Review: 64 Audio N8 – Luscious

64 Audio N8

 

Custom Build Choices (Personalization)

Shortly before 64 Audio launched the N8, they introduced three other models, the A3e, A4t and A6t. With these new models they also brought new customization options for their customers.

At the very first step in 64’s designer tool you can pick between the m15 and m20 module. At first the only available option was the m15 module, but 64 Audio has responded to their customers and changed that.

When you’re at the step of colouring your N8’s you will be left with five different choices for the shell. Solid black, clear transparent, translucent blue, translucent red and charcoal. Before the introduction of their latest models there actually were only three options, I’m glad 64 now offers more choices.

64 Audio N8

64 Audio N8

There is a whole array of different picks for face plate picks. 22 standard colours (opaque and translucent), eight glitter options and four glow colours. These come at no additional costs. Ten different wood types are available for 50$ per side. Nine different Premium face plates are available as choices also for an upcharge between 30 and 50 USD. You can also add rhinestones and watch components on top of each face plate for an additional 100$ per side.

As a final step you can also add the company logo and the initials of Nathan East to your N8’s in silver or gold. The printing process for that has also been redone by 64. Now the printing looks more three-dimensional compared to before. Please note that you will not be able to put watch gear or rhinestones on your face plates when you chose to have printing on them.

In the final step of customization, you have the option to print something on your carrying case, either your name or even a picture.

My set features clear shells, black face plates, the NE initials and the 64 Audio logo in gold on top.

The chosen options have an impact on the final pricing of the N8 and makes it vary between 1699$ and 1999$.

64 Audio N8

64 Audio N8

Package

I have been a fan of the simple packaging 64 Audio offers ever since I reviewed the A18. It’s very simplistic and does the trick. The N8 comes in a slightly different package, while the form factor still is the same, the looks have changed. The outer sleeve has been reworked to show the status the N8 enjoys within the lineup. You will find a photo of Nathan East enjoying his set of customs on top, when you look at the back you will also find a short story of how the N8 has been made, as well as information about apex and tia. Glide off the first layer and you’ll be greeted by three sentences of Nathan East about this collaboration.

Underneath that you will find the black hard-shell plastic carrying case and a round 64 Audio sticker. Also included is a quick start guide and volume advisory. A reason for me to use customs, actually the main reason why I got into this game, is to be able to listen at lower volumes to protect my hearing. It’s always important to save your hearing, without it this beautiful hobby will come to an earlier end that one might wish.

Included in the packaging is a cable that terminates to a 3.5 mm right-angled stereo jack. As part of the customization process you can also pick between white and black as well as the length of it. There is also a ear-wax removal tool and a shirt clip supplied.

All in all the packaging provided by 64 Audio is very basic, it does the trick, but one can argue it’s not the most luxurious out there. On the other hand, do you actually need more than the CIEMs and a carrying case?

Build Quality

The build quality of the N8 is very good, with no sharp corners or left-over glue anywhere to be found near the face plate or the 2-pin sockets. These sockets are for the first time recessed. All my previous 64 Audio customs came with flush sockets. Personally I prefer the non-recessed version, as cable-rolling is easier with this type.

There is no single air-bubble found even after close inspection. The dynamic driver uses a tube for pressure outlet, which can be found where the Antihelix meets the Concha area. Of course all that would not be noticed with a solid black shell.

I consider my 64 Audio custom in-ears to be the best fitting ones I have. The N8 is no exception there. It is truly impossible for me to break the seal, even with making the weirdest faces. The comfort of the N8 is also outstanding, where some other models push my canals too much and leave me with a pressure relieve feeling when I take them out, the N8 does not. I take it out and that’s it. Like I haven’t worn it at all.

Sound-impressions on page 3

4.6/5 - (141 votes)
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A daytime code monkey with a passion for audio and his kids, Linus tends to look at gear with a technical approach, trying to understand why certain things sound the way they do. When there is no music around, Linus goes the extra mile and annoys the hell out of his colleagues with low level beatboxing.

