64 Audio U12T VS Unique Melody MEST mkII

IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side

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64 Audio U12T and Unique Melody MEST mkII use 12BA and 1DD+4BA+2EST+1BC driver setups respectively. 64 Audio U12T costs $1,999 while Unique Melody MEST mkII costs $1,500. 64 Audio U12T is $499 more expensive. 64 Audio U12T holds a slight 0.2-point edge in reviewer scores (8.3 vs 8.1). User ratings place 64 Audio U12T at 8.2 and Unique Melody MEST mkII at 7.5. 64 Audio U12T has slightly better bass with a 0.3-point edge, 64 Audio U12T has better mids with a 0.7-point edge, 64 Audio U12T has better treble with a 0.6-point edge, 64 Audio U12T has better dynamics with a 0.7-point edge, 64 Audio U12T has better details with a 0.7-point edge and 64 Audio U12T has significantly better imaging with a 1.6-point edge.

Insights

Metric 64 Audio U12T Unique Melody MEST mkII
Bass 8.5 8.1
Mids 8.2 7.5
Treble 7.7 7.1
Details 8.9 8.2
Soundstage 8.2 8
Imaging 9.1 7.5
Dynamics 7.7 7
Tonality 8.1 7.5
Technicalities 8.7 8

64 Audio U12T Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

8.3

Very Positive


Unique Melody MEST mkII Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

8.1

Very Positive


Reviews Comparison

64 Audio U12T reviewed by Super* Review

Super* Review 10* * score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary

The 64 Audio U12t lands exactly where its reputation suggests: a warm, laid-back, yet highly detailed all-rounder that stays engaging without ever turning fatiguing. With the apex M15 module, bass shifts toward a tasteful sub-bass lift that adds punch and body while keeping the midrange clean; vocals sit a touch relaxed, and the treble reaches high with smooth extension and air. Despite being an all-BA set, the low end carries surprising weight and macro-dynamics, and the overall presentation feels effortless and cohesive—“does-it-all” tuning done right.

Trade-offs are minor: timbre can sound slightly artificial at times, and dropping to the M10 module trims bass but also some excitement. Build is comfortable and compact, though the stock cable is annoyingly wiry and memory-prone. Against its stablemates, U12t stands as the benchmark: cleaner and less fatiguing than U18t, more versatile than the warmer Nio (with M15), and less head-stage wow than Trio but more universally balanced. End result: a confident 5/5 for a high-price IEM that actually feels worth chasing if this signature hits the brief.


Super* Review original ranking

Super* Review Youtube Channel
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64 Audio U12T reviewed by Nymz

Nymz 9.1 Reviewer Score
S- Tuning
S Tech
As good as it gets. Great tuning and techs. Best set I've heard to date. Closest thing to speakers. Love it.

Nymz original ranking

Nymz Website

Bass: S Mids: S Treble: A+ Details: S Imaging: S+

Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Nymz

Nymz 7.6 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A Tech
Great bass and sheer detail, at the cost of wonky treble and not so accurate imaging queues. I find it work the best with eletronic music or modern metal. Still a solid contender to this date at a very good price in the used market.

Nymz original ranking

Nymz Website

Bass: S Mids: A- Treble: A- Details: A+ Imaging: A-

64 Audio U12T reviewed by Audionotions

Audionotions 9 Reviewer Score
Amazing separation and presentation, amazing bass that extends down low and hits pretty authoritavely (not just in the context of BA sets - very good quantity and quality). Pretty interesting tuning with dialed down upper mids so certain instruments and voices seem more in front of you. Pretty clear sense of center image.

Audionotions original ranking

Website (Audionotions)

Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Audionotions

Audionotions 8.5 Reviewer Score
Very engaging. I usually prefer something more balanced and neutral, but this IEM has some special sauce. Very well-tuned from bass to treble - with a little bit of spice on top. Great tonality and amazing techs. Imaging is quite phenomenal, separation is great. Very detailed. If you have 700 to spend on IEMs, buy these on the used market and never look back. Warning - treble can be slightly hot. Also, timbre might sound just a tad artificial.

Audionotions original ranking

Website (Audionotions)

64 Audio U12T reviewed by Precogvision

Precogvision 8.6 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
S- Tech
Terrific dynamic range and soundstage depth; the closest I have heard to a two-channel system in an IEM for these qualities.
Youtube Video Summary

Presentation falls short of flagship expectations—especially the stock cable, which feels flimsy and uninspiring—but the tuning is where the 64 Audio U12t earns its reputation. With a gently U-shaped response and swappable apex modules altering bass quantity (M10 leaner; M15/M20 adding a deeper, sub-bass-tilted shelf), the low end carries uncommon texture and decay for an all-BA setup while preserving BA speed and control. The sub-bass shelf levels off around 200Hz, avoiding midrange bleed and keeping the overall tonality clean and balanced.

