Saw this review 6 months ago, started looking into these more and more, but I still had a set of IEMs (not great, but good still) so I thought nah. Then those IEMs broke….so yeah I’m now rewatching this video wearing U12Ts….god I love them. Thanks for the tip!
The 12t is arguably the best TOTL IEM given that it has little weaknesses. It's a shame it's out of reach for most audiophiles. Wonder if these will stay relevant for years to come? I reckon something will eventually rise to beat the u12t at around $1,000 sooner or later.
Well Theo, after 6 with my S8's, I've bought the 64 Audio U6T to try! I saved 41% off retail by buying mint/pre-owned, too tempting! I listen to electronic music(NOT EDM), rock, electric guitar artists and prog rock/metal. Often, complex and very layered. Some is ultra fast. I have odd ears, I love the S8, but miss the machined nozzle at the end tbh. I don't plan to own multiple IEM's, so I hope I like the U6T. It needs to be a one-trick pony. I love the tone/tuning on the S8, and you and Mark described them spot on. I'm 55, so I guess the highest registers of my hearing are declining. All of this leads me to some questions - if I may Precog. I appreciate the U6T will be warmer, which is something I'm a little concerned about of course. So I hope your experience can assist me here, with you being a 64 Audio fan. If I fit the U6T with the black modules (-10db), do you think this would be a good place to start sound wise? So that my ears aren't too shocked by the tonal differences?? I plan to fit the spiral dot tips, to help the content in the higher frequencies to help the balance. A good idea? I was tempted for the U12T, but one thing that put me off was, a lot of my music is very well mixed/mastered and has deep processing effects built into the albums. I didn't want something that would risk me thinking that the music would sound too "drenched" in effects and sound too dissimilar to how it was meant to be heard tonally when it was created. I wanted to shape a more "neutral" presentation. So, hopefully the gamble will pay off. Should I be excited?? I'm trying to temper my expectations, but realize I'm likely going to be down on detail, and it could be an issue. As I say, a gamble therefore. Fingers crossed!!
I got the u12ts and just wanted to highlight that it is important to put the eartips properly. The U12T has a long nozzle with a lip/markings. If you shoove the eartips in all the way to the base similar to other short nozzle iems like the starfields, the nozzle depth will be different and significantly adversely affect the sound signature. So make sure you set the eartips correctly to the lip and not the base. You can use other short nozzle iems as a guide on how deep the nozzle's distance to the bore should be.
They are amazing mate, my friend has a custom version and I have a custom A18t , worth every penny if you can afford them. Keep safe and enjoy your music.
Just saw your review of the S8. You seemed to only really dislike the cable. Much of my library will benefit from its detail & speed, transient attack, clean character, imaging and technical performance. Whilst I'd love to be able to justify $2,000 - I think the Moondrop S8 would get me close enough as an upgrade without needing to sell a kidney. Really tempted to push the button on the S8...
so what cable do you guys recommend? I just bought one. Its coming tomorrow. Can't wait. Right now I got the Sony flagship one. Its good and all. BUT its freaking killing my ears!!!!
I posted in your other U12t video and I think you should go to the A12t. I had so much trouble with the U12t and it's long nozzles that do not hold tips from sliding down making it difficult for me to get a good deal. When I had a good deal this is a very good IEM. I voiced my concerns to someone I trust and told me to go with the A12t and I have never had a custom IEM but I took a chance with the A12t and it's amazing. Definitely one of my top 5 IEMs and it has no problems plugged into a Pass Labs headphone amp connected to my home audio system. I have neck and shoulder pain which is why I seek out the best IEMs that can beat cans.
@@dejayy8992 Whether or not they live up to the hype? They absolutely do! Phenomenal detail retrieval, great base for a BA, and top tier tonality. I see why it ranks at or near the top of a lot of people’s lists.
the explanation of its sound profile and technical performance sounds similar to the Sony ier-m9. Would you consider this a direct upgrade? any quick comments re differences out of curiosity, particularly since you preferred the andro to the m9.
Yeah, this is a pretty direct upgrade imo. U12t has better dynamics (IER-M9 has very poor dynamic range), cleaner bass (more sub-bass oriented), and more open staging. They're not necessarily cut from the same cloth in terms of tuning, though. They just have that same jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none thing going for them.
Hi Precog. I remember it was you or Andrew mention something about third party apex modules with a wider variety of tunings. Do you know what they are called?
