REVIEW! Shuoer S12: PLANAR simple

Last year's 7Hz Timeless took a lot of people by surprise, but I had the feeling it was just the start of incoming wave of well-tuned planars. And now Shuoer is here with their S12, another 14.something millimeter planar earphone that's suspiciously similar to Timeless. But is it the same thing at a lower cost? Let's talk about it.
See the frequency response for the S12: squig.link/?sh...
See the Shuoer S12 on Aoshida Audio: aoshida-audio....
----------
- Super* Shirts here: super-review-m...
- Join the Super* Discord: / discord
- Follow me on Instagram: / fakesuperreview
DISCLOSURE: This video is NOT sponsored, but retailer Aoshida Audio did send these earphones to me free for review. Check them out at aoshida-audio....
Music by Birocratic. Check him out on Soundcloud: / birocratic
#Letshuoer #SuperReview

[@SuperReview]

Audience Q&A is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5TFh2l8otGMeqs

[@letshuoer]

Hey all, love the review. I want to just refer to one thing about this review about why we as a company use dual pin over MMCX - the reason we moved away from MMCX is that MMCX while not proprietary to any manufacturer, does not have a single manufacturing standard. Dual pin, on the other hand, is widely documented among Chifi companies. Cable compatibility is better because of this, meaning you won’t see cable too tight or too loose for one earphone and cable pairing. You can’t say the same about MMCX. Sacrifice a little bit of connector integrity for cable compatibility.

[@WarisAmirMohammad]

That's poggers

[@SzymonSaysStuff]

Imo, if you are to use 2 pin, always use the QDC variant. The standard 2 pin variant is hot garbage and I bloody hate it

[@ANOLE_VX]

@@SzymonSaysStuff QDC is awful lol, QDC 2pins are more prone to breaking, even with not much of a cable swapping, they still crack and break eventually. Standard 2 pin is better, QDC sucks.

[@SzymonSaysStuff]

@@ANOLE_VX you have an anime pfp, of course your opinion is wrong

[@ANOLE_VX]

@@SzymonSaysStuff k boomer

[@synthvault]

I have the S12 and the Timeless and did a deep comparison. I came out of it thinking the S12 was clearly superior to my ears. The Timeless has almost no depth to it's soundstage. The S12 bass is very satisfying without being bloated, the fit is better for me, better overall build and the cable is just fantastic.

[@JohnClarkW]

I just got my S12 this weekend. I like it and I agree, it is basically a brighter Timeless with slightly better imaging. I am betting that people will have fewer fit issues with the S12, and I ended up going with CP100+ tips for sound and fit, and they help on the sibilance for me. I agreed with your take on the accessories, great cable ( other than the fact they didn't have 2.5mm ), good tip selection, and the case was too small. I prefer the Timeless a bit more, but maybe not $70 more, but the accessories were better on the Timeless ( I use the tips and case, and didn't need an adapter for the cable ). I think I have confirmed that I am a planar as well as a DD fan, and really haven't like liked BA sound ( or at least the budget BA sets I have heard so far ). Side topic - I was thinking Tanchjim Oxygen or Hana 2021 , I decided to preorder the Olina, since it uses the same driver as the Oxygen, but has a fit closer to the Mele, for about $100. It seems like an easy choice in that space, and I am curious to see how they turn out.

[@sovac9107]

Have you gotten the Olinas how are they compared to s12

[@jb678901]

Went the same route. I have had the OIlna for over a month but am still waiting (AliEx) on the S12...should arrive before this weekend. For the Olina, I doubled up on the OEM-provided nozzle filters, which seems to work best for me. For $97, it is an amazing IEM to me, in terms of performance, fit, finish/quality. My calculation was a simple one...the Olina plus the Shuoer S12 (US$141) being (together) about $20 more than a 7Hz Timeless purchase. The S12 will be my first planar. As I understand it, this IEM is extremely well-suited to custom EQ'ing. Therefore, I think this one will own my home office, given that I have a venerable Nakamichi SR-2E (Nelson Pass designed amp, c.1986, EXC+ condition) at my desk to feed this planar! Apparently, the BASS really shines with this IEM; subject to a proper EQ and decent power.