27 Comments

  • Reply July 24, 2018

    crinacle

    Huge missed opportunity to compare with the Empire Ears Legend X IMO…

    • Reply July 24, 2018

      Linus

      Hi Crinacle,
      thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. 🙂

      I decided to take the comparison out, because I wanted to keep the review short and only have sub 2000$ CIEMs (with the exception of the Encore) in there. I can still add it though if you want.

      Cheers!

      • Reply July 27, 2018

        James

        Please give a comparison of N8 vs Phantom and/or Legend X! I’m having a lot of trouble deciding.. thank you

        • Reply July 27, 2018

          Linus

          Hi James,

          thanks for your comment.
          sorry I wanted to do that earlier, life got in the way…
          I’ll update the review with a comparison to the Legend X today, I’m still waiting for my Phantom to arrive.

          EDIT: A comparison has now been added.

  • Reply July 24, 2018

    Naveed

    Hi Linus,

    This review, (even though I already got most of the spoiler earlier through your kind comments on the teaser article), is God send to me 🙂

    As I am having the demo for selecting A12t or N8 today in couple of hours time.
    So far my impression from your analysis is N8 probably suits more for me, as I would prefer a more comfortable listening over a longer duration, instead of technically better sound on a short duration.

    Also I have ears that can get heavy very quickly, just by having an IEM in, even if its not playing any music. I hope Custom IEM and apex gonna help me over there and with its more organic soulful properties I can finally able to enjoy my music over a longer duration.

    Cheers,

    • Reply July 24, 2018

      Linus

      Hi Naveed,

      I was wondering when you’re going to pop up 😉
      Very glad you like the review, and I’m so excited for you. Please let me know how the audition went.

      The N8 really is great if you want to enjoy your music. The 64 Audio customs are the best fitting ones I have, so there shouldn’t be anything to worry about. I have read from many people that apex helped them with ear-fatigue. I never really had a problem with that though… ears differ 🙂

      Again, thanks for your kind words. Much appreciated.

      Cheers, have a great audio-day ahead!

      • Reply July 27, 2018

        Naveed

        Hi Linus,

        Yes I went there mate, finally. And finally fall in love with both (A12 and N8t) at the same time:)
        Love at first sight (or first hearing) =]
        I actually also demoed A6, as wanted to make sure additional drivers really makes a difference to me and at my desired volumes.

        I started with A6 as wanted to step up and observe any difference. A6 was surprisingly good. I am used to of Sure SE-535 and the difference was obvious. Every instrument sounds independent and clear and the sound stage and depth all at a different level for a triple driver fanboy of Sure. After seeing its size, I thought it will be uncomfortable in my ears, but it was actually once again very good in this regard. Maybe apex module was helping me somehow. Or maybe it’s placebo effect, whatever it was, it was working. Also liked all the low, mid and high, nothing was over the top and I really loved it.

        Then I moved to A12 (it was the older non-tia version). The overall sound was very similar to A6 but I could notice some level of refinement, maybe because of additional drivers were helping with already very controlled distortion. Once again, I really liked the Audio 64 approach to keep the sound signature neutral, laid back and complete. So I finally picked it over A6.

        Next N8t, and I completely agree with you, it’s completely different sound compare to A6 and A12. You could imagine the two A* models like siblings and N8 as a distant cousin, from the same family background but still distant, quite distant.
        It was very pleasing, much more revealing in general (other than bass), maybe because of tia driver? (as the demo A12 was non-tia). I really enjoyed it but at this end I really enjoyed A12’s approach more, it was more relaxing for me. N8 was grabbing my mind little bit more, which I both liked and disliked.
        Also the difference in bass is very noticeable, to me N8 bass was staying longer, was more diffused and moving farther in distances, comparatively softer and it reaches to me more frequently. On the other hand A12 was a harder beat and responded quicker. I can’t tell which one I like more (bass wise), but I must say I am more used to of listening A12 kind of bass. N8 is very unique and different.

