Mastering The Technique

Ratings

Pros

• Expert tuning.
• Possibly one of the quickest, driest, most unrestrained and concise basses I’ve ever tried.
• Huge midrange, balanced for both vocals and instruments.
• Technical skill, clear, transparent, separated, wide, focused, precise and shaped sound.
• Separate and individual treble notes, crisp, energetic, sharp upper range that will delight Treble-Heads.
• Exciting controlled feel in all ranges. The sound of the BA drivers is very well tamed to avoid being sharp or piercing, managing to be musical despite the high informative, technical and analytical level of the ensemble.
• Lightweight, medium-sized titanium alloy construction with very good ergonomics.
• Elegant and premium design.
• Gift accessories: ring and necklace.
• Large round metal case and glossy micro textured finish, with fully distinguished black silicone cover.
• Very handy cable.

Cons

• Neutral bass, with limited power and energy. I would have liked LetShuoer to have included a special dynamic driver just for bass to enjoy all its qualities.
• Old school cable, it lags a bit behind in terms of the luxury offered by the capsules. In addition, it has only one termination when LetShuoer usually accompanies its models with modular cables.
• Those looking for musicality, warmth and smoothness in the high range will have to look elsewhere.

Purchase Link

https://letshuoer.net/products/letshuoer-mystic-8-wired-iem-hifi-earphones-8-ba-drivers-in-ear-monitor

Link to the WEB

https://letshuoer.net

Introduction

LetShuoer continues to celebrate its eighth anniversary with 8 as its symbol and lucky number. Now it’s the turn of what could be called a variation of the Cadenza 12, but with 8 BA drivers. This is the LetShuoer Mystic 8 high-end IEMS, the first model of a new series called ‘Myst’, based on the ‘Phantom Cat’ design, the silhouette being drawn on the outer face of the IEMS, while the silver pattern symbolises the misty veil. It includes Sonion and Knowles BA drivers, a low-pass filter module, a three-way electronic crossover, a four-way acoustic tube, a precision CNC titanium alloy housing, an 8-wire × 20 single-conductor silver-plated monocrystalline copper cable and a 2Pin 0.78 mm connection interface. The low-pass filter module, integrated into the acoustic tube, uses a combination of porous material and a micro-hole module to perform the low-pass filtering function. This approach allows selective transmission of low-frequency signals and attenuates high-frequency signals, significantly enhancing low-frequency energy and resulting in a more impactful and immersive bass experience. The Mystic 8 employs a sophisticated three-way crossover circuit and a four-way acoustic tube configuration to ensure precision, smoothness and consistency of sonic performance. This system effectively balances the sound pressure levels in the balanced armature drivers, minimising phase distortion and ensuring a seamless listening experience. Unsurprisingly, the Mystic 8s come with a luxurious set of accessories and packaging to match their price tag, as well as a few surprises in the form of free gifts among those accessories. We’ll see below if the near $1000 price tag is justified on all four sides of this new product.

Specifications

• Driver Type: 4 BA Sonion drivers + 4 BA Knowles drivers.
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-40kHz.
• Sensitivity: 107dB.
• Impedance: 18Ω.
• Capsule material: Titanium alloy housing black vapour.
• Cable: 1.25mm 8 x 20 cores x 0.05mm silver-plated monocrystalline copper.
• Jack Connector: 4.4mm BAL.
• Capsule Connection Type: 2Pin 0.78mm.
• Starting Price: $989.

Packaging

The case is relatively large, measuring 223x195x56mm. It alternates black background colour with silver, following the design of the outer face of the capsules. In the upper left corner is the name of the brand. In the centre, the logo. In the lower left corner is the ‘Phantom Cat’. On the back side are the specifications in black on silver and in three languages (Chinese and English, among others). There are also the brand’s branding, the logos of the certifications the product complies with and the original product warranty stickers, as well as a curious ‘Demo’ sticker exclusively for reviewers (I understand). This silver packaging opens through a flap and extends fully. The first thing you see when you open it is a slogan: ‘Experience the charm of music with LetShuoer’, while on the inside it serves as an instruction manual in several languages. The brand logo is the seal that holds together two flaps of the black box, the background of which is the silhouette of the logo itself, but in considerable dimensions. Opening the flaps like a two-door cupboard, the left-hand column contains the black foam moulds containing the capsules at the top, while the bottom column contains the round box. In the right column is an elongated box with a gift accessory. Underneath is a foam mould containing three sets of silicone tips. Inside the round box are the cable and a brush. In summary, the complete contents are as follows:

• The two Mystic 8 capsules.
• The cable with 4.4mm BAL connector and 2Pin 0.78mm interface.
• One set of white translucent tips size SxMxL.
• One set of black tips size SxMxL.
• One set of translucent white tips with black core sizes SxMxL.
• One round storage box.
• One user manual.
• One warranty card.
• One ‘Phantom Cat’ ring.
• One silver necklace.
• One cleaning brush.

