I agree with your fascination with low driver count setups. I find that when you listen to a low driver count IEM you find yourself listening and impressed more with all the things it can do. Conversely, when listening to a high driver count IEM you end up listening for all the things that it CAN'T do, rather than what it can. It's an odd phenomena.
Firstly, thanks for the vid brother. I love your vids. I am currently working on finalizing my own proprietary designs for my IEMs for my future acoustics company. I have not worked on adding large amounts of BAs yet however, thinking about the physics, I believe I understand why we the gains from adding more drivers tapers out as we continue to add more. We are trying to force more drivers to use the same channel diameter as single BAs. It is like water in a pipe. At some point, I do not care how strong the pump is, there is a limit to how much fluid you can force to a particular diameter. I believe that we need to focus on developing new technologies for modeling and testing what is really happening along the path of the BAs to our ears. Similar to our abilities to do this with transmission line speakers. Let me know what you think. God bless.
Thanks for your video. I love 64 Audio's products and especially the people I met during my visit to their HQ earlier this year. Their after sales service is awesome too.
Excelent video. Do you think that having more drivers is a factor for the IEM market to grow and become more competitive than the full-size headphone market? Also, what is your opinion on the difference in resolution (aka detail retrieval) in high-end IEMs versus high-end headphones? For example, comparing the Focal Clear vs Monarch Mark II.
Sure, to some degree the idea of having more drivers is a powerful marketing gimmick; additionally, it lowers the bar of entry for many manufacturers which is why IEM releases move so quickly. I don’t really hear major differences in resolution between high-end IEMs vs headphones. Headphones tend to sound slightly more vibrant when it comes to transients due to them having more jaggedness in frequency response past 10kHz, which some people might associate with better detail. But as for whether all the details are “there” I think they’re comparable
For some reason, I keep getting the feeling that 64 Audio is a 2020 version of CA. Sure, they have a few more hits, but not as many as one would think by the reviews. I suspect it's more fans being loyal to the brand. If you look across all the brands, 99%have a one hit wonder and then filler for the rest. On the one hand, it's a shame there's no Beatles of the iem world. On the other hand, that allows more companies to do their own thing.
FWIW, I find 64A is fairly consistent. They have a lot of flagships but I wouldn’t say any of them is outright bad (even though I am not a fan of the Fourte). I think you illustrated it yourself when you say that 99% of brands have a one hit wonder. But you also stated that 64A has multiple hits. So essentially it’s already in that 1% by your logic haha
They ARE the unique one really. 64 Audio is a long running company that consistently have some wins for a long time they never have a complete duds on their flagship lineup. CA and most Chinese based IEM company does too many iterative changes to their product it kinda diminishes their bangers' special-Ness, while 64 managed to give some kind of gimmick to their releases, despite putting out more products than the big companies like Sony and Sennheiser. So in a way they have a unique fan following while still making a good, memorable bangers.
10:57 I sympathize that comment. Precog was biased for as long as possible for the U12t. even tho he's moved away from it, he still calls it the perennial standard when it's technically outdated with its many flaws. I can only think he feels bad about hyping it for so long to be harsh on it now. The other stuff from 64Audio got mixed reception, but precog calls it "different" and sticking to their guns. However, when another company releases a tuning precog doesn't like, he talks about how it bothers him and is quite strict/merciless, even though it's something different? E.g., he was quite strict with the monarch mk2 which gizaudio liked more than the 64Audio stuff. And I always have to mention one of the many caveats of the U12t was the sterile bland sound is actually not a small caveat, but a giant rip off. I now can point to headphoneshow's own video where casuals all ranked U12t dead last against cheap IEMs. The problem is the high cost to only sound bad on first listen. Plus the meh bass, BA timbre, and a master of none (not 90% in each category btw, not even close). In fact, It's actually not impressive that 64Audio release a bunch of different experiments when their U12t ranks dead last against even a $35 tuning. Ofc they have no direction and can just release 'different' sounds. A signature sound needs to surpass in popularity over their U12t, but