Short answer: the Shure KSE1500, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #1035 of 1291 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 2.8/5, at $2,999; the 64 Audio U18t ranks #1217, rated 1.5/5, at $2,999. The price gap is small enough that the sound-quality ranking should decide it. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 1291 in-ear headphones, and the ThieAudio Monarch MKIII, ranked #1 at $999, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
The Shure KSE1500 is the better-sounding choice. It is one of very few electrostatic in-ears, with a claimed 10 Hz to 50 kHz range. The tradeoff: In oratory1990’s measurement the presence band from 3 to 6 kHz sits about 8.6 dB below target with a 9.5 dB dip near 4.1 kHz, which recesses vocals and instrument attack, while a 9.9 dB peak near 9.4 kHz can make cymbals and sibilance hiss.
Why pick the 64 Audio U18t: Lower mids sit within about 0.5 dB of target, keeping voices and guitars natural. The tradeoff: Presence sits about 10.7 dB low with a 13.8 dB dip near 11.7 kHz, so vocals and instruments lose some bite.
Buy the Shure KSE1500. It is rated higher for sound quality than the 64 Audio U18t at the same price, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
It is one of very few electrostatic in-ears, with a claimed 10 Hz to 50 kHz range.
Amazon $2,999.00 eBay
Lower mids sit within about 0.5 dB of target, keeping voices and guitars natural.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Shure KSE1500 | 64 Audio U18t | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,999.00 | $2,999 |
| Ranked | #1035 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #1217 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | - |
| Harman Preference Score | 59 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 43 (measured by HypetheSonics, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 3.55 dB standard deviation | 4.38 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.27 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.97 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.9 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 30 Hz (-6.1 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Electrostatic | Balanced armature |
| Drivers | 1 x electrostatic | 18 x balanced armature |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 10Hz - 20kHz |
| Impedance | - | 9 ohms |
| Sensitivity | - | 111 dB/mW |
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