[@JohnClarkW]

@@jb678901 Those are both great IEMs. I have been running the S12 with a bit of bass shelf and it can deliver some serious slam. Most planar sets take EQ very well. Your logic is solid, and I think if I hadn't already owned the Timeless, I would have skipped it for the S12, and been happy. I am also running the Olina with double mesh mod, and really like that. Olina is pretty amazing, and one of my favorites. My guess is that many people could go S12, Olina, Mele, and not need another IEM.

[@sovac9107]

@@jb678901 I see

[@sovac9107]

@@JohnClarkW so which do you prefer the s12 or olina?

[@tonybowen455]

I have the timeless. Already seems bright to me. That being said, the s12 seems like a way better deal. Even with the timeless on sale sometimes for 200, you can get the s12 and an amp/dac for not much more than the timeless itself. Oh, and you're selling me even more on the fh3 which was already at the top of my list for things to try next!

[@SuperReview]

If you like mids and deep bass, I think you'll like FH3.

[@kanz7329]

I have an FH3 for sale with a balanced 2.5mm cable thrown in. let me know if you are interested

[@retouthugues4921]

Thank you for this interesting test and comparison. I try to find a good iem focused on midrange, not v shape. Under 700$.

[@khadesru]

Shouer s12 + sonata e44, great match

[@spector175]

@@khadesru S12+ Xduoo link 2 bal great synergy similar to your dac-amp .

[@BeyondFunction1]

There no doubt is wiggle room in terms of how manufacturers specify their drivers. That said, IIRC the S12 driver is defined as 14.8mm whereas the 7Hz is defined as 14.2mm.

[@mattparsons8598]

I've been going back and forth between the S12 and Timeless for the last week. I had comfort issues with the S12, Spinfit W1 tips fixed that up for me (cp 100 were better, W1's took it to the proper level). I listen to a lot of Rap/Rock/Metal and I'm finding myself really enjoying the more focused attack on the S12's, that little bit more mid bass impact thump becomes a lot more evident when you adjust to listening for it. Value on these things is crazy I was sure I was going to pick the Timeless over the S12's, but the S12's have really grown on me and since fixing the comfort and I don't find myself reaching for the Timeless anymore so they're likely going back. I'm one of the sensitive ears crew that will replace this cable with something a bit less hefty. Still doing a bit of testing but leaning very heavily towards the S12.

[@morespinach9832]

Or try Onkyo E700M for half the price but get made in Japan quality and discover actual sound. Timeless and S12 are both stupidly artificial sound.

[@mattparsons8598]

Absolute shit attitude. This hobby needs way less people like you declaring what they like is the best and what everyone else enjoys is shit. You making money off those fixed wire dirty bud sales my guy? They look terrible, I'll pass.

[@morespinach9832]

@@mattparsons8598 and way less sensitive snowflakes like you losing their panties every time someone disagrees with you or corrects your dumb notions. Whatever. Enjoy your music

[@mattparsons8598]

@@morespinach9832 No one's losing their mind. You present your opinion on a very subjective topic like you're some absolute authority. "Corrects your dumb notions", "discover actual sound". The whole premise here is "what I like is better than what you like". Then you present a set of fixed wire budget AF looking buds as if they're some holy grail of audio. The whole premise is preposterous. This isn't my first set of IEM's or headphones. I don't need some onkyo earbuds to open my eyes.

[@morespinach9832]

@@mattparsons8598 it’s not subjective. It’s measurable. Bye.

[@carlsitler9071]

My preference is balanced, full, rich, tight and fast with detail and clarity. I also find super bright recordings sound bright on my planars (over the ear). Might be a thing.

[@alp786]

Brilliant vlog!

[@fatdoi003]

Most of my gear is towards the bright side as I'm a table slot but the Timeless gives me a darker and bassy fun sound from my bright stuffs

[@johnbrav9025]

Very detailed, informative review. Just what need, no bllsht. Comparison, ranking. Well done.

[@SuperReview]

🤙 I mean there was at least a little bullshit in there.

