On this characteristic, Nihal critiques the 64 Audio Solo, a brand new single 14.2mm planar driver common IEM outfitted with tia, apex core, and LID expertise. It’s priced at $1399.
Disclaimer: The unit despatched to me was bought for this evaluate. Headfonics is an impartial web site with no affiliate hyperlinks or standing. I thank 64 Audio for his or her assist.
You’ll be able to click on right here to be taught extra about 64 Audio merchandise beforehand coated on Headfonics.
Observe that this text follows our present scoring guidelines, which you’ll be able to learn in additional element right here.
The 64 Audio Fourte was my first flagship IEM, which I purchased a few years in the past and nonetheless stays the spotlight of my assortment.
After proudly owning the Fourte for fairly a while, I’m all the time excited to see 64 Audio releasing new IEMs. To my shock, 64 Audio has joined the planar practice with their new Solo priced at $1399.
The Solo was launched simply earlier than CanJam SoCal 2024 and has acquired optimistic suggestions from many, making it pretty intriguing launch.
On this evaluate, I’ll do an in depth deep dive into what the Solo affords and the way it compares with some related worth IEMs such because the FlipEars Artha and the U4s.
Options
The Solo makes use of a single 14.2mm planar magnetic driver mixed with 64 Audio’s signature array of options, together with apex Core, Linear Impedance Design (LID), and the Tubeless In-Ear Audio (tia) system.
Solo’s acoustic chamber contains the apex Core expertise, which is a pressure-relieving expertise that ensures hours of snug listening.
The Solo doesn’t have apex modules like these used within the U4S and U12T. It has somewhat an open-back design, which affords simply sufficient isolation with none stress buildup.
LID helps the IEMs stay unaffected by adjustments in output impedance if you change sources, making certain constant and dependable efficiency.
The tia system controls how the sound travels to the nozzle. The Solo encompasses a partial implementation utilizing a single bore and micro-acoustic chambers to propagate the sound.
To remove particular problematic frequencies and supply smoothness to the high-frequency output of the planar driver, 64 Audio incorporates Helmholtz Resonators, impressed by mid-Nineteenth-century acoustic rules.
Two 3D-printed micro-cavities within the Solo’s sound chamber pressure air out and in, inflicting the air inside to resonate at focused frequencies. This permits exact management to amplify or diminish particular resonances.
Design
One can’t deny that the Solo is among the most fantastically designed common IEMs from the home of 64 Audio.
Most of their IEMs differ in how their faceplates are styled, however this time, they haven’t merely added an summary design or colour to the faceplate.
The faceplate encompasses a copper mesh with an array of 64 Audio logos, giving it a singular and chic contact that feels thoughtfully crafted. It seems beautiful each in footage and in actual life.
The shell is constructed with T6061 Aluminum, an alloy composed of aluminum with magnesium, silicon, and traces of parts like copper, chromium, and iron.
This enhances the sturdiness and the corrosion resistance of the shells. The shells have a grainy end.
The form of the shells is much like many different 64 Audio IEMs. The nozzle shouldn’t be overly lengthy and leans on the thinner aspect. A lip has been added to the nozzle, which holds the ear suggestions extra securely than lip-less designs.
Consolation & Isolation
Consolation has by no means been a problem with most of 64 Audio IEMs, and the Solo isn’t any exception. The shells are small in dimension. There aren’t any sharp corners or stress factors on the shell, and the light-weight construct makes them excellent for lengthy listening periods.
For me, the match is almost flush. When in use, the IEMs don’t protrude a lot, and there’s no have to steadily regulate or push them again in. Even when on the transfer, they keep securely in place, so that you gained’t have to fret about them changing into unfastened.
The nozzles, as with most 64 Audio IEMs, are skinny and barely lengthy, enabling a deep insertion that contributes to a safe match. The IEMs characteristic a near-open-back design which means it’s not totally open-back however with isolation leaning towards the open aspect.
Because of this, isolation is lowered, and you’ll hear some noise out of your environment. To totally benefit from the music with out exterior disturbances, a quiet setting could also be vital.
Throughout my time with the Solo, I didn’t expertise any stress buildup, which I attribute to its design.
