[flashbak]

rantng, Rattles doesn't sound good. It's likely it will only get worse down the road via transporting them etc...

 

[rantng]

I haven't been using them. I'm still waiting to hear from @Barra about what I should do.

 

[flashbak]

ranting, I let him know about it a couple days back when you first posted it. I think he's been pretty busy lately since I haven't heard back from him regarding my emails to him lately. I'm sure we'll hear back soon.

 

[Barra]

I haven't been using them. I'm still waiting to hear from @Barra about what I should do.

See PM

 

[rantng]

Good news! 64 Audio will be overnight shipping a replacement U18 to me on Thursday. I'll audition them over the weekend then get the entire kit onto the next person on the list & we can keep this tour going. Thanks again to the good folks at 64Audio & to Barra!

 

[rantng]

No two U18s are alike, at least visually. Replacement set on top. M20 module on the "rattle" set to easily distinguish between the two.

Received the replacement U18 w/case & M15 module. I actually ended up taking the day off to sign for the package. I miscalculated that someone else would be available to sign for the package & realized otherwise as I was stepping out the door and no one responded to my "bye". Anyway, I just tested both U18 sets w/M15 module using a splitter, playing multiple tracks on random and wasn't able to detect any sonic differences. I performed A-B tests as well as interchanged the L&R earphones and didn't hear anything strange. It seems to just be loose drivers, but the connections are still sound. They'll know for sure once I send it back to 64 Audio. I will be handing off the kit to @Kunlun on Monday. Thumbs up to Roman at 64 Audio!

 

[fiascogarcia]

No two U18s are alike, at least visually. Replacement set on top.

Received the replacement U18 w/case & M15 module. I actually ended up taking the day off to sign for the package. I miscalculated that someone else would be available to sign for the package & realized otherwise as I was stepping out the door and no one responded to my "bye". Anyway, I just tested both U18 sets using a splitter, playing multiple tracks on random and wasn't able to detect any sonic differences. I performed A-B tests as well as interchanged the L&R earphones and didn't hear anything strange. It seems to just be loose drivers, but the connections are still sound. They'll know for sure once I send it back to 64 Audio.

Even with the faceplates up, on your pictures it looks like the nozzles are pointed in significantly different directions on the two pair. I thought it might be a matter of the camera angle, but it looks a little too noticeable to be that. I would think that this might, if nothing else, affect the fit. Any thoughts on this? Thanks.

 

[rantng]

The nozzles are all angled the same. It's definitely an iPhone 6s Plus lens/macro/me being too lazy to lug out my Sony A7 issue. There is a slight gap between the faceplate & shell on the replacement set. It may have been repaired at some point. This doesn't seem to be an issue on the demo set, which is the one being sent back for rattles. The replacement set does say "DEMO NOT FOR SALE" on the shell. It is a very slightly deeper shade of red. The outer faceplate ring is also a deeper cooper shade. This is the kit that's going out from the East Coast.

 

[vtrinidad87]

Shipped yesterday to @coolmingli !

 

[Kunlun]

Ranting kindly got the Tia forte and u18 to me 20mins ago, much appreciated, all's here!
Already contacted the next person on the tour.

 

[rantng]

Hope you enjoy them as much as I did! I will be posting my impressions soon.

 

[coolmingli]

I got the tour kits from the last headfier yesterday.

 

[rantng]

Both great earphones w/amazing detail, & soundstage. Excellent instrument separation. No weak spots. Full balanced sound. Bass extends deep, controlled.

Tia Fourte - wider 3D soundstage & resolution. Separation & detail. High & wide. Detailed highs & mids, slightly forward. Bass punch, tight. Treble is detailed, hi hats & cymbals sparkle. Crisp. Sizzle(?).

U18 w/M20 - slightly more intimate soundstage. Holographic. Smoother, natural presentation. Depth. Sub-bass thump & rumble.
w/M15 - bass still deep & detailed, but loses some rumble, leaner

If cost weren't a factor, I'd choose both as they are amazing at what they do. The practical side of me would opt for the U18 though, with the ability to swap modules/slightly alter signatures. I dare say my endgame CIEM (is there such a thing?) would be the A18. Alas, I may have to wait for another U18 B-stock sale; it'd be worth the wait.

It's the middle of summer (NYC - hazy, hot, humid) and I ended up listening to the entire Peanuts Christmas soundtrack while demoing these IEMs.

 

[Kunlun]

I'm really glad I had the chance to hear these and I would like to thank barra and 64 Ears.

The Tia Fourte is one of the very best hybrid iems I've heard. The clarity is excellent and the bass dynamic dynamic driver is well-controlled leading to coherence between the drivers. The sound is a mild v-shape to my ears.

I would strongly recommend foam tips with it, as that eliminates any treble timbre issues from the armatures. With foamies, timbre is good and the sound is overall very good.

If I end up putting up a review, the title will probably be "Not Bad for the Price" as the price is high, but these deliver quite well. Should be on the list for anyone considering a top-tier iem.


The U18Tzar has a more polarizing tuning, to my ears, with a bit more V to the sound. Excellent clarity. Foam tips also recommended, for dealing with treble timbre issues.

 

[hattrick15]

@Barra , please remove me from this tour. Thanks!