in a future review.

[@dansaudioreviews]

Short incoming tomorrow morning or so.

[@nsivaraj777]

Dan between 7hz timeless vs timeless ae vs tangzu heyday and S12 pro which would u pick and y?

[@Satvrnine]

Bought an S12 Pro on a whim recently for $82 cause it seemed like a good deal. This video makes me feel like I made a good choice :)

[@dansaudioreviews]

Wow that's great!

[@randynguyen6402]

where in the shit did you get s12's for 82$

[@furry0ssa]

Hi Dan, thanks for comprehensive review/comparison, for sure it will be timeless but not as 7Hz model ;) For me if IEM's or headphones or earbuds use same parts (shell, drivers etc.), freq. graphs are not so relevant but tuning material and modding technique ie skills. Letshuoer did great job with S12 lineup by adding this very tuning friendly driver in minimalistic looking shell, taking care of aesthetics and comfort equally and not like some other brands which more care about look than actual functionality and comfort. I'm currently interesting with another affordable planar model (ARTTI T10) which come out a few days after MP145. Are you planned to review them?

[@maninarmarttasn1614]

Million thanks DAN!!!

[@xt-cj7jg]

How do I make the S12 sound like the S12 pro?

[@lth_lch]

Happy New Year, Dan. I thought I commented on this video when it first released, but apparently, I didn't. Wanted to say I loved your rant on how people in the community misuse frequency response graphs to prejudge a piece of gear before hearing it. That, and calling out the misconception that IEMs with similar wide band frequency response being written off as sounding essentially the same, when in reality just a few minute differences that look innocuous on a graph can make very perceptive differences in sound is something I think the community needs to hear more of as more people get into learning how to interpret fr measurements. I understand you've been playing around with EQ a bit lately. Have you ever tried equalizing one planar IEM to measurably approximate the frequency response of another planar? If so, would you say the resulting frequency response actually sounded perceptibly closer to the IEM you were trying to mimic? By how much? I understand it's impossible to get them to truly align 1:1 without a surgically precise EQ profile with probably dozens of filters, but am curious about just how close one can get with your usual 10-20 band parametric EQ. I ask this because I'm intent on my next IEM purchase being a planar, but if I'm able to approximate the sound of one of the more expensive planars with a cheaper one through EQ (my base budget starts at the OG S12), I don't see why I wouldn't do just that.

[@OgSwisszyed]

hey Dan it out side of the video topic a bit but the reason i buy the s12 is because of your review compare it to the hexa vs dioko and open my eyes, now i have hear a bunch of other stuff but when re-visit the s12 is still make me smile and part of that thanks to you and your hard work at demoing

[@dansaudioreviews]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@MaxUmbra]

That's wwhy I watch you Dan. You don't judge by graphs strictly and you aren't afraid to give your subjective opinion aboat something you like or not. I tottaly agree with you i liked the s12 and the pro is amazing and i would be happy with either of them but the z12 isnt for me. dont change man and don't let the obsession with graphs take over. judging sound by our ears is the best way always 👌

[@dfung4351]

Thank you for keeping it real, Dan! Let's stop judging entire sets solely based on graphs. Also - Some of the reviewers out there routinely lumps the S12, S12 pro and Z12 together. If I knew the S12 pro sounds this smooth while maintaining clarity. I would've gone for the S12pro instead of the Timeless 1 year ago. Seriously. Not generalizing - But for all the reviewers out there. Please Stop the LAZY TAKES. And actually put the sets in their ears and Listen. Like Dan. And stop judging solely on graphs then shill because of $ and relationships involved. /End Rant

[@dansaudioreviews]

