So as I'm waiting for a bang-for-the buck to burn-in (and another mid-tier to come in), look what landed on my doorstep today! It's going to take some time before I give these the proper write up they deserve, but let me say this right now. I jumped into the kickstarter for this IEM almost a year ago. It took a long time to receive these, and I was bit frustrated as Vitaliy and his crew worked their magic in designing and manufacturing these IEMs with some new technology.
Vitaliy never told what the sound signature would bee like with the U-12. But having worked with over the years in the purchase of some customs, Vitaliy simply told me that he had no doubt in his mind that I would love the sound signature of 64 Audio's flagship earphone. Although he has never let me down, I was a little skeptical. Why? Well, because I for one didn't buy into the concept of the more BAs used in an earphone the better. And although not 64 Audio, I've heard some multi-BA high-end earphones before that let me down completely.
So, for about 30 minutes I have been sitting at my desk with the AKG K3003, Westone W6, JH Audio Angie, and 64 Audio U-12 top-tier earphones in front of me. I adore the sound of the W6. It's one of my favorite earphones no doubt (dynamic or BA). Th AKG K3003 has it moments of brilliance for a hybrid dynamic/BA earphone. The Angie is really quite outstanding with some of the best bass I've ever heard in any IEM. The layers of details always grab me when listening to it (although it can be a bit bulky and tiresome for my ears while on the move, so I tend to just listen to them at home).
But what can I say about the 64 Audio 12-BAs in each ear universal? I can without a doubt say that the U-12 is the most natural sounding and most dynamic multi-BA in-ear monitor I've ever heard (this is no free sample fellas, before someone tries to go that route with me - not that it would matter because I tell the truth about what I hear good or bad). So I always read the enthusiastic debates on whether one well tuned dynamic or BA can compete with multi-BAs earphones on any given day. You know what, that may be true (and I haven't heard everything that's out here). I have, however, heard my great share, and nothing I own that uses a single driver beats the W6, Angie, or AS-2. And based on the sound signature I love, nothing I've heard beats the U-12. From what I know, multi-BAs can and do make a difference. Or maybe I've just picked some well-tuned IEMs. Vitaliy has hit this one out of the ballpark for me. In some ways the Angie comes close (especially with the bass for both of them, although the bass is presented differently in both of them). Yet when considering the the whole sound, the U-12 is quite a bit ahead than everything else to my ears.
Let me add this caveat: if you are someone who likes bright sounding earphones (or for the highs to ring your ears), the U-12 is probably NOT for you. The treble is not lacking at all, but it's not a bight earphone. I would say the sound signature is almost neutral, but with a slight emphasis on mids and bass. But the holographic fullness and imagery of the sound puts this IEM so close to some of the best headphones I've heard. Layers, details and natural sounding are the three key words that keep hitting me while listening. It's expensive (no doubt), but it's worth it if you can come up with the bucks. I almost forgot one thing: it's one of the most comfortable earphones for my ears (way more comfortable than the Angie). More later.