Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Extremely comfortable with clever integration of venting.
- The bass performance adds an enjoyable dimension to the listening experience.
- Good imaging capability.
- Clean and detailed treble.
Product Considerations
- Treble response is fairly recessed and impacts sense of technical performance.
- Build could be more premium feeling.
- IPX cable might limit cable rolling options.
- Lacks energy and extension, resulting in a sound that lacks some airiness and sparkle.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs 64 Audio U4s: The U4s has a much more elevated response from 5-20kHz.
- Vs HiFiMan Svanar: The Aspire 4 gets dangerously close in technical aspects like detail, and treble dynamics.
Takeaway: The Aspire 4 is a comfortable IEM with an enjoyable bass performance and good imaging, great for professional musicians and live music professionals. Its clean and detailed treble is ideal for longer listening sessions.
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Manufacturer details
- Material: Molded ABS Shell, Stainless Steel Nozzle
- Color: Black/Silver
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 18kHz
- Driver Configuration: Full Range Dynamic Driver
- Isolation: -20 dB
- Cable: 48" Black - Detachable 90 degree 3.5mm Jack
- Sensitivity: 106 dB @ 1kHz @1mw
- Impedance: 30 Ω @ 1kHz
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- 64 Audio utilizes a unique "tia" (tubeless in-ear audio) system, which eliminates traditional tubes and dampers in favor of open balanced armature drivers set within custom-designed acoustic chambers, with a single bore nozzle to maximize coherence and minimize resonances.
- They implement "Apex" technology across their IEM lines, a pneumatically controlled venting system using swappable modules designed to alleviate pressure in the ear canal, thereby reducing listening fatigue, in addition to subtly modifying the low-end response.
- 64 Audio offers a fully computerized CIEM manufacturing process, utilizing digital ear mold scanning, software trimming, and 3D printing which significantly reduces turnaround time, allows for precise fits, and retains customer ear mold data for future purchases.
- The brand distinguishes itself by designing IEMs to maintain a consistent sound signature regardless of the source device's output impedance through its proprietary "LID" (Linear Impedance Design) tech.
Select products
Aspire Series
- Positioning: A practical entry-level line designed for live performance use.
- Description: Offers reliable, straightforward performance with a focus on robustness and comfort for stage monitoring. Compared to higher-tier models like the U4s and U6t, it delivers essential functionality for small rooms and tight budgets without extra driver complexity.
U4s
- Positioning: A balanced model offering a simple 4-driver setup for clear, accessible sound.
- Description: Provides clear mids and highs through a TIA high driver paired with balanced armature lows for straightforward performance. Compared to the Aspire Series and U6t, it offers a middle ground in cost and technical refinement.
U6t
- Positioning: A mid-tier design focused on delivering dynamic musical reproduction with subtle added color.
- Description: Features a neutral tuning base with slight tonal enhancements and a more refined driver layout than the U4s. Compared to the Aspire Series and U4s, it caters to users seeking improved sonic detail and versatility without a significant price jump.
Nio
- Positioning: A high-end option engineered with an advanced 8-driver configuration for richer sound.
- Description: Delivers smoother treble and fuller mids through its combination of one TIA high driver, a balanced armature high-mid, multiple mid drivers, and a dynamic low, ensuring organic sound quality. Compared to the U6t and U4s, it targets users with higher budgets seeking versatile performance.
Fourte
- Positioning: A flagship model showcasing groundbreaking in-ear design with premium materials.
- Description: Stands out with an advanced tubeless design and superior TIA technology that delivers exceptional clarity and dynamic range through multiple drivers. In contrast to the Nio and other lower-tier products, it represents state-of-the-art performance and refined functionality for high-resolution, critical listening scenarios.
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Used
64 Audio
What if you spend more?
