64 Audio U18T VS 7th Acoustics Asteria

Youtube Video Summary

7th Acoustics Asteria prioritizes midrange and treble finesse with only one caveat: the bass isn’t the greatest, presenting a slightly BA-like character with a faintly “farty” mid-bass. The midrange is pure butter, driven by a gentle 2.5 kHz pinna rise followed by a subtle 3.5 kHz bump, keeping it forward yet smooth. A touch of presence around 200–300 Hz adds warmth, while the treble fixes Supernova’s lower-treble heat around 5–6 kHz and pushes extension past 15 kHz.

The result is a presentation that’s buttery yet detailed, with natural imaging and pinpoint precision that screams “godlike tonality.” Value is the sticking point: at roughly $3,800, the proposition isn’t as compelling as Supernova’s, and the overall performance feels closer to the ~$2,000 bracket. For listeners who prioritize tonality and imaging over bass texture and price efficiency, Asteria remains a compelling high-end choice.

Youtube Video Summary

Positioned as a top-of-the-line “reference” set with 18 BAs and a ~$3,000 tag, the 64 Audio U18t brings a brighter tilt than its siblings. With the M15 APEX module, treble gains presence and vocals feel a touch more filled out than on U12t, but the upper range can push into fatigue—sibilant tracks (e.g., CHVRCHES “Graffiti”) come through a bit sharp. Bass emphasis skews mid-bass over sub-bass, adding body yet also a hint of bloat, so the overall balance reads more V/U-shaped than neutral-warm.

Technical ability is still strong—detail retrieval and extension impress without resorting to glare most of the time—but the tuning trade-offs blunt long-term comfort. Versus U12t, U18t is livelier up top yet less forgiving, and U12t’s cleaner, more dynamic low end feels better integrated. Build and fit are solid across the line; the stock cable, however, remains thin and tangle-prone.

End result: a premium, energetic take with sparkle and presence that will appeal to treble-tolerant listeners, but for many the combination of mid-bass thickness and occasional treble bite undercuts the value at this price—earning a moderate score compared with the smoother, more versatile U12t.

Youtube Video Summary

7th Acoustics Asteria arrives as a limited run of 77 units at around $3,800, presented in a numbered box with premium trimmings. The shells are described as the most beautiful seen in the hobby—shifting, almost bioluminescent blue caps with extended gold trim—and the fit is excellent thanks to a subtle wing. Under the hood sits a 10 mm dynamic driver plus 12 balanced armatures (latest-gen Knowles), with visible multi-tube routing and pressure relief to avoid insertion issues. The accessory suite feels purposefully upscale: a perfectly color-matched and supple cable (no gaudy branding), a structured case (noted as possible animal hide), Final Audio tips, additional tip sets, cleaning tools, stickers, and even a 4.4 mm to 3.5 mm adapter.

Sonically, Asteria is framed as reference-grade yet musical, with detail retrieval and resolution described as almost peerless. It handles a wide library with ease—classic rock, grunge, 90s hip-hop—and while some genres may benefit even more than others, overall performance is characterized as fault-free. Compared with similarly exclusive sets, it avoids the common “expensive but underwhelming” trap; the coherent tuning and technical chops deliver on high expectations without the need for caveats, making this a stunning aesthetic and acoustic package that feels every bit as special as its limited status suggests.