LetShuoer Cadenza4 Review
LetShuoer Cadenza4 Review
Introduction:
LetShuoer (former Shuoer) is a Chinese company located in Dongguan, Guangdong, China and is specialized in design and development of portable audio equipment’s such like Universal & Custom In-Ear Monitors and USB DAC/Amplifiers.
The Letshuoer Cadenza4 is an In-Ear Monitor (IEM) featuring a 10mm dual-chambered beryllium-coated dynamic driver. This driver design aims to achieve both lightweight construction and rigidity for accurate sound reproduction. Balanced armature drivers from Knowles and Sonion are also incorporated, targeting rich mid-frequencies and extended treble response.
The Cadenza4 utilizes three 50μm 3D printed acoustic tubes for sound delivery. These tubes are designed to promote accurate and consistent sound. A four-way electronic crossover is also employed to manage frequency distribution and potentially minimize phase distortion.
Comfort during wear is addressed through a collaboration with HeyGears Technology to refine the earphone chassis. This refinement aims to provide a secure and ergonomic fit for extended listening sessions.
The Cadenza4 includes a premium cable constructed with 392 strands of high-purity silver-plated monocrystalline copper. This cable design targets enhanced sound fidelity. The cable features three interchangeable 90-degree plugs, offering compatibility with various devices.
Disclaimer:
I would like to thank LetShuoer for providing me the Cadenza4 In-Ear Monitor as review sample. I am not affiliated with LetShuoer or any third person beyond this review and all these words reflect my true, unaltered opinions about the product.
Price & Availability:
The actual price for the LetShuoer Cadenza4 IEM is 249.00 US$. More information’s can be found under the link below;
Package & Accessories:
The LetShuoer Cadenza4 arrives in a rectangular gray box with the Letshuoer branding displayed on the top. The box is wrapped in a matching gray cardboard sleeve that includes additional product information and brandings.
Inside the box are the following items/accessories;
- 1 x pair of LetShuoer Cadenza4 In-Ear Monitors
- 1 x 2-Pin Detachable Cable with Interchangeable Connector Design
- 3 x Types of Interchangeable Connectors (3.5mm SE, 4.4mm & 2.5mm Balanced Plug)
- 3 x pairs of Balanced Silicone Ear Tips (S, M, L)
- 3 x pairs of Vocal Silicone Ear Tips (S, M, L)
- 1 x Storage Case
- 1 x Some Print Materials
Design & Build Quality:
The LetShuoer Cadenza4 features a lightweight, 3D-printed shell designed in collaboration with HeyGears, a leading name in 3D printing. The main housing comes in white, while the faceplate contrasts with an elegant looking, anodized, CNC-carved aluminum alloy panel in matte gray finish.
The LetShuoer Cadenza4 employs a hybrid driver setup featuring a proprietary 10mm dual-chambered beryllium dynamic driver, alongside 2x Knowles and 1x Sonion balanced armature drivers known for their high-frequency precision. The IEM utilizes three 50μm 3D-printed acoustic tubes with a claimed high degree of accuracy to deliver smooth and consistent sound, while a four-way electronic crossover manages frequency distribution and aims to minimize phase distortion.
Each monitor features a low-profile sound nozzle with three openings dedicated to the three acoustic tubes that are part of the 4-way electronic crossover.
On the top of each monitor is a 0.78mm diameter 2-pin female connector interface that provides a tight and secure connection. Nera the nozzle is a small venting hole.
At the rear surface is are some brandings and the Left (L) / Right (R) indicators.
The Cadenza4 boasts a premium cable construction featuring 392 strands of high-purity silver-plated monocrystalline copper.
Additionally, the braided design with soft PVC insulation ensures both flexibility and durability.
The 2-pin connectors feature sleek metal housing with L/R markings on their surface, while heat-shrink ear guides on both sides offer extra comfort on the go.
The cable includes a metal Y-splitter and a transparent plastic chin slider.
The detachable cable features a design with interchangeable 90-degree plugs, offering wider device compatibility.
It comes with three separate adapters: 3.5mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced, and 2.5mm balanced. This allows you to connect the Cadenza4 to various devices regardless of their headphone jack size or type (balanced vs single-ended).
