flinkenick's 17 Flagship IEM Shootout Thread (and general high-end portable audio discussion)
Sep 23, 2018 at 12:01 PM Post #12,511 of 39,434
Hey guys! It's been quite a while since I last posted impressions on this thread. But now, I'd love to talk about an IEM fresh off of 64Audio's assembly line: The brand-new A6t. I received them just last week and they've quickly become one of my favourite custom IEMs in recent memory. So without further adieu, here are my first impressions of 64Audio’s latest mid-tier beast.

64Audio A6t (with M20 modules) - First Impressions

Before I delve into sound, I must first highlight 64Audio’s outstanding turnaround, fit and finish. I ordered these IEMs as a retail purchase (not as a review unit) through Music Sanctuary on the 15th of June and they arrived in Singapore on the 7th of July. That’s just a day over three weeks! This is the second or third shortest wait I’ve had to endure for a pair of custom IEMs - the victors in this regard being Ultimate Ears and Avara Custom - and I think it’s no coincidence that all three companies employ 3D-printing techniques. Despite limitations in fancy bespoke designs, 3D-printing represents unquestionable progress for the industry in commerciality and practicality. Now, all we have to do is wait for the day they can print out six-colour swirls and wood inlays without a hitch. :p


Photo courtesy of Music Sanctuary

Another benefit of this technology is fit and finish. Having owned 15 custom IEMs prior to the A6t’s, I can confidently say that these are the best-built I’ve ever had. The acrylic bodies feel immensely dense and robust, and boast some of the most outstanding lustre, transparency and polish. Additionally, the A6t’s are the most detailed in shape. Every contour of the ear is preserved, such that there are zero air gaps within the canal at all times. There’s no need to push the monitors in every now and again or to wag at the lobes, neither is there any sliding or sloshing when I flex my ears. The disadvantage of this minimal smoothing is that it’s not the most relaxed or vanishingly comfortable in-ear I’ve ever worn. They're among the tightest in my collection, but it's essentially as accurate and secure as fit could possibly get without discomfort or pain. Plus, they boast some of the best isolation despite the APEX module. This is something stage musicians in particular would love and something I could strongly appreciate too.

Sound

Sonically, the A6t’s carry a unique approach towards neutral-natural. What struck me immediately was its clever balance between linearity, tone and dynamic contrast. Although the poster boys for IEMs that juggle those very attributes have been the Aether, Gemini, etc., the A6t is the first I’ve heard that emphasises vocal roundedness. While the former two boast louder presentations as a result of thick notes, vibrant upper-mids and massive energy, the A6t is more laid-back and refined; focusing its merits on a natural vocal timbre first, then building a detailed, open stage around it (rather than the other way around as has become the norm). A characteristic 1-2kHz rise adds great solidity to voices and instruments alike - apparent and appreciated on every track I heard - while the rest of the frequency response is built to complement that in several ways. Peaks along 7kHz and 10-12kHz add healthy amounts of articulation, as well as open up the stage. 64Audio's APEX and Tia technologies continue to contribute great spaciousness and headroom. As a result, the centre-midrange isn't overtly chesty. Rather, it's dense and realistic in structure, placement and tone. I wished there was more energy around 3kHz for more vibrancy and power, but that's something we'll get into further in the Phantom comparisons.

The bass is full-bodied, impactful and expertly controlled despite its accentuation. The majority of its energy sits somewhere between the mid- and sub-bass, which allows it to punch without congestion. This also means great clarity and separation in conjunction with the upper-treble peak. A significant dip along the upper-bass and lower-midrange segregates the low-end from the rest of the frequency response, but the fall is linear enough that coherency is absolutely maintained. What you get in the end is a punchy low-end that’s sufficiently cut for technical performance, but still musical in body and admirably life-like in tone. Also, the low-end's specific tuning makes it entertainingly sneaky on many occasions. Because there's minimal bloom coming from the bass, you almost forget it's there with tracks that start off slow or build to a drop. Then, when the bass does kick in, it punches beautifully; adding an almost theatrical experience to the track as a whole. It's definitely icing on the cake, but man is that icing delicious! :D

