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IEM UE vs 64 Audio

brian0515

brian0515

May 19, 2016
24
28
50
Pendleton, SC
#1
two part question
For the last several years 64 audio has done a 20% off sale on all their IEM...does Ultimate Ears also do a % off? I know, like they’re doing currently they’ll offer a free speaker or universal in ears along with a purchase but I’m more interested in $ savings.

Secondly, I’m deciding between the UE 11 Pro and the 64 Audio A6t or A4t. Does anyone have any recommendation between these three models. Which do you prefer and why.
Thanks in advance!
 
#2
I have NOT used the UE11 Pro extensively, but have listened to them a fair amount. My guitar player had a set that he seldom used.
I have TONS (5+ys and some 400+ gigs) on both the 1964 Qi's (2 .5 yrs) and A8's (2 yrs).
I LOVE my A8's (TONS of BASS), and I can say for certain that the ADEL (now APEX) tech dramatically reduces the ear fatigue one gets with "closed" shells. I used the REV33 device with the Qi's (which helped reduce fatigue), but found it was not needed with the A* 'cus of the ADEL tech.
For that reason alone I'd "recommend" the 64 Audio A4's over the UE's, tho' IMHO the audio "quality" is comparable.

That said, if price is a factor, then 1964 appears to [NOW] be focusing on the audiophile market vs musicians and much as I'd like to go with their N8's, the $1700 price tag is beyond my budget, even playing every weekend. Tho', I DO LOVE my A8's.
YMMV
 
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#3
s0c9 said:
I have NOT used the UE11 Pro extensively, but have listened to them a fair amount. My guitar player had a set that he seldom used.
I have TONS (5+ys and some 400+ gigs) on both the 1964 Qi's (2 .5 yrs) and A8's (2 yrs).
I LOVE my A8's (TONS of BASS), and I can say for certain that the ADEL (now APEX) tech dramatically reduces the ear fatigue one gets with "closed" shells. I used the REV33 device with the Qi's (which helped reduce fatigue), but found it was not needed with the A* 'cus of the ADEL tech.
For that reason alone I'd "recommend" the 64 Audio A4's over the UE's, tho' IMHO the audio "quality" is comparable.

That said, if price is a factor, then 1964 appears to [NOW] be focusing on the audiophile market vs musicians and much as I'd like to go with their N8's, the $1700 price tag is beyond my budget, even playing every weekend. Tho', I DO LOVE my A8's.
YMMV
Click to expand...
 
#4
Thanks for the info, I love the APEX feature of the 64 and that is a huge vote towards the 64. The biggest obstacle if the A8 or I guess now the N8 has a lot to offer for bass is the cost. If 64 does again offer the 20% BF sale that puts the N8 at $1360. UE is offering me 20% off as well which puts the 11 pro at $960.
Is the Apex, worth $400 more?
 
#5
brian0515 said:
Thanks for the info, I love the APEX feature of the 64 and that is a huge vote towards the 64. The biggest obstacle if the A8 or I guess now the N8 has a lot to offer for bass is the cost. If 64 does again offer the 20% BF sale that puts the N8 at $1360. UE is offering me 20% off as well which puts the 11 pro at $960.
Is the Apex, worth $400 more?
Click to expand...
Idk .. that was the question I had when upgrading from the Qi's (now the A4's) to the A8's.. was the APEX and and extra drivers really worth the $$.
At this point I'd say yes (2 yrs in). Why? I don't get ear fatigue with the A8's and I DO hear bass parts (with 4 vs 2 LD BA's per ear) that I could not with the Qi's. and yes, I got ear fatigue with the closed shell Qi's, even keeping the volumes low.
So there is that, and yes... I totally LOVE the A8's, but I would ask the same question as you are askling now, If I was looking into doing an upgrade to the N8. Interesting configuration, but are they worth the price diff ???
At this point in my music/gigging career.. I don't believe they are - because I use them 95% on stage and not much elsewhere.. mostly when I fly..
 
#10
Ebelow said:
Also the Apex in the 64Audio is a unique addition!
Click to expand...
It is.. I was a little skeptical about the ADEL stuff at first.
That was because I DID get ear fatigue during 4-hr gigs with the Qi's (4-driver) due to the system being sealed by a great fit. Also GREAT BASS, but later on in a gig - even with 4 drivers and low volume - the distortion effect increased with use, so I would turn up the volume to compensate. Vicious cycle. Looking for solutions, I tried the REV33 system and it absolutely helped reduce the ear fatigue.
Then, when I bought the A8's I also bought the REV33 system for it.
After a couple of gigs it made no discernible difference [to me] and I reported that to REV33. I ended up spending an evening with their lead technician running tests on my ears, the A8's and their REV33 device.
Their conclusion was that their device was working as designed - which I get - but I sure did not notice any difference. I never used it again after that... assumed it was due to the ADEL tech.

After almost 2 yrs of use, I can say the ADEL/APEX tech (pressure equalization diaphragms in each ear) absolutely removed 99% of any ear fatigue for me. I've actually worn them for hours on end on aircraft and at gigs (even leaving them in between sets).
THAT ALONE is worth the extra price IME.
YMMV
 
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#12
I also vote for JH. Jerry Harvey is the guy that designed the original IEMs for UE and started that company. Split off from them and started JH audio. Most country tours are using the Roxanne’s. I have the 16v2s. Great sounding and they have the adjustable bass control. The 11’s and 13’s sound great and are a little more cost effective with fewer drivers in them. They regularly run 15% off sales.
 
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