Letshuoer S08 - The Unexpected One

[@shambles3458]

The Guinness of the iem world

[@HKS-le3hi]

Yeah same feeling when i EQ s12 into s08. Sounds like a DD more, very low end emphasis .i think it provides good value for the package and the price.

[@PaulWasabii]

The missing bit is how the bass reacts or how you perceive it. As I said, wasn't a fan of it out of the box and I think the dampening method adds more emphasis.

[@nohai5960]

Still rocking with my S12 Pro :D

[@m_yy_m]

Thanks for the honest review 👍👍 Hot take... They should have considered using resin shells and cheaper accessories, price it around $60. At $100 the price is a bit steep considering one can get two planar iems for that price and mod one with foam. The shell looks nice, though...

[@PaulWasabii]

I think their resin tends to be expensive, they would need to 3d print much like Galileo at that price. I think they wanted something special for their anniversary.

[@m_yy_m]

Makes sense.... Thanks 👍

[@EricJorgensen1]

Thank you

[@paulosilva8200]

Perfect for loud volumes. Because at my 85db volume. The upper mids and treble goes up to 4 dB. So at my volumes. Perfect

[@PaulWasabii]

I will say kinda perfect and alluded to why. Even at higher volumes or even with EQ, the foam still gets in the way on resolve. You will get farther along at 85db but you can void the warranty and look at the foam situation to dial it in.

[@paulosilva8200]

@@PaulWasabiiwhat foam?

[@paulosilva8200]

@@PaulWasabii you mean. Filter inside? Or placing a filter?

[@ReverendDr.Thomas]

​@@PaulWasabii Lord knows I adore the sound of my Hidizs MP145 earphones, but unfortunately, I cannot achieve a proper seal in my left ear, and so, it is time for me to pass them on to someone who can put them to good use. And, because I am a planar magnetic driver fanatic, I plan to order a pair of these Letshuoer S08 as soon as they are available in my usual online shop (Lazada), or at least when they can be bought using discount vouchers.

[@bernaquinonezreveles2952]

I fall in love with S08 is perfect to my taste on the sound. Good bass clean, I still hearing all the details without muddy or boxy sound (I have and HD600 and HD580 Precision for reference) First iem and love it! Next will be the MP143! I recommend this for people who don’t like sharpness Wasabi, what are you prediction about MP143 just looking the new changes?

[@PaulWasabii]

I have no idea on MP143. Tough competition in planar space coming soon

[@fiddlix]

Great review Paul, I wonder how similar the replay of the S08 as compared to the Aful Explorer..?

[@PaulWasabii]

I will eventually hear Explorer but I think they are similar.

[@chefnimmo8192]

I was thinking the same thing, love my explorer and was wondering if this is similar but single planar

[@sagaman4785]

Ordered mine from Amazon and plan to “pull the foam out of it “ if it doesn’t have enough high end. I’ll listen to it first. I bought the black version. We will see. Thanks for the advice from your squig link on this one.

[@PaulWasabii]

I pulled one out, the other was glued. Just loosen it first, they really jammed it in on mine. Its a warranty voiding move so didn't want to encourage it

[@sagaman4785]

I forgot to ask, saw the graph, but how does it sound? Hope it just sounds more balanced. Maybe you can do a short video on the filter change if you think it’s worth it.

[@sagaman4785]

Got my Letshuoer S08 and sent it back. Didn’t want to take the chance pulling out the foam. Letshuoer needs to look at that design and maybe put filters on the nozzles. I might take a chance on the Tinhifi DuDu maybe after more reviews.

[@spamcan9208]

My next set is likely going to be planar because I haven't heard the driver type yet. This tuning sounds like it's something I would like but it comes at the expense of why I want a planar in the first place. I've held off buying the S12/S12 pro in part because I'm worried about the treble being too much for me.

[@PaulWasabii]

Right, you understand the issue. Everyone wanted something between S12 Pro and S08. Easier on the ears but still resolves like a planar.

