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Build Quality
The Aspire 4 is taking yet another step away from 64 Audio’s other universal monitors, by using an ABS plastic molded housing with a stainless-steel nozzle. This reduces the weight of the IEMs and enhances comfort, while it keeps its robustness intact.
Some people might be put off by that, but I think it makes a lot of sense for 64 Audio’s most accessible product to cut back here a little. And to be honest, the ABS shells still feel very good, and they can take a beating as well. On top, the reduced weight also is felt when wearing these little gems.
Another difference to the other universals is the IPX connector on the Aspire 4. And this connector tells us, that the Aspire 4 is actually aiming for the professional audience. The IPX connection is known to be robust and reliable. It has gained a lot of momentum in the Pro Audio scene and many companies rely on them.
For the audiophile market it means less cable-rolling though, as most aftermarket cables are 2-pin or MMCX. Some companies do offer IPX as well.
The Aspire 4 is a super comfortable and ergonomic design, that I could wear for hours on end without any issues. At a rated isolation level of -20dB it lets noise pass through a little more than other models. Although I never had any issues with isolation myself.
I am also happy, that 64 Audio included a small lip on the nozzle of the Aspire 4. This is another step forward from their previous universal IEMs, which did not feature it. The lip makes sure, that ear-tips stay on the nozzle when you take the IEMs out of your ears. There have been multiple accounts of that happening to me in the past. And a stuck ear-tip in the canal is no fun.
Overall, the Aspire 4’s build quality leaves me little to nothing to complain about. The ABS shells might not be the most premium choice, but they still look and feel good. Plus, they are a way to cut down costs, which eventually also land at the consumer’s end. And I think all of us agree that paying less is always nice.
Sound
Over the course of the last weeks, I have used a variety of gear with the Aspire 4. Most time went into the Lotoo PAW Gold Touch, but I also used the Astell&Kern SR35 as well as the PAW 6000.
The Aspire 4 can be described as a warm and full sounding monitor, with mid-bass emphasis and a soft and laid-back treble. It does not bring out the finest of details or create a vast and expansive soundstage but delivers on emotions and richness.
The Bass on the Aspire 4 has a dense and full-bodied presentation, that puts a clear focus on the mid-bass region. While the Aspire 4 doesn’t reach too deep into sub-bass, it still delivers good impact and a solid performance.
Due to the elevated mid-bass and the corresponding bloom of it, some details and texture of the lower frequencies can become overshadowed. Though kick drums and bass guitars have a nicely organic sound, they might lack in resolution and clarity at times.
Lower-midrange instruments and deep male vocals sound full and heavy on the Aspire 4, which certainly is pleasing on the ear. The overall midrange features a warm and delicate sound throughout, but there is a draw-back in clarity. The culprit here might be a too forward lower-midrange tuning, that covers up some of the upper mids in turn.
The Aspire 4’s mids are again full, warm and especially emotional. Which comes to light in vocals for example. This is a section that 64 Audio really did well, although the Aspire also tends to sound a little nasal. Musicians and instruments do sound organic and rich, with a sound that is far away of being dry and sterile.
In terms of technical performance, the Aspire 4 delivers good levels of imaging and stage depth. The Aspire 4 features good details but misses out on the last drops for a microscopic view. The background is dark, but not pitch-black. The soundstage of the Aspire 4 is more of a narrow design, where I would describe it as a smaller type venue with the bands are playing closer in front of you.
The Aspire 4 is one of the few models from 64 Audio that doesn’t feature a tia high driver and one can very much tell that. The treble tuning of the Aspire is relaxed and smooth, making it a great candidate for extended listening sessions. Although the reduced treble brightness also means, that it isn’t pushing a lot of air into the rest of the spectrum.
Highs are soft, smooth and keep away from sharpness and a hot tonality, making way for anyone who has a lower treble tolerance.
Generally, I found the Aspire 4 to be a good monitor for Classic Rock, Jazz or R&B. Where heavy guitar riffs and saxophones sound particularly good to me. The Aspire 4 also is a solid choice for something different though – Gaming. I hooked it up to my Nintendo Switch and must admit, that the gaming experience with it was a whole lot of fun, maybe that’s also something you want to consider.
Comparisons are found on page three!