I appreciate your very supportive words for me and getting my approach 🙇🏻‍♂️ ❤️ Reading your post showing how much you get my approach means everything. People who share like that and talk to me are the best out there. As for other reviewers, well, I’m not thinking of anyone at all when make my points about reading graphs rather than ears. I think… the community discussions as a whole just seem to gravitate a lot toward graphical emphasis first, experiences second, rather than using experiences first, graphs to find where those experiences come from. The approach I’m suggesting is for sure to simply put all effort possible on the experiences when we talk and try to use frequency talk only for trying to share with eachother what we are hearing - but in an agreed upon way. But I think the use should still be done carefully and infrequently. Or at least, that’s how it feels our community could benefit if we shifted more toward that proportion of how we communicate. Now I don’t watch other reviewers in any routine way, though if anyone out there, like yourself, does have an impression of a reviewer that they may be skimping on their thought process in particular and not being mindful enough of what they’re hearing, or how they describe it….then that would be your right of course to have that perspective. My impression of reviewers isn’t, unfortunately, as detailed as I wish it were. I know them vaguely as someone who watches only a video once in a few months or more. My impressions are only slim and far between. So out of that vein and honor, I can’t bring myself to explicitly say anything direct or pointed to any one. I think they’re all very mindful and full of honest effort to do their best at the reviewing role. I don’t think anyone is a bad actor or that anyone is necessarily wrong. I just don’t know enough about their total history and current methods to judge. I can only judge the character anyway that I’ve seen ages ago and once in awhile, and that is they all seem like they are doing their best to do good work with care. Of course, my care comes from an approach that is different and, at the same time as being inclined to using listening primarily, I do push in this review the sentiment along that I think there’s a swathe of conversations among us wherein we see people who use graphs to make too bold assumptions. I’m not even suggesting or trying to suggest that graphs can’t be helpful. They help us communicate at times and have an attempt at an agreed upon technical language that, assuming people have a common and fluent understanding of that language, we can use that language of frequency dialogue to heavily predict among eachother what a sound should be. It could very well be done! But how difficult it is to do, and how much the subjective experience of a couple dB can have so much impact on us with music, it makes me concerned for the capability we have as a massive community to hold a high enough ability of common language to make graphs so useful as predictive tools. Or, at least, I believe there is reason to be cautious about conversations that attempt to make conclusive statements without first hand experience. Provisional estimates, temporary guesses that are easily changed, would be fair enough. And I bet the reviewers who would talk graphs in any discussion would get their hands on the IEM anyway. So I suppose the real question lingering of potential reviewer credibility, might be… does the reviewer, or any other vocal community members, allow the graph to bias them or lead them to SEEK conclusions.

[@dansaudioreviews]

By the way, mind if I screenshot your comment (not with your name), as I want to share a post on my community feed of my comment back. It’ll make more sense to show my comment on the subject if people can see what prompted it. 🙏🏻🙇🏻‍♂️

[@dfung4351]

@@dansaudioreviews Yea. Please go ahead. At the very least, it has been a consistent frustration of mine in this hobby. But more increasingly so as the recent months go by. Further, I think perhaps some of the reviewers themselves, had an inherent bias even before reviewing the sets. Besides the $ and/or relationships. The frequency graph may have played a strong part with the bias. Like you said in your 2nd last paragraph. This applies to a sizable part of the community as well and I feel the same way as you do in this sense - Passing judgement with emphasis on graphs first, rather than putting the sets in our ears for long listening sessions first. Even with good intentions for many of them. Life is busy. Lots going on everyday. Including regular releases from many manufacturers week over week. As you mentioned in your video just now. There's pressure and limit on time to properly review sets and pay the appropriate attention to the details and nuances in order to give a fair evaluation. This is one of your best videos yet Dan. I think you probably stroke a chord with many of us who's been in this hobby for awhile. Cheers! 👍

[@dansaudioreviews]

@@dfung4351it didn’t let me add the image onto the post after I already made it 😢 I’ll keep it pinned on this video at least.

[@gyurko]

Feels like the og is still the most special

[@slade7612]

Thx Dan S12 Pro user here. Like it.

[@AbadyAngel]

just got back from work and this video is uploaded! aah thank you dan!, making coffee and watching rn!

[@dansaudioreviews]

😊

[@Tealc2323]

They are so close that it can very well be unit variations.

[@BarRYK333]

Great review! Thank you!

