Empire Ears Triton vs 64Audio U18s
Introduction
The Empire Ears Triton and 64Audio U18s are premium IEMs designed to deliver an engaging 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.
Empire Ears Triton vs 64Audio U18s Price Comparison
The Triton and U18s sit at two different price points.
The Triton comes in at $1,799.00.
The U18s comes in at $2,999.00.
The Triton costs significantly more than the U18s. 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 Empire Ears Triton
The Triton is a hybrid IEM crafted for musical engagement, combining dynamic and balanced armature drivers to deliver a lively, full-bodied sound with enhanced bass response and immersive staging.
Empire Ears Triton Features:
- Tribrid driver setup with Dynamic + BA + Bone Conduction Drivers
- Dynamic driver W9+ subwoofers delivers impactful low-end punch
- Balanced Armatures add clarity and layering
- Bone Conduction Drivers for rich and detailed vocals
- Tuned for engaging, musical listening
- Premium design with ergonomic fit
Empire Ears Triton Specs:
Driver Configuration: Tribrid (W9+ Dynamic / EMP75 Balanced Armatures / Bone Conduction Drivers)
Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 40kHz
Impedance: 2.8 ohms @ 1kHz
Sensitivity: 99dB @ 1kHz, 1mW
Connector: 2-pin, 0.78mm
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 with stainless steel faceplate
Design and Build Quality
The Triton and U18s are premium IEMs with exceptional build quality, design, and ergonomics.
The Triton takes a more striking approach, blending luxury and performance with its stunning ergonomic design. Its shell is made from high-density resin reinforced with premium materials for enhanced rigidity and durability.
The faceplate design is eye-catching, showcasing Empire Ears’ attention to craftsmanship with a premium finish that feels and looks premium. While the housing is slightly larger to accommodate its hybrid driver system, the ergonomic shaping ensures it remains comfortable, with a secure seal that enhances both isolation and bass impact.
The 64Audio U18s features a refined, professional design built from precision-milled aluminum. The matte black finish gives it a sleek, understated look, while stainless steel faceplates add a touch of elegance and style.
Despite housing 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. The U18s blends style and ergonomics for fuss-free stage and studio work.
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.
Triton Sound Signature
The Triton, with its tribrid driver system with a powerful W9+ subwoofer, BA drivers, and Bone Conduction, deliver a fun and smooth sound signature.
The W9+ subwoofer brings impressive bass power for deeper, more textured bass with natural decay. The balanced armatures layered on top bring clarity and definition to the mids and treble, giving instruments and vocals weight while still preserving detail.
The slightly larger housing allows for better driver placement and airflow, which helps create a wider, more holographic soundstage. The result is a sound that feels immersive and full-bodied, perfect for listeners who want to feel like they're part of the performance.
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 $1,799 Empire Ears Triton delivers a dynamic, engaging sound thanks to its tribrid driver setup, which combines a dynamic driver, multiple balanced armatures, and a bone conduction driver. Technologies like Dual Conduction Architecture, synX crossover, and ARC work together to provide powerful, controlled bass, clear mids, and airy treble, making the Triton both an exciting and precise-sounding IEM for everyday listening.
In the box, the Triton comes with a standard OCC cable, a protective carrying case, and Final Audio Type E tips (SS–LL) for a secure fit. A cleaning tool and cloth are also included, with Launch Edition units adding a blue Pandora case, OPUS leather case, cable tie, and drawstring bag.
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 Empire Ears Triton is for listeners who want a bass-forward yet detailed sound without sacrificing clarity. Its tribrid setup and Dual Conduction Architecture make it ideal for modern genres like EDM, hip-hop, and rock, while still delivering clean mids and airy treble. If you enjoy impactful, immersive music that’s both precise and exciting, the Triton is the IEM for you.
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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