[@dontbuyanything4729]

How do these compare to the Artti T10? I think it's the same company (or similar to how KZ and CCA operate) that made both the S08 and T10? I have the T10 so if someone has both sets and can tell me if I should buy the S08 because they seem similar in tuning.

[@luvingyouu]

Don’t buy this if you have t10, you can play around with filters and tuning to get the t10 to tune like this. The t10 for me is also a bit wider and taller in soundstage with better techs but the s08 has a bit more forward vocals and is more natural sounding

[@demondjackson2875]

I love my Timeless AE

[@PaulWasabii]

Timeless was up there in price, but it can still resolve like much more expensive sets. Someday we will see the Timeless 2

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

Looking at graphs and listening to your description it seems very similar to hidizs mp145. According to graphs hidizs has a bit more energy up top, more in the upper treble.

[@PaulWasabii]

MP145 did a better job at treble control without as much dampening. You could also use MP145 without the tip which was a more open sound

[@carltonhobbs]

Just got the S08, and has replaced my Timeless as favorite set, but Timeless was also my most expensive set. For me, it still has lots of treble extension and soundstage. I knew I'd hate the S12 for the 2.5 and 8 Khz peaks.

[@PaulWasabii]

Yeah, you have heard both ends of planar world, Timeless and S08. Now if someone could hit the middle ground..

[@JohnClarkW]

Both the description and graph seems like the P1 Max with just a bit more bass, which sounds like a great IEM. I typically find planar IEMs have almost flat soundstage, which is the trade for the speed and detail.

[@PaulWasabii]

If you play with EQ, you quickly learn how to add depth for your ears. I almost always tick 2-3k down, 200-400hz up. And you need to do that on the source you use as it changes with devices. I don't think it is planars that are flat, it is the tuning that makes them sound flat.

[@fuzail3379]

But pulling 3k makes Vocals pull back as well. Female ones. Isn't it ​@@PaulWasabii

[@PaulWasabii]

@fuzail3379 If 3k at your listening volume is flattening the stage, lower it so it sounds natural. Typically for me 1 or 2db down from Harman is better than on or over Harman. Also why I don't dwell on specific values, adjust the areas based on your source color and preferences. If you use a real warm source, you might go in the opposite direction

[@fuzail3379]

@@PaulWasabii for eg Dusk dsp has pull back it isn't it. But there are other iems as well who does the same thing. When I try to pull back 3k it gets vocal pull as back well. 1.5k to 2k pulling back makes the perfect sound to me. Now. If not this Planar which Planar is best to buy and EQ it. For eg Mp145 is too big, so i won't buy. S08 I'm not buying after your review. Still waiting for planar iem which can be good in treble so that I can play around other frequency for my taste.

[@PaulWasabii]

@fuzail3379 there is one new planar out, the Tinhifi dudu. There is another by a brand known for their trebles that is close to what you want. Price might be scary, not sure yet. It sounds like you have a handle on EQ for your ears which is an amazing place to be

[@Catorlyt]

What do you think of the S08 VS the zetian wu heyday?

[@PaulWasabii]

S08 is much more relaxed. Kinda the way a lot of people described S08 is closer to a DD. A much warmer, relaxed sound. Heyday is more in the S12 Pro ballpark

[@shaunbrady15]

Does taking the foam out help with clarity, detail, and make it brighter?

[@PaulWasabii]

Yes, you can just loosen it. One side of mine popped out easily, one was glued which started to shred the foam so I went with loosening. It is packed into the hole for some reason so just need to stretch it out slightly so it dampens less.

[@raikazuki7968]

Hi Paul. New subscriber here. I am choosing between the S08 + Ibasso DC04 Pro and Simgot SM4 alone as my end game. Between the two, which is better? Kefine Delci was my 1st choice but opted to add a bit as this are my end game iems.

[@PaulWasabii]

You are looking at two different styles and one person would typically not be looking at both at the same time. If you like bassy, more relaxed music, that is S08. SM4 is Harman, a bit leaner, brighter, less of a bass focus and more on upper end.

