64 Audio | Solo - Single Planar-Magnetic UIEMs

[mrelland]

ok so I've had the Solo's since the first day they came out. hope that doesn't convey bias (I'm kinda a planar-head) because they have BEAT anything I have thrown at them. Hifiman Ananda, smeary. Hifiman 1000SE, not as engaging. UM Multiverse Mentor IEM, def layered in space (Solos have everyone sort of 'right at' your head mostly) but NOT producing realistic sounds like the Solo. Filpears Aurora, wonderful and light, but the tradeoff for soundstage on that one does NOT give you the life-like timbre of Solo. Campfire audio Emerald Sea--so warm but veiled in comparison. Noble Audio Ronin: Can't get its limelight darkness to get a decent violin sound. I'm a classical/ acoustic jazz listener and a performer, and it will bother me if the piano or cello doesn't sound, um, CORRECT. That said, when I listen to solo cello, the leanness of the Solo means I can hear no smearing around the attacks of the notes, but in other contexts, people might want that bit of echo around notes to feel the space, but pls know that it's just magic tricks in the tuning and not perhaps altogether real.

Solo's are engaging not because of staging which is what these others want to do, but because its TONE sounds very real to me. I rolled lots of tips to get there, though. Currently, using Azla Crystal, which gives me the seal I need to get this more balanced. it WILL sound 'lightweight' compared to other things, but the seal gave me a more complete picture of what the (lean) bass does. Caveat: trust me with caution as I hated the u12t's.

 

[OneEyedHito]

ok so I've had the Solo's since the first day they came out. hope that doesn't convey bias (I'm kinda a planar-head) because they have BEAT anything I have thrown at them. Hifiman Ananda, smeary. Hifiman 1000SE, not as engaging. UM Multiverse Mentor IEM, def layered in space (Solos have everyone sort of 'right at' your head mostly) but NOT producing realistic sounds like the Solo. Filpears Aurora, wonderful and light, but the tradeoff for soundstage on that one does NOT give you the life-like timbre of Solo. Campfire audio Emerald Sea--so warm but veiled in comparison. Noble Audio Ronin: Can't get its limelight darkness to get a decent violin sound. I'm a classical/ acoustic jazz listener and a performer, and it will bother me if the piano or cello doesn't sound, um, CORRECT. That said, when I listen to solo cello, the leanness of the Solo means I can hear no smearing around the attacks of the notes, but in other contexts, people might want that bit of echo around notes to feel the space, but pls know that it's just magic tricks in the tuning and not perhaps altogether real.

Solo's are engaging not because of staging which is what these others want to do, but because its TONE sounds very real to me. I rolled lots of tips to get there, though. Currently, using Azla Crystal, which gives me the seal I need to get this more balanced. it WILL sound 'lightweight' compared to other things, but the seal gave me a more complete picture of what the (lean) bass does. Caveat: trust me with caution as I hated the u12t's.

I’m struggling deciding between them and the Astrolith. Both in house and really enjoy both a lot. Tough choice once cost is factored into equation, very tough. They are both that good to my ears.

Edit:
Decided on Astrolith. Overall performance edges out the cost savings.

 

[mrelland]

ok so I've had the Solo's since the first day they came out. hope that doesn't convey bias (I'm kinda a planar-head) because they have BEAT anything I have thrown at them. Hifiman Ananda, smeary. Hifiman 1000SE, not as engaging. UM Multiverse Mentor IEM, def layered in space (Solos have everyone sort of 'right at' your head mostly) but NOT producing realistic sounds like the Solo. Filpears Aurora, wonderful and light, but the tradeoff for soundstage on that one does NOT give you the life-like timbre of Solo. Campfire audio Emerald Sea--so warm but veiled in comparison. Noble Audio Ronin: Can't get its limelight darkness to get a decent violin sound. I'm a classical/ acoustic jazz listener and a performer, and it will bother me if the piano or cello doesn't sound, um, CORRECT. That said, when I listen to solo cello, the leanness of the Solo means I can hear no smearing around the attacks of the notes, but in other contexts, people might want that bit of echo around notes to feel the space, but pls know that it's just magic tricks in the tuning and not perhaps altogether real.