vs. the Empire Ears Phantom

Aside from the almost obvious difference that the Phantom is a warmer IEM, the most clearest contrast between the two is in vocal forwardness and size. The Phantom posits larger notes that almost fill up the stage, while the A6t's instruments are slightly smaller. Much of this has to do with the Phantom's calmer treble, as well as the A6t's emphasis on the centre-midrange vs. the upper-mids. Instruments on the Phantom sound more vibrant, lively and rich, while the A6t has as great a focus on timbre as it does on precise imaging, clean transients and swift decay. One could call the Phantom more emotional, and the A6t cleaner. However, in terms of bodily resolution, the Phantom takes the cake for me. It's better at differentiating between the different hues, tones and textures that different instruments throw out, while the A6t has more of a set flavour - unquestionably a good one, but a slight flavour nonetheless. Conversely, the A6t's treble peaks give it greater refinement and finesse, as well as more apparent separation.

Like I teased previously, the Phantom is more capable in portraying vocal power. When singers belt, that force is immensely palpable. However, a key element to this quality - a 6kHz peak - has led to some complaints of stridence with certain pairings and/or tracks. On the other hand, the A6t's 6kHz dip minimises this dynamic range for smoothness's sake. So, both have vocals that excel in construction, layering and tone, with a key differentiator being raw power vs. guaranteed smoothness. The A6t is also calmer around 3kHz, which makes it - again - a touch less vibrant, but it's less prone to honky-ness than the Phantom is with select tracks. Both in-ears punch very well down low, whilst maintaining balance with the midrange and treble. The Phantom slightly betters the A6t in extension, which leads to a more visceral thump. But, they're within spitting distance in terms of physicality and robustness. The A6t's Tia driver once again gives it the edge in bass definition and separation, while the Phantom's is fuller, richer and truer in tone.

Treble is probably where they're most different, where the A6t's upper-treble peak gives it greater transient attack and crispness; sounding snappier with more crackle and pop compared to the Phantom. But, the Phantom's linearity here makes it a more natural and easy listen. Although the difference in note size isn't large between the two, the A6t's neutral treble (and upper-bass) makes it sound slightly leaner. Now thankfully, the Phantom is neither overtly thick nor is the A6t fatiguingly lean. Both are sides of the same coin, and it simply comes down to preference. If you'd like your instruments more precise and clear-cut, yet still natural in most respects, the A6t's your pick. Conversely, if you're after a more organic (but less forgiving) sonic palate, and you won't mind lesser articulation if it means hearing your favourite singers belt with full force, then the Phantom it is.

Conclusion... For Now

The 64Audio A6t with M20 modules is a beautiful all-rounder. Unlike most in the genre, it doesn't simply have a generally smooth, agreeable and sufficiently-bass-y signature. Rather, it has a unique emphasis on vocal construction and tone, which works just as magically on Charlie Puth as it does on Charlie Parker. Its midrange-first mentality provides an excellent foundation for the entire monitor to stand on, and the extremes do more than just finish the job. The bass is rounded, thick, organic and punchy, and the treble gives it more than enough space to be so whilst remaining open, airy, detailed and immovably smooth. All-in-all, it's a brilliantly balanced signature that's as natural as it is unique, and I can't wait to spend more time listening to and experimenting with one of my new favourite sub-$1500 IEMs in the industry today. :D
My impression with the old 64 Audio products is that while they are decent, the price:performance / value of their products aren't the best.. will you say that the A6T represents a good value at 1.2k (comparing with competitors around this price range of course)?
 
Sep 23, 2018 at 12:59 PM Post #12,513 of 39,434
My impression with the old 64 Audio products is that while they are decent, the price:performance / value of their products aren't the best.. will you say that the A6T represents a good value at 1.2k (comparing with competitors around this price range of course)?

I'd definitely say so. The A6t has its shortcomings (compared to much pricier flagships) in resolution, imaging precision and stage expansion. But, at $1K+, it's a great all-round purchase in my opinion.

I'm still interested in his thanatos

I believe Ito-san said himself in his post that it doesn't sound very good. :D
 
Sep 24, 2018 at 12:12 AM Post #12,514 of 39,434
My impression with the old 64 Audio products is that while they are decent, the price:performance / value of their products aren't the best.. will you say that the A6T represents a good value at 1.2k (comparing with competitors around this price range of course)?
I continue to use my original A6 for a change of pace from my ZMF Auteur over-ears or when I need isolation and must say, they are still a very well-balanced IE that do everything well. Probably not TOTL but for the $1k I purchased them for, price-to-performance ratio is solid in this era of ever-rising IEM pricing.

