Here are my brief impressions of U18 (followed by Forte):
U18 was a very good fit. And it wasn't thick nor was it heavy. The only improvement I would suggest is to provide some color options to the users even for the universal. Black or gray or silver would be nice options. The color that's currently used for U18, let's say that I'm not a favorite of that.
I used Sony xperia xz, Ak Jr, Onkyo-dp-x1 and The bit opus#1 as the source. All were fine. However I notice that both U18 and Forte use more current. May be because of Tia?
Sound: The U18 is definitely fun to listen to. It has good extensions in the low. Good quality bass and sub bass. And extends very well in the treble region too (The TIA coming into play). The mids are excellent. Vocals are clear too and the words can be precisely heard. Overall very balanced across all frequencies and definitely it isn't a neutral/reference signature. Put it on and keep listening. I didn't want to take it out.
Tia Forte:
It is smaller and thinner than U18. Yet there is an oddity with the nozzle. The nozzle is short compared to U18 or any other 64audio IEMs. The nozzle attaches to a wider body that's part of the iem shell. Why am I explaining this? Because this thing makes it a tough fit on my right ear. Must be my ear, but still it was uncomfortable for longer listening sessions. If it had been like U18, it would have been perfect. I've 64audio U4SE and used to own U12 so I'm quite comfortable with their iems.
The Forte has a tad more extension in the high and low frequencies. And both U18 and Forte have appealing sound signatures even though the bass is high compared to U18. The sound is very uniform and feels so harmonious. Yet I'm not sure if it's worth the asking price of $3600.
The high prices on both U18 and Forte are definitely a big minus. At least there's the option of B stock options on these two universals. Even then it's still too pricier. There are many good options in the $1000-$2000 price range for brand new iems from competitors and I'm not sure if the pricing of $3000 and $3600 is okay. Those competitor iems bring a lot to the table sound wise and technical features too. That's how I feel about the price for sure. It's not in the stratosphere but out in the space. Beyond reach.