[@arc-audio]

Smashed the like button when you started talking about The Smiths

[@KmtS9]

Hi! Enjoy your videos and many thanks for the work you put in. Would like to ask a quick opinion/reco. I daily drive a 7hz Zero and Tangzu Wan'er. Also use a Hifiman HE400SE and M40x (in case that helps the discussion). Music is mainly forms of rock (indie, alt, shoegaze, pop punk, jrock), instrumental (math rock, prog rock/metal, jazz fusion), indie/jazzy/bluesy/chill pop, and occasionally some hiphop (specifically Kendrick/Kanye/early Drake). So a majority is music with instruments (as opposed to more electronic things). Looking for an upgrade on the technicalities front - imaging, separation, resolution, clarity. Really enjoy the tuning of the 7hz Zero and Wan'er. I can currently get a Hexa for $90, which would've been my insta-pick (Zero Red didn't seem like it would've been a big enough upgrade - can get it for $60 by the way) buuuuut, i can get an S12 for $100. Is the S12 too good of a deal to pass up? I feel like i will prefer the Hexa tuning more, but i believe the S12 is a considerable step up in technicals. And i would also be open to try out the different tuning of the S12, in addition to the better technical performance. What you think? 😅 Thanks!!!

[@Wingedmagician]

Some iems are super polarizing I’ve noticed. Like the Timeless. Even the B2 of all things. This hobby is weird. I have both because of the unanimous praise I was seeing but there are people who see one or the other as “meh it’s alright”

[@_jerieljan]

It doesn't help that people and opinions can also grow to love or hate audio gear over time and as they get more options. Sometimes you really just have to hear it for yourself to see if an IEM or headphones are good or not.

[@SuperReview]

What's your take on B2 and Timeless hype?

[@GlitzPixie]

Timeless was the most conflicted I felt with an iem. Everyone praised the tuning, but I found both the treble and bass unsatisfying. The soundstage was also distractingly narrow. I expect it scales well with more expensive dac/amps, but for a budget set that's not really what I'm looking for

[@_jerieljan]

@@SuperReview I bought both as well and I think the hype is justified since you do get fantastic audio with great value with these. I was originally hesitant to buy the Timeless even though I owned the B2 already, but I'm still glad I did because I enjoyed it in places where the B2 was lacking (comfort, and it does perform better occasionally), and thankfully, I love their sound quality and are appreciating it more over time. I've no regrets, and once I can, I might stick the Timeless in a TWS adapter (FiiO UTWS5?) to maximize using both IEMs.

[@73split]

@@GlitzPixie planar drivers definitely scale with more power! It is not a “ meme” ! I would not recommend any planar headphones or earphones for portable use for that very reason.

[@cxmxc]

Mark how about making a video of your top 5 iems of all time?

[@V2760]

Are Letshuoer S08 is coming for a review?

[@HeroOfAnnihilated]

Could you please measure SSR with spring tips and Aria with spring tips?

[@elypeachy3296]

Great to hear Hana outshines in technicality. I just got ER2XR, aside from staging which is narrow in ER, how would you grade the two. Does Hana offer better clarity for its higher price and if so by how much ?

[@SuperReview]

Hana is much stronger imaging than ER2XR. I prefer ER2's tuning.

[@elypeachy3296]

@@SuperReview wow, thanks that peaks my interest in disparity.

[@genaishivatov1737]

To be honest, Moondrop Spring tips with such a large bore (6.5mm) are not very suitable for high-frequency planars like the S12. And I would recommend something smaller for them - with a hole of 4-5mm.

[@SuperReview]

Honestly "wide bore = more treble" is a bit of a meme, it's not consistent in measurements nor in my listening experience, very hard to predict what sound differences a given tip will make on a given IEM in a given ear canal.

[@mukasaisaac328]

Should I buy the s12 or just stick to my original plan of buying etymotic er2xr

[@edgarva5547]

Nice review. I already order one. I wondering wath opinion do you have.. Im happy with your 4 stars... That mean i did good choice... Just a question how hard do you find it to drive it... I do have couple of dongles but how hard it os to drive... I order the 3.5 cable planning to use it pluged to tbe phone jack directly if possible I native spanish speaker so apologize if i do have to much mistakes on my writing

[@SuperReview]

No es deficil prender. Planar memes are memes.

[@user-pj5eh6ii1k]

Great review as always! Nice comparisons as well. How would these compare with the Moondrop Kato?

