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I strongly suggest using Sedna or xelastic tips with the Nio.
Well I received word my new replacement Nios have been shipped next day FedEx and will be here tomorrow! Hopefully not a repeat of the previous ones.Talked to 64 Audio. They are being sent back at my cost unfortunately as they say that’s their policy. I requested new ones. So now I wait.
Ah ok. I would say it has more bass than the trio and it's different as well. I think that the decay is a bit slower and that's been throwing me off. Instruments like cellos have a lot more body than on the trio. I don't know if you've heard the LX, but it infuses little to a little bass into everything. I would say that the Nio does that as well, but in a more subtle way. It just makes everything a bit more physical. The only music I'm not enjoying the bass with is with some EDM that has hard hitting but very dull and repetitive bass. That becomes a bit fatiguing and I think the trios gentler touch handles that better and let's other parts of the music shine.Well, a bit like I said earlier : great bass like the Tia Trio, but with the detail retrieval and accuracy of U12t ! Trying to narrow down the signature somehow
It's been a few days with the Nio so I figure it's time to throw my impression hat in the ring
I won't say a lot, because I pretty much agree with everything the other early adopters have said about the Nio. It's a very well tuned IEM that sounds warm neutral to me with satisfying mid bass impact and sub bass rumble, nicely presented mids with plenty of texture and detail, and well extended yet smooth treble that shouldn't be a problem for even the most treble-sensitive ears.
The swappable apex modules are the Nio's (and 64 Audio IEM's in general) greatest asset in my opinion, and give the Nio a significant advantage over the other hybrid IEM's in it's price range that I've been comparing it with. It makes the Nio truly versatile with any genre of music. The M15 is the ideal amount of bass for my taste without congesting the presentation, but it's great to have the option to go full basshead or lean without worrying about EQ, cables, sources or even other IEM's for that matter.
With the M15 module, the soundstage has plenty of space in all directions and imaging sounds precise. It doesn't have the most holographic soundstage like the Solaris, but I still get a good sense of three dimensional presentation in music.
Once again I won't repeat how the Nio compares to other IEM's as most of what I've got to compare with has already been covered, and I agree with what has been said thus far. The Fourte Noir is the only one missing that I can offer an opinion on, so to quickly summarise (using the M15 module on the Nio and silver premium cable on both IEM's out of a Sony WM1Z):
The Noir has a brighter, more agressive sound signature with more treble energy and prominence in the whole upper region. I can see why some people find the Noir's treble too hot. The Nio and Noir are quite similar with their bass response, but I do feel that the Noir sounds a little tighter and more visceral in its mid bass but the Nio extends maybe a touch lower in the sub bass. Female vocals sound more forward on the Noir, and male vocals being somewhat similar in their position. The midrange tonality of the Noir is more on the analytical side compaired to the Nio. The Noir does appear to be the more detailed IEM, but that could be due to the brighter treble so I'm picking up more information. The brightness does also make the Noir sound airier and more spacious.
I did some tip rolling between the stock silicone & foam's, Spiral Dots, Azla Sedna Earfits (both light and dark), Azla Xelastecs, SpinFit CP100, and Sony Hybrid Silicones. I was able to achieve the best seal with the Xelastecs and they sound the best to my ears, followed by the SpinFits.
When I think of the potential issues other hybrids have out of what I've heard/owned and compare them against the Nio (Sony IER-Z1R's recessed lower mids and terrible fit, EE Legend X's overly L-shaped sig, the Solaris 2020's (relatively) tame bass and hissing, the Fourte Noir's hot treble & price) it's clear that the Nio with its apex modules is the safest recommendation I could make to anyone looking at any of these IEM's bar the most ardent trebleheads. It may not be the absolute best at any particular thing, but it does everything well enough to make it a great choice for someone looking at hybrids in this price range.
It's been a few days with the Nio so I figure it's time to throw my impression hat in the ring
I won't say a lot, because I pretty much agree with everything the other early adopters have said about the Nio. It's a very well tuned IEM that sounds warm neutral to me with satisfying mid bass impact and sub bass rumble, nicely presented mids with plenty of texture and detail, and well extended yet smooth treble that shouldn't be a problem for even the most treble-sensitive ears.
The swappable apex modules are the Nio's (and 64 Audio IEM's in general) greatest asset in my opinion, and give the Nio a significant advantage over the other hybrid IEM's in it's price range that I've been comparing it with. It makes the Nio truly versatile with any genre of music. The M15 is the ideal amount of bass for my taste without congesting the presentation, but it's great to have the option to go full basshead or lean without worrying about EQ, cables, sources or even other IEM's for that matter.
With the M15 module, the soundstage has plenty of space in all directions and imaging sounds precise. It doesn't have the most holographic soundstage like the Solaris, but I still get a good sense of three dimensional presentation in music.
