Letshuoer D13 is a brand-new single dynamic driver in-ear monitor (IEM) from the company. These IEMs have generated quite a buzz in the audio community, and I was fortunate enough to get my hands on this sample.
D13 is a dynamic driver IEM designed and manufactured by Shuoer Acoustic Technology Company Limited. The standout feature is its custom 13mm DLC diaphragm dynamic driver. With a retail price of $119 US dollars, it’s an attractive option for those seeking high-quality sound without breaking the bank. The D13 is available in two stylish color schemes.
Disclaimer: I am not paid to make this review or offer any specific opinions about this product, and all thoughts expressed in this review are solely my own.
Headphones arrived in an elegant medium-sized carton box with a sleeve. The front of the sleeve showcases an illustration of the IEMs, while the back lists the technical specifications. Upon removing the sleeve, you’ll find a well-organized box containing:
- Letshuoer D13 IEMs
- Detachable 2-pin cable
- Two sets of tuning filters (silver and gold)
- Three pairs of black silicone ear tips
- Three pairs of white silicone ear tips
- Letshuoer product catalog
- Manual
- Warranty card
- And a stylish carrying case
Considering the D13’s price point, this accessory package is exceptionally generous. Impedance of D13 is 16 Ohms, sensitivity 105 dB/mW
Design & build
The Letshuoer D13 shells are сonstructed from aluminum alloy, they exude durability and quality. Their barrel-shaped body fits your ears comfortably, and the faceplate features three sleek arc shapes filled with striking red paint. Notably, each earpiece boasts four vent holes: one small arc-shaped vent on the faceplate and three round vents on the inner shell near the nozzle.
Speaking of nozzles, they are on the shorter side but sport a metal mesh at the end for protection against dust and earwax. A small lip at the nozzle’s end helps secure ear tips in place. The nozzles double as interchangeable tuning filters, with both silver and gold options included as we we talk about how filters affect the sound later in this review.
The 2-pin connector sockets are color-coded, aligning with the cable connectors for easy identification of left and right earpieces. This thoughtful touch adds to the overall user-friendly design.
The D13 package includes six sets of silicone ear tips, with the white tips being shorter and wider compared to the black ones. Throughout this review, I’ll be using the white ear tips with the gold nozzles.
In summary, the Letshuoer D13 has a good build quality, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail in its construction. The design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Fit and сomfort
Comfort is a vital aspect of any IEM, and the Letshuoer D13 delivers in this department. The compact, lightweight shells, coupled with their ergonomic shape, make for a comfortable fit. Despite the shorter nozzles, achieving a secure fit with the stock ear tips is effortless. These IEMs are well-suited for extended listening sessions, ensuring fatigue-free enjoyment.
Cable
The D13 includes a detachable 0.78mm 2-pin cable, and two versions are available: one with a 3.5 mm single-ended connector and another with a 4.4 mm balanced connector. My sample came with the 3.5 mm connector.
This cable is a visual and functional delight. It stretches to 1.2 meters in length and is crafted from a 4-core monocrystalline copper wire, resulting in a tidy, well-braided cable. The Y-splitter and plastic chin slider add to the cable’s overall quality and usability.
One standout feature is the low level of microphonics (cable noise), which is especially surprising given the D13’s compact size. Additionally, the included black pleather carrying case boasts an internal pocket to conveniently store the IEMs with the cable attached, making portability a breeze.
Letshuoer D13 sound overview
Please note that all the sound impressions I’m sharing on this channel are completely subjective, so please take them with a grain of salt.
The Letshuoer D13 exhibits a U-shaped sound signature that doesn’t demand a powerful amplifier to shine. I had no trouble driving them with my Samsung Galaxy S10, and there was still headroom for volume adjustment.
The overall sound signature is characterized by natural warmth, a pronounced low end, and lively treble. The 13mm driver packs a punch in the bass department, while the mids take a slight step back, and the treble contributes a smooth, detailed soundstage.