Ear Suggestions
The Solo has a variety of ear suggestions, totaling 9 pairs, with various sizes to make sure optimum match for everybody. Among the many silicone suggestions, there are two varieties.
One variety is SpinFit Silicone, characterised by a narrower bore and comes with a colourful stem longer than these of the usual silicone suggestions. These are darkish gray in colour.
The opposite set, which is black in colour, has a wider bore and shorter stems. I discover the slim bore suggestions extra appropriate for me given the lengthy nozzle of the Solo.
They offer a cushty and comfortable match. The huge bore suggestions have stems smaller than the nozzle of the IEM, which didn’t give a great match to me.
And in addition to it, there are a bunch of TrueFidelity foam suggestions. In equity, I’m not very fond of those foam suggestions, so I hadn’t spent a lot time with them.
I didn’t get the perfect match with the inventory suggestions, so I might suggest one also needs to attempt some after-market ear suggestions as nicely. I discovered the SpinFit W1 suggestions becoming rather well. Be conscious; for the perfect bass response, you want a really good-fitting ear tip.
Inventory Cable
Individuals who have had complaints in regards to the cables on 64 Audio IEMs will possible be fairly glad. The Solo comes bundled with two pure copper cables: one with a 3.5mm termination and the opposite with a 4.4mm termination.
Nevertheless, I’m wondering why they didn’t go for a modular cable with a number of terminations as an alternative of offering two cables which are basically the identical.
The OCC Copper cable, constituted of 23 x 25 AWG wires, options an eight-braid design with a pleasing tactile really feel and an impressively low 0.26Ω impedance ranking.
The cable enhances the general copper colour scheme, from the packaging to the grille colour on the shells. Not solely is that this essentially the most aesthetically pleasing cable from the model, nevertheless it additionally seems and feels higher than the cable included with their flagship Fourté.
The cable has a supple construct, feels delicate, and is versatile to make use of. It’s simple to roll up and retailer, and it doesn’t tangle when rolled. Moreover, it’s light-weight and doesn’t pull or trigger discomfort as a consequence of its weight throughout use.
Packaging & Equipment
Solo’s unboxing was fairly a shock. On just a few events, I’ve unboxed different 64 Audio IEMs, and so they didn’t depart any lasting impression. Nevertheless, with Solo, the unboxing expertise is kind of pleasant. One purpose may very well be the copper aesthetics maintained all through.
It arrives in an average-sized field, which feels somewhat heavy. The outer sleeve is thick and durable, that includes a picture of the IEM together with some fundamental specs.
On eradicating the sleeve, you’re greeted with a black field that includes the model’s brand printed in copper on the highest. The field has a book-style opening lid, the place the highest swings open on one aspect whereas the bottom stays connected.
Contained in the lid, there’s a message from the model accompanied by the proprietor’s signature. The bottom accommodates the IEMs and equipment, positioned in a foam cutout. Apparently, the froth cutout options an array of the model’s brand all through, matching the faceplate design of the IEMs.
The shells are neatly tucked into the froth cutout, with the cables coiled round a metallic piece engraved with the phrase “HEAR EVERYTHING” in copper. The carry case is positioned slightly below the IEMs.
The higher foam layer will be eliminated to rigorously push out the shells. I counsel not pulling them out utilizing the cable or nails.
Eradicating the higher foam layer reveals a small field containing a cleansing material and a few playing cards that includes product footage and guarantee data, and the second IEM cable, neatly rolled. The carry case homes the ear suggestions, organized neatly on a symmetrically designed round holder.
Carry Case
The carry case included with the Solo is a spherical, puck-style case crafted from black leather-based. It’s fabricated from arduous materials, offering a really sturdy construct that may simply stand up to stress, making it excellent to be used as a storage case.
The inside is lined with delicate felt, providing a cushty and protecting house to retailer the IEMs. The stitching on the outer half is clear and even. The case encompasses a 64 Audio brand on the outside, including a contact of class.
Nevertheless, as a consequence of its somewhat giant dimension, it could not slot in a pocket. Whereas the house inside is first rate, I might have most popular a bit extra, because it feels barely cramped.
Sound Impressions
The next sound impressions of the 64 Audio Solo have been accomplished utilizing a mix of my fundamental supply, Lotoo’s Paw Gold Touch, and infrequently the Astell&Kern SP3000 and the Questyle CMA18P. I paired the IEMs with inventory cable and the SpinFit W1 ear suggestions.