Haven't heard the A6t, can anyone who has heard both highlight the differences?
 
Sep 24, 2018 at 12:54 AM Post #12,516 of 39,434
I continue to use my original A6 for a change of pace from my ZMF Auteur over-ears or when I need isolation and must say, they are still a very well-balanced IE that do everything well. Probably not TOTL but for the $1k I purchased them for, price-to-performance ratio is solid in this era of ever-rising IEM pricing.

Haven't heard the A6t, can anyone who has heard both highlight the differences?

The Tia driver adds a ton of treble extension, as well as a 12kHz peak that I don’t think was there previously. This makes the A6t clearer and cleaner than the U6 without hurting vocal integrity and tone, or bass presence. This is all based on memory, though. @ostewart should be able to give you a clearer picture.

how does the a6t sound compared to the andromeda? i hear way too much raving about the andromeda everywhere but never considered it because the jupiter fit my ears poorly

I remember the Andromeda having a more withdrawn lower-midrange and mid-bass, but I can’t confirm without a direct comparison. I’ll let you know when I get the chance. Though, if you like the Andromeda, it’s likely you’ll enjoy the A6t too, as well as IEMs like the Lime Ears Model X, Kumitate Lab Meteo, etc.
 
Sep 24, 2018 at 2:48 AM Post #12,517 of 39,434
I continue to use my original A6 for a change of pace from my ZMF Auteur over-ears or when I need isolation and must say, they are still a very well-balanced IE that do everything well. Probably not TOTL but for the $1k I purchased them for, price-to-performance ratio is solid in this era of ever-rising IEM pricing.

Haven't heard the A6t, can anyone who has heard both highlight the differences?

Sorry I haven't had time to copy the review over to Head-Fi yet, but there's a comparison with the original U6 in my review:

http://www.soundperfectionreviews.com/2018/08/review-64-audio-a6t-custom-in-ear.html
 
Sep 24, 2018 at 6:57 AM Post #12,518 of 39,434
It's a bright, beautiful Monday here in Singapore, Singapore, and what better time than now to post another instalment of...

The Deezel Dash: In-Ear Edition - Unique Melody and Sony's Latest
Unique Melody 3DD-Ti

First on the list is Unique Melody's revision of their classic 3DD - now consisting of titanium elements to complement the IEM's three dynamic drivers.

The 3DD-Ti has an energetic, dynamic, w-shaped presentation. Its stage is decently expanded, but certainly within the confines of the head. The stage is constantly full, but notes sound clean nonetheless as a result of a withdrawn lower-midrange. Imaging and separation are fine, but note size and intimacy certainly take precedence. It’s an up-close-and-personal, rock out! presentation that’ll serve genres like EDM pretty well. its tonal balance leads toward neutral-warm, with peaks along the lower- and upper-treble adding sparkle and clarity.

Bass impact is rather strong, but isn’t too physical and/or guttural. So, punches are sufficiently felt, but don’t fill the stage. Decay is a touch slow, but the recessed lower-midrange maintains definition for the most part. Sub- and mid-bass are relatively balanced, with rumble to complement each passing punch. But, it’s a darker low-end with minimal melody and clarity. Impact and fun is certainly prioritised over texture, layering and detail retrieval.

UMSony-3.jpg


The midrange is where I take issue with the 3DD-Ti. It has a strange timbre that sounds like an overtly elevated 1-4kHz range and a 5kHz dip. Vocals sound very chesty, with little headroom or air. Delivery sounds throaty with little articulation or resonance from the mouth; almost as if the mic was placed on the singer's neck, then EQ'ed to sound clear. Clarity and layering is fine because of the 3DD’s treble peaks, but resolution is severely bottlenecked by the strange tuning. There’s a lack of coherence, structure and roundedness to vocals and instruments alike, and it’s certainly the 3DD’s weakest aspect.

