Comparison PM6 / U8 / IMR R1
Ok, so I had some time to listen to all three gears for a while now. Here are my impressions and parameters for test:
- I used comply foams (Same set) for all three, as they're the most comfortable for me
- I listened to this song as a baseline song, As it had the necessary variations between the song to really listen to the range I'm aiming for: (See below)
- I used stock cable for the PM6 and IMR R1. I used a premium 64 audio cable for the U8 (Ok, so I cheated a bit, but can you blame me? I do love my 64 audio)
- I used Neutron player with audiophile resampling configuration and 64 bit processing at 53 volume
- Used the same filter (black) for the PM6 and the IMR R1. I used the M-20 modules for the U8.
- Source is a V30 with Quad DAC
Let's start:
PM6
I decided to start off with the PM6 in order to hear the difference going up and because frankly, I feel it's the most underwhelming of the three.
Comfort: I am surprised, having tried other Trinity products, how light the PM6 is. I'm also surprised how thin and light the cable they supplied with it is. This could be perceived as good for comfort, but bad for other parameters. See below.
Build quality: Shell itself seems well built, smooth design, no apparent major construction flaws. The most annoying part is the fact the screws seem astethic only, as the shells are soldered/glued together. Fail @ Trinity. Cable is flimsy, but braided and doesn't tangle easy. Connectors are aluminum and seem like they will last with proper care.
Sound: Now I was right about the underpowered nature of the PM6. The cable might be playing a portion of the underpowering. It looks like they put a very light OFC cable in this. I decided to pop in my premium 64 audio cable to see if it opened up the IEM somewhat... Nope. Same deal. I'd have to try higher gauge, higher quality to see a difference. Soundstage isn't as open as I'd hoped either, I feel confined listening to these.
The sound itself is pretty even with mids slightly recessed. I have some slight harshness on some treble activity, especially on this song. However, it's not as annoying as other IEM's in the test scenario. I'm surprised how much closer to a V sound these are compared to the initially promised clinical sound. Guess they switched it around mid release in order to suit the needs of others.
These trigger my Tinnitus almost instantaneously, which sort of kills any hopes of using them as a daily driver.
Final thoughts: Meh. I was expecting more of the PM6. I guess it just goes to show that tastes in sound signatures are very subjective and evolve over time.
64 audio U8
Comfort: I like the U8's, don't get me wrong, but comfort on these isn't always stellar. They are smaller than the PM6, but don't seem to fit in my ear as well as the PM6 or the R1's... The nozzle is pretty long compared to the others, which might factor in to the whole fit issue. Not a big dealbreaker, but they still lose points.
Build quality: Plastic plastic plastic. Plastic shell, plastic connectors. Obviously, they focused on the internals as their selling point, because these are beyond underwhelming in build quality. The cable itself is a 4 wire braid with no extra covered braiding. Not many microphonics because of this, cable is also pretty light, but makes this mofo tangle like no tomorrow. The 3.5mm is a metal right angle and very sturdy as well as being gold plated. Will last a long time before damaging. The 2 pin is plastic, but the pins seem sturdy enough. Problem is, the connection in the earbud was really stiff at first and pulling out the cable caused it to become slightly crooked. Also, the cable has memory wire at the top to properly fit behind your ear. I know some of you don't enjoy this, but I do.
Sound: Wow, these are so easy to drive. I'm always impressed when I put em on. Out the gate, they drown out anything the PM6 can deliver. Bass is clearly more present with mids and highs being on an equal foot, so I guess this would be L shaped? No harshness on the treble like the PM6, just smooth, clear sound. Overall volume is really high compared to the PM6, so I have to knock it down a peg to maybe 48 to be able to get the same idea of sound. Much wider soundstage than the PM6, airy and envelopping.
I don't get any Tinnitus spikes with these because of the Apex module. Problem is that considering the Apex is basically venting the IEM, I get sound leakage and wind sheer on them, so might not be perfect for everyone. They do sell modules for their earplugs which fit the Apex hole and seal the IEM entirely. But this transforms sound by a lot, so you have to make sure you enjoy the difference.
