64 Audio’s in-ear ensemble expands with this latest flagship. Diverting from their roster’s numbered theming, the Ocean aims to be the apex of 64’s design through a quad-hybrid configuration and wide array of customization options. Having 64 Audio’s steepest price tag to date at a staggering $4000, does the Ocean feel worth the investment? How does it stand out amongst other flagship models?
Package Contains:
- Ocean Universal In-Ear Monitors
- Carry Case
- TrueFidelity Foam Tips (S,M,L)
- SpinFit Silicone Ear Tips (S,M,L)
- Silicone Ear Tips (S,M,L)
- 3.5 mm Shielded Cable
- 4.4 mm Balanced Shielded Cable
- Shirt Clip
- Cleaning Tool
- Cleaning Cloth
- Round Sticker
- Apex Modules (m20, m15, m12, mX)
Build Design
As defiant in appearance as it is in naming convention, the Ocean is absent any of 64’s typical bold coloring or logos. Rather, it uses a ritzy, subtly chic “Champagne Copper” for its shell and cables. Another rarity for the brand is its textured shell, modeled after aeolian ripples on a windy beach. Complimenting its color, these ripples have a loose rigidity that simultaneously feel firm but stylish. Even minimizing my personal biases for natural and industrial designs, I am struggling to downplay how much I like the Ocean’s visuals. This dichotomy of stern and luxurious factors feed into each other excellently, making them one of my favorite IEM designs to date.
Fit wise, the Ocean falls back in line with its 64 contemporaries. Not necessarily the same exact shell as their other universals, though teardrop shaping remains consistent. Regardless, its curvature fits very comfortably, with negligent abrasiveness from the shell or cable. Speaking of the cables, they certainly feel flagship. 64 Audio seemingly learned its lesson following the U12t’s revised cable, with the Ocean’s two silver-plated, single-crystal copper cables being extremely durable with a quality connection.
Extending past the cables, its shells also feel aptly sturdy. While the aluminum housing may be a bit heavier than your standard IEM, it is not to the point that the Ocean is uncomfortable. More than anything, it ensures the earphones will stand the test of time.
Audio Design
64 Audio redefines its flagship formula through a 4-way 6 driver system. Balancing different driver types across its entire signature, including 64’s own tia High Driver, the Ocean aims for a natural midrange with neutral sound. For further tuning extension, the IEM is packaged with Passive Acoustic Control accessories. Two steel tia screens, four back vent filters, and four of 64 Audio’s apex modules better shape sound to the listener’s preference. In all, the Ocean proves to be an everyman that conveys serious detailing in a variety of tunings.
- Driver Configuration
- 1 tia High Driver
- 1 High-Mid BA
- 2 Mid BA
- 2 Low Cone-to-Cone Isobaric DD
- Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 22 kHz
- Sensitivity: 103.7 dB/mW @ 1 kHz
- Impedance: 9.5 Ω @ 1 kHz
Soundstage
Wow.
I would honestly feel content leaving it at that, but I will try my best to describe the Ocean’s soundstage. In my listening experience, this is the closest an IEM has ever come to sounding like a closed back. Placement remains defined, but notes ripple outward for what feels like forever. This infinite resonance is supported by all dimensions, each stretching beyond the expected capability of an IEM. The instrumentals layering together with Julian Casablancas’s vocals on the Strokes’ “Selfless” was tear-jerkingly emotional. Appropriate for its name, the Ocean feels like staring out into a body of water, where the absence of land makes distance feel unlimited.
Low End
The Ocean’s bass range is highly polished, with its level of impact dependent on the filters used. Its reference tone alone was very enjoyable. Not as explosive as other combinations, but still provides a satisfyingly thick underbelly to the Ocean’s natural sound. Switching to its red filter puts some boom in the basement, but not enough to mud the Ocean’s clarity. Overall, it is a very clean showing that suits my personal tastes, but those craving dedicated colossal punchiness might want to look elsewhere.
Midrange
While the entire IEM deserves heavy praise, I have to give extra attention to its phenomenal mids. Effortlessly tight and natural, the Ocean’s midrange is everything 64 Audio says it is. Vocals sit directly in front, standing out in the mix with full detail. Instruments roar with an addictive musicality, yet precisely translate every sonic intricacy. Regardless of genre or taste, the Ocean’s mids have something for everybody, and are the obvious highlight to a uniformly impressive sound.
Highs
Supported by the tia high driver, the Ocean’s treble is seriously crisp. High frequencies develop a fast attack that remains consistently natural. It does lean a bit brighter, but never enough that it feels harsh or fatiguing. Adding extra energy to the sound, the Ocean’s highs go exceptionally far without flying anywhere sharp.
Final Verdict
64 Audio seemingly accomplishes everything they set out to do with their latest flagship. Flexing impeccable clarity, an astounding IEM soundstage, and 32 possibilities to craft the perfect tuning, the Ocean is an in-ear that begs you to talk about it. Granted, this comes with the assumption you have four grand to spend on an IEM. If this is understandably a bit out of budget, there’s always the critically acclaimed U12t, which has a tamer “reference with customization” ideology at half the price. However, if you have the means, I do not know where you could possibly find better.
The 64 Audio Ocean is available at New York retailers like Audio46.
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