The mids are slightly scooped yet inoffensive, with ear-gain centering near 2kHz and a tasteful dip through 2–5kHz that preserves depth without hollowing out vocals. Treble is distinctive thanks to the tia super tweeter mounted at the nozzle: a mid-treble dip followed by pronounced peaks around 15–17kHz creates a sense of airy “pseudo-treble” that some listeners (especially younger ears) perceive as bright, while others may find it dark if those upper harmonics aren’t audible. Tip choice matters—Spinfits can emphasize air, while Final E can tame the top end—making the signature unusually tunable to preference.

On the technical front, the U12t is highly resolving, pulling micro-details forward with ease, yet its transient attack has a subtle softness that gives an “analog” character rather than razor-edged sharpness. Where it truly distinguishes itself is macrodynamics—quiet-to-loud swings feel visceral and engaging, a rarity among BA designs and rivaled only by a select few dynamic-driver flagships. Summed up, it’s the “90-in-every-subject” kind of performer: maybe not the single best at any one metric, but making the fewest compromises across the board. For anyone seeking a well-rounded flagship that handles almost anything with poise, the U12t remains a top recommendation.

Bass: A+ Mids: S Treble: A- Dynamics: A+ Details: S Imaging: S

Precogvision original ranking

Precogvision Youtube Channel

Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Precogvision

Precogvision 7.1 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
A- Tech
A warmer, more coherent MEST with setbacks in resolution and imaging.

Precogvision original ranking

Precogvision Youtube Channel
Bass: A- Mids: A+ Treble: B Dynamics: A- Details: A+ Imaging: A-

64 Audio U12T reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 8.5 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
S Tech
TOTL tech. Mid-scoop can affect mids/vocal texture and placement, recessed midrange, treble is harsh at high volumes. Great bass detail, but could have more impact.
Youtube Video Summary

Presented as a former favorite turned cautionary tale, the 64 Audio U12t shows a neutral-warm bass with good texture, speed, and separation, though the mid-bass can feel unnecessary for a non–bass-head tuning. Trouble starts at the 3 kHz scoop, where vocals lose presence and clarity; attempts to restore bite via added treble create sharpness instead of openness, with emphasized peaks around 13 kHz and 17 kHz. This combo makes volume scaling tricky—either accept recessed vocals or endure fatiguing highs—though the treble is otherwise solid from 6–10 kHz. Technical chops are undeniably strong: detail retrieval, instrument layering, and imaging are top-tier, with quick attacks and clean separation across the stage. Still, the staging feels wide yet flat, as the recessed mids reduce depth and contrast, and dynamic tracks (K-pop/J-pop/J-rock) expose the unevenness, prompting constant volume tweaks; slower, softer material fares better. Given the vocal recession and treble fatigue, the value proposition is questioned for a $2,000 set—alternatives like the Variations and EGL7m offer more open, extended vocals with smoother treble, while RS5 and Heyday provide extra warmth without the same pitfalls.


Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel

Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 8.5 Reviewer Score
S- Tuning
S Tech
TOTL imaging chops/layering. Tons of micro-details. Great bass texture. Wide and 3D staging. Can be aggressive, and get fatiguing when cranked up/long-listening sessions.
Youtube Video Summary

UM MEST MKII delivers a distinctly sub-bass-oriented low end with excellent speed, separation, and texture. Mid-bass is punchy but avoids bloat, keeping the presentation clean and avoiding bleed. The unconventional decision to keep the 1–5 kHz region flatter and push energy into 5–15 kHz pays off: vocals stay open, natural, and clear—reminiscent of Variations but with a cleaner, leaner midrange and a more refined overall balance.

The stage is impressively wide and expansive—on the level of sets like Z1R and U12t—yet with notably better vocals. Treble is well-extended, slightly aggressive in a good way, and highly resolving, rendering micro-details with ease without tipping into artificial sharpness. As a result, technical ability—clarity, separation, and imaging—is top tier, making dense tracks feel effortless while still bringing energy and excitement to hip-hop and retaining emotional nuance for ballads.

In sum, MEST MKII stands out as a true all-rounder “endgame” that justifies its $1,500 tag more convincingly than most. Notable comparisons place it a step above sets like Meteor, Mahina, and Variations for the mix of enjoyment and technicalities, though value hunters may note EJ07M achieves roughly “90%” of the experience at a fraction of the price. The only caveat: treble can become too lively at very loud volumes (80 dB+), but at normal listening levels, MEST MKII remains a compelling benchmark for its category.


Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel

64 Audio U12T reviewed by Shuwa-T

Shuwa-T 8.5 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
S- Tech
Comment: Really clean sounding monitor with excellent technical aspects. Bass texture, superb clarity Can sound too sterile

Shuwa-T original ranking

Shuwa-T Website

Bass: S- Mids: S- Treble: A+ Soundstage: S- Details: S Imaging: S-

Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Shuwa-T

Shuwa-T 8 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A+ Tech
Comment: Bassier Mest v1 with slight cutback in clarity. Even more impressive bass response

Shuwa-T original ranking

Shuwa-T Website

Bass: S- Mids: A- Treble: A Soundstage: A+ Details: S- Imaging: S-

64 Audio U12T reviewed by Yifang

Yifang 8 Reviewer Score
S- Tuning
A+ Tech
Youtube Video Summary

Unique Melody MEST MKII brings a distinctive recipe: a DD + 4BA + 2EST array augmented by a full-range bone-conduction driver, translating to a relaxed yet vividly holographic presentation. Bass quantity sits in the pocket—neither shy nor boomy—while the sub-bass extension digs deep and rumbles on cue, sketching out stage width and depth with authority. Mid-bass hits cleanly but avoids brute-force slam, keeping space clear for detail. Mids read a touch lean/diffused: tonally correct and easygoing, gorgeous on plucked strings, a bit light in note weight for violins and cellos. Treble is sparkly without sibilance at sane volumes; push volume for bigger bass hits and the upper range can tip into fatigue. Don’t over-trust FR graphs here—the BC driver adds presence that won’t show on measurements.

Technical chops are firmly high-end: resolution and separation impress, EST speed makes cymbals and chimes glide, and dynamics pop when sub-bass swells. The staging is the showstopper—layered, airy, and convincingly 3D (hell yeah). Versus peers, MEST MKII trades some midrange weight/tonality for superior sparkle and more satisfying bass texture; sets like V16 Divinity or Elysian Diva may win for mids, but MEST counters with atmosphere and bite up top. With the current price drop around the ~$1k mark, it becomes an easy recommendation for those seeking immersive imaging and sub-bass architecture—just ditch the atrocious stock cable ergonomics and enjoy the ride.


Yifang original ranking

Yifang Youtube Channel

Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Yifang

Yifang 8.5 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
S- Tech

64 Audio U12T reviewed by Tim Tuned

Tim Tuned 7.5 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
S Tech
Extremely versatile signature, great bass and details Potentially too safe tuning wise

Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Bass: S Mids: A- Treble: A+

Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Tim Tuned

Tim Tuned 7 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
A+ Tech
Great balance, none offensive tuning with little to fault

Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Bass: A+ Mids: A+ Treble: A+

64 Audio U12T reviewed by Crin

Crin 7.5 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A+ Tech
Amazing bass (for a BA), top-tier resolution and detail-oriented signature.

Crin original ranking

Crin Youtube Channel

Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Crin

Crin 6.5 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
A- Tech
Pretty much the same as the Mk1, though with extra sub-bass presence.

Crin original ranking

Crin Youtube Channel

64 Audio U12T reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 5.5 * score rescaled + normalized
One community member has rated the 64 Audio U12T at an average of 3.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Mixed to Positive.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 8.9 * score rescaled + normalized
13 community members have rated the Unique Melody MEST MKII at an average of 4.7/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Exceptional.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

64 Audio U12T (more reviews)

64 Audio U12T reviewed by Kois Archive

Kois Archive 8.2 Reviewer Score
S Tuning
S+ Tech
Rating: S- | Value: ⭐ | Gaming: 🎮🎮🎮 | Comfort: 8 fun, technical, and thunderous bass Upper mids can be a bit weird

Kois Archive original ranking

Kois Archive Youtube Channel

64 Audio U12T reviewed by Smirk Audio

Smirk Audio 7.9 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A+ Tech
Good resolution and dynamics with great imaging. Smooth, slightly recessed upper-mids with an upper treble peak.

Smirk Audio original ranking

Smirk Audio Head-Fi Profile

Bass: A- Mids: A+ Treble: A Dynamics: A+ Details: A+ Imaging: S-

64 Audio U12T reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 7.8 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
A- Tech
Just Smooth and nice, great all arounder with smooth technicals, but too boring.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: A- Treble: A- Dynamics: B Soundstage: A-

64 Audio U12T reviewed by Web Search

uses AI-Search to turn user, reddit and head-fi reviews into clear, concise summaries.
Web Search 9.4 Reviewer Score
S- Tuning
S Tech

The 64 Audio U12t is a mature flagship-class UIEM built around twelve balanced armatures per side and the company’s tia (open-BA) and apex pressure-relief tech; it lists at $1,999. Module options (mX/m15/m20) vary isolation from roughly −10 to −20 dB, giving modest control over perceived balance without changing the core tuning. The driver split—1 tia high, 1 high-mid, 6 mid, 4 low—aims for coherence via a 4-way crossover in a compact, aluminum shell.

