Looking for a fun complement to U12t

IEMs / Other In-Ear Monitors (IEM)
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Hi everyone, I’m new to this world. Recently I decided to take my music listening to the next level and, following GPT’s advice (I was looking for a universal “endgame” IEM), I bought the 64 Audio U12t.

Unfortunately, they didn’t turn out to be universal for me. Yes, some genres sound absolutely amazing - I finally understood what people mean by soundstage, control, beautiful vocals, etc. But unfortunately, the low frequencies feel a bit weak to me, whether it’s heavy guitar riffs or electronic music.

By the way, while reading reviews before buying, I came across a comment from someone who was disappointed with the U12t because they thought it had too much bass and felt like they were sold Beats by Dre at 10× the price. Mate, I honestly don’t understand you at all =D
But anyway - it’s all subjective, I get that.

The most important thing is that the U12t didn’t work as a universal IEM for me, so now I want to buy another pair specifically for the genres that don’t sound great to me on the U12t.

My experience before the U12t was Campfire Audio Atlas, and before that Sennheiser IE800. I also listen to AirPods almost every day during gym workouts, so my ears are probably used to single dynamic driver, V-shaped IEMs (1-DD). That’s likely why my first BA-based IEMs ever feel a bit weak in the low end to me.

I’m considering the THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIII because I’ve heard they are more V-shaped than the MKII and because they were also featured on many “best IEM” lists (hybrid design with 2 DDs). However, I’m afraid they might still be insufficient - basically the same as the U12t, just slightly worse.

I’ve also heard about the FatFreq Scarlet Mini and their “innovative” sub-bass, but I’m worried that might already be too much.

What I’m looking for is something fun and bassy, but without going overboard - something that won’t make my favorite The Prodigy and Pendulum tracks unbearable to listen to after using the U12t.

I understand many people will say “just listen to different IEMs and choose,” but unfortunately that’s not an option for me. I have to buy blind, just like I did with the U12t.

As additional context, my current source is an old Astell&Kern SR25 that has been lying around for years, and in the near future I’m planning to get an iBasso DX260 Mk2 simply because it’s more modern.

My target price range is around ~$1k. I’d really appreciate any advice!

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First, welcome!

Have you red up on the Thieaudio Origin? Or maybe a second hand Monark MK4? Both should fit into your description😊. Monarc MK4 might have a advantage with the switch.

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Have you considered the Punch Audio Martillo? It’s far below your budget, but it’s good for the price. I think it would work well as a fun bassy (but still clean) complement to the u12t. It essentially does what symphonium titan does but at 1/3 of the price.

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And why did you decide to give up Sennheiser? A logical upgrade to the 800 is the IE 600, but powered in the right way and with the right eartips. For example, an excellent combo for about 1000 dollars is the IE600 (about 500-600 dollars on sale) and the DC Elite!
I think GPT lied to you… I also assume that you are not a basshead, but simply want better bass and a mild V-Shape sound, so think about this combo and do not listen to what deaf people tell you about the IE600, these are some of the best and most technical IEMs I have heard, not to mention the incredible coherence, which in hybrids you have to look for with a magnifying glass in the high price range. Good luck my friend and sell the U12t - it’s garbage.

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I didn’t decide to give up on Sennheiser. I can’t say my experience with them was negative.. I just decided to try something new.
And yes, I’m definitely not a basshead :slight_smile:
By the way, why do you consider the U12t garbage? I didn’t blindly follow GPT’s advice to buy them - I watched reviews and read user feedback, and a lot of people praise them.

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Thanks a lot, mate! I didn’t even know they existed.
Honestly, the $300 price for tribrid IEMs is impressive. It feels like they cost almost the same as a good cable :sweat_smile:
I think I’ll definitely take a closer look at the Martillo.

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While I personally don’t really enjoy the Monarch MK4 for a few reasons, I think that’s probably the safest bet for you at that price point. I would recommend the Symphonium Titans, but they may have too much Sub bass for you. I’m not sure if you want that much bass.

The Mona 4s at least give you the switch, so if you aren’t in a bassy-boi mood, you could always switch it off.

Ps. I would steer away from the Scarlet Mini. I wasn’t a fan of those at all. To keep it brief, the sub bass caused so much distortion on certain tracks that it was basically unlistenable. Not to mention the tonality is pretty dark. For a few hundred more, the Titans have a much more palatable sub bass shelf whilst keeping a very good quality in the rest of the FR.

Happy hunting!

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You really shouldnt be using LLMs for purchase advice they are not good at that.

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Seeing as we’re going old school with the U12t then the answer to their vanilla sound would surely be Z1R?

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Fun and bassy should fit this I guess. But it is discontinued now so may be hard to find.