64Audio U12t vs Empire Ears Legend X
Introduction
The U12t and Legend X are high-end universal IEMs from 64Audio and Empire Ears. Both in-ear monitors are designed to deliver exceptional 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 X Price Comparison
The 64Audio U12t and Legend X sit at very similar price points.
The U12t comes in at $1,999.00.
The Legend X comes in at $2,299.00.
Should you get the more expensive Legend X or will the U12t deliver the sound you're looking for at a lower price? 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 X
The Empire Ears Legend X is a flagship IEM known for its deep, impactful bass. It features Dual W9 Subwoofers and five Balanced Armature Drivers from Knowles and Sonion. The Legend X's shells are made of high-quality resin materials for enhanced comfort and durability.
Empire Ears Legend X Features:
- Weapon IX Subwoofers
- synX Crossover Technology
- Anti Resonance Compound (A.R.C.)
- Handcrafted Ares II Cable from Effect Audio
Empire Ears Legend X Specs:
Driver Configuration: 2x W9 Subwoofers - 5x Balanced Armatures (2 Mid, 1 Mid-High, 1 High, 1 Super High)
Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 40kHz
Sensitivity: 102dB @ 1kHz, 1mW
Crossover: 10-Way synX Crossover System
Impedance: 14 ohms @ 1kHz
Design and Build Quality
The U12t and Legend X feature a completely unique design and build. The U12t features 64Audio's industrial half-moon aluminum shells, while the Legend X uses a high-quality 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 X features a simple yet elegant design. The piano black shells are made from solid resin for a solid and lightweight feel. Its faceplates consist of the Empire Ears Wingspan insignia in stunning gold. Build quality is excellent—the shells are smooth all the way around, and the semi-transparent shells hint at the power source lurking within each earbud.
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 X Sound Signature
The Legend X was tuned to deliver one thing - a deep, powerful, and visceral bass experience like no other. It reaches deep into sub-bass frequencies effortlessly and offers punch and slam you can hear and feel. Despite the overwhelming bass, the Legend X manages to reproduce vocals and instruments with a natural and clear presentation. The treble is well-extended as well, offering good sparkle without harshness.
The soundstage on the Legend X is satisfyingly wide and deep, allowing sounds to come from around your head. Vocals and instruments are easy to pinpoint within the soundstage, which makes for a very immersive listening experience.
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 $2,299 Legend X delivers an unbelievable bass experience very few IEMs can match. It features a seven-driver hybrid configuration consisting of Empire Ears' Weapon IX Subwoofers and five Balanced Armatures from Knowles and Sonion. These drivers are synced through a 10-way synX Crossover and packed inside a high-quality piano black resin shell with A.R.C. treatment.
In the box you get a premium handcrafted Ares II Cable by Effect Audio, an Empire Ears Pandora Case, and a wide selection of Type E ear tips from Final Audio.
Our Thoughts
The 64Audio U12t and Legend X feature exquisite sound and build quality befitting their eye-watering price tags. Either of these two models 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.
If you're a basshead looking for the ultimate bass experience, then look no further than the Empire Ears Legend X. Those dual W9 Drivers are no joke - capable of delivering brain-shaking bass you can hear and feel. It isn't just about bass power with the Legend X, it delivers a type of bass that punches, rumbles, slams, and kicks with authority you've never experienced before.
The best part? The Legend X's bass doesn't overwhelm the rest of the frequencies, allowing you to enjoy intimate vocal performances and immersive instrumentals with satisfying clarity, tone, and detail.
Another IEM to consider in this price range is the FiR Audio Electron 12 IEM. The E12 features a large 12mm Electro-Dynamic driver with Tactile Bass Technology for bass you can hear and feel. Like 64Audio IEMs, the E12 features machined aluminum shells for a durable and lightweight feel and ATOM Venting tech for pressure-free listening.
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