[@rdn658]

My most expensive and favorite v-shaped IEM is the S12.

[@pikachu-dr1vs]

babe wake up dan just posted a new video

[@mattparsons8598]

I tried both of these about a year ago and ended up with the pro as well. The treble from the s12's was too much for me on some songs resulting in me needing to constantly lower the volume. Letshouer did a fantastic job with this series of IEM's

[@dansaudioreviews]

Yes!

[@jaygopinath1694]

I found with the right tips i loved the s12 more clearer and brighter there all lovely tho😊

[@neogenesus]

The S12pro is like the middle ground, the best of both worlds between the OG S12 and Z12. The OG S12 is airy and can be a bit too hot in the treble, while the Z12 is the least airy, not harsh at all in the treble. Also the bass in the Z12, because the more smoother treble, seems more pronounced.

[@genaishivatov1737]

I have used S12 and S12Pro (It even seemed to me - that the Pro sounds sharper on the low HF, despite the foam in the sound guide). All 12th Shuoers have two disadvantages - a rather accentuated rise in the 8 kHz region (which gives a metallic touch to the vocals) and hollowness in the midrange - this makes acoustic guitars and vocals sound emasculated, empty. At the same time, I compared it with Panda - it has an even tonal balance and does not have this emphasis on the lower highs.

[@a8pb21]

I'm really, really curious about the Letshuoer S08...

[@gabrielroque9905]

I didn't know about these differences. I have the z12 version, I really like it, is good for playing games or listening to music. But regardless of the version, it's a great IEM.

[@dansaudioreviews]

Fair enough! Your mileage may vary, as they say.

[@thomasdanny7717]

To my ears, this is like a meme of 3 Spidermen pointing at each other. Buy one of them there will never be anything wrong.

[@thashisho]

There is a very obvious and clear difference between all three. I agree the best sounding one is S12 Pro and it sounds the best amongst the three. And this opinion of mine is based on this KZbin video when listening to the tracks you put to test.

[@dansaudioreviews]

🙇🏻‍♂️

[@yeghigmikaelian]

z12 sounds compressed nasally voice S12 more 3d then S12 pro thus loosing emphasis on some notes and the aforementioned (s12 pro) speaker like overall nice video best channel so far to compare flavours and many genre of music. hats off Dan!

[@dansaudioreviews]

🙇🏻‍♂️✌🏻❤️

[@jawcohullabaloo]

Bought the s12 pro a while ago and I've been very satisfied. Still wish this video had been out when I made the decision tho.

[@ricowest1187]

Loving your audio comparisons without graphics... Listening on my KATO's I can hear the difference between all the iems your featuring but I'm wondering how the S12 PRO will actually sound compared to my KATO's. (S12 PRO demo sounds awesome)

[@carminedesanto6746]

Like a great meal ..the whole is more than the sum of ingredients. Btw, I still run the OG S12 😎 Great review as usual ☕️👍

[@NathanielBTM]

Z12 and S12 Pro are marketed as being the same, just different skins if you will for the Zreviews brand... so I feel like maybe their differences are just a variation in units?. S12 Pro certainly sounded the best to me in these demonstrations, I have Z12's though. and I used to have the original red/blue pair until I lost them at a park, I used them from release of the Z12's in 2022 up until august 2023. I rebought them and got the black/gold ones and they deffinitely sound slightly different. yet are again... marketed the same. the new Z12's I have are slightly better in the treble. but they sound slightly more scooped... but not in a bad way really. they have more sound stage compared to my previous pair. this is really making me question myself into getting the S12 Pro's just to see for myself... because they sound amazing here. and when you switched between the other iems at 24:44 onwards, It really just proved how well the S12 Pro's Shined, sounded the best of all of them to my ears. or I could just start eqing my Z12's a little

[@frederf69]

coupler & unit variations are a significant factor here. Letshuoer QC is nothing like DCA for example.

[@HKS-le3hi]

You can get the pro and open the nozzle filter and see for yourself if they are identical or not. I think michael bruce who is a oriented modder for the s12 has said they are indeed very different .

