64 Audio Tia Trio VS Unique Melody MEST Jet Black

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The tia Trio comes across as a hybrid with personality: rich, thick, and warm, with slightly forward treble that adds air without tipping into the harsher edge heard on the U18t. Vocals are pulled back, yet the presentation feels cohesive and surprisingly natural given its unconventional response. What really stands out is the depth and head-stage—a wraparound sense of space that feels more immersive than most peers, making guitar strums and ambient cues pop in a way that’s immediately engaging.

Despite the 1DD + 2BA configuration, bass isn’t a simple upgrade over the U12t’s BA low end; it carries a touch more body and plosive weight but can feel a bit slower and less refined. Still, detail retrieval punches well above the driver count, and the overall tuning—while relaxed in the mids—stays clean and exciting. With the usual 64 Audio caveats (no apex swapping here and a mediocre stock cable), the tia Trio earns a five-star verdict for its intoxicating stage and atmosphere, even if it’s not the safest all-rounder at its $2,300 price.

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MEST Jet Black takes the series’ quirky tuning and doubles down on the excitement: a bright, incisive top end, tight bass with real sub-bass reach, and that trademark holographic imaging that spreads voices and instruments across a wide stage. The FR is unusual—think a rise starting near ~300 Hz with relaxed upper mids—so it doesn’t read neutral or warm; instead it plays lively and intense, sometimes sibilant without the right tips. Ceramic shells look killer but are heavy, the stock cable is a thin 4.4 mm affair that feels mismatched, and there’s pronounced driver flex that can be distracting, especially when lying on a pillow.

Tip choice is pivotal: narrow-bore options (e.g., AS400-style or Dunu Candy) tame treble while preserving space, whereas Final E smooths things but blunts the “special” imaging. Get the fit deep and stable and the set rewards with crisp separation, energetic treble sparkle, and punchy—if not chest-thumping—mid-bass. It’s an engaging specialist rather than an all-day cruiser, and the $1,700 tag means those ergonomics matter.

Against peers, Fiio’s FX17 comes off warmer and more balanced with nicer bass texture but less image “wow.” AüR Audio’s Prestige Limited hits harder down low and stays contrasty, yet can sound a touch smoothed in timbre. DUNU’s Glacier follows a bigger-bass, Harman-leaning path that’s smoother and more natural overall while conceding some of the MEST’s lateral stage trickery. Net: stunning look, standout imaging, significant caveats; a solid 3/5 for those chasing spectacle over softness.

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The tia Trio mirrors 64 Audio’s flagship DNA at a lower price point ($2,299) with the same compact, lightweight aluminum build, generous tip selection, and a comfortable shell that suits smaller ears. Sonically it carries a present but well-judged bass shelf, adding a touch of warmth by settling around ~180Hz rather than the usual sub-bass focus. Crucially, the midrange corrects the Forte’s biggest flaw: upper mids aren’t hollowed out here. There’s a mild 1.5–3k dip (about 1–2dB), yet vocals and instruments remain properly contoured and far more natural and engaging without requiring EQ.

Up top, the Trio shows recognizable treble landmarks—an emphasis near 5k that can sound a bit shouty and another at 8k adding slight sizzle—tempered by the healthier mids, so the presentation is lively without becoming harsh. Treble extension is excellent, with “air” above 10k running a tad hot depending on taste. On technicalities, detail retrieval and image clarity track surprisingly close to both the Forte and Legend Evo; the soundstage is expansive for an IEM (strong depth and layering) though not as outsized as Forte, and imaging is accurate for music but not surgical enough for competitive FPS. Taken as a whole—and especially without EQ—the tia Trio feels like the more complete listen: a high-end IEM that preserves the fun while fixing the midrange, trading only a slice of stage grandeur for a much more balanced, recommendable experience.

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The MEST Jet Black oozes premium flair: a jet-black shell with gold nozzle and screws, slightly recessed 2-pin sockets, and jewelry-like fit and finish. The accessories are playful and practical—think a “mushroom” case with IEM booties—and the bundled Dreamer/Dreamy cable feels well-made, if a bit dry/papery in hand and oddly marked for L/R behind the ear hooks. Pricing hovers around $2,000 with the cable (less without), positioning this as a luxury set where build quality clearly pulls weight.

Sonically, the Jet Black leans neutral, safe, and clean. A tasteful dip around 4 kHz tamps down sibilance, yielding treble that’s well-mannered with good air and clarity, while mids stay tidy rather than punchy. Resolution is high, imaging is confident, note weight is convincing, and the overall presentation feels laid-back and inoffensive—great across genres and an excellent EQ canvas for those who like to tailor. The trade-off: it doesn’t try to wow with big dynamics or spice; it’s more about polished refinement than fireworks.

Comparisons paint the picture: AFUL Performer 7 offers lively treble at a far lower price and could be the smarter pick for excitement per dollar. Stardust tracks a similar FR but feels less premium; Dusks (≈$350) sound flatter and similarly agreeable yet look/feel budget by comparison. Against peers, Apostle pushes a bit more upper-mid energy and vocal presence, while Chronicle can come off more engaging. For listeners chasing a neutral, resolute, and impeccably built IEM that plays everything gracefully—and who value aesthetic luxury as much as sonics—the MEST Jet Black is a compelling, if costly, choice.