        Overall I feel more satisfied with A12 so ordering my custom A12t. I hope it will be as neutral and relaxed as A12 is, and Tia won’t make it too revealing and engaging like I noticed N8 =]

        Once again many thanks my friend for all your detailed response on my queries.

        Have a great day 🙂

        • Reply July 27, 2018

          Linus

          Hi Naveed,

          wow, that sounds quite like a journey. I’m happy you found what you’re looking for. You demo’d the A6, A12 and N8. That must have been fun. Though the A6 and A12 are no longer in production as far as I know.

          Can’t really say how the A12t compares to the A12, but from what I understand the A12 was warmer and less revealing than the A12t. It is neutral to some degree, but has a slight warmth and smoothness in it that makes it very enjoyable (to me).

          Congrats on your audio purchase, it’s a great monitor.

          No worries, I’m happy to help.

          Thanks, hope you’ll also have a great day.

  • Reply July 26, 2018

    Mac

    Hi Linus,

    Thanks for your review.

    I really interest to buy one ciem ,because of my ear canal left and right not equal ,that make me strict to fit ear tip tighter and feel bad when noticed a sound left-right not equal.

    Now I’m using encore along with AK se100 and lionheart 8 wire (To increase bass and vocal warmer than stock cable) I still enjoy the instrument separation from encore but encore have a little bit lack of deep bass as I loved.

    Do you think I should go for N8 or A12t ?

    Thanks for your oppinion.

    • Reply July 26, 2018

      Linus

      Hi Mac,

      thanks for your comment.

      If you’re used to the Encore and you like it, I’d suggest going with the A12t because the N8 might be too warm for you then. The A12t does have powerful bass and a great, smooth midrange with very precise imaging. The Encore though is richer in upper mids and treble. For a more detailed comparison see my A12t review 🙂

      Hope that helps.

      Have a great day.
      L

  • Reply September 6, 2018

    Gustavo Carvalho

    Hi Linus.

    Nice review, i`m on the fence between the N8 and the legend x, mainly looking for a warm sig with bass emphasis (my reference for this kind of sound is the HE 500), i currently have the UM Merlin v1 and sometimes find myself having to crank up the volume for the bass to come alive just enough to be hurt by it`s sibiliant highs.

    i`m actually leaning toward the N8 but am afraid that it`s mid bass is too soft, i also listen mostly to rock, folk and a few IDM songs.

    Which one do you think that will make me happier?

    Cheers!

    • Reply September 6, 2018

      Linus

      Hi Gustavo,

      thanks a lot for your comment, much appreciated.

      If it’s bass impact you want, go for the Legend X.
      I’m not sure though if the Legend would be the best candidate for folk, as it’s bass can be too much for some genres. The N8 has a more balanced tuning, with also great low ends. Both models don’t really lean towards sibilance, so that’s covered…

      Best of course would be to audition them first, if you have the chance.

      Hope that somehow helped.
      If you need more info, don’t hesitate to ask. Happy to assist.

  • Reply November 13, 2018

    Jeff Geer

    I hope this is the right place to leave a comment regarding the N8 giveaway..there is no clear location or link from the giveaway entry page to be sure..
    Either way ..i would love to try out these awesome looking (and probably amazing sounding monitors)

  • Reply November 16, 2018

    sigit hartarto

    as usual. getar review. thanks

    • Reply November 16, 2018

      sigit hartarto

      Great*
      btw I’m wondering how will oriolus mk2 or reborn compare to 64audio N8?

      • Reply December 25, 2018

        Linus

        Hi Sigit,
        sorry for the late response, I don’t know how I missed your comment.
        It’s been too long since I’ve listened to the MK2, I don’t want to compare them based on memory, especially if the last session is over two years in the past… Sorry I couldn’t help more.

  • Reply December 25, 2018

    AlexX

    Hi Linus!

    Thanks for great review!

    Do you happen to have Schiit’s Modi (humble Modi 3 version) as DAC and Magni as amp combo?