Tonally the U12t trends neutral with a sub-bass lift, yielding clean mids and controlled, generally safe treble; frequency-response databases show the gentle low-end emphasis with even mids. Swapping apex modules can nudge the balance (e.g., M20 a bit more bass, M15 a touch airier) without altering the U12t’s fundamental character. Technical performance remains the calling card: resolution, imaging, layering, and BA-bass quality are repeatedly praised at the top of the class.

Trade-offs are mostly about preference and price: treble can read polite with minor quirks depending on chain and tips, and midrange body is slightly lean versus warmer sets. Given the premium MSRP, overall value hinges on prioritizing top-tier technicalities and long-session comfort via apex.


Bass: S Mids: S Treble: S- Dynamics: S- Soundstage: S Details: S Imaging: S

Unique Melody MEST mkII (more reviews)

Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Fresh Reviews

Fresh Reviews 5.5* * The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming Score

64 Audio U12T User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score:

Based on 1 user reviews

8.2

Very Positive

Unique Melody MEST mkII User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score:

Based on 1 user reviews

7.5

Strongly Favorable

64 Audio U12T Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

7

Gaming Grade

A-

Unique Melody MEST mkII Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

6.8

Gaming Grade

B+

64 Audio U12T Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

A+
  • The tonal balance is polished and expressive, highlighting emotion without sacrificing accuracy. It keeps emotional weight without sacrificing accuracy.

Average Technical Grade

S-
  • Expect top-tier articulation, where staging, imaging, and transient control feel effortless. It keeps instruments locked in place effortlessly.
Bass S-
Expect a gripping low-end presence that marries clarity with visceral impact. Dynamic swings land with thrilling force.
Mids A+
The midrange sounds refined and revealing, balancing clarity with emotional weight. Timbre accuracy rivals studio monitors.
Treble A
Treble performance is excellent—airy, extended, and beautifully controlled. It reveals subtle studio ambiance.
Dynamics A
The system snaps into action with precision, highlighting every swell. Recordings feel energetic and alive.
Soundstage A+
Immersive holography surrounds the listener, making the venue feel tangible and enveloping. It delivers a grand, cinematic presentation.
Details S-
No subtlety is too small; the presentation exposes it all with composure. Complex tracks remain crystal clear.
Imaging S
Every performer appears sculpted in air, never wavering from their precise coordinate. It remains rock solid no matter the track.
Gaming A-
Good fundamental spatial awareness for most gaming scenarios. Handles basic positioning well but may lack nuance in complex situations. Bad value-to-cost for gaming purpose - not recommended

Unique Melody MEST mkII Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

A
  • Expect an inviting tonal blend that adapts well to genres while staying largely composed. It strikes a nice blend of warmth and clarity.

Average Technical Grade

A+
  • Overall technical control is strong, presenting instruments with clarity and sensible staging. Textures are portrayed with satisfying clarity.
Bass A+
You hear powerful yet disciplined low-end slam that extends effortlessly. It marries sub-bass depth with great texture.
Mids A
Expect lifelike vocals and instruments with impressive nuance and realism. You can easily follow harmonies and backups.
Treble A-
It provides outstanding treble finesse, balancing brightness and control gracefully. It's engaging yet remarkably controlled.
Dynamics A-
Expect excellent punch and micro-detail that render rhythmic shifts effortlessly. It keeps up with complex rhythmic swings.
Soundstage A+
Exceptional soundstage with holographic imaging that lets instruments float naturally around you. It paints a holographic bubble around you.
Details A+
No subtlety is too small; the presentation exposes it all with composure. Complex tracks remain crystal clear.
Imaging A
Spatial cues respond immediately, reflecting every movement in the mix. Spatial cues respond instantly to the mix.
Gaming B+
Respectable environmental presentation favors atmosphere over precision. Detects obvious directional cues while conveying game world ambiance. Bad value-to-cost for gaming purpose - not recommended

64 Audio U12T User Reviews

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W wpzdm
8.2

Good old friend

Pros
Openness and imaging. Dynamic. Spacious bass. Vocals with breath and feel on live.
Cons
Vocals slightly sibilant.

Unique Melody MEST mkII User Reviews

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W wpzdm
7.5

Not for my taste

Pros
Good tech, epic imaging
Cons
Too cold and a bit metalic

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