FATFreq Grand Maestro VS 64 Audio U18T
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
FATFreq Grand Maestro and 64 Audio U18T use 1DD+8BA+4EST and 18BA (1 tia high,+1high-mid,+8low)+8mid, driver setups respectively. FATFreq Grand Maestro costs $3,334 while 64 Audio U18T costs $2,999. FATFreq Grand Maestro is $335 more expensive. FATFreq Grand Maestro holds a decisive 1.4-point edge in reviewer scores (8.6 vs 7.2). FATFreq Grand Maestro has significantly better bass with a 2-point edge, FATFreq Grand Maestro has better treble with a 0.7-point edge, FATFreq Grand Maestro has significantly better dynamics with a 2.1-point edge, 64 Audio U18T has significantly better details with a 1.4-point edge and 64 Audio U18T has slightly better imaging with a 0.3-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | FATFreq Grand Maestro | 64 Audio U18T |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7.8 | 5.8 |
| Mids | 6.8 | 6.6 |
| Treble | 7.5 | 6.8 |
| Details | 6.8 | 8.2 |
| Soundstage | 9 | 8.8 |
| Imaging | 7.3 | 7.5 |
| Dynamics | 8.5 | 6.4 |
| Tonality | 8.2 | 6.9 |
| Technicalities | 8.1 | 7.7 |
FATFreq Grand Maestro Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.6Excellent
64 Audio U18T Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.2Generally Favorable
Reviews Comparison
FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Yifang
8.5
Reviewer Score
64 Audio U18T reviewed by Yifang
8
Reviewer Score
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FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Web Search
9
Reviewer Score
The FATFreq Grand Maestro offers a highly adaptable sound signature through its NOAH modules and vocal switches, enabling four distinct tuning profiles. The black NOAH module emphasizes sub-bass "slam," while the blue variant provides tighter "rumble" control; combined with the vocal switch, these allow shifts from a bass-forward signature to a more mid-centric presentation. Bass is deep and authoritative but avoids midrange bleed, while the treble—handled by electrostatic drivers—delivers clarity without sibilance or fatigue.
Technically, it excels in imaging precision and creates an immersive, three-dimensional soundstage that positions instruments with remarkable specificity. However, its large shell size may challenge those with smaller ears, and it demands power-hungry sources—often requiring high-gain amplification to reach full potential. The deluxe package includes both NOAH modules and an upgraded cable, enhancing its tuning flexibility.
64 Audio U18T reviewed by Web Search
8.9
Reviewer Score
The 64 Audio U18t is a high-end, 18-BA universal IEM that combines the company’s tia tubeless treble driver and apex pressure-relief modules, targeted at reference-grade monitoring and critical listening. Official pricing sits at $2,999, positioning it among the most expensive universal monitors on the market. Specs indicate a four-way design with “1 tia high, 1 high-mid, 8 mid, 8 low” drivers, plus modular isolation via mX/m15/m20 inserts.
Tonal balance trends neutral-bright / mild V: elevated upper-mids and lower treble give strong clarity and bite, while bass is taut and fast but not the last word in physical slam compared to top dynamic-driver sets. This yields exceptional perceived detail and a forward, incisive presentation that some may find analytical on lean recordings. Multiple reviewers characterize it as brighter and more forward than peers, with mid-bass presence but limited macrodynamic weight.
Technical performance is a clear strength: resolution, imaging, and stage width are first-rate, with apex modules helping maintain openness and comfort over long sessions. Staging can approach “open-back” impressions, and the m20 vs m15 modules subtly shift bass/brightness without changing the fundamental FR character. Overall capability is top tier, but at this price the value proposition is contested; buyers prioritizing slam and macro-dynamics may prefer alternatives, while detail chasers will find the U18t a benchmark tool.
FATFreq Grand Maestro (more reviews)
FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Jays Audio
9.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
FATFreq Grand Maestro aims squarely at a refined, sub-boosted tuning rather than a crude bass cannon. The bass quality shows real pedigree—excellent control, quick decay, and that clean, floor-shaking sub-bass rumble without smearing the mids. Treble reaches higher with better extension than typical basshead fare, and overall resolution, separation, and balance feel “endgame” in polish. For listeners who want muscular low-end that still plays nice with vocals and air, this tuning reads as a mature, high-performance take on “bass + hi-fi.”
But for pure basshead cravings, Grand Maestro doesn’t go overboard—it’s a bassy set, not a “basshead or bust” one. Compared with FATFreq’s own Scarlet Mini (or Maestro Mini), it brings less sheer quantity and “skull-rattle,” trading slam for finesse; next to ultra-dark hammers like HBB Hades, it’s far more balanced and controlled. The catch is diminishing returns: while the Grand Maestro is the most refined and technically capable among these bass-tilted options, those chasing maximum pound-for-pound slam may find better value in the Minis, and those wanting reckless low-end excess will still gravitate to sets like Hades. For most non-basshead audiophiles, though, Grand Maestro’s blend of sub-bass authority and top-end refinement hits the sweet spot.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Jaytiss
9.3
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Smirk Audio
7.7
Reviewer Score
FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Nymz
6.5
Reviewer Score
FATFreq Grand Maestro reviewed by Head-Fi.org
9.5
* score rescaled + normalized
64 Audio U18T (more reviews)
64 Audio U18T reviewed by Super* Review
7*
* score rescaled + normalized
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.
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel64 Audio U18T reviewed by Precogvision
4.8
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
FATFreq Grand Maestro Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+8BA+4EST
Tuning Type: Neutral, Basshead
Price (Msrp): $3,334
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64 Audio U18T Details
Driver Configuration: 18BA (1 tia high,+1high-mid,+8low)+8mid,
Tuning Type: Neutral, Bright
Brand: 64 Audio Top 64 Audio IEMs
Price (Msrp): $2,999
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FATFreq Grand Maestro User Review Score
Average User Scores
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64 Audio U18T User Review Score
Average User Scores
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FATFreq Grand Maestro Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.6Gaming Grade
B+64 Audio U18T Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
5.9Gaming Grade
B-FATFreq Grand Maestro Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- Tuning feels refined, blending frequencies with convincing realism and engagement. Transitions between registers feel effortless.
Average Technical Grade
A+- Layering is confident and precise, backed by imaging that locks elements firmly in place. Micro-details peek through without sounding forced.
64 Audio U18T Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B+- Expect a friendly tonal balance that could use polish but remains inviting. Great for casual listening, less so for purists.
Average Technical Grade
A- The balance of resolution and space feels assured, keeping complex passages coherent. Layering is convincing on most studio mixes.
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