Did Two Elite Audiophile Brands Just Create the Ultimate Hi-Fi Earbuds?

What happens when two elite hi-fi brands team up to create an elite pair of in-ear monitors? You get the XIO. They are the joint creation between Astell&Kern, arguably the biggest name in portable hi-fi players, and 64 Audio, specialists in the premium in-ear monitor space.

“[The] XIO boldly opens a new chapter in the evolution of high-end in-ear monitors,” claims Vitaliy Belonozhko, the founder and CEO of 64 Audio. “It goes beyond simply reproducing sound — it embodies our philosophy of sculpting sound itself.”

Astell&Kern XIO

Astell&Kern

10 driver system

While most earphones (and headphones) place a single driver in each ear, Astell&Kern’s XIO in-ear monitors go considerably further. Each earbud houses an advanced hybrid driver system with a 10-driver configuration.

Yes, ten drivers.

Astell&Kern

This ten-driver configuration features two dual-dynamic bass drivers, seven balanced armature drivers (six for the midrange and one for the upper-midrange), and one direct-radiating high-frequency driver.

This ten-driver system is paired with a 4-way passive crossover. The result, according to the brands, is a magnificent sound with “a vivid sense of depth and a spacious, realistic soundstage.”

Astell&Kern

Advanced technologies

The XIO in-ear headphones feature several patented technologies developed by 64 Audio.

They have patented IEM design called “tia” (Tubeless In-Ear Audio), which, according to the brand, “minimizes resonance and distortion, delivering clear and vivid sound.”

Astell&Kern

They are integrated with a patented venting system called “apex” (Air Pressure Exchange), which “naturally releases pressure from the sealed ear canal while maintaining excellent noise isolation.” It’s designed to reduce ear fatigue, allowing you to enjoy longer listening sessions.

And they have a patented circuit design, called “LID” (Linear Impedance Design), which promises to ensure that the earbuds sound consistent and excellent at all times.

Astell&Kern

Premium build

The XIO in-ear monitors have the premium build you’d expect from something made by Astell&Kern.

The earbuds are crafted from precision-milled 904L stainless steel, which is a material that, according to the press release, is “notably tougher and more challenging to machine than conventional stainless steel.”

And they are finished with luxurious black DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating.

Astell&Kern

The XIO in-ear monitors come with a dedicated silver-plated UP-OCC copper Litz cable. It’s a four-core cross-braided cable that the brand says ensures excellent noise shielding, transparent signal transmission and maximizes electrical efficiency.

Price and availability

The Astell&Kern XIO are premium in-ear monitors with a price tag to match — each costs $3,000.

They will be available at authorized retailers starting in August.

Astell&Kern

Astell&Kern XIO

• $3,000 at Astell&Kern

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