The build quality of the earphones and cable prioritizes functionality, offering a sense of sturdiness, while the materials used appear well-suited to daily use.
Comfort & Isolation:
The LetShuoer Cadenza4 is an In-Ear Monitor designed for lightweight comfort. The ergonomic shape provides a good fit for various ear sizes, particularly those with a medium-sized concha (the hollow part of the outer ear). Additionally, the IEM’s passive noise isolation can help reduce ambient noise in moderately loud environments, such as on public transportation.
Pairing & Drivability:
The LetShuoer Cadenza4 has an impedance of 15Ω at 1kHz and a sensitivity rating of 102 dB/Vrms. This makes it quite an easy in-ear monitor (IEM) to drive. While it can be driven properly with sources like smartphones and portable DAC/Amp dongles (Nutron HiFi DAC V1), it offers an audible improvement in performance when using a DAP’s (FiiO M23 or HiBy R6 Pro II).
Technical Specifications:
- Driver Configuration : Hybrid Driver
- Driver Combination : 10mm Beryllium Coated DD + 1x Sonion BA + 2x Knowles BA
- Frequency Response : 20-40 kHz
- Sensitivity : 102dB
- Impedance : 15Ω
- Cable Wire Material : 392 strands silver-plated monocrystalline copper
- Length : approx. 120cm
- Connector Interface : 0.78mm dia. 2-Pin
- Plug : 3.5mm single-ended, 4.4mm and 2.5mm balanced adapters
Equipment’s used for this review:
- IEM’s : LetShuoer Cadenza4, SIMGOT EA1000
- Sources : FiiO M23, HiBy R6 Pro II, iBasso DC06 Pro
Albums & tracks used for this review:
- Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Apple Music Lossless)
- Adele – My Little Love (Apple Music Lossless)
- Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
- Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Radiohead – Live in Berlin “Album” (Apple Music Lossless)
- Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Apple Music Lossless)
- U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Bear McCreary’s – Valkyries (Deezer HiFi)
- Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
- Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Daft Punk – Instant Crush (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
- Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Apple Music Lossless)
- Hans Zimmer – The Dark Knight OST (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Spotify)
- Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Apple Music Lossless)
- Pink Floyd – Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Apple Music Lossless)
- Miles Davis – So What (Deezer HiFi)
- Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Metallica – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
- Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
- Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)
The Sound:
The LetShuoer Cadenza4 achieves a balance across the frequencies. Bass is punchy but controlled, mids are detailed and transparent with a natural emphasis on vocals and some warmth in the lower range. Treble is crisp and clear with a touch of sparkle, avoiding harshness. The result is a soundstage that benefits complex genres. Overall, the Cadenza4 prioritizes a natural and detailed sound without sacrificing balance.
This review has been written after a burn-in period of approx. 80 Hours. I have used the stock balanced silicone ears tips and the stock cable with the 4.4 mm Balanced Headphone Adapter that is included to the package. My main source was the HiBy R6 II Pro (DAP) and FiiO M23 (DAP) and the iBasso DC06 Pro (DAC/Amplifier dongle).
Bass:
The LetShuoer Cadenza4 shows a bass response that impressed me with its excellent sense of balance and naturalness. It doesn’t sound overpowering or boomy, but it delivers a satisfying punch when the music calls for it, audible in songs like Bear McCreary’s “Valkyries”, Toutant’s “Rebirth”, and Gogo Penguin’s “Raven,” a track that showcases both the speed and control of the Cadenza4’s bass. The basslines stay clear and defined, and a major strength is the level of control of this area that never muddies the sound by bleeding into the midrange.
This clean and balanced presentation will make the Cadenza4 a great choice for those who enjoy a wide variety of music. However, if your listening preference leans heavily towards bone-rattling bass, the Cadenza4 might not be the most ideal option. It prioritizes a neutral soundscape, which some might find a touch lacking in low-end emphasis.
Midrange:
The LetShuoer Cadenza4’s midrange performance is characterized by clarity and transparency. This allows for a detailed presentation of vocals and instruments, where each element shines through distinctly. Vocals take center stage, maintaining a natural and smooth character. The level of transparency in this area creates a spacious atmosphere that benefits intricate instrumental passages.
