Best Midcentric Iem under $100? Almost perfect for vocals lovers
Letshouer Dz4, a pair of IEMs that boast natural, clean vocals and, in my opinion, are one of the best in their class. But there's something unique about these IEMs, so read the review until the end.
Oh yes, firstly, thank you to Letshuoer Audio for giving me the opportunity to review this product.
Note: This review is based on personal listening experience, so it remains subjective, but nothing is exaggerated or diminished for specific reasons.
Starting with Packaging & Cable: The packaging for these IEMs is simple, with a round case inside the box containing small, medium, and large ear tips, totaling 6 pairs. In my opinion, the ear tips are somewhat hard and not very comfortable to wear, so it's better to get aftermarket ear tips. The build quality of the cable is quite good, with a thick braided design and an elegant silver color. However, despite the nice appearance, the stock cable doesn't deliver the best sound for the Dz4 IEMs, which I'll discuss below.
Build Quality & Fitting: In terms of build quality, these IEMs use a combination of metal faceplates and resin throughout the shell. The design is simple and attractive, with a broken white color and some semi-open back with the letter 'z' on the faceplate. Although slightly bulky, the IEMs feel lightweight. However, when using the stock cable, I felt some pressure on the upper part of my ears or the ear hook, as if it was pressing too hard. It might vary for different ears since everyone's shape is different, so it's subjective.
Now onto the Sound, starting with the Low: The bass on these IEMs isn't overly deep but still maintains a decent punch, with drum beats sounding clear and good texture with enjoyable rumble. The decay is sufficient, even for faster songs, but don't expect too much since these IEMs aren't specialized in bass. Tested with songs like Meghan Trainor's "All About that Bass" and Paramore's "Anklebiters."
The Midrange is where these IEMs shine: They possess natural, clean, and pleasantly sweet vocals. They're not too thick to feel muffled nor too thin to be piercing or boring. In my opinion, the vocals sound very natural and pleasing. There's a hint of sibilance, but it's not bothersome; it adds energy and clarity to the vocals, stopping at the right moment, which is surprisingly unique and enjoyable. Tested with songs like BabyMonster's "Sheesh" and ILlit's "Magnetic."
Moving on to the Highs/Treble: The IEMs deliver energetic, crisp, and airy highs without being piercing or fatiguing even during long listening sessions. This is my second favorite aspect after the vocals. Listening to songs with many instrumental trebles is very comfortable and fun, with guitar plucks, violin strings, and cymbal strikes sounding clear and smooth. Tested with various songs from an audiophile sound test playlist on YouTube Music.
Lastly, Technicalities: These IEMs have a fairly wide soundstage thanks to their passive driver and semi-open back design. However, the 3D imaging with the stock cable feels a bit odd, lacking focus in instrument placement. But don't worry, replacing the stock cable solves this issue. Regarding gaming, these IEMs are excellent for pinpointing enemies accurately; sounds are directional, making it easy to locate threats. Tested on Apex PC. The timbre is also very natural, and instrument sounds are rich and lifelike. Above-average resolution with a good sense of clarity.
Conclusion: These IEMs are worth buying if you're looking for clean, natural vocals with fun and energetic highs. However, keep in mind that some may find the stock cable's sensation a bit odd or peculiar, so you might want to try third-party cables like Tripowin Zoe or Xinhs Cooper. That's all.
If asked what's the best IEM for warm, thick vocal under $100? I'll honestly answer this IEM.
Some say they don't quite like its warm sound and somewhat ethereal imaging, which "can be fixed with a new cable." And DZ4's sound is indeed somewhat warm, maybe not for those seeking energy... even the passive radiator seems to make the IEM feel even warmer or more relaxed.. its bass quality doesn't make you go "wow" but the mids are seriously pleasant, everything sounds smooth without any weird upper mid or treble spikes... its musicality is very comfortable with heavy dynamics... Letshuoer achieves a somewhat unique Harman target where the mids aren't thin, which I think is very important in the market... if not all Harman IEMs will sound the same with somewhat recessed mids with increased upper mids that are more noticeable + the presence of instrument-vocals is more noticeable than richness and natural musicality.
Vocal sound needs warmth and airiness in it, if not, the people you talk to will sound somewhat boxy in the real world, and that's not the case here.