[@raikazuki7968]

@@PaulWasabii thank you. I will choose S08 then. What DAC dongle can you recommend under $150 that can complement the S08? Or DAC dongles like FiiO JA11 can drive the S08?

[@CODPRICEGHOST]

Hey Paul I just got these as my first more expensive-ish iem and I am not liking it at all. I think its mainly the narrow soundstage which is making me a bit claustrophobic and its lacking that airyness. The bass doesn't feel great either. My budget iems(castor,trio) are more enjoyable to listen and the s08 feels like a downgrade. I am hoping removing the foam can save it, does removing it improve the soundstage? Also how did you remove/loosen the foam. Do you have to pull the mesh filter? Do I need to buy new mesh filters? You are the only one that spoke about the foam so I am hoping for some guidance on this thanks.

[@PaulWasabii]

I had the same complaints you listed. Yes, you need to peel back the nozzle mesh and you will see some foam jammed in the hole at the bottom of the nozzle. On one side, the foam came out easily, the other had more glue and it began to shred trying to get it out. At that point I settled for leaving both in, just pull them out a bit so not stuffed in the hole. I also haven't read about others trying it so not sure what other sets will look like. I have other foam, but I would try to avoid shredding the foam that is there if you do not. Also some chance you will prefer it without foam but I wanted to leave it loosely in place.

[@CODPRICEGHOST]

​​@@PaulWasabii Damn, they really jammed that foam in deep. I loosened it and didn’t hear much of a difference, but when I removed it, there was a massive improvement!! The soundstage opened up, and the bass is no longer a boomy, muddy mess. There’s slightly less bass quantity, but the quality is much better (I consider myself a basshead, but I’d rather have quality over that mess). It still lacks a bit of airiness. I don’t like bright IEMs, so I was initially worried about planar sibilance or shoutiness, but they are still fine at high volume without any fatigue. There is still sibilance but they respond really well to EQ adjustments now. Makes you wonder why they even added that thick foam in the first place. That soundstage is a massive red flag, and reviewers don’t emphasize enough how bad it is. I don’t understand how these are recommended so often or how people can enjoy them in that state. They’re a 4/10 with the foam and an 8+ without. They sound like a better Chu 2 now, but honestly, they’re not worth the asking price or maybe my expectations were just too high. Edit: Well it took me a few days to appreciate how much better it is over my budget iems and I'm absolutely loving these now.

[@umeshlahiru9435]

How's things when it compares this to KZ PRX? Both are 4th gen planars..

[@PaulWasabii]

S08 is tuned thicker, heavier bass. PRX is more like S12 than S08.

[@SartWaiting]

Hello, Paul! There is a FR with the foam removed on your squig. How would you describe the difference in sound?

[@PaulWasabii]

No foam I only did one side to measure and going to be on the brighter side. Loosening the foam is what I did and that is a better middle ground. sounds more like S08 but not so overdampened. One side had glue on the foam so I didn't want to shred the foam getting it out, but its tightly packed in there, I'd say just loosen it or if both pop out, put them in loosely

[@Re-InCarNation]

How does the Letshuoer S08 and kefines delci compare to the Tangzu Fudu verse?

[@PaulWasabii]

Those are steps down in treble energy with similar bass curves. So Delci, then lower is Fudu with its 4k peak, then S08. The thing to keep in mind is that even with bass similar or the same, the lower the treble, the more bassy it will sound. So you go from quite balanced with Delci, to relaxed with Fudu (but that peak), and then really bassy, relaxed is S08

[@OgSwisszyed]

As an s12 lover especially for the tech and treble do you think this is an alternative choice for planar sound ?

[@PaulWasabii]

Its the compliment to S12 which has the tech and treble, S08 is the more natural but less tech and treble.

[@cadmiumpureland]

Adding foam is old tech. Should learn from KZ, they are using circuits to control the freq.