The treble contains peaks along 7 and 10kHz. Cymbals and snare drums sound energetic and punchy. Tone is pretty squarely neutral, but it’s a treble that remains mostly smooth, whilst being airy and open as well. Extension is okay, with stage stability and background blackness wavering with busier tracks. But, it still delivers on dynamic contrast. Rock songs sound properly impactful and fun, even if they’re left sounding a touch full. Like the midrange, it’s a treble that requires more coherence and linearity, but it remains relatively problem-free.

At its price, the 3DD-Ti isn’t something I’d wholeheartedly recommend, considering the options available throughout the market. But those looking for an EDM-ready IEM with great energy and decent comfort and fit shouldn’t rule out the 3DD-Ti as a possible option to try.

Sony IER-M7

Now, that’s what I’m talking about! Sony’s IER-M7 is an impressively coherent and open-sounding monitor, but more outstanding is how well it preserves tonal balance and vocal density. It’s very reminiscent of 64Audio’s A6t, but with a calmer bass response. Overall, it’s a clear and airy tonal palate, but the star of the show is its dense, well-structured and clean midrange. The bass serves as a great foundation, while the treble provides a deep, open stage and a decently black background.

The M7’s bass plays a more foundational role to the midrange - not particularly noteworthy in impact or physicality, but outstanding in how well it coheres against the rest of the frequency response. It’s paced really well; quick enough for the stage to remain clean, but lingers sufficiently to fill the presentation in a dynamic sense. Extension is impressive for the price, with adequate sub-bass rumble surrounding the perimeter of the stage; only visceral and present when called for. The mid-bass is rather calm and never intrudes into the presentation, which - once again - serves vocal delivery. It’s not the most resolving or textured low-end I’ve heard, but it perfectly complements the M7’s sonic palate. A touch more mid-bass would've given the in-ear a more natural tone and better body, but I’m very happy with where Sony ended up nonetheless.

UMSony-1.jpg


The midrange is the M7’s star in my opinion. A laid-back lower-midrange gives notes proper definition, and strongly contrasts them against the black background. Following that is a 1-2kHz rise that gives vocals great body and density. Instruments are structured very naturally, with a sufficiently realistic tone. Vocal delivery is dynamic and impactful, paired with the M7’s impressive headroom and depth. The upper-midrange is linearly connected to this rise, but the presence range is relatively neutral. As a result, higher-pitched instruments like female vocals are ever-so-slightly withdrawn, but this results in a more even and rounded image. Pianos in particular deliver both impact (in the force of the keystroke) and melody; a telltale sign of a well-balanced, realistic midrange.

The treble comes tuned with light peaks along 7-8 and 12kHz for clarity, while a 6kHz dip prevents sibilance. Instruments are articulate, yet gracefully smooth. While the A6t uses its wet mid-bass to counteract its treble, the M7 has a relatively more withdrawn treble, so it remains pretty even with the centre-midrange; a touch forward relative to the upper-mids. Though, the A6t sounds a touch fuller with its stock cable. Once again, linearity and coherence is fantastic, and I wouldn’t be surprised if someone told me the M7 was a one-to-two-driver monitor. Extension is adequate as it posits an open stage with decent sphericalness. Pricier TOTLs still have the edge in imaging precision, stability, background blackness and resolution, but the M7 is an excellent performer at its MSRP.

Overall, the M7 caught me by surprise. It’s a tuning I wouldn’t immediately associate with Sony, but I love what it has going for it. It’s forgiving, fun, articulate and - above all - deliciously smooth. The linearity and coherence it portrays is outstanding, and so is its midrange structure. Fans of the Campfire Andromeda looking for a cheaper and more ergonomic alternative will find much to love in the M7. :wink:

Sony IER-M9

Compared to the M7, the M9 has a more v-shaped response with an emphasis on impact, dynamic energy and contrast. Bass and treble quantities are definitely elevated relative to the midrange. As a result, the M9 has a cleaner stage, a blacker background and fuller instruments. It delivers more punch compared to the M7, but with less linearity in its tone and vocal structure. The M9 is more fun and full-bodied than coherent and refined.

The M9’s bass is more mid-bass oriented. There’s a stronger sense of melody, body and warmth, while sub-bass presence remains the same. It’s still a bass that’s a touch darker in tone, but the M9's upper-treble emphasis bolsters its clarity and layering. Despite its fatter response, texture is more apparent here than on the M7. Extension is also a touch stronger for more palpable physicality, so it’s a low-end that’s more catered towards synthetic instruments. It’s still a ways away from Sony’s conventional bass tuning - which was a lot bloomy-er, darker and thicker - but it’s definitely tuned for dynamism and body; more so than the M7.