[@RitualBoat]

Between s12 pro and OH10 which one is better or what are the main differences? Am choosing between one of those

[@RCKLOBSTR]

I struggled picking one. Ended up with the S12 Pro. Very happy with my purchase. I am still curious to try the others and see if I hear the difference

[@dansaudioreviews]

Good choice! (My taste too anyway)

[@RCKLOBSTR]

I don’t regret it at all. Curious if you use the tips included or you have a certain 3rd party tip you like with them

[@dansaudioreviews]

@@RCKLOBSTR I make all commentary based on stock tips shipped with products. And if they offer a variety, I use their silicone tips or default balanced tips (if they have bass or “vocal” tips included).

[@lotog692]

The S12 Pro slams harder, but it pushes the "fun"-factor of the original S12s a bit into the backround including the voices. This doesn't matter much, because the additional slam kind of makes up for it (although I still prefer the S12 ever so slightly more). The Z12 doesn't have the slam, but it still lacks the fun-factor and in the comparison it sounds ... flat?!? This doesn't make sense, giving up the fun factor for nothing in return O_O and the voices sound a bit off (not only off center, but also ... strange. It's not much, just a tad). So in direct comparison I'd still go with the S12, although the Pro is close. The Z12 doesn't make sense to me.

[@dansaudioreviews]

Exactly. Spot on

[@vishistaryan3883]

Hi Dan!! I am looking for a balanced sounding iem for listening to classical piano(Chopin, Schumann etc.) and am torn between the kato and ie200. Which one do you recommend??

[@KITG_]

So, so interesting. S12 Pro is more 'correct'. Balanced across the spectrum and controlled. Balanced as in the bass and highs are v well balanced against each other with the mids offering a very well tuned fulcrum for both. Subtle tuning changes on the Z12 make it dryer. More 'paper-ish' to my ear. Having said that I do think the changes are so minimal that they hardly count. S12 has increased shout and air which to my 52 year old hearing is preferable. Widens the headstage and opens things up. As to the Dioko. Again to my older hearing, which can withstand more zing and sharpness than someone in their early 20's (in fact needs it!), it is again wider and more open but needs mid bass lift through eq to make it satisfying. The Hidizs, to me, has just too much mid bass meat for my preference. Sounds congested relative to the others. Heyday - more mids focused than any of the others with sufficient bass and enough highs to sound open. To some may seem to have more 'shout' but to my ear canal although 'shoutiness' is a v awkward line to balance; enough high mids are needed in a tuning to give the overall mix a reality of sound. And HBB got it bang on with the tuning of the Heyday as far as I'm concerned. All this aside, hope you're ok Dan? You seemed overly agitated and frustrated. Try not to become too entangled in the baffling minutiae of this hobby to the point where it might begin to affect your emotional balance a bit too much. Remember to turn around and walk back up out of the rabbit hole into the sunlight as often as possible. Speaking as someone equally passionate about everything audiophilic, and very similar in emotional outlook to you, try to keep a sense of humour about all this. At the end of day, in light of all real world problems what we audiophiles get riled up about is to anyone looking in, pretty damn hilarious! I've been a subscriber since v early on. I love what you do and very much appreciate all that you contribute. Your work ethic and passion are v much to be applauded. Pls keep it up! Just don't lose too much equilibrium to a point where you might start to feel burned out and feel like jacking it in . We don't want to lose your channel. Your insights are too precious. Especially when juggling family, parenting, work and every day life, it's all to easy to get exhausted and wrung out. Keep a smile on your face and your pecker up ol' son. You're doing amazing work! Much love, Chris, UK.

[@dansaudioreviews]

Thank you for every word of that. I enjoyed reading your reflections, and I take to heart what your insights into my emotional wellbeing show. I feel like I do swing dramatically at times between states, due to the dramatic swings I feel life throws - plus I myself have perhaps some inclination toward swings anyway. Just as passionate as I can be, I can also be hit hard by things. I try to walk back as you say. I have to or I wouldn’t stay afloat. 🙇🏻‍♂️ Thank you for taking the time to elaborate and connect so well to me. I appreciate you, your thoughtfulness, and your support 🙇🏻‍♂️ Thank you kindly!