The round case with its black silicone lid and the bottom ring, also in silicone to avoid scratching surfaces and prevent slipping, is surprising. The case is metallic, shiny and has a micro-sandblasted texture. The lid is very flexible and the inside is also lined with black rubber to protect the IEMS. The lid has the brand logo and a flap for easy opening. Also interesting are the accessories, such as the ring and necklace, which are made of shiny silver metal. It is curious, but I find it somewhat avoidable; I would have liked other types of accessories, such as a set of exclusive silicone-crystal tips, for example, or a set of interchangeable mouthpieces, or a ‘visibly superior’ cable with interchangeable plugs. And I use the term ‘visibly superior’ in relation to the cable because its strands are thin and fine, and the matt black coating does not enhance the beauty of the IEMS. The materials of the cable may be very good, but to the eye it is not very eye-catching, although it is very flexible. Even the 2-pin 0.78 mm interface looks extremely generic, with a black plastic connection sleeve and little else. It doesn’t feel like a cable from a product costing almost $1000.

Construction and Design

The capsules are made of titanium alloy by high-precision CNC machining. They have a medium-sized semi-custom shape. They are black, except on the inner plate of the outer face, where a misty veil-like pattern alternates. On the rim is the silhouette of the ‘Phantom Cat’ with a diamond-shaped eye. On the border you can read the model name, the large lettering defining the channel and the word ‘DEMO’ in this case. On the other side is an oval, translucent hard plastic, fully recessed oval plate with 2-pin 0.78mm connection. There is a hole on the side. The inner side has that valley shape with a bulge near the edge. The nozzles grow vertically and cylindrically rapidly, tapering into a step to secure the silicone tips. The diameter at the base is 5.9mm, while the crown is 6.2mm and the approximate height is 4mm. The nozzles are protected by a bushy metal nozzle. The acoustic tubes are visible through the mouthpieces.
The cable consists of an 8-wire silver-plated monocrystalline copper conductor with 20 single strands. The 4.4mm gold-plated plug sleeve is a silver-plated micro-sanded cylinder with a depression near the cable outlet. The marking is written longitudinally in white letters. The cable outlet is protected by a black rubber sleeve. The splitter piece is a cylinder of the same material as the connector sleeve, with bevels at the cable exits. The pin is a semi-translucent plastic ring. The sleeve of the 2-pin 0.78mm gold-plated connectors is the typical rectangular black plastic piece with a coloured dot on the side indicating the channel. It has semi-rigid black guides. The cable sheath is matt black. The conductor is shielded with a dielectric material to reduce distortion. According to the description, this is a cable with a premium conductor, but the feeling is that the strands are thin and the 2-pin connector finishes are too generic. On the other hand, the fact that a brand like LetShuoer, which produces so many interchangeable connectors, has opted for only a 4.4mm balanced connector limits the use of this model to a single output. Finally, the diameter of the cable seems a little tight; it gives the feeling that the plug slips easily into the balanced audio outputs, which gives the impression that the connection is not very secure or strong. However, the cable is very flexible and the microphony is practically nil.
On the other hand, the design of the capsules is fine, though perhaps a little intricate. However, I like the size, shape and weight, as it is not too heavy for a titanium alloy. The best thing is the glossy black finish.

Adjustment and Ergonomics

Despite the above comments on the cable, this classic model favours ergonomics and its fine strands and proven over-the-ear design are still valid. The cable is thin and flexible, which also improves overall comfort. As for the capsules, the shape is comfortable, but the protrusions on the rim are always a bit annoying for my morphology. It’s true that the capsules fit very well and don’t rotate, but the pressure and contact of this part bothers me in the long run. On the other hand, although the mouthpieces seem long, they are half way, as is the thickness of the mouthpieces. Believe it or not, slightly thicker nipples improve the surface fit. But in this case, there is a somewhat critical adjustment when it comes to getting the perfect seal so that the bass doesn’t escape. And this upper setting may depend on the tips used and I can’t always find the exact point, it may even vary depending on the day and the situation. This indicates that there is something critical and sensitive about finding the best fit. On the other hand, the level of insulation is high, but as is often the case when I use my homemade and handcrafted foam-filled large tips.

