In this article, I’m reviewing the IO Audio Volare IEMs. Volare features attractive resin shells and a tribrid configuration consisting of one dynamic driver, four balanced armatures and four electrostatic (EST) drivers. It’s priced at $599.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Shenzhen Audio for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.
IO Audio Volare Review
Table of Contents
Specifications
Driver Unit:
1x 8mm Customized Dynamic Driver+
4x Customized Full Range Balanced Driver+
4x Imported Denmark SONIC EST Driver
Diaphragm Material (DD): Silicon Rubber + Wood Dome
Frequency-crossover Structure: 4Way Electronic (3Way Physical)
Sensitivity: 121dB/ Vrms (@1kHz)
Impedance: 4.8Ω±10% (@1kHz)
FR Range: 10Hz – 40kHz (IEC61094, Free Field)
Effective FR Range: 20Hz – 20kHz (IEC60318-4, -3dB)
Cable Material: 8-Strand Oxygen-free Copper Silver-plated
In the Box
- VOLARE * 1
- Earphone Cable * 1
- 3.5mm Plug * 1
- 4.4mm Plug * 1
- 2.5mm Plug * 1
- 3.5mm to 6.35mm Adapter * 1
- Storage Case * 1
- Ear-tips (S, M, L) * 15 pairs
- Cleaning Cloth * 1
- VIP Card * 1
- User Manual * 1
- Certificate * 1
Design
Simply put, the Volare is a gorgeous IEM. Although we’ve seen many IEMs with this shell style (even at the entry level), Volare manages to impress. The shells have a monochrome-grey colour but the main body is covered with a glossy glittery effect. However, it’s the faceplates that really caught my eye with their striking and complex pattern.
The shells are very comfortable for my ears and are perfect for long listening sessions. Passive noise isolation is above average too, so you can concentrate on the music.
The included 8-core silver-plated copper cable has a matte black sheath that’s flexible and handles nicely. This is a modular cable that allows you to easily switch between the 2.5mm 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs that come in the box.
Sound
Gear used for testing includes the Soundaware M2Pro, SMSL DO300EX and the Topping E70V + L70 combo. The IO Audio Volare is easy to drive and doesn’t need strong amplification. However, due to its highly resolving nature, low impedance and scalability, I’d strongly recommend pairing it with a quality source.
Bass
Volare’s bass is, in a word, outstanding. It exhibits all the qualities we audiophiles look for in the low frequencies, such as punch, impact, authority, definition and texture. The quality of the bass alone is almost enough to justify hitting the buy button on this IEM.
The depth and reach of the sub-bass is captivating and the mid-bass is vibrant and immersive, yet not intrusive in any way, nor does it muddy or veil the midrange. Kick drums slam, bass guitars thrum with layers of depth and complexity and bass synths shake you to the core.
Midrange
The midrange is enchanting, presented with a neutral tone and note size yet still rich and vibrant. It’s a spacious midrange where each element is separated by pure blackness but each note is full-bodied and natural.
The mids of the Volare are outstanding, leaving me in awe of the performance this mid-tier IEM achieves. The vocals are delivered with clarity, richness, subtlety, and a luxurious quality simultaneously. These mids exemplify resolution, masterfully blending complex rhythms and melodies with profound, resonant tones.
Treble
Volare’s treble is the proverbial icing on the cake. It shines, sparkles and shimmers yet doesn’t show any signs of sibilance or sharpness. It’s precise and crisp, with an airy quality that allows cymbals to decay naturally and high-pitched instruments to soar effortlessly.
The extended high frequencies enable micro-details and subtle textures to emerge, bringing out nuances in the treble that lesser IEMs would gloss over. Finger squeaks on guitar strings, whispers of breath against a flute, the shimmer of a ride cymbal – all are rendered with lifelike vividness. Yet the treble remains smooth and fatigue-free even during long listening sessions.
Soundstage & Technicalities
The instrument separation is really impressive because of the black background and crisp transients. The stereo imaging of Volare is exceptional, moving the sound seamlessly from left to right. Volare goes beyond just great imaging, offering incredible depth and a wide soundstage that makes you feel like you’re in the centre of the action. The precise positioning of the instruments creates a 3D holographic soundstage with pinpoint positioning and instrument placement.
Verdict
The IO Audio Volare is an outstanding IEM that has quickly become one of my all-time favourites. It has an exquisite design and a great accessory set. The audio quality is remarkable, with thrilling bass, expansive and captivating mids, and precise, airy, yet smooth treble topped off with a robust technical performance. I highly recommend the Volare and am awarding it the gold medal award, in addition to a spot on our best IEMs list.