One noteworthy feature of the Letshuoer D13 is the inclusion of two interchangeable nozzles or filters. I’ve experimented with both, and while the difference is subtle, it’s certainly present. The gold filters enhance the upper midrange’s presence and energy, resulting in a more defined overall presentation and added airiness to the treble.
All my sound impressions in this review are with the stock white ear tips and gold nozzles.
Bass
The bass response of the D13 is punchy, with a slight roundness and excellent weight, body, and speed. The 13mm driver delivers an authoritative low-end rumble, ensuring these IEMs are far from neutral. The sub-bass extension is commendable, and the mid-bass exhibits a satisfying punch. While it’s not a bass-heavy pair, the balance between sub-bass and mid-bass is well-maintained, with a slight edge towards the sub-bass.
The D13 also impresses with its bass texture and detail, especially given its price point. The bass remains controlled, never veering into muddiness. It provides an adequate bass foundation for most genres. Moreover, if you’re a bass enthusiast, these IEMs respond favorably to EQ adjustments, allowing you to add more low-end presence without sacrificing clarity.
Midrange
The midrange on the Letshuoer D13 is where the U-shaped signature starts to reveal itself. While there’s minimal bass bleed into the lower mids, they could benefit from a touch more weight. However, the midrange is slightly recessed, with the upper mids taking the spotlight. This boost in the upper midrange makes vocals, both male and female, appear forward. With poorly recorded material, this emphasis can lead to a slight harshness in vocals.
Despite this, the midrange maintains good clarity, offering a natural timbre, ample presence, and well-defined notes. It’s a trade-off between a slightly recessed lower midrange and lively upper mids, resulting in a dynamic and engaging listening experience.
Treble
The treble response of the D13 strikes a balance between smoothness and detail. It exudes energy without being sibilant or sharp, catering to those sensitive to treble. The treble sounds natural and contributes to the D13’s overall warm tonality.
One minor drawback is the treble’s early roll-off, which impacts airiness and sparkle. While it doesn’t possess an abundance of sparkle, it’s lively enough to enhance clarity. Interestingly, the gold filters slightly improve the treble presentation, adding a bit more sparkle to the mix.
In summary, the treble on the D13 is smooth, detailed, and well-suited to its warm tonality. It strikes a balance between detail and fatigue-free listening, making it an excellent choice for extended listening sessions.
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Sound stage, imaging, details
The sound stage presentation of the Letshuoer D13 leans toward depth rather than width. Although it’s not exceptionally wide, it avoids feeling congested. The soundstage is well-organized, offering ample space and precise instrument placement. It imparts a sense of distance and dynamics, aided by the driver’s speed.
Instrument separation is commendable, with all elements falling neatly into place. This clarity contributes positively to the overall listening experience. However, when it comes to detail retrieval and micro-details, the D13 is average. This characteristic lends a slightly laid-back and softer texture to the music.
Conclusions
Letshuoer D13 combines exceptional design, comfort, and sound quality, making it a solid contender in the mid-range IEM market.
Pros
- Excellent design and build quality
- Comfortable fit for long listening sessions
- High-quality stock cable
- Warm and natural tonality
- Dynamic and engaging sound
- Impressive bass response
- Lively and rich vocals
- Comprehensive set of accessories
Cons
- Treble rolls off a bit early, lacking air and sparkle
- Detail retrieval is not the strongest suit
- Soundstage width is average
The Letshuoer D13 is an ideal choice for mobile use or extended listening sessions, thanks to its top-notch build and comfort. Additionally, it pairs well with various portable sources, making it a versatile option for audiophiles on the move. However, it’s essential to note that the D13 might not appeal to those seeking a neutral tonality, extensive detail retrieval, or technical prowess.
If you prioritize a warm, musical, and slightly laid-back sound signature with a robust bass presence that excels in long listening sessions, I can easily recommend the Letshuoer D13 to you.
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