

Astell&Kern teams up with high-end IEM specialist 64 Audio to unveil the XIO in-ear monitors, a sprawling 10-driver marvel crafted for uncompromising audio connoisseurs. Designed for audiophiles who prioritize precision over convenience, this $3,000 powerhouse, launching in August 2025, aims to redefine portable sound with surgical clarity and engineering flair reminiscent of a finely tuned racing machine.

Where most high-end IEMs cap out at a handful of drivers, the XIO boasts a ten-driver hybrid layout: two dynamic bass drivers, six balanced armatures for midrange, one for upper mids, and a direct-radiating tweeter. Supporting a frequency range from 5Hz to 22kHz, this ensemble is held together with a 4-way passive crossover engineered to smooth transition between bands and bring an astonishing sense of coherence—bass that thumps without bleeding. These mids define presence, and highs that sing.

Three proprietary 64 Audio technologies set the XIO apart. Tubeless in-ear audio eliminates resonant tubes for a purer acoustic path. Linear impedance design stabilizes response across the spectrum. The Air Pressure Exchange (Apex) system enhances comfort during extended listening by venting pressure build-up and preventing a clogged-up feeling.
Encased in machined 904L stainless steel and clad in a sleek black diamond-like carbon finish, the XIO is built to last and look striking. Each pair is bundled with a premium silver-plated UP-OCC copper Litz cable, cross-braided for minimal interference.
For audiophiles chasing reference-grade, transportable sound, the Astell&Kern × 64 Audio XIO is a bold statement: music sculpted with engineering precision, performance, and style—a portable studio in your ears.
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