I\O Audio Volare - 9 Drivers! Is that Enough? - Honest Audiophile Impressions

[@carminedesanto6746]

Good morning Dave listening on my drive into work thank you for keeping me company. Have a great day.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for listening! You are welcome for the company. Have a great day at work.

[@jamesbush2720]

600 is a LOT for an IEM. I just upgraded from the s12 Pro (about $130) to the Myer SL41 Slivio (around $195) and the difference is substantial. While the S12 pro is a Super great iem, the SL41 justified the price difference!! For a change, I did NOT experience diminishing returns. Howver, I am not confident that my next jump into the $500+ range will yield appreciable gains...

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I understand. The more spent the differences become more subtle and unique. Doesn't mean that it's not worth it though. It's a different type of upgrade.

[@Hijynx87]

The sl41 is wayyyy too good for $160

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Hopefully I'll get an opportunity to review it.

[@jamesbush2720]

You got that right!! The vocal clarity and cohesiveness of the multi drivers EXCEEDS the single driver S12Pro. The SL41 just sounds beautiful... Tremendous bass AND ultra clean mids.. I feel like I might needs to spend 2 THOUSAND $ (64 Audio Volur or similar)) get the same jump... I hope I'm wrong...​@@Hijynx87

[@RadoDani]

I’m going to be doing some mods to my S12 before upgrading. I think S12 has a lot more potential than its standard tuning.

[@carminedesanto6746]

2:59 that’s a lot of tips!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Yes 👍

[@carminedesanto6746]

21:28 female vocals are one of my tests

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Yes, very important test. I have several songs on my reference playlist. www.thehonestaudiophile.com/post/does-your-music-preference-impact-your-sound-impressions

[@kawaiikoto8800]

Have been waiting for your review, Dave! I'm contemplating selling some of my old flagship iems like Empire Ears Wraith and JH Layla and replacing them with modern tribrid midrangers like this. In your opinion, is it worth it?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I've not heard the Layla. The Wraith *be not heard since I reviewed it. Sorry I don't remember enough to do a fair comparison. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmXQYWlvlqaof9Esi=NrTHgKDRb4t-isE4

[@zenboy2000]

Great review. Based on some of the genres where it did not work well I was anticipating a not so good conclusion, but the high points seem to outweigh those for you. I'm very tempted by this IEM, my main genres are edm, electronic, metal and progressive rock, do you think it will work well with these? Thanks.

[@RadoDani]

Just looking at the squig I’d say not for modern extreme metal genres. Lower midrange and midbass are suppressed. It will miss the body … ccthe grunt. I’d look for something more neutral. Maybe Elysian Pilgrim? Plunge Unity?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

For heavy metal yes, the more progressive metal not so much.Its good with the other genres. As long as the upper bass and lower mids aren't effected too much the Volare will do great. Look forward to hearing your impressions if you do happen to pick them up.

[@Huskytickler]

Good video Dave, would be keenly interested in your opinion on the CCA Hydro if you get it.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the recommendation.

[@Huskytickler]

@@TheHonestAudiophile I look forward to hopefully seeing what you think mate.

[@ivankier8673]

Hi Dave, What's happened to your Tier List I refer to it often especially IEMs currently under IEMs there are only some 1DD 4BA models the rest seems to have disappeared. Thanks. I really enjoy your reviews.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry it was being edited. Should be back to normal.

[@elchadnate]

From XENNS Top is it an upgrade?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Volare is a different presentation, not as energetic and zippy as the Top. The Volare has a more full sound.

[@bourjuva]

what u think about gaming is it suit for it?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

It's decent for gaming. A tad expensive in my opinion. Keep in mind I only play sports and sin racing games though.

[@RadoDani]

Considering the food prices and taxes he in the west, nowadays $600 bucks for a great IEM is not such a huge price.

[@fuzail3379]

Having Hype 4, Should I upgrade

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Hype 4 is more full and impacting in the mid and upper bass. Has less forwardness and brightness in the mids and has more controlled but airy treble, sound stage is slightly wider, has similar details and resolution, tone and timbre may be slightly more natural.

[@fuzail3379]

@@TheHonestAudiophile thanks

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@fuzail3379 my pleasure, you're welcome

[@moonsofjupiter]

Rather see at least a 10mm DD and less drivers. Not buying anymore iems that has a DD less than 10mm because you can tell the bass has less impact. Pass.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I was taught not to judge a book by it's cover. The same goes for audio, don't judge a product until you've heard it.

[@moonsofjupiter]

@@TheHonestAudiophile I’ve heard quite a few iems with 8mm drivers to know that they lack oomph, even if tuned with heavy bass.

[@RadoDani]

I crossed off Volare from my list. I’m sure it’s an amazing IEM technically, and it looks really sexy, but that exaggerated Harman tuning seems to be targeted at Asian market and K-Pop fans. Pass.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Very picky with music genres for sure. I totally understand.

[@TheCujo1956]

$600 can't get past that! To be truthful anything in the in ear type of headphone over a $150 I quickly lose interest. Does sound matter of course but not for me over $150. I think manufacture of in ears would be better served if they would produce great in ears at affordable prices. Unfortunately, there are too few in ears that fit this description. Sorry for the rant, but consumers beware, there are not enough great in ears that are affordable and there should be!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

So I have reviewed 180 IEM that are $150 or less and I have reviewed 115 that are over $150. There are a ton of budget friendly IEM available. I haven't even come close to reviewing all of them. Plus "budget" can vary per each person, we all value products differently. I do think that you can get good value and quality sound for $150 or less but I also believe that you can get better quality sound if you pay more. There are a lot of variable that come into play with more expensive gear. I understand where you are coming from but don't completely agree. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Hijynx87]

There are tons of great options under $150.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Absolutely.

[@TheCujo1956]

@@TheHonestAudiophile I think that you could make a "great sounding" in ear for far less than $600. Unfortunately the companies involve for wrong or right put profits over inexpensive quality goods. I know that it is the way it is but I do tire of it and I believe other consumers will tire of it and demand top quality products with paying a fortune. So I respect your views on this matter but as you said don't totally agree.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@TheCujo1956 There are a lot of costs that go into design and production of an IEM. The Sonion EST and BA are more expensive than the average drivers used in the budget products. Plus there is a significant amount of labor in research and development. Sure companies want to make a product but in a lot of ways the more expensive components and research and development adds to the cost. This isn't discounting the value and quality of lower budget products. There is a difference between them. Don't judge the differences until you experience them.