[@KITG_]

@@dansaudioreviews yup! I'm def a 'swinger' too! I'm a def yo-yo and have dealt with a life-long tendency to obsessively tunnel into my passions. I see similar in you. Which is why music is so very important to us, I guess? Music has always provided my therapy... The one thing that brings me back to equilibrium and offers an understanding of what makes being a human being magical, even through the darkest of times. It's the one thing that can always bring me back to an understanding that things aren't ever 'that' bad! The technology we use to make the most of our music is just one further aspect to better enjoying the music itself. Delving into the technology is fun but, it's never more important than the music itself. It's the love of music that unites us all in this hobby, not the tech. I think too many people in this hobby all too regularly forget that one all important fact! Keep up the good work, my friend. You're very good at what you do. The courage you have to share so honestly is wonderful to watch. All my very best wishes to you and yours. C x

[@dansaudioreviews]

@@KITG_👏🏻🤘🏻

[@borbetomagus]

I have the Z12, but still find the original KZ ZEX has a fuller sound with more bass. Considering the price difference, I can only wonder what I'm missing.

[@genaishivatov1737]

When playing any recording through any Shuoer model with number 12 - you immediately hear the dominant CYMBALS, then the bass, and only then try to hear the middle - it is distant/little emotional, vocals and acoustic instruments are dried out - there is not enough density. Some people like it.

[@nathz2020]

Hi what is the best upgrade for hidizs mp145? Is the s12 pro or hidizs mp145?

[@AmanSingh-bg5cw]

Z12 pro is my favorite because the less harsh and more rounded bass and for treble and more details og s12 is better. Great video dan as usual you are nailed how to make people watch log videos😅 but i liked your long videos more

[@dansaudioreviews]

S12 Pro you mean! But yes ☺️🙇🏻‍♂️❤️

[@AmanSingh-bg5cw]

@@dansaudioreviews yes bro you're taste is smiler to my taste

[@TonkyTronicus]

I used to enjoy the Z12 but since getting the Timeless AE it never gets any listening time anymore. Now I have the MP145 on order, and I think that's going to finally be the ultimate planar for me. I enjoy a good rounded bass and the MP145 matches exactly the bass curve of the Ikko OH10S (which I love).

[@slothninja5180]

Like he has said in this video graphs aren’t everything just because the MP145 graphs similar to the OH-10S in bass doesn’t mean it will sound anywhere near the same.

[@TonkyTronicus]

@@slothninja5180 Dan said in his review of the MP145 that it has a more rounded bass and the graph bares that out. I've been at this awhile, my friend.

[@dansaudioreviews]

Love the both of you for your comments coming each from their respective vantage points in your equally best effort paths on this. Freakin wonderful.

[@dansaudioreviews]

Indeed the graphs can be different from small differences, and yet too indeed can a person have enough experience to be familiar with a curve's character and general impacts. Experience CAN give insight and wisdom. But ultimately yes, depending on where the differences are, one can have a very hard time knowing whether it'll hit wrong or right. But general descriptors like "rounded bass" can pretty much yield a predicatble result overall. It may not totally land EXACTLY as predicted, and the minor difference in how it lands might mean a lot to our final rating of the enjoyment, but the overall TONAL character can still be predicted fairly reasonably. Especially in the bass range since the bass is so broad in its behavior. It isn't crazy up and down and so many peaks and troughs so close back to back like in the upper mids and treble spaces. But even then a graph could indeed help indicate what general bright flavors may be experienced or not. Still, just because we can predict overall tonal quality and balance, doesn't mean our feelings of how we rate the overall experience will be strong. If something juuuust misses the landing (Z12), you might not see the graph representing a negative reaction to the sound so easy. After all, it's SO close to the S12 Pro after all on paper - with only 2 dB apart. So my whole thing is just about how we can improve our use of language and graphs to communicate.