afaik, they don't have any sound more popular than the U12t, so technically they don't have a house sound unless they want to claim sterile/boring house sound. But ofc, even their fans and precog says U12t sounds sterile, so basically they failed to release something to claim a true house sound. Regarding other companies release things that sound the same... (however, more respect to companies with a real house sound) -Moondrop Blessing 3 is a niche sound many complained lacking in low end and its tuned like that on purpose. Dusk 2 covers that. their lower priced offerings have different tunings too. -Symphonium Meteor is a different warm IEM quite popular with its fans -KiwiEars Orchestra is different and foregone bass quantity for vocals. -ThieAudio's different lineups don't sound the same. -Sound Rhyme has SR8 which is a soft relaxing listen foregoing macro dynamics. -Penon IEMs have the Penon only signature mids while each still sounding different. -AuR Audio's releases all sound very different. -Tangzu went and made a bloomy luxurious planar Zetian Wu OG, then HeyDay which is fast and snappy, all completely different sounds from their older releases too. -the Trifecta sure sounds different from anything else and is favorite of many fans while hated by others -Elysian's Diva and Annihilator sound different -Unique Melody's flagships have different sounds going to some extreme ends causing fans to have mixed reactions too. Now, on forums, quite a few of these "unique" or "different" or "niche" IEMs are in people's top lists, with 64Audio below them or nowhere to be found. But Precog doesn't seem to give props to other companies even though they release different sounds that actually are people's favorites (which should deserve equal or greater respect than 64Audio imo). But it seems Precog only notices it when 64Audio does it, even if none of their stuff ends up being his favorite either. However, I even need to say who deserves more respect are companies that innovate and make different sounds WHILE keeping their signature house sound WHILE gathering community feedback WHILE trying to price them affordable. As such, going all over the place with tunings while charging high price isn't that impressive to me. In fact kinda ripping me off cause there's no consistency, just high price and hype + company (64Audio) loyalty. 64Audio is a huge rip off to me considering the U12t was their most hyped IEM but is pretty unimpressive (especially nowadays). I would pick many of the above companies (or others not listed) all day over 64Audio, if I had to be stuck buying from 1 company forever. Respect to companies that release different tunings while keeping their signature sounds as well (and at least they actually got a house/signature sound).
Dang and I thought I struggled with keeping things succinct haha. Re other IEMs sounding the same, I clearly state in the video that I’m “mostly speaking with respect to Chi-Fi and the bottom echelons of the market”. Re the U12t sounding sterile and bland, this is a common misconception that a lot of listeners have. The frequency response is decidedly U-shaped which means it has boosted sub-bass and upper-treble; ie. it’s actually fairly colored and this becomes pretty obvious if you take the time to A/B it against some of the IEMs you mentioned like the B3 and Monarch MKII :) Edit: fwiw, I don’t deal with Penon’s IEMs because they’ve tried to influence/intervene w/ reviewers’ opinions in the past
@@Precogvision ty for input. I also dislike Penon's "marketing" even tho I didn't know they tried to influence reviewers. Although I have to say their pricing, tuning, and R&D is praiseworthy plus their experiments are released under ISN to be cheaper, so to me I get my blood sucked by companies like 64Audio for their experimental tunings, whereas although Penon has marketing I dislike, they kinda release their experiments as experiments. im not saying you're wrong either, but that in a "pick your evil" situation, the 64Audio option would be much worse in terms of impacting my finances (as opposed to other chi-fi, singapore, indonesian companies). bias is inevitable and i think it's simply explained by that you're a fan of 64Audio so you see the pros more than the cons and end up respecting them for something I as a consumer find quite a rip off. and they should be welcoming a headphoneshow reviewer showcasing their headquarters and giving them publicity, because companies from various countries (not just China) have overshadowed them. chi-fi companies might even have to hide their stuff from other chi-fi companies, but 64Audio really just needs a spotlight more than being secretive. besides, I just think what do they have to hide when the U12t is their most popular product? they need the exposure and what they need to hide are their smiles that they are getting free publicity from your visit. regarding the U12t, I feel much of your praise is from A/B'ing and replaying segments/snippets of