[@AD-lt7jr]

How does this compare to the hbb Wu heyday ??

[@PaulWasabii]

Heyday was closer to S12, but a bit more relaxed. Still sounded planar. S08 is closer to a DD sound.

[@CJ-usa]

Hi Paul :)

[@vasilistzannetis8286]

Hi i have the HANA 2021 and because of the short nozzle cannot fit them to my ears. Do you think that the nozzle of S08 is as short as on HANA2021? Many Thanks

[@PaulWasabii]

Yes, Tanchjim used that style on Hana and Oxygen, won't fit everyone. S08 isn't like that but I noticed other people saying the shell shape wasn't as well fitting for them Its an odd or not typical shape. If you can buy it at Amazon or a place where you can return it, that is your best bet.

[@vasilistzannetis8286]

​@@PaulWasabii many thanks!!!

[@hanquah]

Sir how does it Vs PR1 pro from kz hi end planar .

[@datdudeinred]

Fuck kz. Never buy that shit. You'll 100% have issues.

[@PaulWasabii]

Very different sound than PR1 Pro. PR1P is quite bright, this is the opposite

[@AshokKumar-qm5cj]

Hey paul, This or the ea 500lm?

[@pratiklandge3906]

Very different tuning, the ea500lm is much more v shaped whilst this is warmer and relaxed in the upper end. This isn't available yet i think in India

[@AshokKumar-qm5cj]

@@pratiklandge3906 it's therenon concept kart

[@renatobdc]

I tried the s08 recently and I didn't like it at all. Almost any DD makes a better job with such a timbre and tonality. Bass is just a big undefined mass.

[@PaulWasabii]

Yep, its a tough one

[@PREMKUMAR-qq6pk]

S12PRO vs this which is best

[@PaulWasabii]

S12 Pro is for people who like more treble, brighter, more technical sound. S08 is more relaxed, darker for people who don't like S12P

[@defective1728]

is it good for metal and hard rock?

[@PaulWasabii]

Its kinda bassy for that, but if that is how you like your metal and rock, then yes. Some people prefer lighter bass, more technical metal which is why I say that.

[@defective1728]

@@PaulWasabii can you recommend me what iem for that genre

[@ReverendDr.Thomas]

Paul, thank you for another wonderful earphone review! 👌 Reverend Dr. Thomas, ✝️ The Vegan Vicar 🌱

[@shamelessplace11]

Vegan is that some sort of new chicken?? 😅

[@ReverendDr.Thomas]

@@shamelessplace11, so funny... ....NOT.

[@shamelessplace11]

@@ReverendDr.Thomas hey man am just poking at you a bit ... No harm intended

[@ReverendDr.Thomas]

​@@shamelessplace11 You are urged to become VEGAN, since carnism (the destructive ideology that supports the use and consumption of animal products, especially for “food”) is arguably the foremost existential crisis.🌱

[@lasttempoinparis]

If only all IEM had a screwed brass nozzle with an interchangeable foam/filter inside like the Moondrop Chu II 😮‍💨 Planars where your listening experience is feeling 'boxed in" aren't worth the attention.

[@ReverendDr.Thomas]

I didn't realize the Chu 2 had a removeable nozzle. I wish I hadn't sold mine. :(

[@lasttempoinparis]

@@ReverendDr.Thomas The Chu II has a lower brass nozzle fixed to the shell and "bottle cap" brass cap screw on where the filter mesh is under the metal grill.

[@lasttempoinparis]

@@m_yy_m Brass doesn't turn green if you store the Chu in a box with a little pack of silica gel to absorb humidity. Can buy these packs by the dozen for all your IEMs

[@ReverendDr.Thomas]

@@lasttempoinparis Thank you! Incidentally, would you believe that, only a matter of a few seconds after reading your comments, I spotted an advertisement for silica gel? 🙂

[@PaulWasabii]

I won't advocate it as you void the warranty, but the foam isn't hard to reach. Loosen it up or replace with less dense material