Which $2,000+ earphones are WORTH it? 64 Audio IEMs review
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- Опубліковано 28 кві 2021
- Ever wake up with 5 separate $2,000+ IEMs in your office? Well I had the opportunity, and have since spent the past couple of weeks comparing and contrasting most of 64 Audio's audiophile earphones, including the Nio, U12t, 18t, Trio, and Fourte. Are they worth it? Let's dig in.
See all of these 64 Audio earphones on Headphones.com: www.headphones.com/collection...
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Disclosure: This video is NOT sponsored, but retailer Headphones.com did loan them to me for review. Check them out at www.headphones.com/
Music by Birocratic. Check him out on Soundcloud: / birocratic
#64Audio #SuperReview
Thanks for these reviews! I've been enjoying my U12t for several months and relieved to hear that I don't need to upgrade to one of the others from 64 Audio. I didn't like the tips or cable that came with the IEMs. I'm very happy with this setup: U12t with M20 modules, Final Audio Type E tips, Moon Audio Bronze Dragon IEM cable, Astell&Kern KANN Alpha player.
Hard to go wrong with U12t.
Bs. The u18t is a major upgrade.
I picked up a U12t last week. My go to IEM before the U12t was the Blessing 2, and occasionally several others. It ‘s amazing how much more detail and richness there is in listening to the U12t. I do think that at 6+ times the price I would hope that it sounded better to my ears. If I’m just casually listening I actually prefer the Blessing 2, the U12t is just too distracting and a bit less comfortable. Keep up the great reviews.
Yeah, Blessing 2 really is pretty stellar, even compared to pricier stuff.
I have a blessing 2 dusk and I am planning to get the u12t, solaris X, or ier z1r. Still can't decide lol
@@jamesma909 me too. is it worth to upgrade to u12t from blessing 2 dusk
@@nhiphan6574 it depends on what you would like but purely based on enjoyment I still like the dusks more because they are so fun to listen to.
@@jamesma909 did u listen to the u12t?
if u had to pick between u12t and trio, which would u pick and for what reason? is the sound wrapping around your head more special or not something you'd miss?
I have had my U12t for a week now, and I am so in love with it, that I am seriously considering selling my LCD-5 and LCD-X. Maybe I will sell my Theiaudio Monarch MK2 as well. The U12t is just such a perfect sound to my ears, nothing else I have gives me as much listening enjoyment!
Same on the Monarch Mk2. It's nice but does not do what the U12t has done for me. Had almost given up chasing my sound dragon. I WAS missing something.. and this showed it to me.
great vid, had my u12ts for a year and i still cant get enough
Classic Depeche Mode.
Hello Can I ask, is it really worth to buy U12T? (I am a regular AirPods Pro user that If I switch from Airpods to U12T, the difference will worth? Thank you)
Also U12T or A8000 is better?
@@kaankucuk1612 i do not own a8000's so i am not sure about the sound/tuning, however with the top 2 iems i own are the u12ts, um mest mk2( i own the first version also but the 2nd version is a way better upgrade imo) the mk2 is the best is makes all my music sounds good, where the u12ts are really analytical sometimes making it feel that you are in the actual studio being the one recording the music. if the music quaility is bad though the u12ts will make is sound really poor. i dont have an all flac or dsd library so the mest mk2 overall is my favorite but for sure my u12ts sometimes sound out of this world despite the lack of bass the mest mk2 have. hope it helps and yes you will notice the sound quality difference night and day. if you want something really budget heavy but sounds good with bass go from the blon3 or the blon01, (bass not as prominent on these). just need to buy after market cables and better ear tips and they are really fun and way safer to use outside vs a 2k iem
my friend, do you consider the campfire solaris 2020 over the u12t considering the sound signature and dynamism? I am between those two to buy. Some mention that the u12t are more neutral and that they are more for music creation. Do you think the same? Which one do you prefer? Thank you my friend!
Haven't heard Solaris.
Really interesting to open the live stream on you giving the u12t a 5 stars.
Like turning around into a spider web.
helpful comparisons! I'm looking for a used U12t as well. have a B2 Dusk on the way, but I know by the time I eventually get them, I'll probably just keep thinking about the U12t and wondering how much better it is haha. might as well just go all out as long as the price is right. nice work here!
