Empire Ears Triton vs 64Audio U18t
Introduction
The Empire Ears Triton and 64Audio U18t 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.
Triton vs U18t Price Comparison
The Triton and U18t sit at two very different price points.
The Triton comes in at $1,799.00.
The U18t comes in at $2,999.00.
The U18t costs significantly more than the Triton. 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 U18t
The U18t is 64Audio's most expensive U-series IEM. It features 18 drivers per side one of which being 64Audio's patented tia driver. The U18t also comes with 64Audio's pressure-relieving Apex technology for enhanced sound and comfort.
64Audio U18t Features:
- Air Pressure Exchange (Apex) for reduced pressure and improved soundstage performance.
- Tubeless In-Ear Audio (tia) for smooth, extended highs without harshness.
64Audio U18t Specs:
Driver Configuration: 1 tia High Driver – 1 High-Mid Driver – 8 Mid Drivers – 8 Low Drivers
Frequency Response: 10hz – 20kHz
Sensitivity: 111 dB/mW Sensitivity @1kHz
Crossover: Integrated 4-way Passive Crossover
Impedance: 9Ω
Apex Technology Isolation: -20dB, -15dB, -10dB (Variable Isolation (m20, m15, m12, mX modules included in the box)
Design and Build Quality
The Triton and U18t are premium IEMs, boasting 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 2025 U18t features an updated Flame Red Textured Shell with Gold Raised Metal Logos and Chamfered Faceplate Bezels for an eye-catching aesthetic. To match the updated look, the U18t comes with an exclusive gold-plated m20 Apex Module. The new U18t feels premium in the hand and boasts a more elegant look compared to its predecessor.
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.
U18t Sound Signature
The U18t is known for its clear and revealing sound. It features a pronounced mid-bass tuning, which adds weight and warmth to vocals and instrumentals. Its emphasized treble frequencies bring out a ton of clarity from music, making subtle details easy to pick off. The overall sound is smooth, natural, and accurate.
Soundstage in the U18t is wide and deep, delivering an immersive sound with excellent sound positioning. Voices and instruments are very easy to pick out from even the busiest tunes, which makes for a very immersive listening experience.
Price and Value
At $1,799, the Triton features cutting-edge driver technology, reinforced resin housing, and premium aesthetics. Its dynamic driver subwoofer adds physical bass impact, while the multi-driver crossover system creates a layered, immersive presentation. The build is also really solid, featuring an expressive faceplate design and built-in resonance control features for a blend of aesthetics and performance.
At $2,999, the 2025 U18t packs 18 balanced armature drivers, updated build and aesthetics, and comes with all current Apex Modules in the box, alongside a pair of brand new 8-braid SPC cables in 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations. The U18t features 64Audio proprietary technologies: Apex and tia.
In the box you get multiple sets of ear tips, a leather case, a cleaning tool, clips, and stickers.
Our Thoughts
Get the Empire Ears Triton if you're looking for a bassy in-ear monitor with excellent vocals and a non-fatiguing yet detailed treble. With a dynamic driver under the hood, the Triton delivers slam and impact only a dynamic driver can. Vocal performance is top-notch as well, allowing you to experience your favorite vocal-centric tracks with life-like clarity and detail.
The $2,999 U18t is 64Audio's ultimate flagship studio monitor. Music on the U18t sounds smooth, accurate, and detailed. From bass to treble, every note sounds full and detailed - never harsh or fatiguing. If you like a smooth, accurate, and detailed listening experience, this is the IEM to get. With the 2025 version, you're getting the same studio-grade sound, an updated look, a pair of premium cables, and all Apex Modules.
Elevate Your Listening Experience With These Related Articles
Enjoyed this article? Check out our other product comparisons!