LETSHUOER Cadenza 4: Does Trickledown work? Me thinks so.
Pros: Pleasant sound
The 3D build makes it affordable
Fit
Unassuming look (understated)
Solid bass does not hinder overall signature
Cons: Build looks a bit beneath it
Some cable microphonics
Tough market
LETSHUOER Cadenza 4 ($249): Does Trickledown work? Me thinks so.
4.25
LETSHUOER Cadenza 4
Intro: Following on the heels of the successful Cadenza 12 (a wonderful TOTL), and the S15 (A smooth-sounding IEM), the Cadenza 4 tries to fit into a niche using both (IMO) IEMs as models. A hybrid that uses both DD and two types of BAs (Knowles & Sonion), the company uses the expertise from both models mentioned to fashion a high “low-end” model.
The Cadenza 4 was given to me for review. It is implied that the critter is mine, but may be asked back for any time. This of course bears no bearing upon my review. Plus, I still feel that flipping review units is uncool.
Specs:
In The Box:
Gear Used/Compared:
Cayin N6ii mkii
FiiO CP13
iFi Diablo2
Shanling MG100 ($159)
LETSHUOER S15 ($329)
QoA Aviation ($199)
Music:
Tidal-Jazz, Blues
Qobuz-same w/ Big Band & Norah Jones
Unboxing:
Just like the S15, the unboxing is Empire Ears-like, with a slide-out tray, which contains the IEM cable inside the case. To the right are the three interchangeable jacks (2.5mm bal, 3.5mm se, & 4.4mm bal). But above that, you get to see the Cadenza 4 set in a paperboard-covered soft foam insert (which takes some effort to retrieve).
Below that you have the instruction manual in an envelope along with a warranty card. The tips are stored initially inside the round case, with the cable. But, once the Cadenza 4 is mounted to the cable, you cannot get all of that back into the case comfortably. At least I couldn’t without smashing the tips. A good idea, but in need of a bit of fine-tuning.
That IEM case also seems a bit lower quality than the S15 case. I had a more difficult time screwing the lid back on, and the feel, while good tactility-wise, felt less luxurious.
LETSHUOER includes 6 sets of tips, including a mounted set on the IEM. The two types are vocal and balanced, coming in three different sizes – small, medium, and large.
The balanced tips have longer and thinner stems, making for a well…more balanced approach while restricting openness and the soundstage. The vocal tips are shorter and have thicker stems, enhancing the midrange with a more open sound, while showcasing vocals and adding grunt down low comparatively.
Build/Fit:
The Cadenza 4 is made from a 3D-printed resin, in a typical teardrop shape, with a larger nub to help with fit. A narrow nozzle helps with insertion, and the overall quality is good with three well-fitting parts. The faceplate shines in silver with the LETSHUOER logo in black on both the left and right sides. The Fit of the faceplate seems off, but when you feel for a gap between the shell and faceplate there isn’t one.
The shell fits nearly flush in my average-sized ears, with no discomfort, which led to long listening sessions. Thankfully there is a dedicated sheath for an ear hook, too. This made the cable lay in a much better position behind my ear, even wearing my reading glasses.
There are minor microphonics associated with the cable, but not as much as some in this category. The cable has a clear plastic rectangular cinch, which works quite well above the burnished silver Y-splitter. The two-wire cable contains 392 strands per cable of silver-plated monocrystalline copper.
As many companies are doing, there are three jacks included as mentioned above. Instead of sliding in, complete with a slot and having a screw cover; the Cadenza 4 only has the slide-in part. But I did not worry about it coming loose since the two parts fit together with good pressure.
The cable laid nicely when unwound, but it did take a bit to do so. I found that if you ran your hand down the cable as you unwound it, the shape immediately went straight.
Combine all of this, and I think the Cadenza 4 fits and functions very well.