[@SuperReview]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5icemeYpa6mpsk

[@user-pj5eh6ii1k]

@@SuperReview is it this similar to the Timeless? I now have Timeless and Kato and I can say I like the tuning on the Kato better

[@eduardobatista329]

Love it

[@LandsPlanes]

An important doubt! Shuoer S12 or Moondrop Kato for all rounder iem?

[@SuperReview]

KATO

[@LandsPlanes]

@@SuperReview why?

[@ronniethornton8548]

@@LandsPlanes probity with Kato your getting two iems in one with filter change

[@zev51104]

How do you like the Spring tips compared to Xelastecs? I have fit issue's with the Timeless, which is solved by the Xelastecs, but I'm starting to notice they don't hold up for very long before deformation. They seem prone to creases.

[@SuperReview]

I prefer Spring tips. Xelastecs are pretty good, but actually a bit too grippy I find -- they pick up lint easily, which bugs me.

[@sorucha8249]

Is the tripowin zonie a thinner cable? I like the s12 but as mentioned, the cable specifically at the ear hooks is a little too thick for my taste

[@RajeevKumar-yr9xj]

Hi When will you post yume midnight review? Waiting for your opinion on it along with its comparison with kato & bravery.

[@SuperReview]

Next week. KATO will be included, but not Bravery.

[@Wingedmagician]

@@SuperReview looking forward to it

[@decadence34]

Just ordered mine on the Primeday, meanwhile Im using an KZ EDA

[@federicovalmassoni3827]

Which one has the wider soundstage?

[@namnguyen-mp6ur]

Do you think this year is the year we have neutral-ish Planar IEM ?

[@SuperReview]

P1 exists.

[@namnguyen-mp6ur]

@@SuperReview Not in my country :)

[@bleighhh]

@@SuperReview neutral maybe, anyway lacks on the low end so not super neutral. Not boosted

[@mattbeckham9779]

@@bleighhh It's interesting that I just purchased a used P1 as a backup to my original. The used P1 has a much more extended low end and fullness. There are definitely discrepancies between units. I was quite surprised. This might explain why some people love the P1's, while others are not impressed.

[@aaronmagdaleno2250]

Between the galileo and the s12, which one is better for music and gaming, they are priced the same btw (my last iem was a hexa)

[@SuperReview]

Hexa

[@SzymonSaysStuff]

If it’s good for The Smiths, I’m interested. 👌🏻

[@disastrousemouse]

Spring tips don’t come large enough to fit me, sadly. I got them and was shocked they don’t come with a larger size. No seal

[@SuperReview]

RIP

[@aylward21]

Mark, if one day KZ offers you an collaboration with their product would you willingly accept it?

[@SuperReview]

No, don't think so.

[@samyg123]

I tried these and was pretty blown away at the detail for the price. But I found the metal shells a little uncomfortable...I just saw HiFi Go released a new Planar IEM (Muse HiFi). Do you have any plans to review that one?

[@SuperReview]

No.

[@nomimomu2146]

between shuoer s12 & seeaudio bravery which one do you prefer ? i found a used bravery same price as a new shuoer s12, i having a hard time deciding which one to buy

[@SuperReview]

S12 probably, haven't listened to them at the same time.

[@eduardobatista329]

We all love it for chesky and vivaldi

[@cxmxc]

I’m trying to find an og hana …..cant find it anywhere

[@SuperReview]

squig.link/list/?search=hana

[@fercano1698]

Which is better FiiO fd3 o shuoer s12 and why? I am going to buy one of them

[@sharanm5622]

I own both of them and the s12 is far ahead of Fd3

[@RajinderKaur-yz6ro]

Can you review the tin T3 plus next ?

[@SuperReview]

No.

[@raikenninja4843]

It just Aria with a bit more bass, get it if you afraid of Aria paint chipping issue.

[@VulgrDisplay]

@@raikenninja4843 have you heard them compared before? The aria sounds terrible compared to the t3+. T3+ is not the same as the t3.

[@raikenninja4843]

@@VulgrDisplay Tbh I hear them once or twice and I think they are minute difference between both, the T3 Plus sound less shouty and bassier than the Aria, although I like the Aria as the treble is airier.

