[mattclarke18]

I wasn't inferring they are similar. The guy who got the U12T recently also has a Z1R (according to his signature). I just got a Z1R, so just looking for perception comparison, not a squiggly line comparison on how similar they might (or might not) sound.

You should demo a Trio one day. Excellent bass, easily one in top 5 IEMs.

 

[carb0mb]

You should demo a Trio one day. Excellent bass, easily one in top 5 IEMs.

I would love to. It's up in the air between a Trio or U12T on what to pursue next from 64Audio.

 

[mattclarke18]

I would love to. It's up in the air between a Trio or U12T on what to pursue next from 64Audio.

Trio, not even a question. Excellent IEM. U12T is excellent too but Trio has clarity and DD bass that U12t does not. You have to find right tips. For me Spin W1s and Ares S I cable. If you wait until B-Friday they will likely have another B-Stock sale. Last one was 35% off MSRP. You can find Trio used too as well as U12t. For me I missed the DD bass so traded my U12t.

 

[Takeda`1537]

I wasn't inferring they are similar. The guy who got the U12T recently also has a Z1R (according to his signature). I just got a Z1R, so just looking for perception comparison, not a squiggly line comparison on how similar they might (or might not) sound.

Point taken... I do not have Z1R anymore but for the other two there is quite a perception difference. The squiggly does not tell about technicalities and possible bleeds but can give a hint... for example Ara is less airy than Z1R that is, in turn less airy than U12t.
If someone likes air then one unit is possibly better than the other ..

 

[Takeda`1537]

I would love to. It's up in the air between a Trio or U12T on what to pursue next from 64Audio.

Trio is punchy, top tier bass is a priority, U12T if top detail is priority ..... as ever the art of listening leads to compromises ...
(some may consider Fourte as a mix of the two but Fourte's bass is not as good as Trio's )

 

[Steve_72]

I’m almost a week into ownership of the Fourte and am continuously floored by the performance and musicality of this IEM. I know opinions are a bit divisive on their tuning, but personally I’m finding very little to be critical about.

 

[tranduyquockhanh]

I wasn't inferring they are similar. The guy who got the U12T recently also has a Z1R (according to his signature). I just got a Z1R, so just looking for perception comparison, not a squiggly line comparison on how similar they might (or might not) sound.

Yes they are indeed different. I think I can provide a bit more insight now that I have spent some time with the U12T.
Disclaimer:

• I'm using U12T with m15 module, stock cable and Sedna Origin eartips on a Mojo2. Z1R with Sony Kimber cable and EP-NI1000 eartips on WM1ZM2. Musics are at least CD quality.
• English is not my first language. I'm not familiar with audiophiles terms either. But I will try my best
• My favorite genres are Disco, Fusion, Jazz, Metal, Orchestral (soundtrack), J-pop. I have very limited experience with other genres ..
• I don't rely on graphs to confirm my hearings sorry So take my opinions with a bag of salt

My list of test tracks for reference:

Spoiler

First of all, I have never worn a more comfortable IEM than the U12T, it's just unbelievably comfortable - light weight and fit my concha perfectly. I don't have a fit problem with Z1R though, just less comfortable.

Tonality and timbre:

• Drums and percs: Impressive kick drum texture and impact, though kick and bass sound more 'spread out' than Z1R (for the lack of a better word) - which is a bit of hit or miss, I still prefer the Z1R's presentation - more direct and focused. Would love a little less bass than m15, but I don't have m12 module available, and mX is a no go. Snare sounds fuller and much more forward than Z1R. Hats and crashes sound full but lack a bit of extension at times. There is a hint of a slight overly crispiness on certain percs.
• Pianos and Synths: Good all across the frequency range, quite natural timbre. A bit more mellow than Z1R. Intricate moog synths sound too 'safe' - not enough grunt, notably in Remember the Time track and most of MJ tracks. Pad synths sound full and well defined.
• Guitars: More popout and upfront. Distorted guitar sounds less grunt, a bit duller than Z1R imo - again with the lack of the very last extension bit for off-order harmonics, there might be a small dip in the 4-6khz range?.
• Strings and brass: Warmer, a bit bloated at very rare times, notably in One-winged Angel track. Attack raises fast, very short lingering decay with ample sustain, staccatos and pizzicatos sound amazing. Slight hint of metallic at the last octave on brasses.
• Vocals: Male vocals sound thick, fuller than Z1R. Baritone sounds amazing. On the other hand, female vocals sound round and confine, though I daresay a bit over-controlled/compressed. Falsetto lacks texture imo.
• In short: U12T sounds studio-like, completely opposite direction to Z1R which is more live-like. This also applies to another factor I will mention right after, which is...

Technicalities:

• Staging and Reverberation: Z1R stays reigning in this department. More natural decay, really articulated reverb trails, at the cost of being less defined in Attack time. If you ever play around reverb VST, these two IEMs are like 2 different dry/wet knob levels, U12T sounds like 10/90 while Z1R sounds like 25/75. For purely music enjoyment purpose, Z1R fits better. This effect does affect the overall soundstage, Z1R sounds grandeur while U12T sounds more controlled.
• Details and Separations: U12T picked up a touch more details, or I should say it is more defined. Separations are close, but they have different presentations. U12T separates instruments by having them more pronounced, while Z1R separates by giving them more space with different reverb characteristics.

My final conclusion is they are different beasts. I've got chances to work in studios in the past, so I can imagine U12t is like near-field monitors, while Z1R is far-field (main) monitors - they really do resemble those purposes. As they serve different purposes, I think they complement each other quite nicely. Hope this helps !

 

[Kasual21]

I’m almost a week into ownership of the Fourte and am continuously floored by the performance and musicality of this IEM. I know opinions are a bit divisive on their tuning, but personally I’m finding very little to be critical about.

Exactly, there is little to criticize the Fourte as long as you want clarity, neutrality and sound field, do not ask for the bass of the trio (nor the trio for everything else)

 

[magicguy]

Funny to read that.. It was same same for me.
I ordered Fourté Blanc, and do not open the box.
Too much work first, baby came… Too much work at the same time… And still too much work right now lol
BUT
I still have my Fourté Blanc sealed, waiting to be opened !
@rantng this is maybe the moment you were waiting for

Time has come

 

[mattclarke18]

I’m almost a week into ownership of the Fourte and am continuously floored by the performance and musicality of this IEM. I know opinions are a bit divisive on their tuning, but personally I’m finding very little to be critical about.

Steven I am so happy that you love the Fourte and I feel same about mine. It was a perfect trade. Just check out my signature and know that is my end-game IEM is as I bought another set #19 same day I got #69 which I have never ever done before. They never leave my ears except only when I have to take them out.

 

[mattclarke18]

My Fourté Blanc are in classified listing

Put in your signature. Not allowed to post link outside of classifieds and signature. I did same as you and site Admin removed and told me to put in signature.

 

[magicguy]

Put in your signature. Not allowed to post link outside of classifieds and signature. I did same as you and site Admin removed and told me to put in signature.

Thx

 

[mattclarke18]

Selling my 2023 Edition B-Stock Trios for under $1k shipped. Pm me if you are interested.

 

[Steve_72]

Matt’s a great seller! I’d buy these if I had anymore disposable income..

 

[mattclarke18]

Matt’s a great seller! I’d buy these if I had anymore disposable income..

Thanks Steven! You are as well. Trio has been sold.