UMSony-2.jpg


The M9’s midrange is less linear and coherent compared to the M7. Its emphasised lower- and upper-treble peaks make the lower-midrange attenuation more obvious, so notes are a touch crisper. Though, wetness is maintained because of the elevated mid-bass and tone is a touch warmer. This tuning choice generates more clarity and cleanliness, but at the expense of smoothness and refinement. Transients are more harder-edged, so sensitive listeners might consider this tuning more fatiguing. The upper-midrange remains neutral, so higher-pitched instruments remain neutrally-placed in the stage. I’m tempted to draw comparisons to the 64Audio N8 with the M9’s midrange; crisp, clean, mid-bass-fuelled and structurally adequate, albeit lacking slightly in coherence and refinement.

The M9 maintains a similar treble profile as the M7, but with a slightly more emphasised 12kHz region. This results in a crisper transient, while the M7 is a touch more refined. But, it should be said that the M9 has superior body because of its elevated mid-bass. So, if your definition of fatigue stems from a lack of fullness, the M7 will sound more tiring after long periods. Conversely, if it stems from a peaky-er treble, the M9 will be more tiresome. Nevertheless, I think both are relatively smooth and this is true across a huge variety of tracks. The M9’s superior extension creates a more stable stage and a blacker background, as well as a stronger sense of transparency and resolution. Over the M7, it’s definitely a stronger technical performer.

Both the M9 and M7 hold great value in my opinion. They perform excellently for their respective price points and they're two of the most ergonomic UIEMs I've tried in recent memory. The M7's glossy, fingerprint-magnet paint job gets a no from me, but the M9's rugged, brushed aluminium finish (and carbon fibre faceplate) is dreamy. The M7 has a smoother treble and a withdrawn low-end for a more neutral signature, while the M9 has an elevated mid-bass and upper-treble to maintain tonal balance whilst adding tons of dynamic contrast. The M7 has a more uniform response, while the M9 has stronger technical performance. Nevertheless, both have a lovable tone and a thought-out structure that I think will put Sony back on the map in 2018.
 
Last edited:
Sep 24, 2018 at 10:09 AM Post #12,520 of 39,434
Sep 24, 2018 at 10:20 AM Post #12,521 of 39,434
Waaaaaatch out Sony's back to rule the roost.

And we're not even talking about the IER-Z1R :wink:

I feel like in-ear manufacturers are banding together to troll me at this point.

"Hey Daniel, we're Custom Art, have you heard our IEMs?"

"Wow Custom Art, I just heard the FIBAE 2 and 3, and they're two of the best mid-tier IEMs I've heard yet!"

"Hey Daniel, we're Lime Ears, have you heard our IEMs?"

"Wow Lime Ears, I just heard the Model X and it's one of the best mid-tier IEMs I've heard..."
"Hey Daniel, we're Empire Ears, have you heard our IEMs?"

"Wow Empire Ears, I just heard the Vantage and it's one of the best mid-tier IEMs..."
"Hey Daniel, we're 64Audio, have you heard our IEMs?"

"Wow 64Audio, I just heard the A6t and it's one of the best mid-tier..."
"Hey Daniel, we're Kumitate Lab, have you heard our IEMs?"

"Wow Kumitate Lab, I just heard the Corona, Meteo and Sirius, and they're three of the best..."
"Hey Daniel, we're Sony, have you heard our IEMs?"

"Wow Sony, I just heard the M7 and M9, and th..."
 
Last edited:
Sep 24, 2018 at 10:42 AM Post #12,523 of 39,434
I feel like in-ear manufacturers are banding together to troll me at this point.

"Hey Daniel, we're Custom Art, have you heard our IEMs?"

"Wow Custom Art, I just heard the FIBAE 2 and 3, and they're two of the best mid-tier IEMs I've heard yet!"

"Hey Daniel, we're Lime Ears, have you heard our IEMs?"

"Wow Lime Ears, I just heard the Model X and it's one of the best mid-tier IEMs I've heard..."
"Hey Daniel, we're Empire Ears, have you heard our IEMs?"