Video review
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Video review
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Offers excellent midrange resolution, highlighting subtle details in instruments
- Features a safe yet exciting U-shaped tuning suitable for all genres
- Presents a dynamic and exciting sound signature, clear vocal performances, and a resolving staging performance
- The included cable is of high quality and features interchangeable plugs
- Has great audio reproduction accuracy and consistent audio delivery
Product Considerations
- The upper treble may be a little exaggerated for some listeners
- The shell is larger than average for a universal IEM, which may cause fit issues for some
- Stock ear tips are just okay
- Bass resolution could be better
- Does not have an integrated microphone, so a standalone mic is needed to take calls
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Monarch MKII: The MKIII has increased richness in its midrange and an upper treble exaggeration, offering a slightly U-shaped signature compared to the MkII's balanced profile
- Vs. Symphonium Helios: MkIII's midbass body contrasts Helios' dipped lower mids, MkIII has better overall resolution, but a more exaggerated treble
- Vs. 64 Audio U4s: The MkIII is better tuned compared to the U4s, with the U4s having a thicker midrange and weightier timbre
- Vs. MOONDROP x Crinacle DUSK: The THIEAUDIO have a more detailed treble range
- Vs. MOONDROP Blessing 3: The THIEAUDIO have a more elevated bass range
- Vs. TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO: RED: The THIEAUDIO do a better job blocking out external noise and leak less audio
Takeaway: The Monarch MKIII is a well-tuned IEM that is great for all kinds of music and has excellent technical performance. If one is looking for a high-end IEM with a versatile sound, this could be a great choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Agreeable, natural sonic signature
- Sounds very good, feels tough, and comes with most of the accessories needed
- Precision-milled housings follow the company’s IE 900, IE 200, and IE 300 models, shape wise, and therefore comfort wise
- A well-engineered product that sounds excellent
- Measured performance closely aligns with a headphone preference curve, so it sounds excellent
Product Considerations
- Basic silicone eartips that don’t fit everyone
- The MMCX connector is an atypical version that will not work with most other cables
- The texture of the AMLOY-ZR01 finish is not everyone's favorite to wear
- Treble is a bit subdued with cymbals resolving reasonably well, but way behind the IE 900
- Stock tips that come with Sennheiser's earphones are poorly designed; the silicone lacks rigidity to the point of which it more often than not collapses against the ear when one inserts the IEMs, thus making a proper seal very difficult to achieve
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs IE 900: The easier-to-drive IE 900 have a tighter, less thumpy low end and a leaner midrange, which results in better separation between the two, and also in better midrange resolution and clarity
- Vs IE 900: The IE 900 also have a much superior (perceived) treble extension and resolution, and a much wider soundstage
- Vs Final E5000: The final E5000 offer fuller voices, more bass, but less treble than the IE 600, and a narrower stage
- Vs Meze ADVAR: The ADVAR's sound is taller than the IE 600, the latter has more width, and imaging is tight and well-produced in both IEMs, with the IE 600 edging out the ADVAR by the slightest of margins
Takeaway: The IE 600 is a great set of earphones that will appeal to listeners owing to their punchy tonality and is pretty much unparalleled in their class. With the IE 600, listeners get undistorted audio and great isolation, and durable materials that will always sound good.
Video review
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What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Sound signature is likely to be palatable for a wide range of people at its price point.
- Good emphasis in the upper midrange, decent timbre, good resolution, the upper midrange is upfront with the vocals, nice details, and it works well with a smooth treble.
- Very smooth treble and the absence of sibilance.
- Good dynamic bass that's nicely textured and has a decent rumble.
- Imaging is accurate.
Product Considerations
- The Truth Ear Nova does not sound better or more balanced than the Hexa, since the reviewer prefers a more balanced sound signature.
- Nova is not a thick-sounding IEM, it's quite thin.
- The midrange is chiefly defined by a cavernous suckout in the low-midrange.
- Soundstage is a little narrower than preferred.
- Shell size may be slightly large for smaller ears.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Moondrop Variations: Nova is significantly cheaper and close enough in performance that one should save money and go for Nova.
- Vs. Truthear Hexa: Nova easily has a smoother treble presentation, has more dynamic bass, and is more ergonomic, but Hexa has one of the best midranges in this price tier.
- Vs. Truthear Zero: RED: Zero: RED beats Nova almost across the board in tuning and simply sounds more normal.
