64Audio U12t vs Empire Ears Legend Evo
Introduction
The U12t and Legend Evo are high-end IEMs from 64Audio and Empire Ears. Both in-ear monitors are designed to deliver top-tier sound in their own unique way. Let's compare both models so you can decide which IEM suits your needs best.
Not the right fit? Browse other 64Audio In-Ear Monitors or Empire Ears IEMs.
64Audio U12t vs Empire Ears Legend Evo Price Comparison
The 64Audio U12t and Legend Evo sit at different price points within 64Audio's IEM offerings.
The U12t comes in at $1,999.00.
The Legend Evo comes in at $3,099.00.
There is $1100 between these two IEMs, but should you shell out the extra cash to get the more expensive Legend Evo or will you be happy with the more affordable U12t?
Let's dive deep into the specs, design, sound signatures, and features of both so you can get a better idea of what each IEM brings to the table.
The 64Audio U12t
The U12t is a high-end universal in-ear monitor from 64Audio. It sports 12-drivers per side, consisting Balanced Armatures and 64Audio's patented tia driver. The U12t features 64Audio technologies like Apex, Tia, and Linear Impedance Design for unmatched comfort and sound.
64Audio U12t Features:
- Tubeless In-Ear Audio (tia)
- Air Pressure Exchange (Apex)
- Linear Impedance Design (LID)
64Audio U12t Specs:
Driver Configuration: 1 tia High Driver – 1 High-Mid Driver – 6 Mid Driver – 4 Low Driver
Frequency Response: 10hz – 20kHz
Sensitivity: 108 dB/mW @1kHz
Crossover: Integrated 4-way Passive Crossover
Impedance: 12.6 +1/-2 Ω from 10hz – 20kHz
Apex Technology Isolation: -20dB, -15dB, -10dB
The Empire Ears Legend Evo
The Legend Evo is the evolution of Empire Ears' Legend X IEM. It features an eight-driver tribrid design consisting of W9+ Subwoofers, Prioprietary Balanced Armature Drivers, and a Weapon X Bone Conduction Driver. The Legend Evo boasts A.R.C Resonance Mitigation Technology and a premium Empire x PWAudio GENESIS Cable.
Empire Ears Legend Evo Features:
- W9+ Subwoofers
- Weapon X Bone Conduction Driver
- 9-way synX Crossover Network
- Dual Conduction Architecture
- A.R.C Resonance Mitigation Technology
Empire Ears Legend Evo Specs:
Driver Configuration: 2x W9+ Subwoofers - 5x Balanced Armatures - 1x Weapon X Bone Conduction Driver
Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 40kHz
Sensitivity: 108dB @ 1kHz, 1mW
Crossover: 9-Way synX Crossover Network
Impedance: 3 Ohms @ 1kHz
Design and Build Quality
The U12t and Legend Evo are two very different in-ear monitors when it comes to design and build. The U12t features 64Audio's industrial half-moon aluminum shells, while the Legend Evo uses a minimalist resin shell.
64Audio updated the U12t for 2025 with a fresh new aesthetic. A Textured Silver Shell Color, Raised Metal Logos, and Chamfered Faceplate Bezel deliver a more elegant look and feel. At front you'll find the Apex ports under the chamfered 64Audio logo. Overall build quality is top-notch - the U12t feels solid in the hand and the new textured shells offer a more premium feel.
The Empire Ears Legend Evo features a simple yet elegant design. The piano black semi-transparent shells are made from solid resin material for a solid and lightweight feel. On front of each earbud are two incredible logos in gold: a golden EVO logo and Empire Ears Wingspan insignia.
The Legend Evo's exterior is great, but its interior is truly special. Each earbud is Anti Resonance Compound (ARC)-treated for superior sound control, while the inner shells are coated in custom spec cast polymer for reduced vibrations.
Sound Signature
You're probably looking to see how these IEMs stack up on sound. We'll share our thoughts here, although keep in mind this information tends to be anecdotal and subjective.
U12t Sound Signature
The U12t features a neutral, reference-level tuning known for its accurate, detailed, and immersive sound presentation. It is the perfect in-ear monitor if you're looking to scrutinize every note and detail in your favorite music.
The bass in the U12t is well-balanced, delivering good impact and rumble when needed. Its midrange is natural and clear, allowing voices to come through with life-like clarity. Its soundstage is one of the largest you'll hear in an IEM, offering accurate sound placement for an immersive sound.
Legend Evo Sound Signature
The Legend Evo sports a W-Shaped tuning, with powerful bass, clear vocals, and extended treble. In normal listening, the Legend Evo delivers a life-like rendition of vocals and instrumentals with excellent clarity and detail. With that said, the Legend Evo's real weapon is its incredible bass.
The bass in the Legend Evo is easily some of the best you'll ever experience in an IEM. Low frequencies come through with a visceral, subwoofer-like feel, without sounding muddy or overwhelming. Despite the powerful bass, vocals and other instruments sound clear and well-defined.
Price and Value
The $1,999 U12t delivers endgame high-resolution sound - it doesn't get much better than this IEM in terms of balance, clarity, detail, and immersion. The 2025 version is even better - delivering the same sound audiophiles have come to love but with a fresh new look and a generous set of accessories in the package.
The U12t packs 64Audio features like Apex, tia, and LID, and now comes with all the current Apex Modules in the box, alongside a pair of Pearl Premium Cables in 3.5mm & 4.4mm. You also get ear tips, a leather case, a cleaning tool, clips, and stickers in the package.
The $3,099 Legend Evo features a total of eight drivers in a tribrid configuration. Under the hood are 2 Next Generation W9+ Subwoofers, 5 Proprietary Balanced Armature Drivers, and a Weapon X Bone Conduction Driver. All eight drivers are synced through a 9-Way synX Crossover Network. All this is packed inside a high-quality piano black resin shell with ARC treatment.
In the box you get a premium Empire x PWAudio GENESIS Ultra Pure OCC Copper Cable, a hand-crafted leather case, and a wide selection of premium ear tips from Final Audio.
Our Thoughts
The 64Audio U12t and Legend Evo both feature exquisite sound and build quality. These IEMs are a solid choice if you're looking to add a high-end IEM to your collection.
The 64Audio U12t delivers exceptional resolution, detail, tone, and soundstage immersion. It is the IEM to get if you want to experience your music with top-tier clarity and detail. Everything on the U12t sounds clean, clear, and accurate. The 2025 version is even better - boasting an updated design and accessories package without the extra cost. You can swap out Apex Modules to fine-tune sound to your liking.
The Legend Evo offers a rare combination of bass power and clarity, making it a great option for listening to genres like Pop or Electronic. There are very few IEMs that can match the Legend Evo's bass power and quality, yet it doesn't fall flat when reproducing vocals and other instruments. The overall sound is big and impactful, but smooth - the IEM to get if you want to experience energy and excitement from your music.
Another IEM to consider in this price range is the FiR Audio Xenon 6. The Xenon 6 features a bold and impactful sound with incredible detail and clarity. It lets you hear and feel the bass through its unique Kinetic Bass technology, while its ATOM Venting tech ensures you can listen for as long as you like without fatigue.
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