@@davidpilon9433 I really like the effect audio maestro on these, which is cheaper. Personally I like a copper cable with these, for a more mellow treble
Subbed and liked!!!! What would you say are the best IEMs for Csgo? My price budget is $1,399 but I’m willing to go higher if you recommend it. I watched the audiophile video where 5 audiophiles recommend the HD 800 s for end all be all end game headphones for gaming. So I did buy the Hd 800 s and the jds labs element 3 strictly for CS-GO, a first person shooter. I also want a pair of high end IEMs. So I am not sure what to get since my use is gaming, specifically, counterstrike. Thanks
Yeah, it does, they’re intended to release pressure build-up in the ear. As you go down, so from M20 >> M15 >> MX, the stage will open up slightly more, but you’ll lose isolation too.
I prefer the u12t to both. u18t is completely different flavor of tuning, just don't like it entirely. u18s is similar tuning to the 12t and very resolving, just didn't sound as dynamic to me
Hey Precog, I recently got the u12t and am looking for a 4.4 upgrade cable to go with my dx160. The DUW 02 that you use- would you say it keeps the treble midrange and bass same as the original cable? I'm not looking to modify anything in the sound signature, but just want to improve SQ that comes naturally with changing to dx160 balanced port
I'll be honest with you man, I don't really hear differences between cables - or at least, not to the extent of which I would reliably attest to them. You might check out Head-Fi, but you'll probably get recommendations for cables that cost hundreds of dollars haha.
@@Precogvision oh I'm jealous.I do and very clearly I might add. Just got the PW Audio No. 10 cable, which added weight to low frequency and cut mid range and treble, so I'm having to sell it within a day of buying
I just got a pair used, and I figured I would just buy a tripowin zonie cable to replace the stock one. I was annoyed to hear that the sound was muddied and the dynamics were flattened from the stock cable.
Overall, 12t has better detail retrieval and is a good deal more coherent. MEST has more holographic imaging and better resolution in the upper-midrange where the 12t dips. Bass...honestly, I prefer the 12t's even though it's BA. Hope this helps :)
Thank you. I actually sold the MEST yesterday and I’m looking for a U12t or Tia Trio. I read your review on the Trio and I’m kinda leaning towards the U12t now.
@@Precogvision the question im asking actually, do i need to listen with a seperated dac and amp which is just you respond someone in the comment, or I can just buy an DAC to just drive the IEM's rather than having an extra AMP to drive them? But I think we dont need actually to have an extra AMP to just drive them more powerful because as you know IEM's are little things so means there is no too much electrical power to drive them, they could easy to be driven already. My thoughts..
Not that super difference. Most of the songs that I've ever listened to that impressed my soul, I used 25 dollars iem way before I entered this 1k or 2k iem market.
Saw this review 6 months ago, started looking into these more and more, but I still had a set of IEMs (not great, but good still) so I thought nah. Then those IEMs broke….so yeah I’m now rewatching this video wearing U12Ts….god I love them. Thanks for the tip!
You’re my favorite IEM!!!
😂
The 12t is arguably the best TOTL IEM given that it has little weaknesses. It's a shame it's out of reach for most audiophiles.
Wonder if these will stay relevant for years to come? I reckon something will eventually rise to beat the u12t at around $1,000 sooner or later.
Great video! Would love a trio, nio, and u12t comparison video!
Well Theo, after 6 with my S8's, I've bought the 64 Audio U6T to try! I saved 41% off retail by buying mint/pre-owned, too tempting! I listen to electronic music(NOT EDM), rock, electric guitar artists and prog rock/metal. Often, complex and very layered. Some is ultra fast. I have odd ears, I love the S8, but miss the machined nozzle at the end tbh.
I don't plan to own multiple IEM's, so I hope I like the U6T. It needs to be a one-trick pony. I love the tone/tuning on the S8, and you and Mark described them spot on. I'm 55, so I guess the highest registers of my hearing are declining. All of this leads me to some questions - if I may Precog. I appreciate the U6T will be warmer, which is something I'm a little concerned about of course. So I hope your experience can assist me here, with you being a 64 Audio fan. If I fit the U6T with the black modules (-10db), do you think this would be a good place to start sound wise? So that my ears aren't too shocked by the tonal differences?? I plan to fit the spiral dot tips, to help the content in the higher frequencies to help the balance. A good idea?