Sound

Profile

The sound of the LetShuoer Mystic 8 is quite balanced, homogeneous, even neutral. Their frequency response moves between 8dB and almost 15kHz, which means a fairly flat response. There is a sub-bass boost that drops rapidly down to 100Hz, from this point up to 1kHz it is totally flat, while the pinna gain is around 9dB between 3kHz and 4kHz. The transition to the treble is smoothed out and extends in a decreasing fashion only to become more accentuated in the air region. Without a doubt, this is a very balanced profile, with sufficient body in the lower bass and very representative in the mid-range.

Bass

Representing bass by using BA drivers has a clear disadvantage: the very low-frequency pure tone test uncovers the clear vibratory and thus coloured character of the sub-bass. Up to 40 Hz, the bass seems more wave-like and oscillating than real, deep, sensory or physical. Up to this point, the volumetric and physical component is very low and the sound is more audible, but displaced. Beyond that frequency, the timbre is corrected and becomes a more tonally accurate sound. How does this classic BA driver sonority interfere with the sound? If it is bass with bass kicks and non-continuous bass lines, there is no problem. For this negative character to manifest itself, the bases have to be very long and extremely sub-bass. But not even in the other test with very dirty, complex and unfiltered bass did the Mystic 8 demonstrate this negative character. In conclusion, such an extreme test with these considerations does not negatively affect the performance with 99 % of real music. In this very difficult bass test, the Mystic 8s respond with great speed, dynamics and precision. The resolution rate is very high, resulting in very sharp notes without any aftertaste or decay. The bass disappears as if by magic; there is no elastic sensation, but a completely dry, defined and fine bass. The punch of the bass drums is extremely concise, with a physicality present, but slightly soft as far as the energy level is concerned. The beats are free of violence and the level of force is almost optimal and fully measured. Despite this, there is a good level of darkness, depth, texture and a certain roughness that presents it in a more realistic and natural way. It is clear that the level of technique it possesses is simply superior, premium level. Of course, there is no bass intrusion in the midrange and the warmth is neutral.
Overall and in my opinion, this is a low end that is a little beyond neutral, because I don’t usually enjoy neutral basses and the Mystic 8s do give me a feeling of fullness in the lower range, even if their power is limited, even behind the female vocals, whose prominence is at a maximum. Hard-core bass heads will be disappointed with this set, but bass lovers will enjoy it thanks to its sub-bass tilt and its great technicality, as well as its layering and bass line separation, even its almost no decay. Very professional.

Mids

All that has been said about precision, timbre and tonal quality in the previous range is very evident in the central range. The sensation of cleanliness, of enormous transparency and clarity, of neat sound, of extremely technical, concise and almost perfectly shaped notes, is evident in this range. I am confronted with a very refined, elevated, transparent, clearly separated and distinguished sound, which is far removed from any hint of density, despite the fact that it is very full in terms of the space used. The level of separation requires filling a higher space, and this is how the mids are presented: very wide, high and full. And that is the level of fullness I am referring to: the occupation of generous space and volume, due to the amplitude and separation between each note. Although it should also be noted that the notes are relatively lean and thin. Their representation is slim, very tight and outlined. The result is a detailed, meticulous, very rigorous and even exact midrange. This is how a richness of sound is achieved, without the sound becoming overloaded or too ornamental. And this is where the space used comes in again, alleviating any negative aspects due to the richness of the sound.
If we talk about vocals or instrumentation, the level of equality of all the elements in the centre section is surprising. Only the female voices feel more protagonist. They are close, in the foreground, and stand out from the base to the nuances. There is no difference in thickness between the male and female voices, and both their base and harmonics are very balanced throughout. The male voices have a hint of warmth that gives them the right physical component to generate more volume, body and punch. This is also noticeable in the more strongly based instruments, which achieve an obvious level of corpulence that brings a fullness to the music. In the stringed and higher-pitched instruments, the sparkle and sense of transparency exemplify the perceived premium quality of the mids.
On the other hand, one might think that so much technical perception implies a hard, cold and unmusical sound. It is clearly not soft, but neither is it a penetrating or unpleasant sound. The richness, neatness, transparency, sparkle, precision and rigour of the sound are not at odds with an unrealistic perception of it. The midrange is fully informative, superlative in this respect. But they can also be pleasing, as well as tremendously attractive in the long run. I would conclude that the mid-range of the Mystic 8 is superlative compared to the lower-range IEMS. And that’s the quality you have to pay to get to this level.