[@TonkyTronicus]

@@dansaudioreviews At the very least, whether the bass ends up being exactly what I'm looking for or not, it will be a warm, smooth tuning and that always jives with me. Oh, also the whales, or something. Hooray for the whales.

[@primeshmohanty7701]

I bought the S12s when it came out. I really liked the sound but sometimes sounded too intense and harsh to me. I sold them 2 months later. I am using Blessings 3 that i really like but i wanted to have a planar IEM in my collection again. I was torn between S12 Pro and Timeless OG and i bought Timeless. I've getting tempted again with the S12 Pro.

[@dansaudioreviews]

S12 Pro is very very nice

[@primeshmohanty7701]

​@@dansaudioreviewsHow would you compare them with the 7hz Timeless? I am asking this because I know you were not a fan of the Timeless when it came out.

[@dansaudioreviews]

@@primeshmohanty7701 so different. Timeless is more dynamic with more perceived space around everything and “detail” sharp - with more treble heat to make it so. I’ve loved them in the past but I’ve grown a bit tired of its flavor or approach to treble somewhat. But it is very nice for what it does I suppose. The S12 pro is likely preferred by me right now overall. It’s smoother and is doing a different thing, but I like it a lot.

[@jb678901]

Would be interesting to see a compare of the: S12 Pro; vs Hidizs MP145; vs NiceHCK F1. Among these three I think I am going to pull the trigger...AGAIN! Nevertheless, I am pretty proud of myself...I haven't purchased a new IEM in 2023.

[@alvarg]

2023 isn't over yet :)

[@frederf69]

😁 throw into the mix; the Glamdring og or pro 😬cat among the pigeons 🤣

[@okay4105]

I prefer the hexa over S12, I think hexa is more natural sounding, S12 has that planar metallic timbre, S12 is definitely has better technicalities.

[@pampamobannon]

It would be nice if you put the original sound among those iems sound that being reviewed so people could understand how good those iems are or how close to their personal taste

[@DarthRaven2]

As an owner of a S12 pro yourself , what would you say is the next logical step up in terms of resolution/tonality with slightly less treble , the Kiwi Ears Quintet look to me like the next step up ?

[@dantefpsgaming]

did u find the next iem?

[@LCDeeee]

the s12s are most def a nice pair, but for songs like nin-eraser the drums sounds far too bright. there is also a problem with the comfort level, in that you can use them for two hours tops before they start hurting.

[@revotalizer7504]

For me S12>S12pro>Z12 Edit - And after watching the full review.. i like s12 pro more than s12 butttttttt… there’s something off with the s12 pro.. some male vocals sound better on s12 But mp145 is literally better than all of em.. and i like heyday better than mp145.. its a great review overall.. love your takes

[@paultomaszewski1964]

One thing to remember with this hobby is the person listening is their age and what they have been through in life. I'm guessing you are in around 30ish in age. I'm 55 and was in the Army around things that make loud noises and sometimes ear protection wasn't being used. (generators, multiple motorpool noises, firing ranges, etc.) So I may be less sensitive to certain frequencies than someone younger that have never had a round fired off near you when say your hearing protection may have falling out of their ears. (M4 Carbine round is louder than you think when protection isn't in properly) Just saying as you get older, your hearing will change, no way around it. Loud prolong sounds will speed some of that up as well. (concerts, listening to earphones/headphones way to loud)

[@dansaudioreviews]

For sure 🙇🏻‍♂️ Kind of makes communicating personal preferences, with the recommendations based upon them, a difficult thing at times. Audiences are so wide ranging who listen in on reviews and read the community posts. If your treble sensitivity is reduced with age and environment alike, then I could imagine liking the S12 more than others. There might even be a way to tune different models of something to achieve the same perceived affect for different ages.

[@chefsteve8381]

S12 best value iem around ....