I was tempted for the U12T, but one thing that put me off was, a lot of my music is very well mixed/mastered and has deep processing effects built into the albums. I didn't want something that would risk me thinking that the music would sound too "drenched" in effects and sound too dissimilar to how it was meant to be heard tonally when it was created. I wanted to shape a more "neutral" presentation. So, hopefully the gamble will pay off.
Should I be excited?? I'm trying to temper my expectations, but realize I'm likely going to be down on detail, and it could be an issue. As I say, a gamble therefore. Fingers crossed!!
I got the u12ts and just wanted to highlight that it is important to put the eartips properly. The U12T has a long nozzle with a lip/markings. If you shoove the eartips in all the way to the base similar to other short nozzle iems like the starfields, the nozzle depth will be different and significantly adversely affect the sound signature. So make sure you set the eartips correctly to the lip and not the base. You can use other short nozzle iems as a guide on how deep the nozzle's distance to the bore should be.
Great review!! What cable do you use?
It's annoying that he doesn't mention the cables
Thanks for the video. 😄
They look really good, wish to own an expensive iem in future.
They are amazing mate, my friend has a custom version and I have a custom A18t , worth every penny if you can afford them. Keep safe and enjoy your music.
What do you have now?
Such pretty pretty IEMs!
Just saw your review of the S8. You seemed to only really dislike the cable. Much of my library will benefit from its detail & speed, transient attack, clean character, imaging and technical performance. Whilst I'd love to be able to justify $2,000 - I think the Moondrop S8 would get me close enough as an upgrade without needing to sell a kidney. Really tempted to push the button on the S8...
Is this still your favorite or do you like something better now?
Great review, informative and well argumented opinion - subscribed!
What is the optimal signal chain (portable or desktop) for this level iem?
so what cable do you guys recommend? I just bought one. Its coming tomorrow. Can't wait. Right now I got the Sony flagship one. Its good and all. BUT its freaking killing my ears!!!!
Hey Precog, as someone looking into the Z1R or U12T, which do you still find yourself reaching for the most?
U12t
Z1r
me also curious abt their real sounds, for now i think mini mest is safer for most system, and cheapest
Are these worth an upgrade over the Moondrop Variations (I like the tone weight)....? ....I love Bass......
It is the time for me to get those... I tested them in Germany one year go and price doesn't drop :D
Hey precog, I own the susvara and looking for an iem that has a similar sound with good vocals and soundstage. Does any iem come in mind to you?
I posted in your other U12t video and I think you should go to the A12t. I had so much trouble with the U12t and it's long nozzles that do not hold tips from sliding down making it difficult for me to get a good deal. When I had a good deal this is a very good IEM. I voiced my concerns to someone I trust and told me to go with the A12t and I have never had a custom IEM but I took a chance with the A12t and it's amazing. Definitely one of my top 5 IEMs and it has no problems plugged into a Pass Labs headphone amp connected to my home audio system. I have neck and shoulder pain which is why I seek out the best IEMs that can beat cans.
The U12t fits me perfectly luckily. 😄
what third party cable would you recommend for this IEM?
How is the duo in terms of sound compared to the u12?
Just ordered these, can’t wait to see whether or not they live up to the hype.
I am where you once were.... :P can you confirm?
@@dejayy8992 Whether or not they live up to the hype? They absolutely do! Phenomenal detail retrieval, great base for a BA, and top tier tonality. I see why it ranks at or near the top of a lot of people’s lists.
@@Sonola777 appreciate the comment! I'm stuck on the sony z1rs and the u12t and trying to make the best decision!
@@dejayy8992 I have the same problem
@@acjacj5662 u12t has a better fit
the explanation of its sound profile and technical performance sounds similar to the Sony ier-m9. Would you consider this a direct upgrade? any quick comments re differences out of curiosity, particularly since you preferred the andro to the m9.
Yeah, this is a pretty direct upgrade imo. U12t has better dynamics (IER-M9 has very poor dynamic range), cleaner bass (more sub-bass oriented), and more open staging. They're not necessarily cut from the same cloth in terms of tuning, though. They just have that same jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none thing going for them.
Hi, who makes those transparent ear tips? They look very nice. How do they compare to the original ones?
Spin fit
Hi Precog. I remember it was you or Andrew mention something about third party apex modules with a wider variety of tunings. Do you know what they are called?
They are the Fir Audio modules. Hope this helps!
@@Precogvision thank you so muchhhhh
I have an Ier-m7 and want to upgrade. Would you recommend Andromeda 2020 as one?