Abstract
Solo combines the best facets of the planar world with its personal distinctive traits. Treble has usually been a weak point for a lot of planar IEMs, however 64 Audio does a formidable job of addressing and resolving these treble points.
The sound it affords has a great degree of bass, a clear and detailed midrange and a properly prolonged treble, which doesn’t really feel too sharp or relaxed. The readability of devices is superb.
The inclusion of varied applied sciences makes it a technically robust IEM. Ensure you go to the pairing part to see how the sound adjustments its character throughout totally different sources.
Bass
The Solo has satisfying bass with each good amount and high quality. The bass maintains its texture and layers throughout tracks.
At increased volumes, it scales nicely and doesn’t lose its texture or management, showcasing its first rate character. The bass’s traits are extra akin to these of a dynamic driver, providing a pleasant decay and a lingering impact somewhat than dissipating shortly.
The bass doesn’t lean notably towards sub-bass or mid-bass however as an alternative maintains a pleasant stability. Whereas the bass is kind of pleasant, I miss a powerful influence, principally as a result of method the sub-bass behaves.
The sub-bass might use a bit extra rumble. There may be sufficient presence within the mid-bass and sub-bass, nevertheless it lacks the hard-hitting traits, making a little bit of looseness across the edges.
Total, I benefit from the bass rather a lot, although I do miss some tightness. For many listeners, nonetheless, the bass response of the Solo needs to be greater than ample you probably have a pleasant match. Importantly, the bass is well-balanced and doesn’t overshadow the higher frequencies.
Midrange
The Solo displays a clear and well-detailed midrange. I don’t discover the midrange dry or missing in emotion. There’s a naturalness to the sound. The midrange is ahead, particularly the vocals, with devices properly positioned round them on the stage.
Regardless of a great degree of bass, the transition into the midrange is kind of seamless. Whereas the bass doesn’t overshadow the midrange, the decrease midrange lacks some density and lushness.
I discovered it a bit missing, as male vocals can generally come throughout as barely skinny, lacking some nuances. I additionally really feel {that a} bit extra heat may very well be actually useful.
Shifting to the higher midrange, issues begin scaling down. Feminine vocals and the paths of midrange notes lack the required density, which often makes the higher midrange sound skinny and sharp.
That is the place a bit extra heat and a few lushness within the midrange would have actually helped. With few sources, I really feel the Solo exudes further or undesirable vitality within the higher midrange. It is usually a bit unforgiving with poorly recorded tracks.
Total, whereas there’s richness and an interesting tonality to the midrange, I really feel it misses a wealthy, dense texture that might have elevated the expertise, particularly since there’s already an honest, non-intrusive bass shelf.
Treble
Treble has not been a lot of a problem with planars, however most of them miss out on a correctly tuned treble. That is the place 64 Audio has carried out a great job with the Solo.
The Helmholtz resonators assist it obtain a smoothened treble response that doesn’t really feel exaggerated, but not too laid-back both. I additionally really feel the problematic planar timbre discovered in lots of planar IEMs is considerably minimized on the Solo.
In advanced tracks the place notes combine into one another, the Solo does a fantastic job of bringing out the main points. The notes have a pleasant decay and don’t disperse shortly.
There may be loads of air and sparkle, and also you get all the main points from the treble area. The treble feels managed, with sufficient vitality, with none sense of sharpness or sibilance.
Staging & Dynamics
The Solo performs nicely on most technical parameters, although it’s not distinctive. The soundstage affords first rate width and good depth.
The presentation may very well be a contact extra spacious, as I felt it was nearer to my ears somewhat than a far and huge stretched-out stage. There may be much less deal with the width, however I can’t actually complain, because it nonetheless leaves me glad.
The imaging and layering facets are fairly properly executed, with the Solo precisely positioning the devices and offering a great sense of spatiality of their association and placement on the stage.
Even in advanced tracks, one will discover it simple to establish layers of devices and their positions with none sense of overlapping. There may be sufficient respiration house for the devices inside the soundstage.
The Solo achieves an honest degree of decision and detailing, excelling at bringing out micro-details and finer nuances effortlessly.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
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