Treble

The upper zone is tuned to provide initial liveliness and lighter extension. And this is how it expresses itself. The initial phase is sparkling, crisp, fine, delicate and bright. That makes the notes feel full of energy, even sharp. I can’t speak of smoothness in this sense, but it doesn’t have a penetrating or unpleasant character. The smoothness is in the technical execution and in the resemblance to reality. Treble-Heads will undoubtedly enjoy an eminently precise, technical, luxurious in detail, neat, pure, energetic and sharp upper range. Such fine notes make the treble feel multiplied, much richer, more explicit and differentiated. Their quality allows the details of the upper range to be much more numerous, to be counted as the sum of a multitude of notes spread throughout the range, rather than as a single note that manifests itself together. The individuality of the treble is what separates the Mystic 8 from the IEMS range I am used to. It is here that the expressive, extended and chromatic level of the high end of a premium IEMS is demonstrated. And this is also thanks to the high level of separation despite the large number of contiguous notes, as well as the great sense of air that this ensemble possesses. The result testifies to the ornamental richness of the upper zone, as well as the high number of overtones in the upper strips.
Finally, it is worth noting that this subtly metallic, sharp and ultra-defined BA character is also most apparent in the upper zone. But the key is to control that all this impression of sparkling energy is contained within a very expressive and informative musicality.

Soundstage, Separation

As I said, the level of separation of the Mystic 8 is very high. This implies that, for the space that the notes and the spacing demonstrate, the scene is necessarily wide. Another remarkable quality is the height, which easily reaches above the head. Overall, though, it is not a spherical sound. I consider it more semi-spherical, with a high volumetric component thanks to its height level, not so surrounding in the back and with a measured sense of depth. The level of laterality is pronounced, with an impressive stereo perception and a good level of layering. The impression of volatility is controlled, with a sufficiently gaseous feel, but, due to its precision and control, nothing is scattered without meaning. This is confirmed by the level of technical precision and resolution of the set, which demonstrates very accurate, even precise and thorough imaging and positioning.
It is certainly one of the most technical IEMS I have ever tested. Still, I wouldn’t call it a detail monster. The macro detail is rendered in an impressionistic way, but the more limited level of depth prevents the micro detail of the background from being revealed in a very explicit way. It is another example of macro detail overlaying some more micro level detail. On the other hand, the level of resolution is evident, as is the great impression of clarity and transparency, as well as the feeling of a very dark and sharp background, thanks to the very fine, concise and separate notes.

Conclusion

Surely, proposing a premium IEMS model made only with BA drivers in a world where there are already many drivers specialised in each specific frequency range can be a bold, daring move. And for that reason alone, the brand behind the launch must be very sure of what it is doing, because it knows the weaknesses of BA bass drivers. But it also knows the goodness of these drivers for the mid frequencies onwards. And, starting with the bass, the LetShuoer Mystic 8s have one of the fastest, most thorough, dry and technical low frequencies I’ve ever heard in an IEMS, despite the neutrality or limitation in presence, volume, power and energy. The model with which LetShuoer inaugurates its Myst series and celebrates its eighth anniversary by calling 8 (and inside which 8 BA drivers from Sonion and Knowles are mounted) is a premium set with a price tag approaching $1000. Constructed of titanium alloy, the housings are lightweight and medium-sized, with a ‘Phantom Cat’ profile on the outer face and an old-school 8-strand silver-plated monocrystalline copper wire. Inside, they feature low-pass filter modules, a sophisticated three-way crossover circuit and a four-way acoustic tube configuration, all of which deliver the most accurate and precise sound I’ve ever experienced. From the outset it is clear that the sound of the Mystic 8 is not for everyone. It won’t appeal to bass heads because, despite the great sub-bass tuning, its bass is far from flooding the ears with energy and physical power. But it will be a delight for bass lovers, those looking for the low end to be drawn and profiled as rigorously, quickly and precisely as possible. Moving out of the lows, only those looking for a thick, warm and musical midrange will have to look elsewhere. However, those who crave a neutral, well-balanced sound, present in both vocals and instrumentation, highly luxurious in detail, transparency, separation and informativeness, will find the Mystic 8 their joy. Finally, people who prefer smooth, honeyed, conjunctive and rounded treble will run for the hills when they hear treble with the most precise, separate, distinctive and individual notes I have ever heard. No, as the saying goes, and readers will forgive me, daisies are not made for pigs’ snouts. The LetShuoer Mystic 8 are not made for all ears and many will be able to justify their real weaknesses. But those who know what they are looking for and have informed themselves well about the great virtues of this model will find that all this is true and that the luxury of its sound is priced accordingly.

Sources Used During the Analysis

• iFi GO bar Kensei.
• Aune M1p.
• EarMen Angel.
• Burson Audio Playmate 2.
• Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC + EarMen ST-Amp.