mvvRAZ
Headphoneus Supremus
I'm not 100% if that's what you mean but I think Sony cables have the 4.4 plug right-angled?
The Official 64 Audio Thread | apex & tia Technologies
This is the review I was thinking of, @dazzerfong. Written by @antdroid
The LID comment is in the "Technology" section.
My review of the U12t IEM
64 Audio is a custom in-ear monitor boutique company located in nearby (to me) Vancouver, WA. They’ve built their brand around custom monitors for professionals, but also dabble in the audiophile market with various models throughout the years. This review will cover the $1999 U12t universal monitor, which is part of their audiophile line.
This IEM was sent to me on loan by Taron of Headphones.com and Headphones.ca. They are an authorized retailer of 64 Audio and you can find this IEM and other great headphone gear on their website! I’d like to also thank the Headphones Community forum and the Headphones Community Preview program for allowing loaner units sent out to community members!
Technologies
The U12t is a 12-balanced armature monitor that is part of their Tia line. It has 1 Tia high, 1 high-mid, 6 mids, and 4 low BA drivers per side. The tubeless Tia design also features the 64 Audio Apex and LID technologies. The Apex tech allows pressure relief through swappable modules that reduces air pressure during usage, with some slight changes in tuning depending on the module. The LID is 64’s linear impedance design, which allows the IEM to sound similarly regardless of the source impedance.
To test this LID technology out, I used my IEC-711-style coupler to measure the frequency response of the U12t with a near zero ohm output impedance source and then placed a 75 ohm impedance adapter between the source and the IEM cable and re-measured the FR. As expected, the measured response barely changed at all, so the LID technology works! I re-ran the same test with a couple other multi-BA IEMs in my staple (qdc Anole VX and Hidition Viento-R), and they all had significantly varying frequency response measurements at the two impedance values.
Accessories & Comfort
The U12t comes in a rather large box for how small the IEMs are. Within the packaging are the two sides of the IEM, a black 2-pin cable, various tips, 2 Apex Modules (M15 and M20), cleaning brush, clip, and a plastic carrying case with slots of each item. I wasn’t a big fan of the included cable, as it’s not the most ergonomic and easy to use, nor was I a fan of the case. It’s quite utilitarian in that it has slots for everything include the module and cable tie posts, but I found it to look and feel quite mediocre and rather unfashionable, especially compared to the cases that come with other IEMs which are fabric, leather, or jewelry-style boxes.
The IEM has a teardrop-like shape and rather simple contours; however, the fit is very comfortable in my smaller and sometimes finicky ears. I had no issues putting them on and wearing them for hours. I chose to use Spinfit CP100 (small) tips with this IEM as I found it was the best pairing for fit and seal, as well as sound.
Sound
The U12t has a U-shaped sound signature with heavily boosted sub-bass, a flat-tuned mid-range and a moderate pinna compensation in the upper-midrange and treble, and a rather soft and smooth treble range, at least to my ears and using the M15 gray module. Using the M20 silver module increases bass and reduces treble slightly.
1Bass is actually presented very close to how I would like it to preferentially. Sub-bass is elevated while mid-bass is tamed down and closer in-line with the mid-range. Many people talk about how the U12t’s bass is good “for BAs” but I think the bass extends extremely well and has a natural decay level in most cases. It defines textures pretty well, though it does fall behind the best dynamic drivers in this category, but there’s no lack of slam, and sub-bass rumble here. In fact, I find it can be a little overbearing at times in songs where I don’t necessarily want so much low-end boom. I don’t necessarily think it’s bloated, but for certain types of music, I prefer a crispy definition, but the low end can over-power some other areas. This is specifically to some acoustic/classical genres, where a very deep and powerful bass or drum line can sometimes overshadow other instruments.
On most tracks, the mid-range is coherent and well-rounded. Since there’s no real dip in the mid-range, which is a preference of mine, I find that male and female vocals are played in-line with one another. Details in this area are showcased well, and instruments sound generally natural.
