We check out the all new 64 Audio Solo IEM in this review. A single planar IEM retailing for $ 1,399 USD
Disclaimer: 64 Audio provided the Solo free of charge for this honest review. Headfonia is in no way related to 64 Audio.
Vitaliy Belonozhko founded 64 Audio in 2010, has become one of the leading innovators in the high-end in-ear monitor (IEM) market. Originally named 1964 Ears, the brand is based in Vancouver, Washington, and was born from Belonozhko’s desire to craft a custom monitor for his wife, which eventually led to the development of the company’s now-renowned IEMs.
Since their creation 64 Audio has kept pushing the envelope with new technologies. They introduced their tia drivers, which are openly radiating balanced armature drivers. Aside from that, they also introduced LID (Linear Impedance Design) and apex. LID basically sets an almost linear impedance curve throughout the entire frequency range, while apex helps mitigate ear-fatigue with a viscoelastic open-cell foam to control the rate at which air can pass through the vent. This is an open module that eliminates pneumatic pressure that builds up in an otherwise closed room.
64 Audio’s focus clientele-wise however is not necessarily audiophile based. They work with many renowned artists, such as Beyonce, John Mayer, Nathan East, Black Eyed Peas or Bon Jovi. Just to name a few.
Their product range goes from the A2e dual drivers up to the whopping 18 driver A18t and A18s.
One thing that sets 64 Audio apart from the competition, is their all tube-less IEMs. They were the first to ever launch an IEM that did not use a single tube in it. This specific IEM has been sitting at the top of their lineup ever since its introduction – of course you know I am speaking about the all mighty Tia Fourté! An IEM that still holds up to its competition, even though it has been launched almost nine years ago. How time flies!
Today we are checking out their latest product, the Solo!
Solo
The Solo is 64 Audio’s latest addition to their universal IEM lineup, it is part of their fully tube-less range of In Ears. It uses a single 14.2mm planar magnetic driver and is the very first of 64 Audio’s products to incorporate this driver type. With a sensitivity of 100 dB per mW and a rated impedance of 16 Ohms, Solo is a relatively easy to drive monitor. Though, as with most planar drivers, these benefit from a more powerful source. At -12dB isolation Solo is on the weaker side of blocking outside noise. Even if I was fine with them in the subway, a quiet listening environment is strongly suggested for the best experience.
Like all of 64 Audio’s newest releases, the Solo also comes equipped with Linear Impedance Design and Apex pressure relief. However, Solo has Apex Core built-in, meaning you won’t be able to swap modules for different sound signatures.
What sets the Solo apart from the rest of 64 Audio’s lineup is the new Helmholtz resonators. To achieve the best sound from the single planar driver, 64 Audio created a 3D printed chamber for it. This chamber has two small cavities in the signal path. These cavities are specifically designed to alter specific frequencies by forcing air in and out. This then causes the air inside to resonate at a specific frequency. Even if the Helmholtz system has been around since the mid-19th century, I applaud 64 Audio’s team of engineers and technicians for thinking outside the box!
The 64 Audio Solo is available through their own web shop or through their regional dealer network for 1,399 USD.
Package
The Solo comes in a beautifully designed and simple box. In it you will find your IEMs (of course), attached to which is an eight-wire 25AWG copper cable with a single ended 3.5mm termination. This is not the only cable 64 Audio supplies with their new gem though, as you will get another identical cable with a 4.4mm balanced plug.
You will also get a small puck-style leather carrying case in which you’ll find the supplied ear-tips (3x foam, 3x SpinFit silicone, 3x silicone) and a sticker. That is not everything, as there is another small accessory box, in which you will find the second cable, a cleaning tool, a shirt-clip, a cleaning cloth, a registration card for your warranty and a quick start guide for using the Solo.
All in all, I think the package and contents are excellent. The extra cable is a very nice touch, and I truly welcome it. 64 Audio has come a long way since their first products when it comes to package design.
Build Quality
The Solo is made of T6061 aluminum, which is an alloy containing magnesium and silicone. It’s one of the most used aluminum alloys today and is especially known for its good mechanical properties. T6061 aluminum is a hardened aluminum alloy, which makes the Solo robust in everyday use. The Solo’s shells are fully black anodized and are the same size as most of 64 Audio’s universals. I never had any issues with fit myself, but smaller ears might.
The Solo is exemplarily made in my opinion. There is not a single flaw in its construction. The faceplate is covered by a copper mesh construction, which is also used as pressure relief for the driver. Placed over the mesh is an array of 64 Audio’s logo. A very elegant and nice design choice in my opinion.
Apart from the design, there is one tiny thing that I am very happy with. 64 Audio finally included a small lip on the nozzle, so that the ear-tips won’t slip off when exerting the Solo from your ears. This has happened to me on many occasions with other 64 Audio universal IEMs in the past.
The build quality of the Solo is absolutely flawless, and I love the design!
Jump to page two for more!
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