They're different enough that, IMO, U12t isn't just straight-up "better." It's probably more impressive, but I prefer the tuning on Blessing 2 TBH.
@@SuperReview oh wow interesting thanks! I think I’m just drawn to the notion that the U12t is slightly warm without sounding messy as that’s where my preference lies, with really good staging and imaging
Yeah, that's U12t 👍
@@SuperReview thanks for your help as always!
@@briancaulfield7251 Hello Can I ask, is it really worth to buy U12T? (I am a regular AirPods Pro user that If I switch from Airpods to U12T, the difference will worth? Thank you)
Also U12T or A8000 is better?
I know these technically will be amazing Mark, but I'm unsure I could commit to buying something that makes music sound so different to how it was recorded. Wouldn't this get tiring?? I don't mean due to the detail, but doesn't it almost sound like music is post-processed, which on some tracks might improve them if they are basic, but for well mixed tracks with lots of special effects/reverb/etc surely it would be too much? U managing to get a Monarch MK2 on for review?
Nothing that we listen through is neutral.Even an audiophile
Cd you get has some sort of post processing - mastering done on a computer etc.And what is recorded in the studio might very well be not very enjoyable to listen to without mentioned processing.It’s like a concert sounds cool and loud, fun etc, but it is much more refined listening at home through proper sound equipment.
I heard many people say that the u12t has some of the best bass for a full BA, vs the S8 which one do you think has better bass, and do they come close to DD bass like the Blessing 2 ?
U12t bass better. S8 bass is fine, not its strength, and not a DD replacement. U12t is closer.
Baaah
Personally liked the U12t the best, the pair is super smooth.
Agreed they're super smooth.
Great vid!
✌️
The Trio is still my fav IEM in the market (Sep-23). It's simply superb.
I need to hear it again, been a while.
is the u12t more resolving than the anole vx?
I heard the Tia Trio and it was the best pair of IEMs I have ever heard. Truly amazing
They...pretty good.
yes they're while like few others imho the bass is little over the top ^^
Hopefully one day I will send you my own custom iems for review.They sound exceptional😊
What's the story?
Not much. I started working for Advanced Communication Solutions back in 2007 while I was living in Uk making their silicone customs.But because I wanted to improve the sound and move from silicone to acrylic after 5 years had to move on as had no future in ACS anymore. Worked in 3 more big earmould labs in Uk over the years. Gathered the equipment and skill and finally this year decided to get it going .So basically I’m just a starting now, but the original design I came up with in 2009 when I think there was only UE, Westone, ACS and Sensaphonics making customs still holds ground.You could say I was making customs back when it was not very popular.I have one design for starters.5 driver.Single bass ,two mids, two highs.Not that much but it sounds impressive really😊
I've heard only great things about the u12t.
It's probably the TOTL IEM I'm gonna get (Z1R is probably not comfortable for smaller ears.) when I finally can afford to drop over a grand on IEMs. (Still in the sub $500 game right now.)
But that stock cable is really janky, you'd expect a good stock cable when your paying that much for an IEM, it's like the antithesis of TOTL IEMs that come with Effect Audio branded cables.
Hello Can I ask, is it really worth to buy U12T? (I am a regular AirPods Pro user that If I switch from Airpods to U12T, the difference will worth? Thank you)
Also U12T or A8000 is better?
picked up u12t days ago, had to grab them at a bargain price which was exactly £1000, not arrived yet and i currently use sony M9's which are amazing in their own right so hoping for an upgrade but if its not huge ill not be too bummed at the price i paid, only worry is the 2 pin connection, i don't think its as good as MMCX, ordered a tripowin cable to replace the stock one already knowing the flak stock cable got, hope all is well when they arrive.
Have they come in? If so, how are they?
How do they compare?
So...after 2 years. How good is it?
@@Shashli4ok a lot has changed in 2 years, dropped IEM’s completely in favour of an over the head setup, moved from u12t to hifiman Arya stealths. The u12t’s were amazing though I just couldn’t get along with in ears for much longer as I like music quite loud and in ears would tickle my inner ear so found myself taking them in and out too often rather than just enjoying them and this was the case with all in ears I ever owned.