songs that determine your review criteria. But I have to say, just listening, the U12t was the first IEM to ever make my heart literally sink after spending $2k. it would be tragic if you were reading my reaction(s) in a novel format. much later, theheadphoneshow's non-audiophile ranking 99% confirmed this for me. Perhaps the U12t can tick criteria boxes for a reviewer who is playing snippets to checkbox. I suggest theheadphoneshow's next video be to convince randoms to buy the U12t + other IEMs (brand new) without full refund and see their painful reactions. Based on the first video and my personal experience, I can predict their reactions will be priceless and make a great entertaining video. A thing about timbre though, I've actually seen ppl keep the U12t for as long as possible, only to finally return it because of unnatural timbre. I'm aware some say timbre is good, but I listened to them trying to find synergy for them for months, and also ultimately found timbre off. And well, other companies have signature sounds from IEMs costing $1k or less, and nowadays many are ppl's favorites over the U12t. On the other hand, I can't praise 64Audio for trying new sounds if they can't surpass their own U12t's popularity (which has already waned too). If they have no house sound that surpasses their own bland U12t, ofc they can go wild with new tunings. Like ZMF fans love their house sound and want the essence in their new tunings, but when 64Audio's most popular is the U12t and their own fans say it can sound bland, 64Audio basically has no expectation to meet. The thing is they've got much more pricey offerings than U12t, but none of them seem to be worth the price tag. Based on most head-fi impressions, when talking about expensive IEMs, most ppl put in their top lists Unique Melody Multiverse Mentor, Elysian Annihilator, Noble Ronin, FiR Rn6, Campfire Audio Trifecta, etc. but forget about summit-fi IEMs, many ppl have picked cheaper IEMs over 64Audio expensive IEMs. E.g., Symphonium Meteor, Symphonium Helios, 7th Acoustics Supernova, AuR Audio Neon Pro, Penon 10th Anniversary, etc. Even though each IEM sounds different, other brands are often mentioned as top favorites. But 64Audio trying different tunings still do not make it on those top lists. That tells me they need to lower their price for their experiments because for the money, I can easily buy these top IEMs, quite a few go on sale 20% off brand new pretty often too. I respect companies more when each new release of each line is a step up from the previous, rather just going wild with another release cause they have no established expectation. For example, after so long, where is the summit-fi level U12t? They just got stuck at the U12t which I assume is why you never found a legit U12t successor that fixes every problem. (e.g., Thieaudio is a step up each time in the Monarch lineup with OG -> Mk2 -> Mk3 addressing issues from previous versions based on feedback, and even the Prestige is a step up from the Monarchs within the same brand.)
U12t is still one of the best IEMs I've heard. Hardly anything comes close, and definitely nothing even until $1500. It's a "don't waste your time, get out of the hobby" IEM.
I have other IEMs and have tried many but the U12t still is by far my most listened to IEM. I don't think it sounds sterile at all. It has a natural balanced sound that is a great all rounder. You mention the Monarch Mk2 which is an IEM that I didn't find to be very special. U12t has better bass and mids than the Monatch mk2 and is more detailed. I prefer the Treble on the U12t (am treble sensitive and MK2s 5.5k and 8k peaks are very noticeable for me) but I would consider their treble to be around equal outside the U12ts slightly more detail there. Monarch mk2 upper mids is too much that it becomes shouty in a lot of tracks. To me the Monarch Mk2 is ideal for classical and live performances but not for much else. Outside of the Monarch MK2 I have listen to the UM Mest, own the Empire Ears Odyssey, tried and returned the Moondrop Blessing 2 dusk, and many more. I do prefer the U12t over all of those a good amount outside the Odyssey fantastic bass. I am very glad the Odyssey has less upper mids than the Odin. Since the Harmon IEM target upper mids are shouty. To me the U12T is still one of the best iems out of all of them and it was a steal for the $1200 usd used I got them for. I will say this I find headphones much more comfortable than IEMs so at home when I am sitting I use headphones. I only use IEMs more on go or if I want to pace or lay on a couch. After trying out so many IEMs I really do appreciate how the U12t does everything and everything very well. Only real improvement I want over the U12t would be to have the Empire Ears Odyssey bass quality with the fantastic tonality of the U12t. I am thinking of checking out the UM Multiverse Melody as that IEM seems to be rather similar in having a balanced natural sound but better than the U12t.