Rating:
- Low: ★★★★☆
- Mid: ★★★★★
- High: ★★★★✮
- Technical: ★★★★✮ (changed cable -1 stock) (4.7.5 /5)
Note: This review is based on personal listening experience, so it remains subjective, but nothing is exaggerated or diminished for specific reasons.
Starting with Packaging & Cable: The packaging for these IEMs is simple, with a round case inside the box containing small, medium, and large ear tips, totaling 6 pairs. In my opinion, the ear tips are somewhat hard and not very comfortable to wear, so it's better to get aftermarket ear tips. The build quality of the cable is quite good, with a thick braided design and an elegant silver color. However, despite the nice appearance, the stock cable doesn't deliver the best sound for the Dz4 IEMs, which I'll discuss below.
Build Quality & Fitting: In terms of build quality, these IEMs use a combination of metal faceplates and resin throughout the shell. The design is simple and attractive, with a broken white color and some semi-open back with the letter 'z' on the faceplate. Although slightly bulky, the IEMs feel lightweight. However, when using the stock cable, I felt some pressure on the upper part of my ears or the ear hook, as if it was pressing too hard. It might vary for different ears since everyone's shape is different, so it's subjective.
Now onto the Sound, starting with the Low: The bass on these IEMs isn't overly deep but still maintains a decent punch, with drum beats sounding clear and good texture with enjoyable rumble. The decay is sufficient, even for faster songs, but don't expect too much since these IEMs aren't specialized in bass. Tested with songs like Meghan Trainor's "All About that Bass" and Paramore's "Anklebiters."
The Midrange is where these IEMs shine: They possess natural, clean, and pleasantly sweet vocals. They're not too thick to feel muffled nor too thin to be piercing or boring. In my opinion, the vocals sound very natural and pleasing. There's a hint of sibilance, but it's not bothersome; it adds energy and clarity to the vocals, stopping at the right moment, which is surprisingly unique and enjoyable. Tested with songs like BabyMonster's "Sheesh" and ILlit's "Magnetic."
Moving on to the Highs/Treble: The IEMs deliver energetic, crisp, and airy highs without being piercing or fatiguing even during long listening sessions. This is my second favorite aspect after the vocals. Listening to songs with many instrumental trebles is very comfortable and fun, with guitar plucks, violin strings, and cymbal strikes sounding clear and smooth. Tested with various songs from an audiophile sound test playlist on YouTube Music.
Lastly, Technicalities: These IEMs have a fairly wide soundstage thanks to their passive driver and semi-open back design. However, the 3D imaging with the stock cable feels a bit odd, lacking focus in instrument placement. But don't worry, replacing the stock cable solves this issue. Regarding gaming, these IEMs are excellent for pinpointing enemies accurately; sounds are directional, making it easy to locate threats. Tested on Apex PC. The timbre is also very natural, and instrument sounds are rich and lifelike. Above-average resolution with a good sense of clarity.
Conclusion: These IEMs are worth buying if you're looking for clean, natural vocals with fun and energetic highs. However, keep in mind that some may find the stock cable's sensation a bit odd or peculiar, so you might want to try third-party cables like Tripowin Zoe or Xinhs Cooper. That's all.
If asked what's the best IEM for warm, thick vocal under $100? I'll honestly answer this IEM.
Some say they don't quite like its warm sound and somewhat ethereal imaging, which "can be fixed with a new cable." And DZ4's sound is indeed somewhat warm, maybe not for those seeking energy... even the passive radiator seems to make the IEM feel even warmer or more relaxed.. its bass quality doesn't make you go "wow" but the mids are seriously pleasant, everything sounds smooth without any weird upper mid or treble spikes... its musicality is very comfortable with heavy dynamics... Letshuoer achieves a somewhat unique Harman target where the mids aren't thin, which I think is very important in the market... if not all Harman IEMs will sound the same with somewhat recessed mids with increased upper mids that are more noticeable + the presence of instrument-vocals is more noticeable than richness and natural musicality.
Vocal sound needs warmth and airiness in it, if not, the people you talk to will sound somewhat boxy in the real world, and that's not the case here.
Rating:
- Low: ★★★★☆
- Mid: ★★★★★
- High: ★★★★✮
- Technical: ★★★★✮ (changed cable -1 stock) (4.7.5 /5)
{☆ 0 point, ✮ 0.5 point, ★ 1 point}
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