Once again I won't repeat how the Nio compares to other IEM's as most of what I've got to compare with has already been covered, and I agree with what has been said thus far. The Fourte Noir is the only one missing that I can offer an opinion on, so to quickly summarise (using the M15 module on the Nio and silver premium cable on both IEM's out of a Sony WM1Z):
The Noir has a brighter, more agressive sound signature with more treble energy and prominence in the whole upper region. I can see why some people find the Noir's treble too hot. The Nio and Noir are quite similar with their bass response, but I do feel that the Noir sounds a little tighter and more visceral in its mid bass but the Nio extends maybe a touch lower in the sub bass. Female vocals sound more forward on the Noir, and male vocals being somewhat similar in their position. The midrange tonality of the Noir is more on the analytical side compaired to the Nio. The Noir does appear to be the more detailed IEM, but that could be due to the brighter treble so I'm picking up more information. The brightness does also make the Noir sound airier and more spacious.
I did some tip rolling between the stock silicone & foam's, Spiral Dots, Azla Sedna Earfits (both light and dark), Azla Xelastecs, SpinFit CP100, and Sony Hybrid Silicones. I was able to achieve the best seal with the Xelastecs and they sound the best to my ears, followed by the SpinFits.
When I think of the potential issues other hybrids have out of what I've heard/owned and compare them against the Nio (Sony IER-Z1R's recessed lower mids and terrible fit, EE Legend X's overly L-shaped sig, the Solaris 2020's (relatively) tame bass and hissing, the Fourte Noir's hot treble & price) it's clear that the Nio with its apex modules is the safest recommendation I could make to anyone looking at any of these IEM's bar the most ardent trebleheads. It may not be the absolute best at any particular thing, but it does everything well enough to make it a great choice for someone looking at hybrids in this price range.
You really seem to love the 64audio brand... I guess that's what being passionate about a brand does.Nice impressions I am happy you did a comparison with the noir's. It is a really good price/performance ratio purchase indeed! To date I cant see any other brand to be as dedicated as 64audio. They got the latest technology, best tuning, small form factor, they lead in all categories!
The Tia ba driver is the worlds best ba that exists nothing can reproduce the ultimate sound experience that this driver can do. Not even new sony T shaped ba membrane...
No matter how good Nio is it will never touche the fidelity of the Noir I doubt that even 18S can reach that!
Because they all missing the impressive Tia Mid ba!
I will say it once more Tia Noir is worlds best ever iem that was created!
The 2 other are tia fourte regular and kse1500
I will say it once more Tia Noir is worlds best ever iem that was created!
You really seem to love the 64audio brand... I guess that's what being passionate about a brand does.
Good thing this hobby is all about opinions and that there isn't such thing as "best" IEM / headphone. There's always pros and cons to anything, but when you add everything together, it might end up being the closest to your personal preferences. The genres you listen to and your use case are definitely big factors though.
I have not had the chance to hear the Tia Noir myself, but it seems to be made for very specific tastes. Some people love it, and some hate it! Quite the polarizing IEM. Still, I respect 64audio's R&D teams and while I think their products should be priced a bit more competitively, they seem to excel at what they're made for. Their proprietary techs like Apex and LID are game changers in the industry, and I hope more brands implement something similar in the future!
Anyway, looking forward to hearing the Nio and compare it against my all time favorite, the U12t. Can't wait for more people to post their impressions too!
Bold statement Mr Tiger!
I agree with @Titienne I don't think there's such a thing as an objectively greatest IEM in the world, but if the Noir is hitting all your preferences, then it can certainly the best IEM in the world for you. And that's all that matters at the end of the day
It is a very good IEM though
I can't wait to get mine.............back from burn-in. They should be cooked and ready tonight!I haven’t wanted to go full shill about them yet so I only mentioned a few things lol. They are so nice to listen to. I can’t wait until more people get theirs.
Unless, like @Damz87 said, you find the treble of the Noir too hot for your liking, in which case it's not...I will say it once more Tia Noir is worlds best ever iem that was created!
Hi @Shecky504 - did you listen to Nio with the M15 and can you describe the differences in sound (particularly bass response) with the Fir 0 vs M15. Also, did you try MX, and does Fir 0 do more 'justice' to the bass than the MX? Last question, can you describe your EQ tweak for more air? Many thx.I am using the Fir O module which seems to be the best balance for what I want (with slight EQ to enhance airiness).
Unless, like @Damz87 said, you find the treble of the Noir too hot for your liking, in which case it's not...
Seems to be the reason so many are gravitating to Nio (not comparing to Fourte, just in terms of 100% bass).I only wish Noir had 100% bass like the original Tia Fourte lol that is my only complaint
Love the FR, thanks for posting! Surprising people have said the treble isn't very airy or sparkly with that treble extension