The Watercooler -- Impressions, philosophical discussion and general banter. Index on first page. All welcome.

[drftr]

The U18s is the universal version of the A18s, and the A18s is a retuned A18t with all-new BAs and a warmer, smoother signature.

"Yes, we complicate things just because we can!"

drftr

 

[davidmolliere]

Nice! Is the M17 a chonk? Also do you not have the M8 anymore? I imagine that would power the EXT nicely.

M17 is like DX220/300 Max, a big chunk but given my use case of home listening that's a non issue.

M8 can't power EXT like M17 does, nowhere near actually... FiiO has done something very special with the THX amp there... it's better sounding than RS6 + C9 I tried just yesterday, and not by a small margin... this is really amazing...

 

[drftr]

The U18s is the universal version of the A18s, and the A18s is a retuned A18t with all-new BAs and a warmer, smoother signature.

I covered the A18s on my review here, including a comparison vs. the A18t and several other flagships (at the time): https://theheadphonelist.com/64-audio-a18s-the-quartermaster-a-custom-in-ear-monitor-review/

Based on your review it seems like the U18s is a different enough IEM to be included on my list in its own right indeed. Tnx for sharing...

drftr

 

[Scubadevils]

Friday night threesome. Traillii versus two of the DD Kings.

My n6ii-Ti should arrive tomorrow, not sure I'll have the restraint to carry out my plan of putting it away till Christmas!

 

[jwilliamhurst]

Friday night threesome. Traillii versus two of the DD Kings.

My n6ii-Ti should arrive tomorrow, not sure I'll have the restraint to carry out my plan of putting it away till Christmas!

That Brise cable tho!!! Ive always wanted one!!

 

[Deezel177]

"Yes, we complicate things just because we can!"

drftr

To be honest, I think they've done a decent job at making as little of a clutter as possible. Rather than calling it an A18t Mk2 or an A18t 2020 (or just calling it an A18t again and expecting people to come up with their own names ala Campfire), they've actually separated them quite clearly. I appreciate the U and A distinctions as well, rather than giving them the same names, but with (custom) or (universal) at the end. The A18s also came out years after the A18t did, so the confusion there, at least from what I saw during the A18s's launch, was pretty much non-existent.

 

[HiFiHawaii808]

That Brise cable tho!!! Ive always wanted one!!

Me too. That Yatano 8 wire is very tempting

 

[aaf evo]

Me too. That Yatano 8 wire is very tempting

Apparently it super uncomfortable/not very ergo friendly, Brise themselves are pretty honest about this over email.

 

[DanielListening]

I really want a Brise cable as well. Ever since they showed up in this thread.

I just couldn’t determine price from their website.

What can I expect? Any recommendations for an affordable cable from them? ~$300

 

[HiFiHawaii808]

Apparently it super uncomfortable/not very ergo friendly, Brise themselves are pretty honest about this over email.

Thanks. You just saved me some money. Bad ergonomics is definitely a no go for me.

 

[aaf evo]

Thanks. You just saved me some money. Bad ergonomics is definitely a no go for me.

FWIW, the 4 wire is meant to be amazing in both SQ and “better” in ergo.

 

[tone.texture.soul]

I keep coming back to your review Tokpa because from other reviews I pick up it's one of the least sexy flagships out there. I thought it might be a mini Traillii because it doesn't seem to do anything in an outstanding way but without failing in any metric either. So it doesn't stand out like any of its cousins does. That may translate as boring but if it reaches 90% on all points then it may be the perfect compromise nevertheless. Especially if it's possible to pick up at a very decent price. The U18t also seems to get around the perhaps more correct but also more clinical presentation of the U12t. I know the latter received quite some praise for being very dynamic, but apparently that didn't translate into being very strong rhythmically. Is that your take as well? How does the U18t perform on these (what I think very important) aspects of musical engagement?

drftr

It's interesting that you say the 18t doesn't stand out at anything in particular, and that the 12t is more clinical. I didn't find that at all. The 12t to me was more warm, with an exaggerated sub bass and upper mids lean-ness that threw me every time I listened to it. A wonderful and enjoyable IEM yes, clinical and correct, not so much in my opinion. The 18t is far more clinical, and energetic, and correct. They found a great balance of toe tapping fun and precision. I agree with @Deezel177 here, the more "ordinary" of the 18 models is the new S version, which was never meant to supplant or replace the Tsar. The 18s was meant for stage, hence the "S", giving musicians a fuller, and easier to drive monitor that was softer on the ears for longer sessions. The S also has more bass, since many complained about the 18t's apparent lack of bass energy, though if you want more bass this is a small tweak easily made with the right cable match. (PW 1950 is a lovely pairing, as is Code 51 or PW First Times) The U12 has a huge stage but it can feel empty, like a huge hall with no-one in it. The 18t has the same size stage, but is populated with instruments that are clearly positioned and never exaggerated.

Are they a mini Traillii? I don't think so. Nothing really is. The Traillii is an outstanding, incredible beast. It's everything the Fourte should have been, and more. Similar to 18t, the stage never feels exaggerated at all, while somehow dwarfing the 18t and reaching fully holographic sound. It's mind blowing. Are they perfect, no, but nothing is. Mixing ready reference? Nope, but no-one is doing final studio mixing on IEMs, for a rough mix the 18t is good enough, but for the final you'll always move to room speakers. For big event live sound I know a few people using 18t, but they're all using customs for the seal too.

In terms of visuals and sex appeal, to each their own. The most important thing is how they sound. And yes, I think they sound sexy as hell. Again, are they perfect? No, nothing is. But they're damn close. I think a classic can always be a classic - there will be new fancy kids on the block, but the oldies stay true as well.

Sorry for the long rant here

 

[drftr]

Sorry for the long rant here

Ha ha! No worries, I'm extremely appreciative for it and if my interpretations of others' opinions are off as far as you're concerned then at least they were countered with "sound" reasoning from your side. I have added both the U12t and U12s to my shortlist (that needs to be cleaned up) based on your and Deezel's comments. Tnx much...

drftr

 

[ranfan]

How much was it?

Update: My Zen Pro is now in Canada...I should have it by Monday

It's around $2000

M8 -> M17 -> DMP-Z1

 

[blotmouse]

M17 specs. It's def a megachonker.