The lower midrange of the Cadenza4 is mildly emphasized audible while listen to instruments like cellos and guitars or vocals like David Bowie, Dave Gahan and George Michael, which are reproduced with a good amount of body and depth. The LetShuoer Cadenza4’s upper midrange on the other hand leans towards a clear and detailed presentation. This emphasis brings vocals like Norah Jones and Diana Krall to the forefront of the mix, highlighting details and nuances. Instruments like piano also benefit from this slightly boost, gaining some brightness and definition.
Treble:
The LetShuoer Cadenza4 shows a well-balanced treble tuning, which manages to be bright and airy without to become harsh or sibilant. This tuning creates a crisp and clear treble presentation that reveals plenty of detail for cymbals, hi-hats, and bells, without to sound unnatural. The emphasis in the 8kHz region is well-controlled, adding a touch of sparkle and brilliance to the sound, audible with instruments like piccolos and flutes, without overpowering the rest of the sound.
This tuning characteristic makes the Cadenza4 a suitable option for those who enjoy a detailed soundscape without excessive brightness or aggression in the treble. Tracks like Pink Floyd’s “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” benefit from this approach, as the cymbals and high-frequency elements remain distinct without becoming fatiguing. Overall, the LetShuoer Cadenza4’s treble tuning prioritizes a balance between detail retrieval and a smooth listening experience.
Soundstage:
The LetShuoer Cadenza4 offers a wide and spacious soundstage. The presentation creates a sense of separation between instruments, placing them across a broader auditory field. This can be particularly beneficial for orchestral music, as it allows each instrument to occupy its own distinct space within the mix. The overall effect is one of immersion, where the listener feels surrounded by the music.
Comparisons:
LetShuoer Cadenza4 versus Simgot EA1000:
The Simgot EA1000 shows a pretty deep and impactful bass response with a strong emphasis on sub-bass quantity, delivering a satisfying punch for bass-head enthusiasts. In contrast, the LetShuoer Cadenza4 offers a more balanced approach, prioritizing bass quality over quantity. While it may lack the sheer power of the EA1000, the Cadenza4 delivers a tighter and more controlled low-end, providing a solid foundation for various musical genres.
The Simgot EA1000 offers a detailed and clear midrange with a forward upper midrange, providing excellent vocal articulation and instrument texture. This emphasis can be perceived as bright or analytical by some listeners. In contrast, the LetShuoer Cadenza4 prioritizes a smoother and more natural midrange presentation, resulting in fuller and more present vocals with a denser overall texture. While this tuning may be less revealing than the EA1000, it creates a cohesive and engaging listening experience.
The Simgot EA1000 has an extended and energetic treble response, delivering a bright and airy sound with exceptional detail retrieval. This character can be exhilarating for treble enthusiasts but may cause listener fatigue for those sensitive to high frequencies. On the other hand, the LetShuoer Cadenza4 adopts a more relaxed treble approach, prioritizing listening comfort and reducing the risk of treble fatigue. While it may not match the EA1000’s level of detail, the Cadenza4 offers a smoother and more balanced overall sound.
The Simgot EA1000 presents a wide and expansive soundstage, contributing to a sense of air and openness. This characteristic complements the IEM’s detailed and energetic presentation. In comparison, the LetShuoer Cadenza4 offers a more intimate soundstage with a focus on instrument placement, creating a well-defined and engaging listening experience.
Conclusion:
The Letshuoer Cadenza4 delivers a compelling combination of technical prowess and sonic finesse. The dual-chambered driver design with balanced armatures results in well-balanced sound across the frequencies. Bass is impactful without being overwhelming, mids are detailed and engaging, and the treble sparkles with clarity. This creates a soundstage that excels with intricate musical passages. The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable listening experience, while the premium cable with interchangeable headphone plugs offers versatility. If you prioritize a natural, detailed, and balanced sound signature, the LetShuoer Cadenza4 is definitely worth considering.
Pros & Cons:
- + Well-balanced, Natural and Detailed sound
- + Realist Soundstage & Imaging
- + Overall Technical Performance
- + Fit & Comfort
- + Minimalistic yet Modern Monitor Design
- + Decent detachable cable with interchangeable headphone adapters
- + Excellent Value
- – Slightly rolled-off in the upper treble region
- – Design may not appeal to everyone