@@bigsamiabs8416 Imo, the UM Multiverse Mentor seems to be more befitting of what the U12t was described as -- 90-100% in each aspect (although some might exhibit a slight bias concerning BA bass). Forewarn, the UM MM sounds different than U12t, warmer/fuller. With the UM MM, I feel I'm hearing everything, but free from exaggerated or thin treble tones akin to the Elysian Annihilator. Certain midrange notes pop out on the UM MM. The UM MM actually sounds like every pros/cons was tuned with an ideal to be an all-rounder. The V16 Divinity is another standout in the realm of technical prowess (also reflected by other reviewers' rankings) at $1,600 USD MSRP. The V16 carries has an electric tinge quality to me while imparting a sense of lightness and effortlessness. In terms of soundstage and imaging, the V16 Divinity imo surpasses the Mest Indigo. However, the Indigo boasts superior bass extension, more treble brightness, and an almost ethereal quality to female vocals. Conversely, the V16 Divinity has more pinna gain. Btw, "The All BA, All Star Playoffs!" by Elise Audio features the Monarch Mk2, V16 Divinity, and U12t. The U12t did secure a spot as a finalist, but the Hidition Violet and V16 Divinity were chosen over it. I returned both the Monarch Mk2 and U12t, though I find myself occasionally yearning for the slightly captivating vocal timbre of the Monarch Mk2. However, your observation is accurate in that I didn't deem the Monarch Mk2 to be extraordinarily remarkable overall, which ultimately prompted my decision to return it. But I paid full MSRP for both the Monarch Mk2 and U12t. Immediately, I would shed tears (if the return was not an option for the U12t at MSRP). Regrettably, I have not had the opportunity to revisit the U12t and Monarch Mk2 since their return. My last recollection of the U12t raised an issue with its timbre. Subsequently, I noticed another long-standing U12t enthusiast on UA-cam also chose to return it due to timbral concerns. Regrettably, I have not had the chance to reevaluate it. Regardless, I decided to return the U12t because, in my assessment, it was delivering only around 60% to 90% (if one were to be generous) in each category. Given that I had paid the full MSRP, the decision to return was definitive. I would consider purchasing the U12t used in our current IEM boom market if it was
They price of the a2e and a3e is way too much for what they are if they where both in the lower $150- $250 range it would get alot more customers in the door.
Fun vlog, thanks for taking us along. That listening room at 64A HQ is awesome!
I agree with your fascination with low driver count setups. I find that when you listen to a low driver count IEM you find yourself listening and impressed more with all the things it can do. Conversely, when listening to a high driver count IEM you end up listening for all the things that it CAN'T do, rather than what it can. It's an odd phenomena.
hm yes2
thanks for your thoughts and the quick vlog! looking forward to the full video over on the hpshow channel :D
Firstly, thanks for the vid brother. I love your vids.
I am currently working on finalizing my own proprietary designs for my IEMs for my future acoustics company. I have not worked on adding large amounts of BAs yet however, thinking about the physics, I believe I understand why we the gains from adding more drivers tapers out as we continue to add more. We are trying to force more drivers to use the same channel diameter as single BAs. It is like water in a pipe. At some point, I do not care how strong the pump is, there is a limit to how much fluid you can force to a particular diameter. I believe that we need to focus on developing new technologies for modeling and testing what is really happening along the path of the BAs to our ears. Similar to our abilities to do this with transmission line speakers.
Let me know what you think. God bless.
Thanks for your video. I love 64 Audio's products and especially the people I met during my visit to their HQ earlier this year. Their after sales service is awesome too.
Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the Volur precog
he1 is damn impressive, ultra smooth & ambience almost like my headphone adding to mega (but proper) soundstage and other senns specials
dynamics and details also at level smth ive never heard
all those creates ultra realistic sound ive addressed somewhere here
The audio community gotta start calling this guy Choppin instead of Precog 😂
Excelent video.
Do you think that having more drivers is a factor for the IEM market to grow and become more competitive than the full-size headphone market?
Also, what is your opinion on the difference in resolution (aka detail retrieval) in high-end IEMs versus high-end headphones?
For example, comparing the Focal Clear vs Monarch Mark II.
Sure, to some degree the idea of having more drivers is a powerful marketing gimmick; additionally, it lowers the bar of entry for many manufacturers which is why IEM releases move so quickly.
I don’t really hear major differences in resolution between high-end IEMs vs headphones. Headphones tend to sound slightly more vibrant when it comes to transients due to them having more jaggedness in frequency response past 10kHz, which some people might associate with better detail. But as for whether all the details are “there” I think they’re comparable
For some reason, I keep getting the feeling that 64 Audio is a 2020 version of CA. Sure, they have a few more hits, but not as many as one would think by the reviews. I suspect it's more fans being loyal to the brand. If you look across all the brands, 99%have a one hit wonder and then filler for the rest. On the one hand, it's a shame there's no Beatles of the iem world. On the other hand, that allows more companies to do their own thing.