If you are in the market for in ears though I think you would be happy with either of the ones i mentioned, from memory I would say the m9’s were some of the best I ever heard when it came to instrument separation and cohesion but the u12t’s just extended everything a little further, more depth and impact in the bass in particular.
I really really wanted to try the Sony ier z1r but I couldn’t swallow the price at the time after the u12t’s and now they are hard to come by, however with iems irritating me so much I think they may even be worse but my understanding is they are a more shallow fit so maybe not.
@jinx20001 thanks for sharing your opinion.🙏
I have small ears and no iem shop close to me..I wonder which from the usual analytical suspects is the best bet.Bleesing 3 ? Sa6 ultra ? Oracle MK1 mangird Xenns top .64 audio is too expensive for me right now ..but I need an iem that has good separation and soundstage for classical music..🤔
SA6 is smallest of those.
Thoughts on the Dunu SA6 being a budget U12T?
I don't think there's much similarity between them TBH. Both are good, and both are IEMs, but they're different tonally, and the characteristics that make U12t are not really with the SA6.
Mark are you are going to review the 6UT ?
No not likely. I heard it briefly, it's pretty good but I don't know that it warrants the price.
Is that the stock silicone ear tip in the u12t & nio?
No, I think those are Azla Sednas.
What would you consider a budget U12t? Etymotic EVO?
No
@@SuperReview ya I was thinking any Ety would be too vocal forward.
@@SuperReview would you have a video or recommendation for a budget U/A12t sound signature IEM?
is there a huge gap between the clairvoyance and the u12t ? cause the clairs sound AMAZING to me
I didn't listen to Clair long enough to make a good comparison. I imagine different people will prefer one or the other, they're different.
@@CSEducator Hello, can I ask, is it really worth to buy U12T? (I am a regular AirPods Pro user that If I switch from Airpods to U12T, the difference will worth? Thank you)
Also, which one is better U12T or A8000?
@@CSEducator That’s true, I am listening music through my iPhone, I sometimes use AirPodspro, sometimes use wired earphones of Apple, I just like have the curiousity that iems are very expensive which means they probably give day and night differences. But again in my life, I havent used any iems like U12T, Sony IER-Z1R, Moondrop Variations, Mesk II etc… but can I ask your opinion, is there really satisfied and significant difference if I invest in a Bluetooth DAC/DAP and connecting U12T or any other “High-end IEMS” to my Mac or iPhone and listening music compared to regular wired Apple earphones and AirPods which are connected to my mac or iPhone directly?
a bit late to the party but i had the clairvoyance and u12t and it wasn't close, the u12t beats it quite easily on the chord mojo 2, scales on a 5k+ desktop setup as well. i got them for 1k, the clair for 400, totally worth it the 600. fit: clair is bigger, it fit just right into my ears without hurting, the u12t fits a bit better and they don't hurt at all after extensive listening. build quality: old u12t pairs had worse cables and some connector issues but newer pairs shouldn't and build looks solid (not an expert on this topic though), the 64 modules are a nice bonus
it's just a shame that the KZ AST, also a 12 driver IEM doesn't sound like the U12t. if only....
If only it were that easy.
The U12t is amazing! But the Trio looks tempting…but having both is probably too much similarity for the better bass. But the U12t bass is really very good!
Both quite good, I dunno that I could justify buying both for myself though :P
Hello Can I ask, is it really worth to buy U12T? (I am a regular AirPods Pro user that If I switch from Airpods to U12T, the difference will worth? Thank you)
Also U12T or A8000 is better?
@@kaankucuk1612 The U12T is utterly amazing. I use the AirPods Pro for telephone and general noise reduction. The wires of U12T can get in the way. But…oh my, there is no comparison. As I switch between them, I find myself seeking tracks just to listen to the details that are “invisible “ to lesser IEM. I have a few IEM angels I rotate among them. We often accommodate to sound so different high resolution IEM can be repeatedly revelatory. You will hear details that you had no idea existed. Like cleaning eyeglasses and seeing a whole new world. But keep the cheaper IEM for situations that would put you at risk of losing the IEM. Remember, the ARE expensive!!