Technology:
The Cadenza 4 contains a new proprietary 10mm dual-chambered beryllium-coated dynamic driver and 3 BA drivers (a single Sonion with dual Knowles drivers) making for a quad-driver hybrid in-ear monitor.
The 50-micrometer 3D-printed acoustic tube aids in fine-tuning the sound, while an electronic 4-way crossover network finalizes the process. Combined, this makes the Cadenza 4 easy to drive with an impedance of 15Ω @1kHz and a sensitivity rating of 102 db/Vrms.
Sound:
All listening was done on the sources mentioned above in combination to get the most out of determining the synergy of the Cadenza 4.
Summary:
The Cadenza 4 sounds more towards the neutral part of the sound spectrum, with a natural uncolored feel to it, which departs from some of LETSHUOER’s previous offerings. While not bass-shy, it evenly presents both ends to make for that balanced signature. Think “just right” in the realm of Goldilocks
moar:
Subbass goes fairly low, but without the impact that basshead-oriented IEMs may carry. Quality comes across as neutral. An upright bass instrument adds good girth down low, but more in the manner of coexisting with the overall signature as opposed to a foundation of weight. Since it does not reach as low as others, whose slant is for grunt; the quality of that bass must come across well. And it does. I found no bleed into the mids, which could overshadow or smear the connection. Complex pieces represent very good quality on the lows, not barging into the mids as noted. Good layering and texture to the notes help sort all of the above out, keeping the lows in tune.
The midrange comes with the clarity of notes that fits the overall character. Neutral, but allowing for good weight to the notes, which is aided by quick attack and decay; giving an illusion of thicker notes. While this may seem diametrically opposed, it isn’t due to the succinct nature with which those midrange notes promote a natural response. This aids in providing transparency to the notes and the illusion of a weightier note, which I find quite pleasing. Combine this into a natural-sounding timbre, and you get a thoroughly competent mid-range.
One thing I do wish for is a bit more sparkle up top. Coming from me, who does not favor too much in the treble region, this should not be considered a bad thing; only that if the top end had extended more, the overall signature would be presented with a bit more of an open signature; lending space to the whole sound. This should be taken into account only if you prefer a more detailed signature. And here is where that extra bit of extension may have helped define the signature. Bassheads will enjoy this. Those seeking succinct, accurate signatures may not like it so much.
The soundstage comes across as completely average. But in a good way. Layering & Separation is done very well, even with complex pieces. To me, this comes about from the more neutral overall character. This goes to show that even average can come across as excellent. The fault of this? Micro-detail suffers and the precision of notes. But this is not meant to be used as a reference tool; even with the nearer-neutral signature.
Pairings:
I found the Cadenza 4 easy to drive due to the impedance of 15Ω @1kHz and sensitivity of 102 dB/Vrms. While this is true, I found myself raising the volume to make for a more pleasing listen to me. Plus, the better the source, the better the Cadenza 4 seemingly sounded.
Having the sheer power of the iFi Diablo2, the Cadenza 4 sounded “best” of the “turbo” setting, while increasing the volume. “Nitro” provided little headroom with which to play, and using Turbo afforded me excellent control of the volume, per each song.
Clear amplifiers such as the Diablo2, or Cayin N6ii mkii DAP showed that with decent power doing the driving, the signature presents more down low while sending alacrity down the stream (better detail presentation).
Using the 4.4mm bal jack on the N6ii mkii, I found the pairing to be delightfully neutral, which is something I do not usually say when dealing with neutral. The level of details coming forth from the pairing made me appreciate how good the Cayin is, even as it moves into the geriatric section of its life.
Using the FiiO CP13 was an odd treat. Reviewing the CP13 for Headfonics I decided to combine the pair. While cassette tapes are coming back into style, there is no denying that the signature is VERY different from digital. I found the pairing worked well, with plenty of volume to be attained through the FiiO. Not the most detailed of the pairings here, I came away with an appreciation that the two could happily coexist together for a good listen.