[@alanismajere]

Love the video bro. Personally the s12s are to bright for me, now the z12's, even though it shows a peek in treble, for some reason is sounds more congested and not as open to me. What drives me away from them. My s12 pros have been my favorite of the bunch as well. I pretty much took all the planars 250 and below and listened to them for a week before making my decision on the kiwi quintets and s12 pros. Now the M145 is new to me. I'm going to see if you have a video on it (newer community member here). But it sounded really close to the s12 pros of the little clip i heard of it.

[@dansaudioreviews]

Thank you 🙇🏻‍♂️

[@delicrux]

I think the heyday is a nice dark tuning, I don't typically go for that but it does sound nice. I would be interested in hearing your take on the kinera pandamon. I know it looks silly but the square planar in it probably has the best tamber I have heard in a planar.

[@igorzovko5854]

❤

[@igorzovko5854]

❤

[@igorzovko5854]

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[@igorzovko5854]

Wđ

[@igorzovko5854]

Žđ

[@revotalizer7504]

Always loved your reviews.. please consider adding back Waking Up track by Mj cole.. love those vocals and that bass line.. ❤️❤️❤️

[@ayushbhaumik7980]

Dan I love your approach but I really wish if you could give us FLAC files of these recordings because youtube heavily compresses the sounds( this is evident when you listen to youtube version of a song then listen to its FLAC version) and I have heard several sound demos from many channels and I always find the differences between earphones get reduced by youtube's garbage compression algorithms. The other day I was listening your sound demo comparing S12 with Moondrop chu and senn IE600, now I own the chu and the s12 pro and run them off a good portable DAC( Chord Mojo) and the real life differences are like 10 times more than what the sound demos would suggest. The S12 Pro especially on desktop gear (like my aune X7S amplifier) makes the moondrop chu sound like some $2 ear bud sold on the streets. Now coming to these sound demos, my impression is the Z12 has less energy in the sub bass region than s12 pro and the cymbals sound a bit splashy compared to S12 Pro while male voices sound thinner, but I dont think youtube videos can show us the true extent of the differences.

[@bodythetan]

Z12 sounded nasally in this comparison. Hated it. OG sounded best to my ears

[@farhanasif8295]

Been waiting for this video for so long! Hi Dan! Hope you're doing well. Just got the S12 Pro a week ago and so far I love the fast dynamics of the planars. I still love the IKKO OH10 that I got after seeing your review. How would you compare the Timeless/Timeless AE compared to the S12 Pro? I heard the Timeless OG can be a bit fatiguing. So far S12 Pro seems pretty tolerable to me and enjoyable as well.

[@dansaudioreviews]

I would say I prefer the S12 Pro against the Timeless AE’s version of a similar theme of smoothness and ease. I like the way the clear sound of upper end playas against its lower end fullness. The way it does it is just my preference right now.

[@RitualBoat]

How would You compare the IKKO OH10 against the S12 Pro? I am about to buy one of them but still deciding

[@Hijynx87]

Oh10 is great, it still holds up in 2024 imo. Didn’t really care for the oh10s retune, it’s missing the sparkle. Timeless ae is still great too, but not for $250 especially with mp145 and s12 2024 now out…..which is the best planar iem imo, like a polished mp145 in a tiny shell. Very natural sounding.

[@guybrushtwood]

Did anyone else pick up on the the z12 not being in tune properly? The s12 pro hits the bass lines coherently with the mids and treble. The s12 does the same but is brighter and lacks the fullness/richness of the bass shelf that the Pros have. The z12 was definitely “funky” for a lack of better word. The bass line seemed to land a beat or 2 behind the mids and Treb. If the z12 was a human, it would be uncoordinated AF

[@sock3981]

theres no difference 🤣🤣

[@rafidshahriarpranto588]

Which is better S12 pro vs Zetian Wu?

[@ryg1991]

I hear more forward vocal on the s12 pro or is it just me? Making me want to buy it.

