Empire Ears ESR Mk2 VS 64 Audio U4S
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Empire Ears ESR Mk2 and 64 Audio U4S use 3BA+2EST and 1DD+3BA driver setups respectively. Empire Ears ESR Mk2 costs $1,100 while 64 Audio U4S costs $1,100. 64 Audio U4S holds a clear 0.5-point edge in reviewer scores (7.6 vs 8.1).
Insights
| Metric | Empire Ears ESR Mk2 | 64 Audio U4S |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 7.6 | 8 |
| Mids | 7.6 | 7.8 |
| Treble | 7.6 | 6.8 |
| Details | 7.6 | 7.3 |
| Soundstage | 7.6 | 6 |
| Imaging | 7.6 | 7.5 |
| Dynamics | 7.6 | 7.7 |
| Tonality | 7.5 | 7.4 |
| Technicalities | 7 | 7 |
Empire Ears ESR Mk2 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.6Strongly Favorable
64 Audio U4S Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.1Very Positive
Reviews Comparison
Empire Ears ESR Mk2 reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.2
* score rescaled + normalized
64 Audio U4S reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8
* score rescaled + normalized
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Empire Ears ESR Mk2 (more reviews)
Empire Ears ESR Mk2 reviewed by Crin
7
Reviewer Score
Crin Youtube Channel
64 Audio U4S (more reviews)
64 Audio U4S reviewed by Super* Review
9*
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
The 64 Audio U4s hits a compelling sweet spot: a 1DD+3BA hybrid around $1,100 that echoes the lush, bass-tilted character of the Nio while fixing key drawbacks. Packaging and accessories feel improved, with multiple tip options and the included M12 APEX module; APEX not only tailors bass but also relieves pressure for long sessions. Fit follows 64 Audio’s comfortable triangular shell; the vented DD asks for a slightly shallower insert than the all-BA models. Sonically, expect a sub-bass-oriented shelf and a treble profile that’s more lively and “zingy” than the Nio, with extra energy around the upper treble. The big caveat is 64 Audio’s muted 2–4 kHz region, which can set soprano vocals a step back on the stage.
Against the brand’s full-BA staples (think U12t/U6t), the U4s trades some pinpoint imaging and coherency for unmistakable DD slam and tactile “air pushing.” Extension at both ends is excellent, with upper-treble energy that makes micro-detail and reverb trails pop. It’s not the clean, conventional neutrality of something like a Monarch-style tuning; rather, it’s a deliberate, colored signature that delivers fun plus technical chops. Crucially, it fills a missing niche at its price and, in many respects, outperforms the pricier Nio, making the U4s a standout recommendation for listeners who want bass authority, sparkle, and engaging dynamics without going all-in on the flagship tier.
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel64 Audio U4S reviewed by Audionotions
8.5
Reviewer Score
64 Audio U4S reviewed by Smirk Audio
7.8
Reviewer Score
64 Audio U4S reviewed by Jaytiss
7.8
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
64 Audio U4S reviewed by Precogvision
7.7
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The 64 Audio U4s hits a compelling sweet spot: a 1DD+3BA hybrid around $1,100 that echoes the lush, bass-tilted character of the Nio while fixing key drawbacks. Packaging and accessories feel improved, with multiple tip options and the included M12 APEX module; APEX not only tailors bass but also relieves pressure for long sessions. Fit follows 64 Audio’s comfortable triangular shell; the vented DD asks for a slightly shallower insert than the all-BA models. Sonically, expect a sub-bass-oriented shelf and a treble profile that’s more lively and “zingy” than the Nio, with extra energy around the upper treble. The big caveat is 64 Audio’s muted 2–4 kHz region, which can set soprano vocals a step back on the stage.
Against the brand’s full-BA staples (think U12t/U6t), the U4s trades some pinpoint imaging and coherency for unmistakable DD slam and tactile “air pushing.” Extension at both ends is excellent, with upper-treble energy that makes micro-detail and reverb trails pop. It’s not the clean, conventional neutrality of something like a Monarch-style tuning; rather, it’s a deliberate, colored signature that delivers fun plus technical chops. Crucially, it fills a missing niche at its price and, in many respects, outperforms the pricier Nio, making the U4s a standout recommendation for listeners who want bass authority, sparkle, and engaging dynamics without going all-in on the flagship tier.
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Empire Ears ESR Mk2 Details
Driver Configuration: 3BA+2EST
Tuning Type: Neutral, Warm
Brand: Empire Ears Top Empire Ears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,100
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64 Audio U4S Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+3BA
Tuning Type: Neutral, Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: 64 Audio Top 64 Audio IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,100
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Empire Ears ESR Mk2 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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64 Audio U4S User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!
Empire Ears ESR Mk2 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.2Gaming Grade
B64 Audio U4S Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.1Gaming Grade
BEmpire Ears ESR Mk2 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- You get a polished tonal profile that stays natural from bass through treble. Subtle tuning choices keep things engaging.
Average Technical Grade
A-- You get a controlled, composed performance, marrying decent clarity with a still-modest sense of space. A safe technical performer for the price bracket.
64 Audio U4S Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- A smooth, agreeable balance keeps the presentation engaging without obvious flaws. Only sensitive ears will nitpick the bumps.
Average Technical Grade
A-- Technical chops are reliable, pairing tidy separation with a soundstage that stays conservative. Micro-detail is decent, though never spotlighted.
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