Comparisons:
LETSHUOER Cadenza4 ($249) v Shanling MG100 ($159):
Not only have interchangeable jacks become common, interchangeable filters have as well. I did have a strong preference for the bass-oriented filters on the MG100, but the level of detail was still well ahead of the Cadenza 4. I also find the MG100 easier to drive, with a slightly better impedance and sensitivity of 16Ω and 113+/-3 dB @1kHz, respectfully.
That excessive bass does bleed into the mids, but a simple change to the balance filter quells that. Plus, the bleed did not inhibit the overall character of the MG100. The balance filter adds a bit more textural response to the sound as well, plus better detail and clarity.
This will come down to whether you like a more neutral signature or the ability to tailor the IEM to your preferred listening or flavored genre of choice.
LETSHUOER Cadenza4 ($249) v LETSHUOER S15 ($329):
Where the Cadenza 4 goes neutral, the S15 goes smooth and rich. There is no hiding behind the fact that the S15 will not cater to those seeking a reference signature. Maturity, but slower response come about in this signature. To me, this is an excellent choice for jazz with a smooth richness pervading my senses as Red Garland’s “Please Send Me Someone To Love” played. Deep sound from the upright bass is foundational instead of coexisting on the Cadenza 4.
I found the notes to have better texture, but the smooth character overrides this a bit. A thick richness pervades the listen as opposed to a neutral response that is used as a tool rather than engaging. Where the Cadenza 4 allows you to listen, the S15 engages you to relax and enjoy the sound. Quite different.
LETSHUOER Cadenza4 ($249) v QoA Aviation ($199):
Until the Aviation, I had never listened to a model from QoA. Needless to say, I came away with an impression of a decent listen for a good price. From my Headfonics review, the Aviation “…presents a vibrant, smooth character with an even frequency response. A small peak at 3kHz gives resolve to the upper mid-region.
Another fairly steep peak at the 8kHz region (then drop) adds brilliance in the treble region but without too much peakiness or sparkle. The drop after the 8kHz peak makes for a vibrant, but not overly exuberant, signature.”
The Aviation is also the most sensitive of those compared at 118 dB @1kHz and a somewhat high (for an IEM) 39Ω impedance rating. It was as easy to drive as the S15 and MG100, which were both easier than the Cadenza 4 (I cannot explain that, using a volume test of plug-and-play of each model into the iFi Diablo2 without changing volume levels).
There is more bass grunt and girth down low on the Aviation, which does bleed into the midrange. Richness pervaded the mids, with a smooth texture to them, which seems set a bit behind where the Cadenza 4 plays, even if I thought they were “powerfully forward.” This shows that the mids in the Cadenza 4 while more forward, present a more neutral flavor, which to me is more pleasing.
I would state that while the Aviation is a bit more vibrant than the Cadenza 4, it cannot match the level of detail coming out of the MG100.
finale:
I had to stop myself from comparing the Cadenza 4 to the S15 and Cadenza 12 (an extraordinarily good IEM) and judge the 4 on its merit. When doing this, the neutral flavoring comes across as quite competent and appreciated. Many “flavor of the month” IEMs come about with the grace of a used car advertisement in Chicago, aka LOUD!
The Cadenza 4 comes about with an understated accurate neutral tonality to its coloration (or lack of…). I appreciate this aspect and find myself reaching for the Cadenza 4 equally with the S15 when playing jazz. What little microphonics I could hear were easily countered by the sound signature, even if a bit harder to drive than what you might expect. The smooth, forward midrange comes to the front with any good jazz sax solo, making for a wonderful listen.
The combination of jacks affords the user the ability to change signatures a bit, or devices, omitting the need for multiple cables. The focus is then on the sound, where it should be. I find the Cadenza 4 to be a very competent IEM with a good build (which shows 3D printing is much better than even two years ago), looks, and sound to back up those goods.
I thank LETSHUOER for sending the sample and congratulate them on a very competent model.