Solo's are engaging not because of staging which is what these others want to do, but because its TONE sounds very real to me. I rolled lots of tips to get there, though. Currently, using Azla Crystal, which gives me the seal I need to get this more balanced. it WILL sound 'lightweight' compared to other things, but the seal gave me a more complete picture of what the (lean) bass does. Caveat: trust me with caution as I hated the u12t's.

ok, after listening and my ears getting adjusted, I DO hear staging in height and depth, and then when I changed DAP's heard the side-to-side.

 

[gwompki]

I am very interested in the Solo. Has anyone directly compared the Solo to any of the more inexpensive sets like Hidizs MP145? I am very impressed with the MP145 especially for the price. I'd love to be able to demo the Solo, but just not possible based on where I live.

 

[MicDavism141]

I am very interested in the Solo. Has anyone directly compared the Solo to any of the more inexpensive sets like Hidizs MP145? I am very impressed with the MP145 especially for the price. I'd love to be able to demo the Solo, but just not possible based on where I live.

I've compared Solo with S12 2024 Anniversary Edition in an A/B testing. IMO, if you're tight on budget, it is safe to say to grab Chifi planar IEMs as they sound at 90% level of the Solo, except if you want extra organic timbre, better treble control, and 64Audio build quality and superb fit. Undoubtedly, Solo is still a better IEM both technically and tonally, but only by a small margin. YMMV

If you're looking for 64A in that price range, I'd suggest U4S instead. It almost catches up with my own Trio, even with less than half price. Truly a great IEM for its price!

 

[Nick24JJ]

I am very interested in the Solo. Has anyone directly compared the Solo to any of the more inexpensive sets like Hidizs MP145? I am very impressed with the MP145 especially for the price. I'd love to be able to demo the Solo, but just not possible based on where I live.

You could also consider the 7Hz Timeless II

 

[mrelland]

getting a hand more on these... I really enjoy the open presentation of the single-planar. I think what I am liking is its ability to process MOST of my music with a certain enjoyment. This is due to I think it's placement of sounds out and wide and 'floating' with a light timbre. I spent a week comparing it to heavier, more resolving units form Noble Audio and they do a lot of work in creating the space while the Solo sounds effortless. That said, the tonal balance is quite light. I have the Simphonio P-0, another (way more $$) single planar which adds lots more flesh on the bone and now my head can't enjoy the Solo as much. Of course, if I *just* listen to the Solo, it's fine. And when I'm outside listening the floating, 'light' placement works. But sitting at home, I want more amber light warmth.

 

[Qeoe]

they sound at 90% level of the Solo

No Dip, they all use the same driver as the Solo.

 

[wanderingsounds]

I’m struggling deciding between them and the Astrolith. Both in house and really enjoy both a lot. Tough choice once cost is factored into equation, very tough. They are both that good to my ears.

Edit:
Decided on Astrolith. Overall performance edges out the cost savings.

Can you elaborate on the differences you found between the Astrolith and the Solo?

 

[OneEyedHito]

Can you elaborate on the differences you found between the Astrolith and the Solo?

Broader audible frequency range to my ears, meaning I can hear more sounds more clearly across the spectrum. The Solo is more of a Conventional W shaped FR and I prefer more of a W with a ½ sized middle hump frequency spectrum like this:

The Solo is more of an enjoyable LAID BACK listen for vocals and folk/acoustic at end of the day but I listen to more Electronic right now and the Astrolith fits that better for me, greater depth and air at the respective ends while being good in middle too, granted this could be because of the recessed mids to my ears and not a technical tuning aspect of the AL, I haven't read where CFA said they tuned it this way. Hope this helps.

 

[64Audio]

A couple more reviews have published over the last week or so.

https://www.headfonia.com/64-audio-solo-review/

 

[Maximiliano Campo]

Peace all,

I have the Audeze Euclid, for those familiar with the Euclid, how does the Solo compare for sound quality and tuning?

Thanks in advance.

 

[smalllambs]

Recently, I also bought Solo. Such a natural three-frequency sound is quite easy and comfortable to listen to. The clear details and clear positioning are impressive. At present, Azla XELASTEC II is used to enhance the intermediate frequency vocals.

 

[Rodmunch]

Peace all,

I have the Audeze Euclid, for those familiar with the Euclid, how does the Solo compare for sound quality and tuning?

Thanks in advance.

I'd like to know too.

 

[Maximiliano Campo]

I'd like to know too.

Heard Solo and did side by side since this message.

Put it this way, you won't miss much buying the Euclid. Save some cash. They are reduced heavily now. Still incredible in 2025, still TOTL type sound.