Ten drivers and 64 Audio technology in a 904L steel IEM
Astell&Kern XIO is the first collaboration with 64 Audio and uses a ten-driver hybrid system managed by an integrated four-way passive crossover.
Its architecture combines two dynamic bass drivers in an isobaric arrangement, six balanced armatures for the midrange, a further BA for upper mids and a tia high-frequency driver. Three proprietary 64 Audio technologies are then added to the system: tia, apex and LID.
Key features
- 10 drivers per side with an integrated four-way passive crossover.
- 2 dynamic bass drivers in a TRUE ISOBARIC configuration.
- 6 balanced armatures for mids and 1 BA for upper-mid frequencies.
- 1 direct-radiating tia high-frequency driver.
- 64 Audio tia, apex and LID technologies.
- Specified frequency response from 5 Hz to 22 kHz.
- 6.3-ohm impedance and 103 dB sensitivity at 1 kHz/1 mW.
- 904L stainless-steel shells with DLC coating and 4.4 mm UP-OCC cable.
Isobaric bass and tia treble
The two dynamic drivers operate in an acoustically coupled chamber to extend and control the low range without relying on one larger diaphragm. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the tia driver removes the conventional sound tube and radiates directly into its dedicated acoustic chamber.
Apex and LID change the relationship with ear and source
The apex system releases part of the pressure that develops in the sealed ear canal and uses interchangeable modules offering different isolation levels. LID compensates for nonlinear impedance behaviour in the multi-driver system, helping the frequency response remain more consistent with sources of differing output impedance.
More focused than Novus and Stella
XIO uses fewer drivers than Novus and Stella but concentrates on patented 64 Audio solutions within a ten-transducer architecture. Luna is more radical still, relying on a single planar unit. XIO therefore suits listeners looking for a sophisticated multi-driver IEM with particular attention to ear-canal pressure, electrical consistency and bass control. The included apex modules also let the user alter the balance between isolation and venting without changing cable or source, making fit and acoustic pressure easier to tailor to the listener.