Review after review over the years rates the U12T as the gold standard of IEM, comparable to flagship IEM and headphones. As for A8000 I cannot comment though it looks impressive. Not sure if it would fit as well as the U12T. 64Audio has the fitting solved for most ears.
@@stephendenagy3396 I am about buy U12T lol. But two things stuck in my mind, firstly, 64audio is designed only for stage and studio usage, it is not for the daily casual listening based on the company’s videos and comments. Secondly, I dont have any idea which dap should I use? (To be honest, I dont know how to use because all my songs are on my MacBook and my iPhone?)
u12t or supernova? keeping the pricetag aside.
For all rounder, mostly rock, progressive, modern.
Personally I like the tuning of Supernova better, but U12t is a lot of fun and a more laid-back listen.
Can you do a review of the Xduoo X2S?
Yes, I plan to -- just ordered one.
@@SuperReview Thank you looking forward to watching!
I have u12t and nio. Trio is my next purchase.
Go big or go home?
Which is the best out of those 3 for you? Have you tried the Unique Melody Mest MKII? If so, how do they compare?
Between the u12t & trio which one would you recommend?
I would buy Trio for myself.
@@SuperReview thank you & I’m getting one
You know it's a banger when he gives 5 stars
but these...... ahhhhh.....
64 audio is tuning for loud volumes , is made for artists on stage. So it needs to be loud . Once the volume goes up. Then the warn is all gone . I love them because I only listen at blasting volumes. One thing I love about 64, is the tubeless method that creates the tone like a real speaker with a reverb sound type and then all ba and dd are build in house. And they build really good drivers.
Hello, which IEM can you recommend for daily listening music (U12T, A8000, mest mkII etc…) Thank you
@@kaankucuk1612 what player you use. Volume and type of music
@@paulosilva8200 R&B, HipHop, and pop songs
@@kaankucuk1612 for that i would go with something cheaper amd has a nice balance for your music library. Try the xeens up by mangird tea. Nice balance on the upper and treble area and a thick bass. And it's much cheaper, or sennheiser ie 600
They don’t build their own drivers buddy.When you order sufficient amount from Knowles or Sonion they can give you quite a lot of room for customization I.e sound outlet placement ,impedance ,port location etc.
Great vid brother , last time I visit Tokyo try intend to buy 64 Audio tia Fourté but the salesman didn't recommend it . my next target is JH Jolene.
Oh wow a salesman saved you money? Strange.
@@SuperReview the true enthusiast hiding behind the wool of a salesman let his passion overcome profit
IEM or Headphones, which listening experience do you prefer?
Depends on context for me. Just purely for audio quality, I think both have separate advantages -- with my overall preference being for open-back headphones. But in reality, I end up using IEMs much more, more portable, easy to sleep in, don't take up much space, etc.
@@SuperReview I could see that. I’ve been considering trying the Sennheiser HD560s, any plans to review it?
Blam! ua-cam.com/video/ZmZjI8lfZuQ/v-deo.html
@@SuperReview nice, thank you sir!
Can some one guide me to the fastest sounding headphones and iems on the market?
¿Que se siente probar por primera vez algo que no tiene agudo chino Don Publituber? 😘😘
No me importa 🤷♀️
Would you be reviewing UM Mest Mark II?
No plans. I would love to, but don't have one.
I just wished that nio would come as a custom. With same tuning.
I think the 64 Audio N8 is basically the same.
@@SuperReview i think its not as precogvision said that 64 don't make a nio custom yet. & even headfonia says they are not same tuning & frankly n8 is more laid back which is not good compared to nio.
But i loved how you steered me away from nio & to u12t guess i will have to start eating instant noodles daily 😂
With these set u could Buy a house hahahah... endgame iem but i dont like the fit of these i only tried fourte sharp and peaky at times
Panasonic RZ S500W ???
Not planning to, no.
You finally did it! Now you need at least AK SP2000 or TOTL desktop DACs as reference.
What if I told you I listened to these all out of a Pocophone?
From my experience the sp2000 actually made those sound worst than some way cheaper Dap or Dac amp from Fiio.