Final thoughts: For the price, you'd expect more on build quality. However, the sound makes up for any transgressions on build quality or build materials. 64 audio knows that their selling factor is how great their sound signature is. The Apex modules are also a SUPER WIN for tinnitus sufferers like myself. Makes long listening sessions much more enjoyable when your ears aren't ringing at the end of the session. Personally, while these aren't my daily drivers for videos, light music listening and commute, I'd easily go back to these for any other scenarios.
IMR R1
Comfort: Took a while to get used to the unusual design fitting in ear. The nozzle is short, thus molds in ear easier than say the U8. Design of the module being rounded as opposed to inner ear moulded, might fit better for some people with smaller ears (Surprisingly enough).
Build quality: Shell is smooth and slick. Love the industrial look with the open/close wheel on the back. Cable placement is odd, which takes some getting used to. When it comes to cable, this one is a STIFF %$*$/%). Looks like it's great quality, moulded with stiff rubber which takes a while to get hooked behind the ears. Once it does mould right though, fit is great. Tips are metal, 3.5mm gold plated. I haven't opened up a shell, but considering I have two pairs to play around with, I'll probably do this later. There is driver flex. Is this bad? Is this good? I don't know. Bob says it's not a problem, as driver flexes when you get a good seal. However, with the problem below, this might make you think otherwise.
Sound: Now this is where it gets interesting. Bob has always mentionned his prefered sound is "organic" and "fun". Personally, I didn't really get what he meant by that until listening to this IEM. The ceramic driver really punches bass like nothing I've had the pleasure of hearing. It's tight, powerful and doesn't overpower the other frequencies (to my taste, as some others could find this overpowering). When it comes to mids, I'd say they're pretty centered, but you do get unusual spikes in highs which can make it sound harsh on some tracks. Highs are clear, sometimes a little too clear to me. Must be sensitive to highs because of my tinnitus. The IEM itself is slightly harder to drive than the U8, but less so than the PM6. I'd say it's an in between the two. For my baseline track, this is where the R1 got weird: That treble spike I got on the PM6? It's x 10 on the R1 which makes it sound defective. I still haven't determined which band this spikes on, but let's just say if you have high pitch sounds, they could mess up the beryllium driver. Is this due to the driver flex? Have I not burned in the IEM's enough? Both IMR R1's have the same issue, so I know it's not a defect... After burning it in further, might transform this a bit, but for now, it's slightly offputting.
Soundstage is wider than the PM6, but less so than the U8. Again, a happy in between. The open/close wheel does slightly affect the openness of the soundstage, which is great! But an open scenario in a commute can be bothersome for others and for me. So closed back in commute or noisy work environment, open back in a quiet work environment.
When it comes to my Tinnitus, in open back configuration and with a normal audio level, his does NOT trigger my tinnitus. Wow. Terrific
Closed back does ring a bit, but nothing major. Color me impressed!
Final thoughts: Bob was kind enough to send me a second pair when it went in limbo... Both ended up showing up, so I had the privilege of trying out both pairs to compare and keep the one as my main pair. I've had some issues with the first pair, the open/close wheel was really stiff and I had some higher driver flex than the first pair. This might go to show as initial manufacturing issues? Possibly. But Bob delivered a solid product which deserves attention.
Wrap up:
So based on the above rundowns, here's my preference:
1st) 64 Audio U8
1.5nd (Because 2nd is not accurate)) IMR R1
3rd) PM6
If we compare the pricepoints, the 64 audio U8 being the most expensive at full price, goes to show that they delivered on audio quality, as I'd score them as first place. However, the IMR R1 is not far behind in my book. They're just different on their prowesses, thus I can't actually differenciate them as 1st and 2nd place. The R1 delivers a fun, punchy sound with a great looking/feeling package with a BUNCH of bells and whistles. The U8 delivers a sterile, reference sound with the extra punch given by the two additional BA drivers for lows, bringing up this to basshead quality gear.
The PM6 is in another league alltogether. This IEM is not worth the retail price, it is worth the rebate price. Paying more than £250 for this is not worth it, sadly. In the £400 price range, there is much better competition, especially since you can get the U8 on special at $700 USD and the IMR R1 in B stock at £200.
Are any of these TOTL? Are any of these end game? Maybe not. Are they worth your time and your collection? Of course. Just make sure they fit with your tastes based on this and other reviews and make sure you get a good price on them.
don’t even think I got on the wagon to fall off it !! 
