Audio-Technica ATH-E70 vs LETSHUOER S12 Planar IEM

The ATH-E70 is the safer pick for monitoring and noisy commutes: three balanced armatures give a flat, mid-focused sound, and the deep-fitting housing blocks a lot of outside noise. The S12 is the more fun, more detailed listen, with a big planar driver, wide staging and physical bass, but its treble can sound metallic to some ears and the fit depends heavily on ear tips. Build is a wash: both have metal shells and detachable cables, though the E70 uses Audio-Technica's A2DC connector and the S12 the more common 0.78mm 2-pin. Owners of the S12 rate it highly for comfort and cable quality; E70 owners value isolation and accuracy over excitement.

• Choose the Audio-Technica ATH-E70 if you monitor live sound, track vocals or need maximum passive isolation in a loud room.
• Choose the LETSHUOER S12 if you want a wide, detailed, punchy listen for music and can spend time getting the ear tip seal right.