Sound – Intro
In this first look article we’ll be focusing on our first impression of the U18s’ sound and we’ll cover all the rest in our full and upcoming review. This is actually my first of the new 64 Audio IEMs I get for review. I do have a very old V6s CIEM here, but it’s Linus who has always covered all of 64 Audio’s gear. I did get to listen to their gear at shows and when I was visiting Linus in Austria.
Sound – General (M15)
The U18s comes installed with the gray Apex Module, the M15 (-15dB) and we’re using the new silver (stock) cable.
The first thing you will notice is the fullness and that’s not new. If you’ve had the pleasure to listen to 64 Audio’s line-up before, you’ll know it’s something 64 does very well. The body from the bass all the way up to the treble is always there, and music comes delivered with great impact. The U18s is perfectly in balance however.
The second thing you’ll notice is the smoothness and warmth. It’s not a neutral sounding IEM in any way but the smoothness and warmth – at least to me – is not exaggerated at all. At the same time you get excellent detail retrieval and great note extension as well, and that’s why it’s such a great sounding, high end monitor.
The U18s will never be the most spacious, wide sounding and layered IEM. You get a more intimate sound with limited depth but the tuning is so well executed with a spacious midrange, that it never sounds narrow or inside your head.
Bass as said is full bodied and comes delivered with good impact, If you like shy and light bass, this is not the IEM to look at. If you like full punchy bass with a warmer delivery and good detail however, then you’ll absolutely love the U18s with its standard M15 module. Bass when needed also goes low. All-in-all it’s very entertaining and fun bass, which has the needed detail, speed and precision.
The timbre is the mids is excellent and for me it might even be the most impressive part of this new 64 creation. As with the bass the delivery is smoother and warmer, but it’s oh so musical and the note extension just it to such a pleasure to listen to. The vocals blend in perfectly but they are lively and energetic.
Before I listened to the U18s I wasn’t sure what to expect from the treble but I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. Treble never is harsh at all but it is full bodied, energetic and lively. It’s not the most spacious or extended treble but it matches perfectly to the bass and treble tuning.
Sound – Apex Modules
mX
The Black mX module offers a -10db isolation and it’s the furthest away from the M20 module. This modules brings the least amount of body to the table and the difference is more noticeable then between the M20 and M15 modules. It has the lightest presentation in bass and mids, pushing the treble more to the front. In regards to airiness, spaciousness and extension, this module probably is the highest performing one. Clarity and speed of the mX module also is best, but that’s pretty logical. It for sure also is the most neutral tuned module of the three. It’s really impressive to see how big the impact of the Apex modules really is.
If you like a more neutral kind of bass presentation, the mX module will do it for you. Bass still has a nice punch and kick, it’s just less present here. The energy of the mids is highest with the mX module, and it’s also valid for the treble section. You get great clarity, precision and speed but for some it might be too intense sounding, especially if you’re a fan of a fuller, warmer and more laid back sound signature.
First Impression Conclusion
Of course I haven’t had the pleasure to listen to the other 64 units in detail, but I really like what 64 Audio has done with the U18s’ tuning.
The Apex modules make it possible for everyone to like the U18s, as you can go from a more neutral, lively and light presentation to a full bodied, smoother and warmer one. What’s not to like?
For me the U18s hits the sweet spot with the M15 module installed. With this module, the U18s for me is an excellent all-rounder IEM. The U18s is detailed and precise but never forgets to be musical, lively and entertaining. It’s a very addictive IEM and I keep wanting to listen to more music with it, and that in my book is the best possible compliment you can give an IEM.
Well done 64 Audio! We’ll be sharing our full review with all the usual detail, comparisons, etc in a few weeks, so stay tuned! Now I’m going back to listening to the U18s for a few more hours.