The upper frequency on the U12t is a little tame, and in this case, I find it lacks a bit of energy for some instruments. Female vocals don’t pop like they do on other IEMs with bigger pinna gain and treble boost, and some instruments like the crashes of cymbals and resonating plucks of strings don’t come off with as much zing and wow as I occasionally prefer. The treble brings the general tonality down to a very, very smooth presentation, that still retains clarity and high levels of resolution, which gives this IEM a very enjoyable experience for all music, and even let’s poor recordings shine a bit more than you’d see on other IEMs with more elevated treble responses.
Fatigue is never an issue with this IEM due to this, which is great, because the combination of the clean, comfort and the enjoyable, resolving listen, makes this a really great choice for those who just want to pop-in IEMs and not have to worry about anything.
I found the soundstage to be slightly above average for IEMs, with more depth than actual width compared to most IEMs. It’s not as wide as something like the Sony IER-Z1R and not as deep as the qdc Anole VX or Campfire Solaris, but there’s no worry of clogged up congestion or claustrophobia. Instrument separation is pretty good as well, which contributes to my previous statements.
Comparisons
1In my short-time with the 64 Audio U12t, I’ve been asked how it compares to some of the other flagships. While I don’t have many of the ones I’ve heard in the past on hand, I have heard or owned many and can easily say that the U12t is among my favorites, and is a rather easy choice for a recommended all-arounder that can probably suit most users and most genres of music. That said, it doesn’t necessarily out-shine any IEM in any specific category.
It’s bass response, resolution, natural decay, and texturing and just general microdynamics, is really good, but it doesn’t top the Sony IER-Z1R as mentioned before.
In terms of general overall coherency, I don’t think the U12t outshines the Hidition Viento, as that one just sounds buttery smooth with out any sense of disjointed sound or significant timbre issues, though I do find some issues with it, I’ll talk about in its own review.
In pure resolution and detail resolution, the Shure KSE1200/1500 tops them all, and even for a multi-BA IEM, I still find the qdc Anole VX edging the U12t out with the Viento also in the same level.
And while fit is extremely comfortable, and this is a rather personal thing, I find the qdc shell design is outstanding for fit, size, weight and long-lasting comfort.
qdc Anole VX
1When comparing this with the qdc Anole VX, I find they have some similarities as they’re both somewhat U-shaped IEMs. They both have rises in bass, a small dip in the mid-range and what I consider a good amount of pinna gain in the upper-midrange/lower treble and a small amount of treble extension. The U12t has more extended and bigger sub-bass performance, and you feel it with the lengthy rumbling decay, while the Anole VX isn’t exactly shy there either, but it is tamer, and more mid-bass focused with a little more more slam.
I found the VX to also have a little bit of warmer mid-range compared to the U12t, however I found the natural timbre of the U12t to be more correct in this area. The VX treble can be a tad hot at times, depending on the track, while the U12t is much smoother and toned down in the upper frequencies, and can reduce the energy and excitement factor in comparison.
Hidition Viento
With respect to the Viento Reference Universal, which is the switched model of the Korean reference in-ear, I found the U12t to have a bigger feeling bass region compared to the Viento-B tuning, which I believe is the closest matching to the U12t’s total sound. That said, they don’t really match a great deal. The VIento-B is more agile and coherent through the mids with a really nice signature that never feels totally disjointed ever. It is a tad shouty and can be sometimes sibilant, at least in the universal fit, but this is only a problem with bad recorded pop music. The Viento’s pinna boost is much larger than the U12t and also has a more elevated treble range, though also has similar extension capabilities.
Wrap-Up
The U12t is a really solid all-arounder and worthy of a lot of the praises I’ve read and heard about in the community and from other reviewers. While I don’t think it naturally beats out any specific IEM on the market in a specific topic, it performs near the top echelons of each category of the in-ears I’ve tried and that’s pretty good company to be in. I find it’s one of the easier IEMs to recommend for most all music types and can easily be a default option for anyone looking to start somewhere in the top tier bracket.
@Vitaly2017 you may be happy to know (or perhaps you don't care!) that with a little prodding from you, and advice from @twister6 and @Andrew DiMarcangelo (Bloom Audio - highly recommend you check them out if you haven't) I upgraded to an iBasso DX220. still very early on in listening to it, but the sonic upgrade versus the cobalt are already evident. thanks to you all for your prodding and patience!