"Wow Empire Ears, I just heard the Vantage and it's one of the best mid-tier IEMs..."
"Hey Daniel, we're 64Audio, have you heard our IEMs?"

"Wow 64Audio, I just heard the A6t and it's one of the best mid-tier..."
"Hey Daniel, we're Kumitate Lab, have you heard our IEMs?"

"Wow Kumitate Lab, I just heard the Corona, Meteo and Sirius, and they're three of the best..."
"Hey Daniel, we're Sony, have you heard our IEMs?"

"Wow Sony, I just heard the M7 and M9, and th..."
4Dfl.gif

Hey Daniel...Daniel...Daniel...Daniel...Daniel, etc

I think I might have something (another brand than the above) over here as well, which will be comming your way soon.
No time for you to get bored untill 2035 I guess :grin:
 
Sep 24, 2018 at 10:46 AM Post #12,524 of 39,434
I feel like in-ear manufacturers are banding together to troll me at this point.

"Hey Daniel, we're Custom Art, have you heard our IEMs?"

"Wow Custom Art, I just heard the FIBAE 2 and 3, and they're two of the best mid-tier IEMs I've heard yet!"

"Hey Daniel, we're Lime Ears, have you heard our IEMs?"

"Wow Lime Ears, I just heard the Model X and it's one of the best mid-tier IEMs I've heard..."
"Hey Daniel, we're Empire Ears, have you heard our IEMs?"

"Wow Empire Ears, I just heard the Vantage and it's one of the best mid-tier IEMs..."
"Hey Daniel, we're 64Audio, have you heard our IEMs?"

"Wow 64Audio, I just heard the A6t and it's one of the best mid-tier..."
"Hey Daniel, we're Kumitate Lab, have you heard our IEMs?"

"Wow Kumitate Lab, I just heard the Corona, Meteo and Sirius, and they're three of the best..."
"Hey Daniel, we're Sony, have you heard our IEMs?"

"Wow Sony, I just heard the M7 and M9, and th..."
Ah, that might explain it...

"Hi, I am head-fi reviewer Wyville and I just saw your newly released IEMs, which look very interesting and I would love to review them if possible."

"Sorry mate, we just gave our last review samples to Daniel."
"Hi, I am head-fi reviewer Wyville and I just saw your newly released IEMs, which look very interesting and I would love to review them..."

"We're not looking at any other reviewers since we got Daniel."
"Hi, I am head-fi reviewer Wyville and I just saw your newly released IEMs, which look very interesting...."

"Nah... Got Daniel."
"Hi, I am head-fi reviewer Wyville and I just saw your newly released IEMs...."

"Daniel"
"Hi, I am head-fi reviewer Wyville..."

"WHAHAHAHA!!! You're not Daniel."
j/k :wink: :sweat_smile:
 
Sep 24, 2018 at 10:52 AM Post #12,525 of 39,434
I feel like in-ear manufacturers are banding together to troll me at this point.

"Hey Daniel, we're Custom Art, have you heard our IEMs?"

"Wow Custom Art, I just heard the FIBAE 2 and 3, and they're two of the best mid-tier IEMs I've heard yet!"

"Hey Daniel, we're Lime Ears, have you heard our IEMs?"

"Wow Lime Ears, I just heard the Model X and it's one of the best mid-tier IEMs I've heard..."
"Hey Daniel, we're Empire Ears, have you heard our IEMs?"

"Wow Empire Ears, I just heard the Vantage and it's one of the best mid-tier IEMs..."
"Hey Daniel, we're 64Audio, have you heard our IEMs?"

"Wow 64Audio, I just heard the A6t and it's one of the best mid-tier..."
"Hey Daniel, we're Kumitate Lab, have you heard our IEMs?"

"Wow Kumitate Lab, I just heard the Corona, Meteo and Sirius, and they're three of the best..."
"Hey Daniel, we're Sony, have you heard our IEMs?"

"Wow Sony, I just heard the M7 and M9, and th..."

Hmm, maybe it's Monday morning and my brain is a bit slow reading the posts (and a humor between the lines), but are you saying all these manufacturers trolling you in hope to get "this is the best I ever heard..." promotion? :p Maybe that explains why Unique Melody and Ultimate Ears are not on the list LOL!!! Just pulling your leg man :D
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top