Ak's are just overpriced daps that are not really better than Shanling or ibasso alike. They charge you for materials & looks atleast 1k of the price is for that.
@@datdudeinred yeah not a fan of AK tuning to be honest. The only thing that sound decent on them are Jh gear, but Jh gear sound like garbage on everything else.
@@datdudeinred That's why my friend told me about the Porsche 911 and bought a VW Beetle ... 😉
Answer: None of them are worth it. I have the u12t and like them a lot. But value for money? You have to be joking. We have been conditioned to believe that you have to spend this kind of money to get good performance.
Will you rank the u18s
4/5
@@SuperReview did you do a review?
No, didn't get around to it, but I did have one on loan for a while. It's a solid set, but kinda boring -- the U12t is a lot more interesting IMO.
@@SuperReview it's a solid set for $500. For $3000 it's a total rip off in today's market. Also, the tuning is off. 64 audio u18s is the worst purchase i made in my life of anything i ever purchased!
@@nellatl Ha, wow.
U18t the best iem ever!
Plot twist - 64 Audio contracts KZ for their cables 😏
Not far off :\
I suspect that with more expensive IEMs there are diminishing returns. I believe that when you are paying $1000s, value becomes irrelevant. Your doing the same thing with the cheap IEMS. Changing the tips and cable. There is a much better sense of satisfaction from getting great sound from cheaper IEMs. (both have balanced armatures and direct drivers). I suspect there is more media hype and bull shit, the higher price you pay.
Something like that. There's definitely better sound to be had at high prices, but it still comes down to personal preferences on signature, fit, and aesthetics.
It's a growing process as in any hobby
One day you'll go up a level and out of your comfort zone and see how much more that's out there
And probably like most of us you regret you didn't do it earlier ...
Yup
U12t or ie600?
Overall I'd take the Sennheiser, both really good on sound but do different things, but the Sennheiser fits much better.
@@SuperReview appreciate your answer! Thought of upgrade to u4s or u12t, but it’s a thought decision😅
I'd go campfire audio any day in comparison
Any particular model?
@@SuperReview Campfire Audio Andromeda (1st gen or 2nd gen)
And why ... ?
moondrop s8 vs 64audio Nio compare which one is better ?
I prefer S8, better midrange and treble.
@@SuperReview Thank you very much.
If it's s8 vs u12t, which one is better?
They're pretty different and have different strengths. For me, S8 makes more sense for my tonal preferences and price. but U12t is great.
@@SuperReview thank you.
@@palmscooterist9808 Hello, can I ask, is it really worth to buy U12T? (I am a regular AirPods Pro user that If I switch from Airpods to U12T, the difference will worth? Thank you)
Also, which one is better U12T or A8000?
And you used S8 or U12T?
Worth every sweat and tears spent saving to get one of these babies
Which ones you got?
@@SuperReview Only the Tia Trio so far and I'm saving up for U12t and Nio.
Bro can you please stream at some other time? As i miss live everytime because you steam at 4am where i live. If possible pls change time to anything, 3hr early is also ok for me.
Let's revolve our world around Onkar Indurkar
please try the V16 Divinity without being affected by precog and resolve, and see if you can get that sound actually for cheaper.
Nah.
@@SuperReview the problem I find with headphone show recruiting all reviewers to their team is they will either all be influenced by each other and report same things, or they are afraid to make a different opinion. A shame.
Really need different reviewers who aren't influenced. Precog tests with 1 unit, 1 source (problematic), no insertion/depth factors.
If you've seen precog's and resolve's impressions, then I recommend giving Elise Audio's 'All Star Playoffs' a read where he compared all his favorite IEMs including U12t and V16 Divinity.
If u are really looking for sound at cheaper price and are openminded that is.
Ultimately, as a reviewer, the only thing you should want to do after hearing different opinions is to review it yourself, I'd guess.
As viewers, that's what we seek as well.
It seems to me you just want reviewers to agree with you.
> Precog tests with 1 unit
99% of reviews are done with 1x unit. It's rare enough to have access to 1x Divinity, do you really expect reviewers to (a) have multiple, and (b) spend double the time to A-B multiples that likely sound the same?