I would say the beatles of A64 was U12T and the rolling stone was U18T, and Tia Forte is their beach boys (don't take me seriously on this)
FWIW, I find 64A is fairly consistent. They have a lot of flagships but I wouldn’t say any of them is outright bad (even though I am not a fan of the Fourte). I think you illustrated it yourself when you say that 99% of brands have a one hit wonder. But you also stated that 64A has multiple hits. So essentially it’s already in that 1% by your logic haha
They ARE the unique one really. 64 Audio is a long running company that consistently have some wins for a long time they never have a complete duds on their flagship lineup.
CA and most Chinese based IEM company does too many iterative changes to their product it kinda diminishes their bangers' special-Ness, while 64 managed to give some kind of gimmick to their releases, despite putting out more products than the big companies like Sony and Sennheiser.
So in a way they have a unique fan following while still making a good, memorable bangers.
Finding out technicalities via All the Stars by Lamar...kids
Python lyf ftw
10:57 I sympathize that comment. Precog was biased for as long as possible for the U12t. even tho he's moved away from it, he still calls it the perennial standard when it's technically outdated with its many flaws. I can only think he feels bad about hyping it for so long to be harsh on it now.
The other stuff from 64Audio got mixed reception, but precog calls it "different" and sticking to their guns. However, when another company releases a tuning precog doesn't like, he talks about how it bothers him and is quite strict/merciless, even though it's something different? E.g., he was quite strict with the monarch mk2 which gizaudio liked more than the 64Audio stuff.
And I always have to mention one of the many caveats of the U12t was the sterile bland sound is actually not a small caveat, but a giant rip off. I now can point to headphoneshow's own video where casuals all ranked U12t dead last against cheap IEMs. The problem is the high cost to only sound bad on first listen. Plus the meh bass, BA timbre, and a master of none (not 90% in each category btw, not even close).
In fact, It's actually not impressive that 64Audio release a bunch of different experiments when their U12t ranks dead last against even a $35 tuning. Ofc they have no direction and can just release 'different' sounds. A signature sound needs to surpass in popularity over their U12t, but afaik, they don't have any sound more popular than the U12t, so technically they don't have a house sound unless they want to claim sterile/boring house sound. But ofc, even their fans and precog says U12t sounds sterile, so basically they failed to release something to claim a true house sound.
Regarding other companies release things that sound the same... (however, more respect to companies with a real house sound)
-Moondrop Blessing 3 is a niche sound many complained lacking in low end and its tuned like that on purpose. Dusk 2 covers that. their lower priced offerings have different tunings too.
-Symphonium Meteor is a different warm IEM quite popular with its fans
-KiwiEars Orchestra is different and foregone bass quantity for vocals.
-ThieAudio's different lineups don't sound the same.
-Sound Rhyme has SR8 which is a soft relaxing listen foregoing macro dynamics.
-Penon IEMs have the Penon only signature mids while each still sounding different.
-AuR Audio's releases all sound very different.
-Tangzu went and made a bloomy luxurious planar Zetian Wu OG, then HeyDay which is fast and snappy, all completely different sounds from their older releases too.
-the Trifecta sure sounds different from anything else and is favorite of many fans while hated by others
-Elysian's Diva and Annihilator sound different
-Unique Melody's flagships have different sounds going to some extreme ends causing fans to have mixed reactions too.
Now, on forums, quite a few of these "unique" or "different" or "niche" IEMs are in people's top lists, with 64Audio below them or nowhere to be found. But Precog doesn't seem to give props to other companies even though they release different sounds that actually are people's favorites (which should deserve equal or greater respect than 64Audio imo). But it seems Precog only notices it when 64Audio does it, even if none of their stuff ends up being his favorite either.
However, I even need to say who deserves more respect are companies that innovate and make different sounds WHILE keeping their signature house sound WHILE gathering community feedback WHILE trying to price them affordable.
As such, going all over the place with tunings while charging high price isn't that impressive to me. In fact kinda ripping me off cause there's no consistency, just high price and hype + company (64Audio) loyalty.
64Audio is a huge rip off to me considering the U12t was their most hyped IEM but is pretty unimpressive (especially nowadays). I would pick many of the above companies (or others not listed) all day over 64Audio, if I had to be stuck buying from 1 company forever.
Respect to companies that release different tunings while keeping their signature sounds as well (and at least they actually got a house/signature sound).