Sorry maybe I missed it but what cable are you using on the U12t? Great review!
Dunu DWU02 :)
@@Precogvision what do think about the cable Virtuoso Effect audio 149$ US ?
@@davidpilon9433 I really like the effect audio maestro on these, which is cheaper.
Personally I like a copper cable with these, for a more mellow treble
How’s the stock tip sound?
How does this compare to Thieaduio Monarch?
Is this IEM the best you can get for around 2k?
any commendation on cables?
Subbed and liked!!!! What would you say are the best IEMs for Csgo?
My price budget is $1,399 but I’m willing to go higher if you recommend it.
I watched the audiophile video where 5 audiophiles recommend the HD 800 s for end all be all end game headphones for gaming. So I did buy the Hd 800 s and the jds labs element 3 strictly for CS-GO, a first person shooter.
I also want a pair of high end IEMs. So I am not sure what to get since my use is gaming, specifically, counterstrike.
Thanks
I have the mest OG , do i need to upgrade?
where did you get those IEM cases?
What’s the cable man? Thanks
Hello, does the pressure release module help with listener fatigue or "open up" the sound?
Yeah, it does, they’re intended to release pressure build-up in the ear. As you go down, so from M20 >> M15 >> MX, the stage will open up slightly more, but you’ll lose isolation too.
@@Precogvision got it, thanks
@@Precogvisionhow is the isolation? not sure if I missed that, is it usable with loud stage volumes?
Did you get a chance to compare the U12t to the U18t/s?
I prefer the u12t to both. u18t is completely different flavor of tuning, just don't like it entirely. u18s is similar tuning to the 12t and very resolving, just didn't sound as dynamic to me
Hey Precog, I recently got the u12t and am looking for a 4.4 upgrade cable to go with my dx160. The DUW 02 that you use- would you say it keeps the treble midrange and bass same as the original cable? I'm not looking to modify anything in the sound signature, but just want to improve SQ that comes naturally with changing to dx160 balanced port
I'll be honest with you man, I don't really hear differences between cables - or at least, not to the extent of which I would reliably attest to them. You might check out Head-Fi, but you'll probably get recommendations for cables that cost hundreds of dollars haha.
@@Precogvision oh I'm jealous.I do and very clearly I might add. Just got the PW Audio No. 10 cable, which added weight to low frequency and cut mid range and treble, so I'm having to sell it within a day of buying
I guess I'll go audition cables and decide for myself. Aah so much work that'll be haha
I just got a pair used, and I figured I would just buy a tripowin zonie cable to replace the stock one. I was annoyed to hear that the sound was muddied and the dynamics were flattened from the stock cable.
Thanks
Thoughts vs MEST?
Overall, 12t has better detail retrieval and is a good deal more coherent. MEST has more holographic imaging and better resolution in the upper-midrange where the 12t dips. Bass...honestly, I prefer the 12t's even though it's BA. Hope this helps :)
Thank you. I actually sold the MEST yesterday and I’m looking for a U12t or Tia Trio. I read your review on the Trio and I’m kinda leaning towards the U12t now.
@@khunter2132 What did you end up doing?
What DAP do you listen with U12t?
iBasso DX160 and A&K SP1000M
@@Precogvision is A&K SP2000 going to be enough max sound quality (not power) for these? Or any other iems?
Sorry, I’ve not heard it! Differences between sources are also probably not as big as you’d think (at least for me).
@@Precogvision the question im asking actually, do i need to listen with a seperated dac and amp which is just you respond someone in the comment, or I can just buy an DAC to just drive the IEM's rather than having an extra AMP to drive them? But I think we dont need actually to have an extra AMP to just drive them more powerful because as you know IEM's are little things so means there is no too much electrical power to drive them, they could easy to be driven already. My thoughts..
Me using $20 KZ's: I can't even dream of how that sounds like.
Trust me. Not much a difference.
Not that super difference. Most of the songs that I've ever listened to that impressed my soul, I used 25 dollars iem way before I entered this 1k or 2k iem market.
Please compare meze rai penta
Perhaps shure 846 is the best BA that delivers sub bass I've ever heard.
@Jeff well i just saying about 846 bass / sub bass response, not overall
@@laurakim6297 legend x, solaris, many more better than shure 846.
@@ozunkeskin6919 yeah for 2014 product 846 sure is something,
846 is ass
Noice !
You r everywhere titieNne
Shit iem.
Cope harder.
stay losing