This is the set that made me love 64a. It made me think that I would always own a 64a in my life, although ironically, I don’t own one right now. My love about them is the active pressure relief which makes them extremely comfortable, to a point where I can wear them all day. It is also very low key, so I wouldn’t mind carrying these as a EDC doing errands or at work. They also fit pretty flush in the ear canal too.
As for sound, it had great presentation. The stage is very wide, way wider than I expected from an IEM. It has a unique V-shaped signature to a point where the presentation is very stage like. It’s in front of you, rather than in-head. It also had a ton of air and sparkle on top and nice clean fun bass on the bottom. I loved it as my all-rounder, although it shined with pop and modern music. This pair replaced my beloved Sarda at the time. Sarda is super fun and great at modern music. This almost matched the same fun bass, but had better technicalities and well-roundedness.
In a way, it was the complete opposite. There was a lot of hype on this at the time and its value kept high. I hear it is smooth and enjoyable listen, but did not have the technical capabilities to keep up w/ the u12t or trio. Meanwhile, you can get a used u12t or trio for a similar price, hence those were the recommended ones.
Yeah there was actually quite a bit of buzz about the nio when it first dropped and there still are some people who love it over the u12t and trio. I wouldn’t mind hearing one but not a must audition iem for me right now. Like veritas mentioned you can get a Nio for around 1.1-1.2k used which is right there with the secondhand prices of the higher performing u12t and trio so it’s not the best performance per dollar buy atm. When more time passes and it dips to the 800-900 dollar used range then it will be a lot more compelling I feel.
Also talking about a 64a release that’s flying under the radar… how about that u6t? I really like what they have done to the shell and faceplate, it looks really sleek and nice but similiarly with the nio it doesn’t make much sense considering you can pick up a u12t used for around the same price one of these is going for new. It will be pretty damn awesome whenever you can get used for like $600 though, talk about a awesome value
Oh maybe I wasn’t paying attention to higher end IEMs at that time yet. I understand that u12t and trio are higher performance and I still consider trio as one of the top picks on my imaginary list.
I am just not really in to used IEMs that’s why I am exploring what’s out there and what you guys think about some of those IEMs. I might reconsider or just save for a bit longer than.
So after taking a 9-month break from TOTL iems, I ended up picking up an OG Fourte. It’s my 4th 64 audio IEM to date and could be my favorite one so far. I mean, at least it’s very unique and different. I can see how it’s polarizing. I still give a nod to Trio being a great value buy.
Quick positive impressions:
Ridiculous room information and microdynamics for an IEM
A lot of space/stage, competing with some headphones. Likely surpassing some intimate headphones
Lots of speed
The treble was smoother than I thought – no harshness, at least for me
I guess I was sort of looking for a utopia in IEM form, but with a large stage. This isn’t that, lol. There are some traits in that direction though.
Longer impressions of tia Fourte OG:
I am currently using them with PWA 1960 4w Traillii cable, Final Type E tips, and LP W2. Occasionally, I will be nuts enough to my Lampi Golden Gate/Cary SLP05 combo.
I’m glad I got this set. It acts as a different experience as my main setup/2ch. My 2ch is a relaxing yet engaging soundstage experience. It is warm, but not overly so. I kick my feet back and pretend I am at a concert or bar venue.
This set is for critical listening. It’s listening with a microscope. It’s “visually” listening. They are like monitors, but not boring. It’s a very fun and unique listen. This set is polarizing, but will likely be the most impressive model 64a has. I get a ton of texture and microdynamics. I can use these to hear “everything.” The random percussion instrument way in the back? Yep. The texture of cymbal swirls? Yep.
So far, I am having fun with EDM, acoustical, busy music and instrumental music with a lot of texture.
P.S. I had some Symbio hybrid tips that had peak color matching, but def not as comfortable as Final E tips.
VERY early first impressions of the Fourte Blanc. The staging is impressive and the decay is extremely life-like. Probably the best staging and decay I’ve heard in an IEM.
That being said, the impact can sound a bit off at times. It basically sounds like an estat.
Speaking from memory, it is probably a step down in detail compared to other 64 audio IEM’s I have tried. The tuning is also very bright, which is a stark contrast from the u12t.
E: I am powering them from a macbook headphone jack, that could account for the reduced detail retrieval. I promise to get a proper dap for my full impressions lol
Does anybody have an idea how large the shell sizes of 64 audio are vs other brands? Would be interested in U12t specifically but I think they’re mostly the same for all models. A size comparison to some well known models would be nice, SA6, Thieaudio stuff, IE600, things like that.
Does anyone have recommendations for aftermarket ear tips for 64 Audio IEMs, specifically the U12t? My buddy forgot to include other sizes and the ones on it are a bit loose for my liking. Appreciate any suggestions, thanks!