Takeaway: The Truth Ear Nova is commendable for achieving its tuning at its price point, especially for those looking for a V-shaped presentation or Harman-esque kind of sound signature. If the Harman IE target is to one's liking, Nova is probably as safe a choice as any of the other Harman options out there.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Great build quality and a generous accessory set
- Decently wide soundstage for closed-back IEMs, presenting a three-dimensional space for instrument placement
- Strong technical performance for the price, with standout resolution
Product Considerations
- The lack of a lip on the nozzle makes it impossible to use even slightly-larger-than-perfect eartips, as they just fall off
- Treble is a tad brighter than preferred, which some may find fatiguing over time
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Thieaudio Legacy 3, the Legacy 4 has faster and more detailed bass, more detailed and extended treble, and better imaging and instrument separation
- Compared to the Moondrop KXXS, the Legacy 4 has a solid technical edge in resolution and imaging
Takeaway: The Thieaudio Legacy 4 is a competent earphone that offers a clean, clear rendition of music with excellent resolution and detail retrieval. It is enjoyable across various genres and provides a high-quality listening experience for audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Detailed and clean sound, putting plenty of micro-details on the foreground
- Good build quality and comfortable design
- Swappable audio plugs included
- Tuning switches featured
- Open and wide soundstage
Product Considerations
- Treble can be a bit sharp and metallic sounding
- A dedicated DAP, Bluetooth dongle, or external DAC/Amp is needed to shine
- Below-average noise isolation due to its semi-open nature
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Approaches the FiiO FH7 closely, but is not exactly as punchy and engaging when bass notes are coming to play, FH7 has a better midrange rendition
- The FH5s gives a harder edge to treble notes, but at the same time creates a wider and more spacious soundstage
- The FiiO FD5 emphasizes warmth, smoothness, and a lush sound with prominent bass and midrange, where the FH5S has a more textured midrange, and a cleaner bass with less emphasis
Takeaway: The FiiO FH5S provides an outstanding unboxing experience and impressive features, along with a clear sound. The IEM allows for long listening sessions.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Well-constructed with a nice design, comfortable for long listening sessions with no rough edges
- Versatile IEM suitable for various genres with good sub-bass and treble extension, and uncongested vocals
- Good soundstage, wider than average for IEMs under $150 or even $200
- Package offers great value with a wide selection of ear tips and carry cases
- Good imaging, fast attack, and nuanced texture
Product Considerations
- Mid-bass can feel textureless with weak details
- Some reviewers find the bass boomy, lacking articulation, and being slightly out of balance with the other drivers
- The cable may have a memory, not hanging straight, and being somewhat rubbery/stiff
- Has a more intimate rather than wide-open soundstage
- There is fairly significant driver flex
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the FH5, the FH5 is more detailed, neutral, and cleaner sounding overall, while the FH3 is more V-shaped and fun to listen to
- Compared to the Moondrop Starfield, the FH3 has much stronger imaging and separation, while the Starfield is smoother and more relaxing with a more forward upper mid-range
Takeaway: The FH3 is a great choice if someone wants fun sound and good soundstage in an IEM at a reasonable price. This IEM provides a great listening experience that will not be fatiguing.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Cohesive sound due to single dynamic driver design.
- Nostalgic design reminiscent of 1940s with beautifully built stainless steel and chrome finish.
- Comes with a high-quality 8-core silver coated copper cable with swappable plugs (3.5mm, 2.5mm balanced, 4.4mm Pentaconn).
- Full-bodied and punchy bass, warm and well-defined mids, and smooth, liquid highs.
- Wide soundstage compared to other IEMs, with instruments rendered with natural timbre and great separation.
Product Considerations
- Treble can get shouty and harsh at higher volumes, possibly requiring longer burn-in.
- Stock sound signature is a bass-heavy v-shape, which might veil the mid-range for some listeners.
- Included tri-flange tips and interchangeable tubes may not significantly change the sound.
- Semi-open design offers mediocre isolation, making it unsuitable for very noisy environments.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs FD3: FD5 is a little more refined and has sufficient detail for the price, whereas FD3 is a little too veiled.
- Vs Softears Twilight/Kingfisher: Softears Twilight and Kingfisher completely outperform the FD5 in sheer level of tuning and detail.
- Vs Letshuoer S12: The S12 tunes better with a bass that is just as strong as the FT5, while not bleeding into the mid-range in any way.
- Vs SIVGA Nightingale: The Nightingale has a somewhat larger sound with more air, and the imaging is more precise, but the FD5 has a fuller sounding midrange and stronger midbass presence.
- Vs FiiO FH5S: FD5 is thick, warm, smooth, and lush, the FH5S offers crisper highs, a more textured midrange, and a tighter bass with less fullness.
Takeaway: The FD5 offers a cohesive and nostalgic listening experience. With great build and an included modular cable, this IEM is a good choice for listeners who enjoy a bass-forward sound with musicality.
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