Dang and I thought I struggled with keeping things succinct haha. Re other IEMs sounding the same, I clearly state in the video that I’m “mostly speaking with respect to Chi-Fi and the bottom echelons of the market”. Re the U12t sounding sterile and bland, this is a common misconception that a lot of listeners have. The frequency response is decidedly U-shaped which means it has boosted sub-bass and upper-treble; ie. it’s actually fairly colored and this becomes pretty obvious if you take the time to A/B it against some of the IEMs you mentioned like the B3 and Monarch MKII :)
Edit: fwiw, I don’t deal with Penon’s IEMs because they’ve tried to influence/intervene w/ reviewers’ opinions in the past
@@Precogvision ty for input. I also dislike Penon's "marketing" even tho I didn't know they tried to influence reviewers. Although I have to say their pricing, tuning, and R&D is praiseworthy plus their experiments are released under ISN to be cheaper, so to me I get my blood sucked by companies like 64Audio for their experimental tunings, whereas although Penon has marketing I dislike, they kinda release their experiments as experiments.
im not saying you're wrong either, but that in a "pick your evil" situation, the 64Audio option would be much worse in terms of impacting my finances (as opposed to other chi-fi, singapore, indonesian companies). bias is inevitable and i think it's simply explained by that you're a fan of 64Audio so you see the pros more than the cons and end up respecting them for something I as a consumer find quite a rip off.
and they should be welcoming a headphoneshow reviewer showcasing their headquarters and giving them publicity, because companies from various countries (not just China) have overshadowed them. chi-fi companies might even have to hide their stuff from other chi-fi companies, but 64Audio really just needs a spotlight more than being secretive. besides, I just think what do they have to hide when the U12t is their most popular product? they need the exposure and what they need to hide are their smiles that they are getting free publicity from your visit.
regarding the U12t, I feel much of your praise is from A/B'ing and replaying segments/snippets of songs that determine your review criteria. But I have to say, just listening, the U12t was the first IEM to ever make my heart literally sink after spending $2k. it would be tragic if you were reading my reaction(s) in a novel format.
much later, theheadphoneshow's non-audiophile ranking 99% confirmed this for me. Perhaps the U12t can tick criteria boxes for a reviewer who is playing snippets to checkbox. I suggest theheadphoneshow's next video be to convince randoms to buy the U12t + other IEMs (brand new) without full refund and see their painful reactions. Based on the first video and my personal experience, I can predict their reactions will be priceless and make a great entertaining video.
A thing about timbre though, I've actually seen ppl keep the U12t for as long as possible, only to finally return it because of unnatural timbre. I'm aware some say timbre is good, but I listened to them trying to find synergy for them for months, and also ultimately found timbre off.
And well, other companies have signature sounds from IEMs costing $1k or less, and nowadays many are ppl's favorites over the U12t. On the other hand, I can't praise 64Audio for trying new sounds if they can't surpass their own U12t's popularity (which has already waned too). If they have no house sound that surpasses their own bland U12t, ofc they can go wild with new tunings.
Like ZMF fans love their house sound and want the essence in their new tunings, but when 64Audio's most popular is the U12t and their own fans say it can sound bland, 64Audio basically has no expectation to meet.
The thing is they've got much more pricey offerings than U12t, but none of them seem to be worth the price tag.
Based on most head-fi impressions, when talking about expensive IEMs, most ppl put in their top lists Unique Melody Multiverse Mentor, Elysian Annihilator, Noble Ronin, FiR Rn6, Campfire Audio Trifecta, etc.
but forget about summit-fi IEMs, many ppl have picked cheaper IEMs over 64Audio expensive IEMs. E.g., Symphonium Meteor, Symphonium Helios, 7th Acoustics Supernova, AuR Audio Neon Pro, Penon 10th Anniversary, etc.
Even though each IEM sounds different, other brands are often mentioned as top favorites. But 64Audio trying different tunings still do not make it on those top lists. That tells me they need to lower their price for their experiments because for the money, I can easily buy these top IEMs, quite a few go on sale 20% off brand new pretty often too.
I respect companies more when each new release of each line is a step up from the previous, rather just going wild with another release cause they have no established expectation.
For example, after so long, where is the summit-fi level U12t? They just got stuck at the U12t which I assume is why you never found a legit U12t successor that fixes every problem. (e.g., Thieaudio is a step up each time in the Monarch lineup with OG -> Mk2 -> Mk3 addressing issues from previous versions based on feedback, and even the Prestige is a step up from the Monarchs within the same brand.)
