Empire Ears Legend Evo vs 64Audio U18s
Introduction
The Empire Ears Legend Evo and 64Audio U18s are flagship IEMs designed to deliver a clear, impactful, and detailed sound experience. We compare both models to help you find the best in-ear monitors for your listening preferences.
Not the right fit? Browse other In-Ear Monitors from Empire Ears and 64Audio.
Legend Evo vs U18s Price Comparison
The Legend Evo and U18s sit at similar price points.
The Legend Evo comes in at $3,099.00.
The U18s comes in at $2,999.00.
The Legend Evo costs just slightly more than the U18s. Let's dive 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 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 for deep and powerful bass
- Weapon X Bone Conduction Driver for a smooth and airy treble
- 9-way synX Crossover Network for a cohesive sound experience
- A.R.C Resonance Mitigation Technology for distortion-free sound
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
The 64Audio U18s
The 64Audio U18s is a flagship-grade in-ear monitor designed for professionals and audiophiles looking for balance and technical precision. It features 64Audio’s core technologies: tia, apex, and LID to deliver reference-level sound with fatigue-free comfort.
64Audio U18s Features:
- tia High Driver for extended, open treble and natural air
- Apex Technology for personalized comfort and fatigue-free listening
- LID (Linear Impedance Design) for consistent tonal balance across different sources
- 4-Way Passive Crossover for smooth frequency transition and tonal accuracy
- Precision-Machined Aluminum Shell for ergonomic comfort during long sessions
64Audio U18s Specs:
Driver Configuration: 18 balanced armature drivers (8 low, 8 mid, 1 high-mid, 1 tia high)
Crossover: Integrated 4-way passive crossover
Frequency Response: 10Hz – 20kHz
Sensitivity: 106dB/mW @1kHz
Impedance: 8Ω @1kHz
Isolation: -20dB (m20), -15dB (m15), -10dB (mX) depending on apex module
Connector: 2-pin 0.78mm
Cable: Premium 8-braid silver-plated OCC copper cable
Shell Material: Aluminum faceplates with web-like pattern design
Design and Build Quality
The Legend Evo and U18s are flagship IEMs with exceptional build quality, design, and ergonomics.
The Empire Ears Legend Evo is a simple looking IEM. Empire Ears used robust medical-grade resin shells in a stunning piano black semi-transparent paint for enhanced durability and looks. The shells are ergonomic and lightweight for enhanced fit and comfort. Subtle design details like the golden EVO logo and Empire Ears Wingspan insignia give the Legend Evo a luxurious aesthetic.
The Legend Evo's overall feel is great - offering a smooth and high-quality feel. The interior features Anti-Resonance Compound (ARC) for superior sound control and is coated in custom-spec cast polymer for reduced vibrations.
The 64Audio U18s blends style and ergonomics for fuss-free stage and studio work. It features a refined, professional design built from precision-milled aluminum. The matte black finish gives it a sleek, understated look, while the unique, web-like faceplate pattern adds a touch of elegance and style.
Despite housing a whopping eighteen drivers inside, the U18s shells are compact and comfortable, contoured to fit naturally in the ear for long listening sessions. The included premium cable feels soft yet durable, with solid 2-pin connectors that ensure a secure fit.
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.
Legend Evo Sound Signature
The Legend Evo sports a W-Shaped tuning, with powerful bass, clear vocals, and extended treble.
For daily 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 most powerful 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.
U18s Sound Signature
The 64Audio U18s delivers a balanced, refined sound signature that leans toward a natural and smooth presentation.
Bass is tight and well-controlled, offering depth and texture rather than sheer impact. It extends low with excellent definition, adding warmth without overpowering the mids. The midrange is smooth and organic, giving vocals and instruments a lifelike tone with just the right amount of body. Everything sounds cohesive and well-layered, with impressive separation that keeps complex tracks clean and clear. Treble is airy and detailed, courtesy of the tia high driver. It’s extended and crisp, yet never harsh - offering just enough sparkle to bring out subtle details while ensuring long-term listening comfort.
The U18s strikes a fine balance between precision and musicality, making it excellent for critical listening and everyday use.
Price and Value
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.
At $2,999, the 64Audio U18s offers precision and control courtesy of 18 balanced armature drivers per side, paired with Apex modules for pressure-free listening and LID (Linear Impedance Design) for consistent sound across sources. The U18s offers a refined, studio-grade presentation with exceptional resolution and long-term comfort for critical listening sessions.
The 64Audio U18s comes with a leather carrying case, multiple foam and silicone tips, the 8-braid silver-plated cable, and interchangeable Apex modules. A cable clip, cleaning tool, and documentation round out the package.
Our Thoughts
The Legend Evo offers an exciting combination of bass power and accuracy, 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 here is big and impactful, but smooth - the IEM to get if you want to experience energy and excitement from your music.
The 64Audio U18s is for audiophiles and professionals who prioritize accuracy, balance, and long-term comfort. Its 18-driver configuration, Apex modules, and LID technology provide a smooth, detailed sound with controlled bass, natural mids, and airy treble.
If you value reference-level clarity, precise separation, and fatigue-free listening for studio production or casual music listening, the U18s is the perfect choice.
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