[krenky]

And on the flip side... some of this sounds like trying to rationalize NOT spending more on higher priced IEMs. But it's true... if you really can't hear the difference, there's not much point in spending more... with the caveat that sometimes it takes time listening to realize what a particular IEM's quality is over another.

Just my opinion here... its nothing wrong to spend more money on quality IEM and even to spend thousands if somebody can afford that. I am fine with this and I am sure there is quality. But what I do not like is that only the most expensive IEMs getting all the hype here, only those are the best from the best and if something doesnt cost at least 1k its considered not good enough and many times overlooked.

I would suggest to split this thread into 2 parts... 1st group compare all iems up to 1k price range and the 2nd group comparing iems starting at 1000$. What do you guys think?

 

[krenky]

Ive spent some time with the Mest 2 and i prefer the MMk2. First thing is the tuning- the MMk2 is just overall smoother and more even. It also is slightly more detailed and has more natural timbre and better texture. The vocals are top notch. The MMk2 is more coherent also, where the Mest 2 has this strange over exaggerated separation which is a big no for me. Im very sensitive for incoherency and any dips/peeks in fr response.
The Mest 2 has very nice bass and more mid bass which makes it more fun listening. The Mest2 is a great iem and i think i could be very happy with it if the Monarch didn't exist.
The comfort is an issue with the MMk2 unless you have mid/bigger ears and you change the cable. The stock cable is horrible and makes the iems unwearable for more than 30 min. After changing the cable, i can wear them for 3-4h with no problem.

Thank you very much.. for now the MEST mk2 is on top of my list. Could see them new for 1k / same price as Monarch mk2.

 

[HunqVux]

I won the auction for a 64 Audio u12t for $1050 on ebay, I bought that, never had any experience with higher end IEMs prior so I just read people IEMs ranking and based my purchase off of that. The IEMs arrived yesterday, I wasn't blown away by it honestly, my everyday carry IEMs is a cheap brandless high impedance IEMs I bought long ago (need high impedance to trigger the Hi-fi mode on my LG phone). I listened to them side by side (Chord Mojo being the driver) and honestly I don't think I prefer the $1050 u12t over the brandless IEMs, same volumne they both sounded great. It's so important to audition them before buying I think

How to need to experience more IEMs to appreciate the U12T. Yes, 1000$ means differently to different people, some say the price is far from justifiable. However, others, more specifically, the ones who want every bit of improvement as well as have a vast amount of experience with IEMs in a variety of price tiers might be happy with the margin and what they get with it.

 

[DaveStarWalker]

Well, I am one of the people who think these 12t are overrated. Afterwards, everyone has their own stuff, their own requirements, their own references....

And let's talk about synergies (this is the most important thing).

But, really, I find they are "ok" (not great at any kind), boring.... No magic, no X factor. Just competence.

 

[PuzzledStar]

New here but it’s been fun reading everyone’s rankings/impressions. Ranking seems to be helping me learn about my own preferences better so here’s mine.

For context, I listen to mostly pop (western, jpop, kpop) and EDM with some R&B, hip-hop, acoustic, and classical. Ones with * are ones I currently personally own. Everything else I take with a huge grain of salt since I only heard them at CanJam

1. 64audio U12T*
Went in thinking I would be bored based on all the reviews I’ve read but this turned out to be the only thing I’ve heard so far that I fell in love with in less than 10 minutes. I’ve given up on finding a true all-rounder for my library but this is the closest I’ve heard for now.

2. Sony IER-Z1R*
This is what I use when I’m craving engagement and miss DD bass. I love U12T’s bass too and actually prefer it for some EDM songs but it makes a few of my songs sound incoherent/just wrong to my ears. The best example of this where the Z1R is the clear winner for me is “edamame” by bbno$ feat. Rich Brian.

3. Empire Ears Odin
I thought I would love this more based on reviews but something about it didn’t really click for me. Maybe I need to hear it outside of show conditions.

4. UM Mest
Listening to a piano or violins in this was great but overall felt a little too warm for me.

5. Moondrop Variations*
In terms of bass, this is still my favorite over Z1R. The bass texture and sub-bass emphasis matches my preferences. Not a timbre-head, but the timbre for vocals started bugging me after listening to other IEMs and going back. In terms of price:SQ ratio though, Variations imo is the best bang for your buck.

6. Symphonium Helios
I think I like the tonality more than the Variations but I couldn’t get a good listen because of the egregious fit due to the shell design.

7. Dunu SA6
I actually like the tonality a lot. Kind of like a low-res U12T to me. The resolution was the deal-breaker for me but definitely a recommendation for someone looking for a fairly neutral-sounding mid-fi IEM.

8. Symphonium Meteor
Again sounded alright but Symphonium shells do not agree with my ears canals so doubt I got a 100% accurate listen.