[@bojandimitrieskimilenkovic9226]

From what i'm hearing (using redmi buds 5 pro btw): The s12 and s12 pro are about the same with the treble being a bit smoother on the s12 pro In comparison the z12 fsr has compressed and recessed sounding vocals and its quite noticeable. Z12 looks great and costs less than others atm and i almost ordered a pair....i guess s12 pro is what ill be getting in the end. If anyone knows that there's a way to easily "turn" z12 to s12pro please let know, thanks. To the op: thanks for the review

[@renatobdc]

Z12 is not bad, just a bit shouty, because of those peaks around 2-6k. S12 pro is definitely better.

[@User-s2f3s]

Have OG s12 and for my taste it is too bright because of 7-11k peaks even with a warm sounding sources. Needs EQ if you're treble sensitive

[@TFWandyzilla]

Graphs don't say much. Tangzu wan'er and some 1000 usd iems have the same tunings

[@AdarshGuptaOfficial]

in my opinion s12 is sounding better than s12 pro

[@aesonone]

even 1db differences in the upper register especially are not small by any means esp if it comes to timbre, it's not super pronounced on the demo if not focusing. sibilance sounds worst on z12, like the spike is the most isolated, og sounds more mid-ful and rounded there, pro sounds like og U-shape-ified in this demo, this is before re-checking the graphs

[@aesonone]

and after doing so these measurement differences are not negligible either way, the landscape of the upper frequencies does not match as close as talked about

[@aesonone]

all have an annoying emphasis in the midhighs though to a varying degree, becomes apparent when other models were a-b-ed

[@xgadgetid8270]

S12 Pro $130 vs Heyday $180?

[@Rsalmond83]

Heyday for more body and bigger stage

[@AmanSingh-bg5cw]

​@@Rsalmond83r u drunk bro stage in heyday 😅

[@Rsalmond83]

@@AmanSingh-bg5cwsound is subjective. I hear what I hear!

[@AmanSingh-bg5cw]

@@Rsalmond83 what you hear is not sound stage it forwardness bro

[@User-s2f3s]

Hype 2 😂

[@blascovallejo3246]

Hi!, I have some S12pro but I don't know which dac with battery to buy, they tell me that it must be greater than 300mw because they are planar, help, my budget is 120 dollars

[@nonenothing5009]

Whats about Fiio q3?

[@dfung4351]

Favor to ask from Dan - It would be amazing if you can make a short to compare between Timeless vs S12 Pro? I don't think this has ever been done 😄

[@dansaudioreviews]

It’s actually a great idea. 💡

[@Hijynx87]

Dan the timeless ii is coming in a few weeks! Hopefully at a more competitive price and not $250.

[@dansaudioreviews]

I don’t have it yet.

[@Hijynx87]

@@dansaudioreviewsalas it never came lol.

[@dansaudioreviews]

@@Hijynx87 indeed

[@ZeusPropofol]

Two db difference is very noticeable, especially in the upper mids and treble. If you can’t hear a difference, check your ears 😂 people.

[@missmygamergirl445]

A graph only shows you what it's doing right A waterfall shows you what it's doing right and wrong. Out of band behavior.

[@donnytramp6955]

nice

[@TWforage]

S12 Pro NiceHCK C24-2 24 Spinfit W1 END GAME. hold on... Michael Bruce mods!

[@porscheoscar]

Damn this song take me back to simple days after 9/11

[@maui.tech.0415]

The s12 pro are way more “balanced “ than the z12 and s12. The pros have more mids in the low range mids

[@tincedeng]

The Z12 sounds worst here. I actually bought the Z12 not long after its release. But sold them few weeks later. It's just not for me. Should've bought the S12 pro. Damn.

[@dansaudioreviews]

You still can? 🤔

[@tincedeng]

@@dansaudioreviews nah. Got my end game CIEM now.

[@CesarGonzalez-mx7su]

what iem? @@tincedeng

[@paul-cristianmihai4431]

I'm REALLY not on the right channel, I can't feel the difference ; maybe some people are better equipped at hearing sound, other... have better vision, etc. I enjoy something that sounds clean, bassy and with clarity in the vocals (so, maybe V-shaped, so I'm not an "audiophile"). P.S. : I don't know where the physical difference, or snobism begins in the "audiophile" world...