[@gyurko]

Which would you prefer as an all-rounder? Ikko OH10 or Shouer S12? And also, important: which has better and larger space and sound stage? Thanks a lot!

[@MayankYadav-bi4hf]

Did you get any answer?

[@gyurko]

@@MayankYadav-bi4hf Not. I bought the S12, but using directly on my phone. Tomorrow I'll get a small dongle dac for it

[@MayankYadav-bi4hf]

@@gyurko how is the sound quality and do i need to have an dac for it. Because for oh10, I won't need it and I've heard great reviews about oh10 as we

[@gyurko]

@@MayankYadav-bi4hf It's a very good iem, although sometimes too bright for my taste. Overall it's a joy listening to music on it. I'll try my dac dongle and different tips to see if anything changes. I've heard it does

[@spector175]

@@MayankYadav-bi4hf S12 surpasses oh10 in technicalities, details, clean sound also s12 can be eq'd to your hearts content. I'm using s12 with Xduoo link 2 bal. I have made 2 eq profiles for S12 IEF , HARMAN target.

[@CarlosEduardoPineda]

Great review! How's the Sony nw-a105 handle the s12? Have you tested that?

[@SuperReview]

S12 runs fine off of anything.

[@CarlosEduardoPineda]

@@SuperReview That's great, thank you!

[@sleazymiguel6882]

@@SuperReview its a lie, S12 doesn't run fine of anything. It's an amazing iem but you need power. No Apple dongle or those thing cos you'll crank the volume to 90

[@MannyScoot]

The S12 are worth every cent, have patience and after a couple of hundred hours of burn in they will become a beast ! .....DD's cannot compare to a Planar.....Planars have their own qualities ......

[@trocadero1965]

I love my S12... The more I use the better they sound!.... Or.. Else 😂?

[@trocadero1965]

But the Tin P1 Plus with a good AIDERLOT cable with final ear tips, sound good too. Thanks a lot for your great reviews, I mean it... Cheers

[@LandsPlanes]

BEST two iem under 500€? In detail, resolution, soundstage..

[@realaudioreviews]

Moondrop variation

[@tecno4u31]

How they compare with Kato in separation?

[@ICYGENIUS]

i haven't compared them but s12 sounds absolutely good on all genres i think they are more versatile

[@zacaviad919]

Ik it might be a throwback - but would you please place the ER2XR and the ER2SE amongst the "newer and cooler" models that brands keep shooting out? Thanks for you work!

[@SuperReview]

I tend to compare versus whatever I think is most comparable / what people are comparing in forums and Discord chats. I think Ety gets left out of discussion often because of the fit. Understandable.

[@unbiasOrbit]

I can't get the stock tips to fit my ears, it barely seals and slips out whenever I start to talk/move my mouth. Doing that just pushes the S12 out of my ear, it's annoying especially when I'm gaming cause I'd need to let go of my mouse and keyboard just to readjust the IEM What after market tips that would fix my fit issue? I don't want to sacrifice sound quality and soundstage too, just something neutral

[@SuperReview]

Hard to tell, fit is personal. But I use Spring tips on mine.

[@unbiasOrbit]

@@SuperReview Ohh I see, but what abt sound wise? What difference between the Moondrop Spring Tips vs Stock tips?

[@SuperReview]

@@unbiasOrbit I don't think it's possible to say generically what difference in sound tips will make. The difference will come from the combination of the ear tip + your individual ear. Usually the differences are not obvious.

[@tanlongnguyen2363]

What cable is that on your FH3

[@SuperReview]

JVC FDX1 cable.

[@Mykeoguns]

Bro how does it compare to IKKO OH10?

[@SuperReview]

I didn't compare directly. From memory, OH10 is a bit more V shaped, more bass dominant and smoother treble.

[@eduardobatista329]

Wow for this price

[@TF2ReplayMaker]

How does this compare to the Hana 2021 in terms of treble?

[@SuperReview]

S12 is brighter.

[@TF2ReplayMaker]

@@SuperReview thanks! Personally which do you prefer?

[@SuperReview]

Hana

[@TF2ReplayMaker]

@@SuperReview I see... I'll give this one a miss then since I own the Hana. Thank you for the replies!