    Because that’s what I currently have, and I am contemplating getting myself N8 customs… So wondering whether that’s a good combo (numbers check out, but they’re merely numbers…;-) )…or I should perhaps also invest in a bossier amp?

    • Reply December 25, 2018

      Linus

      Hi Alexx,

      thanks for your comment. Much appreciated.
      Unfortunately I don’t have the Schiit stack, but I think you’d be safe with the N8. It does enjoy additional power but doesn’t crave insane Watts.
      The N8 is a fantastic monitor which I enjoy to bits. If you have the chance give it a go. I think 64 Audio has a loaner program for US citizens if you’re interested in it. I’m not sure if they’re offering the N8 for that too, but definitely worth a shot.
      Cheers and merry Christmas.
      L

  • Reply December 25, 2018

    AlexX

    Checking if comments are getting through, they seem to be fond of getting lost 🙂

    • Reply December 25, 2018

      Linus

      Hi Alexx,

      sometimes it takes manual confirmation for some comments to get accepted by the system. Like this time in your case. 🙂

      Cheers

  • Reply January 13, 2019

    Alisemizer

    That’s nice

  • Reply February 6, 2019

    Ryan Eagon

    Great review! I’m using a WM1Z with Shure 846’s. I’ve grown accustom to the “Shure House Sound” wonderful mids with laid back highs, and of course the wonderful lows and sub-bass of the 846’s is hard to match.

    I’m looking at a custom monitor IEM for personal listening and also live use (drummer)

    I’m leaning toward the N8 or A12t. Thoughts?

    Also, does 64 audio do digital scan impressions?

    • Reply February 6, 2019

      Linus

      Hi Ryan,
      many thanks for your comment.
      If you want something more like the 846 you might want to give the N8 a go. It’s definitely the lusher of the two if you’re after some meat in the sound.
      The N8 definitely would be a good choice as a drummer. I’m playing drums too, but haven’t been in front of a proper drum-set in years. Kids and all… 🙂
      64 Audio does make a digital copy of your physical impressions. If you’re a first time customer you will need to send them your impressions, but it can’t hurt to ask if they take scans too. Their CIEMs have the best fit btw.

      Hope that helps.
      Cheers,
      L

  • Reply March 2, 2019

    Claire Chua

    Hey Linus,

    I’ve been really stuck between whether to get 64audio or JHaudio CIEMs, because I know most of the industry still largely uses jh audio and it seems to be more robust in terms of durability. I guess where I’m really stuck is that 64audio seems to have all this unique technology like tia and Apex but i was wondering if they really do make a difference in the ear fatigue/quality of the sound. Looking to get the N8 from 64 or the angie’s from jh.

    • Reply March 2, 2019

      Linus

      Hi Claire,
      thanks for your comment!

      You’re right, most of the pro industry uses JH CIEMs. I think JH Audio, UE and Westone are the biggest players there, though 64 certainly is catching up.

      Recently I have been giving the N8 more eartime again, as it falls right in with some of the reviews I did in the last couple of weeks, and I must say, I’m really enjoying coming back to it. It’s a great sounding CIEM. I don’t have any experience with the Angie, sorry. The only JH monitors I have are Layla and Lola, out of these two I prefer Layla…

      As for your question about ear-fatigue. Yes, I do notice that the pressure that’s built up by the closed CIEMs being higher than with my 64’s. They are more comfortable to wear over time, but the other CIEMs aren’t uncomfortable by any means either. Just depends on how long you want to listen. 🙂

      Hope that helps.

  • Reply July 19, 2021

    Patson Godinho

    Hi Linus,

    I am a bass player looking for a great set of IEMs for both casual listening and live use. I play metal and listen to all sorts of music from Indie, r&b, EDM, metal etc etc. I will be getting my impressions done for a custom 64 audio set soon but not sure which one to get between the N8 or the A12t, I have seen some great reviews on the U12T which is the same sound signature as the A12t and not much on the N8. I am looking for an endgame set where playing live is fun and listening is even enjoyable for long durations. Which one is the better endgame choice for me?

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