> 1 source (problematic)
I have multiple sources and hundreds of IEMs and, apart from using BA sets on some high output impedance players, have never thought differently of one set on a different source versus another. I do not understand this (problematic) claim.
> no insertion/depth factors
Again, normal. I wear an IEM the way it's most comfortable and secure, if it sounds better when I dangle it outside my ear and don't move my head that's not useful to me.
@@SuperReview no, how could u even suggest that? i want the goal of research methods. if your review is in line with precog's, that adds credibility to his research. I want more diverse opinions since audio has many factors.
I stress again I am not asking reviewers to go against headphone show. if reviewers come to the same conclusion, that achieves what i want as well.
the issue is, as i have said, THERE ARE CURRENTLY CONTRADICTING REVIEWS. For research validity, if they do not followup, then we require more reviews to cope.
really, please do not say I want you to give an opposite verdict of headphone show. that is absolutely not the case. more reviews is the only way to cope with the problem.
@@SuperReview after clarifying myself, i would like to properly address your concerns.
*99% of reviews are done with 1x unit.*
If that is the case, then that is a flaw in research methodology in the audiophile review space and we must find a way around it.
*Alternative method:* (if reviewers don't do this, then the only way is to hope for many reviews, then to ask comments under those reviews to clarify their research methods)
*Do I really expect reviewers to spend time*
Yes, but like i said i have lowered my expectations, so I can only rely on the alternative method.
*Do I really expect reviewers to have multiple units*
Not to have, but to test. For their sake and our sake.
Example: Resolve doubted himself after talking with Crinacle about Monarch MkII, so he actually WANTS to listen to it again. BUT HE INTENDS TO BORROW THE SAME UNIT.
This is not a matter of my preference, it's again purely research methodology.
It is more inconvenient, but not at all unrealistic. Any valid methodology requires this. It is not my preference.
*Different source*
The source can be night and day. For example, Wolfson and Cirrus audio chips changes sound completely. When paired with different IEMs, the sound may or may not be drastically changed.
*Different source issue*
The "direct" issue is that right below precog's review, there is the ONE AND ONLY TOP COMMENT that tells him his source's characteristic might be in line with the bass problem that he and resolve heard.
*what is my expectation?*
from research method standpoint, it is so simple and fair. to simple test with a different source and then he can report if it's the same or not.
*Am I expecting too much this time?*
this time, it's so simple that i believe he should do it for validity.
*insertion/depth*
I am not asking any reviewers to use an IEM in a specific way. I am saying they need to mention the eartip characteristics (e.g. bore diameter) and insertion depth and seal achieved when they report their findings.
They are free to dislike a certain insertion depth, but again for validity reasons, they should report these factors directly along with the sound they heard.
*is valid methodology important?*
well, saying it's not important is saying they are not credible, so even if they CAN'T have the best methodology, they should all never claim it's not important, or that removes the point of their channel.
valid methodology is directly linked to credibility, and no review channel should strive to show no credibility. therefore, i know all review channels are striving to improve their credibility.
So inherently, valid research method is what review channels are striving for, and there is always room for improvement.
6:05 If U12t is warm then water is dry
What.
@@SuperReview I don't find the U12t to be warm, it sounds more neutral with a sub bass emphasis and specific boosts in the treble to make it sparkle.
Warm to me, means more bass-mid range boost, like a thicker sound.
But i guess everything is relative
@@Alepap. Warm like less treble and more bass.With maybe emphasis on mid bass
You scratching the iem bro
Nah.
When an IEM is 6x your networth 😭😂😂
😭
I'm watching using a $15 IEM 😁
Poetic.
How hilarious it would be to find out a $15 iem sounds barely different from a $2k one
my motorbike is worth less than these IEMs xD
Yeah I think I paid $2,600 for my Grom >_
@@SuperReview hahaha gotta love that Grom! I personally am loving my CB150R, which cost about $2000 :))
None of them are worth 2,000. If you don’t pay that price they will start to come down.
I didn't buy them, they are still $2,000.
@@SuperReview I didn’t say you, I was just stating that if people don’t pay that price then the cost would probably go down.
Your logic is dookie 😂