64Audio U12t Build Quality?

Submitted by -Inserted- t3_11ds74d in headphones

I am looking to either get a pair of Andromeda Emerald Sea or U12t, and one of my main criteria is build quality - especially in this price range! I have heard of 2-pin connector issues with past U12t’s due to stiff cables/case, dents on the shells, etc…have these issues been mitigated in more recent revisions, and are they common?

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mqtpqt t1_jab5fmw wrote

impressions of the andro emerald sea isn't the same sound as the andro 2020, might also want to consider that as well.

also u12t and andros are in different price brackerts; i'd decide what budget/range you really want to explore before choosing what you want.

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p.s: mmcx has its problems as well; id honestly go for 2pin since its more rugged.

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-Inserted- OP t1_jab6xdn wrote

I will have to wait for more in-depth reviews then since the only reference I have is to my previous 2018 Andromeda’s - and they were amazing…

My maximum would be the U12t for sure, but I would be looking at it as a long-term asset, which is why build quality is important for me and not just sound quality. And I have always figured that MMCX would be sturdier given how easily the pins can bend?

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mqtpqt t1_jabrf1d wrote

mmcx has 2 semi-circle looking metal pieces that are (arguably) more fragile than 2pin pic for reference:

i haven't heard anything about 64A stuff breaking (coz I don't keep up with those) but I have tried both, and I'd recommend swapping a cable to something more ergonomic for both regardless.

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LaoRenMin t1_jabrih5 wrote

For me, the build quality of the U12t is good but not the best. I can only compare it to the OG Andromeda.

It's all metal and it feels premium but it could still be better. The face plate part where it meets the body of the U12t is not seamless, you can feel its edge a bit (like a nail file it can gather some dust) whereas the construction of the Andromeda is perfect with no gaps and excess parts.

I would not worry with those issues you've listed down with the latest U12t versions as the cable is a whole lot better than the previous one with better ear hooks. No worries on the hockey puck case, the shell would not dent unless you are not careful with them.

The 2-pin connection can be more wobbly on some models but unless it presents disconnection/channel imbalance it is not a concern and YMMV. If you are careful with them, it wouldn't be an issue unless it's a QC problem. Apparently, it is by design to protect it from wear but maybe it's just their marketing talks. The MMCX of the Andromeda is sturdy with no problems.

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dongas420 t1_jaarws7 wrote

Can't give input on old vs. new, but I will warn that the protective grille is more delicate than you might expect, being paper-like. It's not a problem most of the time, but you need to be very careful with using the wire loop end of a hearing aid cleaner to scrape out debris, as poking the grille with it is likely to end with a punctured filter and a $200 fee for a 10-cent part replacement if your unit isn't covered under warranty.

Not sure whether their new cable is different, but the case isn't an issue if you switch to a flexible third-party cable without memory wire. I use a 2-pin from DUNU, although I'm uncertain whether that model's still being sold.

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-Inserted- OP t1_jab6hrx wrote

Yeah, that seems steep, but I have been hearing good things about their support at least. I will have to look into cables as well then

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x9spoons t1_jada37r wrote

I’m still new to iems, are the thieaudio monarch mk2 not in this conversation? Or no longer in this conversation? I thought they were the best performer in this price range, but maybe that’s old or incorrect info

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Coalbus t1_jae1r14 wrote

They are or were at the top of Crin’s list and he’s the guy around here. Me personally, I really did not like them at all for a lot of reasons but I’m in the minority on that. I think its popularity has faded a lot. There’s just so much coming out these days and things get left behind fairly quick.

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No-Context5479 t1_jacyefd wrote

Emerald Sea is an affront to anyone who likes good sounding IEMs... They're very meh... Get the U12t ilor something like the Kumitate KL-Focus (Max Bass Setting Selected), qdc 8SL, Softears Turii and Symphonium Helios

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