It has a thinner vocal and treble sound compared to the RS6 so if your fixation is on smooth euphonic vocal performance then the RS6 will have an edge.

The R01 fills the soundstage a bit better sounding grander and slightly more dynamic. By far one of my favorite pairings.Ĭontinuing the R2R theme, I would pick the N6ii/R01 combo over the HiBY RS6 for the EXT pairing.

It is a slightly more reference sound compared to the Sony granted, but the amount of detail in the texture of each note combined with the realism was spectacular with the EXT. It also got a better grip on the dynamic range when paired with the EXT. On the other hand, the P6 Pro sounded more spacious with a blacker background. The Sony treble also sounded a little digital which spoiled the EXT electrostatic driver performance for me. Both produce some excellent body and weight when paired with the EXT but the Sony was warmer and far less revealing through the bass and mids. BalanceĪ good example of this balance was the Sony 1Z versus the Luxury & Precision P6 Pro. At the same time, ensuring there is enough clarity and dynamic range so that lighter passages and nuanced treble spatial cues from the stats drivers remain pure and articulate. You really want to get as much textured detail as you can out of those two excellent EXT dynamic drivers. The gap between the 64 Audio U18s was slightly less pronounced using a low gain setting and 4.4mm balanced outputs from the likes of the LP P6 and the latest RS6 DAP from HiBy. With our selected comparison models, the EXT does need more volume compared to the Odin despite is being rated the same 108dB SPL. However, it is not so sensitive to pick up on background hiss from DAP and amplifier outputs, nor is it subject to any noticeable impedance skew from higher than average output impedance ratings. The EXT is rated at 10Ω and 108.5db SPL and compared to the original Elysium it is indeed more sensitive and slightly easier to drive.

U18 shades of elysium