9. 64audio U6T
10. Truthear Zero*
11. Moondrop Aria*
12. CCA-CRA*
13. All my trash TWS earbuds for when I’m being active


I regret not listening to more IEMs at CanJam especially the Elysian and Campfire IEMs. Was looking for a full-sized headphone so wasn’t paying as much attention. But realized half of the most popular headphones don’t fit my head so I’ve given up and joined the IEM bandwagon now.

 

[RIGATIO]

New here but it’s been fun reading everyone’s rankings/impressions. Ranking seems to be helping me learn about my own preferences better so here’s mine.

For context, I listen to mostly pop (western, jpop, kpop) and EDM with some R&B, hip-hop, acoustic, and classical. Ones with * are ones I currently personally own. Everything else I take with a huge grain of salt since I only heard them at CanJam

1. 64audio U12T*
Went in thinking I would be bored based on all the reviews I’ve read but this turned out to be the only thing I’ve heard so far that I fell in love with in less than 10 minutes. I’ve given up on finding a true all-rounder for my library but this is the closest I’ve heard for now.

2. Sony IER-Z1R*
This is what I use when I’m craving engagement and miss DD bass. I love U12T’s bass too and actually prefer it for some EDM songs but it makes a few of my songs sound incoherent/just wrong to my ears. The best example of this where the Z1R is the clear winner for me is “edamame” by bbno$ feat. Rich Brian.

3. Empire Ears Odin
I thought I would love this more based on reviews but something about it didn’t really click for me. Maybe I need to hear it outside of show conditions.

4. UM Mest
Listening to a piano or violins in this was great but overall felt a little too warm for me.

5. Moondrop Variations*
In terms of bass, this is still my favorite over Z1R. The bass texture and sub-bass emphasis matches my preferences. Not a timbre-head, but the timbre for vocals started bugging me after listening to other IEMs and going back. In terms of price:SQ ratio though, Variations imo is the best bang for your buck.

6. Symphonium Helios
I think I like the tonality more than the Variations but I couldn’t get a good listen because of the egregious fit due to the shell design.

7. Dunu SA6
I actually like the tonality a lot. Kind of like a low-res U12T to me. The resolution was the deal-breaker for me but definitely a recommendation for someone looking for a fairly neutral-sounding mid-fi IEM.

8. Symphonium Meteor
Again sounded alright but Symphonium shells do not agree with my ears canals so doubt I got a 100% accurate listen.

9. 64audio U6T
10. Truthear Zero*
11. Moondrop Aria*
12. CCA-CRA*
13. All my trash TWS earbuds for when I’m being active


I regret not listening to more IEMs at CanJam especially the Elysian and Campfire IEMs. Was looking for a full-sized headphone so wasn’t paying as much attention. But realized half of the most popular headphones don’t fit my head so I’ve given up and joined the IEM bandwagon now.

Try the Monarch2- its even better than the u12t. Especially for vocals but also as an allrounder.

 

[PuzzledStar]

Try the Monarch2- its even better than the u12t. Especially for vocals but also as an allrounder.

Monarch2 is on my list of ones I need to try. Really hope it doesn’t make me regret the u12t

I’ve really given up on allrounders though. Even within the same genre or with the same song, I could like one tuning over another depending on my mood and what part of the song I’m listening more to that day (vocals vs bass vs mid-range instrumentals). At this point I’m looking for a vocal-specialist to round out my set and/or something that makes recorded live performances sound great.

 

[RIGATIO]

Monarch2 is on my list of ones I need to try. Really hope it doesn’t make me regret the u12t

I’ve really given up on allrounders though. Even within the same genre or with the same song, I could like one tuning over another depending on my mood and what part of the song I’m listening more to that day (vocals vs bass vs mid-range instrumentals). At this point I’m looking for a vocal-specialist to round out my set and/or something that makes recorded live performances sound great.

The Monarch 2 is a vocal specialist, no doubt. They will make you cry, trust me. Easily the best tuned iems on the market. Smooth, immensely detailed, with top notch texture. The vocals are a couple steps in front of you, with a great natural timbre. Just get a proper cable and you re at home. All iems ove tried souded bit off, even 3k+ "TOTL" considered by many.

 

[SlydZ]

Monarch2 is on my list of ones I need to try. Really hope it doesn’t make me regret the u12t

I’ve really given up on allrounders though. Even within the same genre or with the same song, I could like one tuning over another depending on my mood and what part of the song I’m listening more to that day (vocals vs bass vs mid-range instrumentals). At this point I’m looking for a vocal-specialist to round out my set and/or something that makes recorded live performances sound great.

I'm looking for a vocal specialist, too and I have the Tia Trio and tried the u12t. I think the u12t is for vocals a really nice complementation. The problem with the Monarch MK2 is that its really big in comparision to the u12t. I think for the most people the u12t should be much more comfortable, especially for long listenening sessions. I think that is the u12t strongest advantage: inoffesinve, balanced sound signature in combination with really good comfort. The pressure relief with the apex technology ensures additional non-fatiguing listening session. I think thats an iem for really long listenening sessions. Another thing with the Monarch MK2 is that it hasn't the midbass quantity and I'm not sure if that is optimal for male vocals. Female vocals should be really good.