U12t is still one of the best IEMs I've heard. Hardly anything comes close, and definitely nothing even until $1500. It's a "don't waste your time, get out of the hobby" IEM.
I have other IEMs and have tried many but the U12t still is by far my most listened to IEM. I don't think it sounds sterile at all. It has a natural balanced sound that is a great all rounder. You mention the Monarch Mk2 which is an IEM that I didn't find to be very special. U12t has better bass and mids than the Monatch mk2 and is more detailed. I prefer the Treble on the U12t (am treble sensitive and MK2s 5.5k and 8k peaks are very noticeable for me) but I would consider their treble to be around equal outside the U12ts slightly more detail there. Monarch mk2 upper mids is too much that it becomes shouty in a lot of tracks. To me the Monarch Mk2 is ideal for classical and live performances but not for much else.
Outside of the Monarch MK2 I have listen to the UM Mest, own the Empire Ears Odyssey, tried and returned the Moondrop Blessing 2 dusk, and many more. I do prefer the U12t over all of those a good amount outside the Odyssey fantastic bass. I am very glad the Odyssey has less upper mids than the Odin. Since the Harmon IEM target upper mids are shouty. To me the U12T is still one of the best iems out of all of them and it was a steal for the $1200 usd used I got them for. I will say this I find headphones much more comfortable than IEMs so at home when I am sitting I use headphones. I only use IEMs more on go or if I want to pace or lay on a couch. After trying out so many IEMs I really do appreciate how the U12t does everything and everything very well. Only real improvement I want over the U12t would be to have the Empire Ears Odyssey bass quality with the fantastic tonality of the U12t.
I am thinking of checking out the UM Multiverse Melody as that IEM seems to be rather similar in having a balanced natural sound but better than the U12t.
@@bigsamiabs8416 Imo, the UM Multiverse Mentor seems to be more befitting of what the U12t was described as -- 90-100% in each aspect (although some might exhibit a slight bias concerning BA bass). Forewarn, the UM MM sounds different than U12t, warmer/fuller. With the UM MM, I feel I'm hearing everything, but free from exaggerated or thin treble tones akin to the Elysian Annihilator. Certain midrange notes pop out on the UM MM. The UM MM actually sounds like every pros/cons was tuned with an ideal to be an all-rounder.
The V16 Divinity is another standout in the realm of technical prowess (also reflected by other reviewers' rankings) at $1,600 USD MSRP. The V16 carries has an electric tinge quality to me while imparting a sense of lightness and effortlessness. In terms of soundstage and imaging, the V16 Divinity imo surpasses the Mest Indigo. However, the Indigo boasts superior bass extension, more treble brightness, and an almost ethereal quality to female vocals. Conversely, the V16 Divinity has more pinna gain.
Btw, "The All BA, All Star Playoffs!" by Elise Audio features the Monarch Mk2, V16 Divinity, and U12t. The U12t did secure a spot as a finalist, but the Hidition Violet and V16 Divinity were chosen over it.
I returned both the Monarch Mk2 and U12t, though I find myself occasionally yearning for the slightly captivating vocal timbre of the Monarch Mk2. However, your observation is accurate in that I didn't deem the Monarch Mk2 to be extraordinarily remarkable overall, which ultimately prompted my decision to return it. But I paid full MSRP for both the Monarch Mk2 and U12t. Immediately, I would shed tears (if the return was not an option for the U12t at MSRP).
Regrettably, I have not had the opportunity to revisit the U12t and Monarch Mk2 since their return. My last recollection of the U12t raised an issue with its timbre. Subsequently, I noticed another long-standing U12t enthusiast on UA-cam also chose to return it due to timbral concerns. Regrettably, I have not had the chance to reevaluate it. Regardless, I decided to return the U12t because, in my assessment, it was delivering only around 60% to 90% (if one were to be generous) in each category. Given that I had paid the full MSRP, the decision to return was definitive. I would consider purchasing the U12t used in our current IEM boom market if it was
So your favourite isn't the u4s?
They price of the a2e and a3e is way too much for what they are if they where both in the lower $150- $250 range it would get alot more customers in the door.
W
Postcog
I’m already surprised because the U12T is already released… Excited to see how this ends
Edit: damn you hopeful reading comprehension!
0:26 Airpods on Plane instead of iems, not true audiophile, unsubscribed
/s
Spoiler alert! (it will not)