Introduction
We’ve all come to know and love 64 Audio for their exceptional IEMs, and now they’ve launched something truly special—the "Solo." This new IEM, built around a 14.2mm planar magnetic driver, incorporates cutting-edge technologies like Helmholtz Resonators, LID, and Apex. Launched at a global price of $1,399 and ₹1,29,990 in India, the Solo promises a premium experience. But is it worth the investment? Let’s dive in.
Design and Build Quality
For the longest time, I considered the 64 Audio Volur the most stunning IEM in their lineup. That was until the Solo arrived. With its elegant copper faceplate adorned with the 64 Audio logo, the Solo exudes class and sophistication. The shell, crafted from metal yet surprisingly lightweight, feels robust but never heavy. In both design and build, the Solo is an instant masterpiece.
The included cable is another highlight, an 8-braid OCC copper that is soft, flexible, and aesthetically complements the IEM’s design. What I appreciate the most is the inclusion of both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced cables. The package is rounded off with 64 Audio’s signature round leather case, completing the luxurious experience.
It's clear that 64 Audio's designers poured their hearts into crafting this beautiful IEM.
Comfort and Fit
The Solo’s shell is similar in size to 64 Audio’s other universal IEMs, which means it fits comfortably and securely. I’ve worn these for extended listening sessions without any discomfort. The nozzle is long enough to achieve a deeper insertion, ensuring a snug fit.
The Solo comes with a variety of eartips—TrueFidelity Foam Ear Tips, SpinFit Silicone Ear Tips, and regular Silicone Ear Tips in multiple sizes (S, M, L). However, I personally found the Divinus Velvet eartips to be the perfect match for me, as they enhanced the bass and provided a fuller sound.
Sound Quality
Before jumping into my sound impressions, let me say that I believe in the burn-in process. I gave the Solo over 10 hours of burn-in before listening. My setup included the stock 4.4mm cable and the HiBy R8 II DAP (High gain, 40 volume level).
Having tested planar IEMs like the 7Hz Timeless, S12 Pro, S08, Hidizs MP145, TinHiFi P2, and P1 Plus, along with several HiFiMAN Planar Headphones, I’ve always favored the TinHiFi P2 and P1 Plus for their planar sound that comes close to the tonal quality of my HiFiMAN headphones.
Now, the 64 Audio Solo feels like the next contender in that space. The Solo is smooth, detailed, and manages to strike a balance between fun and precision, unlike many planar IEMs that tend to sound dry, unnatural, or overly bright. The overall tuning leans toward a W-shaped sound signature.
Bass
The bass on the Solo is fast, clean, and has a satisfying rumble. It’s focused more on mid-bass but doesn’t overshadow the sub-bass, creating a balanced low end. The bass feels well-separated, almost as if handled by a dedicated driver, and never bleeds into the midrange. It's textured and full-bodied—something rare in many planar IEMs I’ve tried. The Solo’s bass comes alive when needed, but otherwise, the background remains silent, allowing you to focus on the mids and highs.
Midrange
The midrange is, without a doubt, the star of the show. I threw a variety of tracks at the Solo, and it handled them with maturity and finesse. Both male and female vocals sound natural, textured, and realistic, with a full-bodied presence. The vocal performance on the Solo is so captivating that you won’t want to take them out once you start listening. 64 Audio has truly outdone themselves here, proving that sometimes, it’s worth being late to the party if you’re bringing this level of sound quality.
Treble
The Solo’s treble is detailed, transparent, and sparkly without being overly aggressive. On tracks like "Chaiyya Chaiyya," you feel as if you're immersed in the live arrangement, with each instrument clearly defined. The upper treble, especially cymbals and hi-hats, sounds clean and musical, never harsh or bright. The Solo maintains a crisp but rounded treble, with noticeable reverbs that add richness and grandeur to the overall sound.
Soundstage and Imaging
While the soundstage width is average, the Solo excels in height and depth, giving you a sense of listening through full-sized headphones. Imaging is pinpoint, and the layering is impressively transparent and clean, providing a well-separated soundscape.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rich, well-tuned planar sound | Average soundstage width |
| W-shaped sound signature | Eartip rolling may be required |
| Fast, clean, and rumbling bass | |
| Outstanding midrange performance | |
| Engaging and detailed treble | |
| Scales well with power | |
| Comfortable, lightweight design | |
| Beautiful copper faceplate | |
| Comes with both 3.5mm and 4.4mm OCC cables |
Conclusion
Is the 64 Audio Solo worth the investment? If you’re coming from a planar headphone background or already own multiple midrange to high-end IEMs and are looking for a finely tuned planar magnetic IEM, then the Solo is definitely worth considering. However, it’s not an IEM you can fully appreciate on a quick listen—it requires time to grow on you and reveal its true potential.
At The Audio Store, we have a demo of the 64 Audio Solo available. Both Pankaj and I (Pritam) invite you to experience this unique sound firsthand, paired with the best possible sources, for an unforgettable audio journey.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. If you enjoyed this review, don’t forget to follow our WhatsApp Channel, and be sure to check out our frequency graph database [link]. Thanks for reading, and see you in the next one!