 

[RIGATIO]

I'm looking for a vocal specialist, too and I have the Tia Trio and tried the u12t. I think the u12t is for vocals a really nice complementation. The problem with the Monarch MK2 is that its really big in comparision to the u12t. I think for the most people the u12t should be much more comfortable, especially for long listenening sessions. I think that is the u12t strongest advantage: inoffesinve, balanced sound signature in combination with really good comfort. The pressure relief with the apex technology ensures additional non-fatiguing listening session. I think thats an iem for really long listenening sessions. Another thing with the Monarch MK2 is that it hasn't the midbass quantity and I'm not sure if that is optimal for male vocals. Female vocals should be really good.

I get ya. There is some truth in what you mentioned.. but the Monarchs 2 are still the best iems ive heard. u12t are amazing but they have subdued vocals. The MMk2 are more true to the live performance, its like listening to the gig live, or at least from a great speakers. They have an amazing textures too. But if your ears are small, they arent for you unfortunately. Thats the biggest disadvantage and most people who sell them, have problems with fit.

 

[SlydZ]

I get ya. There is some truth in what you mentioned.. but the Monarchs 2 are still the best iems ive heard. u12t are amazing but they have subdued vocals. The MMk2 are more true to the live performance, its like listening to the gig live, or at least from a great speakers. They have an amazing textures too. But if your ears are small, they arent for you unfortunately. Thats the biggest disadvantage and most people who sell them, have problems with fit.

I'm really new to the high end iem game and I can't estimate if my ears would fit. I have ear tip size M and MS, but I think "normal" ears. Would be nice to buy cheap iems which have the same size to test like KZs. But i don't know which have a similar size. That would be really nice if manufactures would offer dummys for comfort testing.

 

[RIGATIO]

I'm really new to the high end iem game and I can't estimate if my ears would fit. I have ear tip size M and MS, but I think "normal" ears. Would be nice to buy cheap iems which have the same size to test like KZs. But i don't know which have a similar size. That would be really nice if manufactures would offer dummys for comfort testing.

M, MS could be problematic unfortunately. I have medium/large ears and they fit me perfectly. But first thing is to change the cable and the tips (i use the stock tips from Hook X). The stock cable makes them very uncomfortable. Its heavy and pulls them down. The iems are very very light themselves so lighter cable makes them way more wearable. Ive changed the cable to the ISN G4, mainly for comfort reasons. And man... This not only improved the wearing comfort but the sound... Its hard to describe what im hearing. This is definitely the best portable sound ive ever heard. Paired with the Shanling M8 its a pure magic. Lively, realistic, greatly balanced, with even bigger soundstage, the bass kicks me in the back of the head, when thre rest of sounds spread right-left and in front of me.

 

[SlydZ]

M, MS could be problematic unfortunately. I have medium/large ears and they fit me perfectly. But first thing is to change the cable and the tips (i use the stock tips from Hook X). The stock cable makes them very uncomfortable. Its heavy and pulls them down. The iems are very very light themselves so lighter cable makes them way more wearable. Ive changed the cable to the ISN G4, mainly for comfort reasons. And man... This not only improved the wearing comfort but the sound... Its hard to describe what im hearing. This is definitely the best portable sound ive ever heard. Paired with the Shanling M8 its a pure magic. Lively, realistic, greatly balanced, with even bigger soundstage, the bass kicks me in the back of the head, when thre rest of sounds spread right-left and in front of me.

Thanks for your estimation. I think the risk for fit issues is too high for a 1000€ iem. My ears are 7cm and 4cm width (in the middle).

 

[RIGATIO]

Thanks for your estimation. I think the risk for fit issues is too high for a 1000€ iem. My ears are 7cm and 4cm width (in the middle).

It seems you have even bigger ears than me (6,5 cm). My concha is around 2,3 cm, so it seems they would fit your ears perfectly.
If you live in Germany, you can grab them from https://hifi-passion.de/in-ear-kopfhoerer/hybrid-iem/thieaudio-monarch-mkii?c=199

 

[SlydZ]

It seems you have even bigger ears than me (6,5 cm). My concha is around 2,3 cm, so it seems they would fit your ears perfectly.
If you live in Germany, you can grab them from https://hifi-passion.de/in-ear-kopfhoerer/hybrid-iem/thieaudio-monarch-mkii?c=199

Concha is around 2,5cm...so could fit. Problem could be the nozzle size. Hmm... Thanks for posting the link to hifi-passion. I ordered already other hifi stuff at this shop. They are really fast and reliable. The only source to chifi in Germany