Ah yeah, thanks! Didn’t even notice that. They seem to be the only ones though, and that’s mmcx.
I think it means they must have something somewhere for DIY. I’ll keep looking
dazzerfong
1000+ Head-Fier
That's the one! It's interesting though, because I always thought that it was the dampening that was the main factor. Turns out it still might be, but it's the differences in dampening throughout different freqs that'll affect the sound.
They do for their IER range. And it's bar none the best cable I've ever used. Zero microphonics, and it's plastic-sheathed so it's supple to the touch. Plug size is perfect - not too big, not too small, and actually has a proper strain relief (looking at you 64 Audio!). Shame it only comes in MMCX.
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You know if they sell the cable separately? Love to give it a shot
dazzerfong
1000+ Head-Fier
There's a Sony spare parts supplier in Australia (Speedy Spares) that sells them for $100 AUD (~$50/60 USD) a pop. I don't know of any American suppliers.
I will preface this though - I'm not a fan of the hanger on that cable. It feels very flimsy, and once I used IPA to clean it up it basically turned it into a molten mush. Still function though
.https://www.speedyspares.com/shop/sony/3861-sony-ier-m9-balanced-headphone-cable-s0191270411.html
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mvvRAZ
Headphoneus Supremus
Agreed there, the Z1R cables are probably the best stock wires I’ve come across. Super nice to use
GiullianSN
Headphoneus Supremus
Amazing cable, but I'm not a fan of the molded ear loop and that thick rubber at the end of the loop. Was my downside on that cable when using it.
Vitaly2017
Headphoneus Supremus
But treble sound harsh on it, an aftermarket cable will offer much sound quality I did a/b them )
Vitaly2017
Headphoneus Supremus
I am glad you realized that an iphone and a dongle isnt what will bring the best out of fourte noire.
I can bet there could be also better source then my wm1z but I doubt! Haha cause I love my wm1z.... to make fourte to sound even better!
I am doing cable rolling and tips to perfectly tune my sound preferences!
I got plussound gold plated silver and pw1960 4 wires(8wires in reality) and this 2 change my fourte tonality quiet drastically to a point that it becomes totally 2 different sound signatures!
I switched to comply foams because it make treble even more silky smooth and feels easy pleasant...
I switched my wm1z region to U and picked oem firmware 3.0.0 and got really amazing results!
I understand you got the ibasso dx220. Its a nice dap I am glad that you got something much more decent to give it justice.
I highly recommend you trie wm1z and sp2000 copper and see which you like more eventually!
As those 2 daps are the kings on the current market! Maybe its your next step to explore !
And get a nice custom 8 wires aftermarket cable. Then you got top end stuff to get maximum possible squeeze out of it!
Yes, thank you.
Unfortunately the wm1z and sp2000 are out of my price range...i'll probably upgrade the amp on the DX220 to the amp7 or amp8, but that's about it for DAPs. I am looking at aftermarket cables, as well...one step at a time!
btw I do agree with you regarding the comply tips - I also found that they helped smooth out the treble...
Vitaly2017
Headphoneus Supremus
If you stop at dx220 go for amp 8! Its the best amp with ibasso...
But honestly I would rec cayin N6ii + amp T01 over the ibasso.
Its the closest sound to wm1z. The t01 sound really good!
Well youl see with time and yeap 1 step at a time hehe
Check out plussound cables I find the gold plated silver to synergize quiet good with the noire! May try the tri-silver too maybe will match good too...
http://www.plussoundaudio.com/customcables/inearmonitor.html
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dazzerfong
1000+ Head-Fier
Wooooo they're arriving today! Time to clear out my weekend!
Before anyone (someone's name who starts with V and ends with 7) starts suggesting cable rolling, no I am not going to do it besides grabbing a 4.4mm-terminated cable. That being said, I will bounce it around all my sources and see what its effect is.
Before anyone (someone's name who starts with V and ends with 7) starts suggesting cable rolling, no I am not going to do it besides grabbing a 4.4mm-terminated cable. That being said, I will bounce it around all my sources and see what its effect is.
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ed6141
New Head-Fier
Appreciate if can you describe the different in sound signatures when you pair your Fourte with [1] plussound gold plated silver and [2] pw1960 4 wires. Thx
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