64 Audio is an American manufacturer of high-end in-ear headphones. In collaboration with Astell & Kern (A&K), they developed the XIO in-ear headphones. The Astell&Kern 64 Audio XIO is more than just a pair of earbuds, but is, according to the manufacturer, the product of two companies obsessed with precision and sound quality. The XIO is designed not only to play music, but to shape it – delivering an immersive experience that, according to the manufacturer, justifies every dollar or euro spent.
64 Audio X Astell & Kern XIO: In-ear headphones with ten drivers
Vitaliy Belonozhko, CEO of 64 Audio, calls it a new chapter in high-end IEMs (in-ear monitors), a combination of mechanical engineering and musical craftsmanship. Tony Yeo of A&K says this collaboration is the perfect match for A&K’s digital audio players and promises a synergy that will delight their loyal fans.
The A&K 64 Audio XIO features a hybrid setup with ten drivers per earpiece, perfectly tuned with surgical precision, and a passive four-way crossover that, according to the designers, allows all the frequencies to play perfectly together. The result? A soundstage spacious and detailed enough to leave you wondering what you’ve been missing – assuming you have the equipment (and the patience) to hear it. And, last but not least, the bank account to afford it.
Instead of the typical cramped sound tube, the XIO uses a direct-radiating TIA high-frequency driver. This means less distortion and highs so airy and detailed, you might feel like you’re in the front row at a concert.
Six midrange and one high-midrange balanced armature driver deliver smooth transitions and harmonic richness that dwarf most lesser IEMs. Vocals and instruments come alive with warmth and clarity, assuming your ears can hear the difference, according to the designers.
Finally, this advanced technology combines two dynamic drivers in an acoustically neutral chamber to produce bass that is deeper and more powerful than the average IEM can produce.
To match that level of detail, the XIO comes with a custom silver-plated UP-OCC copper Litz cable. This four-core cable is cross-braided for noise shielding and has a low impedance of 0.29 Ohms to keep the signal clean and efficient. A variety of fits and a matching storage case are included.
Deliveries are reportedly scheduled to begin sometime in August.
Price: $3,000