[@armsregkralkidna1359]

Try simgot ea500

[@mrmickey122]

Hi, can somebody help me? I am wondering, what is the best $100 earphone? I found that KZ as16 os the best deal according to youtuber and comment section, but i just found that Moondrop Aria just released, so what is the best deal for sound?

[@SuperReview]

squig.link/list/?price-zone=3&score=5,4

[@VulgrDisplay]

Depends entirely on what sound signature you like. Under $100 if you like smooth/warm with authoritative bass I would go with the Tripowin Mele for $50 or BLON03 for $30. These IEM's have a sound signature that I would say sounds like what audio engineers intend their mixes to sound like. The Blon03 may have fit issues and is a little more bass heavy toward the mid bass. If you like a decent amount of bass but more sparkle in the treble the Tin T3+ for $70 or Tripowin Olina for $100 sound similar. If you are into mids/vocals the tin t2 (original) is really good. A lot of people like the moondrop stuff, but I think they sound really strange. They honk like a goose to me.

[@mrmickey122]

@@VulgrDisplay thank you so much Mr Keith, it helps a lot

[@VulgrDisplay]

@@mrmickey122 one decent route to find out what you like if you aren't sure is to grab the Blon03 and the Tin T2 which can be done for less than $100 and you can start to find out what you like if you aren't sure.

[@mrmickey122]

@@VulgrDisplay ermmmm can i ask you something? My lust is too strong right now, do you think Sennheiser HD 660s is great deal for me? I like pure balance sound, sorry for out of topic, but i want to buy $400 headphone 😅

[@leonardopapantoniou4227]

Hi! You said sibillance was corrected in part using ear tips… which ones? Could you make a post of where to buy them?

[@SuperReview]

I use Moondrop Spring tips on the S12. But I should point out that the difference in fit and sound are likely personal -- not sure what likelihood that you'd have the same experience, given our ears are not the same shape. shenzhenaudio.com/products/moondrop-spring-tips-silicone-soft-earphone-ear-tips-for-iems-3-pairs

[@zhanurdos]

Kato better shuoer?

[@SuperReview]

KATO

[@davidfornes7030]

Haver you ever tried the Viento or Monarch mkII? If so which one would you prefer?

[@SuperReview]

Viento fit is pretty bad for me and it's pretty sibilant. I've heard Monarch II, but not for as long. Based on what I have heard, I prefer Monarch.

[@eduardobatista329]

Love the fit, compared to timeless , sound so much better to time less,in every way, fiio cant touch planar, too much bass, no balance

[@eduardobatista329]

Fits do good

[@tsavolion7336]

which is the best bass iems under 200$?

[@SuperReview]

KATO / Hana 21.

[@tsavolion7336]

😔its 2pin...wat about mmcx?

[@realaudioreviews]

@@tsavolion7336 etymotic er4sr or see audio yume

[@sanjibdebnath9605]

Your videos are unnecessarily long. Other reviewers are conveying same message in a comparatively shorter time.

[@arthur3593]

Can an dongle like Fiio Btr5 or Fiio Ka3 drive these?

[@SuperReview]

Never used them, but I'd be shocked if they couldn't.

[@arthur3593]

@@SuperReview Thanks.

[@xhappymasksalesmenx4092]

Yes. These aren’t hard to drive

[@xunpeng7520]

These are the ceilings of in-ear headphones, and even the most expensive plugs are a scam

[@SuperReview]

Whenever someone describes something they don't get as a scam I just imagine that Star Wars "It's a trap!" character.

[@xunpeng7520]

@@SuperReview Some in-ear headphones that sell thousands of dollars are not even as good as hundreds of dollars, and after listening to so many headphones, enthusiasts' money is really easy to cheat.

[@taddostiguy521]

🙃 Promo`SM.

[@SuperReview]

wut

[@morespinach9832]

Not. Neither. Both are muddy artificial sound. All the internet fandom is silly and more for “Beats” crowd.

[@SuperReview]

knowyourmeme.com/photos/645713-am-i-so-out-of-touch

[@unbiasOrbit]

Me when I'm wrong

[@_Pretender]

Hello! Have you heard the SoundRhyme SR-5 headphones? Can you compare them to S12Pro? How do they sound in comparison? Best regards from Ukraine!

[@SuperReview]

Sorry no, haven't heard them.