Starry Audio's latest flagship in-ear headphones, Bolide, draws its name from the phenomenon of a meteor, symbolizing a brief but dazzling impact. As the brand's first limited edition product, only 80 pairs are available in Asia, reflecting a commitment to craftsmanship while aligning with audiophiles’ desire for collectible value. Bolide continues the brand's tuning philosophy centered around vocals but notably enhances both high and low-frequency performance, leaving us curious about the surprises it holds.

Shell Design: 3D Printing with Polarizing Powder

In terms of design, Bolide utilizes advanced 3D printing technology combined with special polarizing powder, allowing the headphones to exhibit a dynamic range of colors under different lighting angles. Brand founder Stanley shares that 3D printing is already quite complex, and the addition of polarizing powder increases both production difficulty and time costs. This is one of the reasons for Bolide's limited release; the rarity of materials and rigorous craftsmanship also constrain production. When worn, the surface of the headphones reflects light differently with slight head movements, resembling a twinkling meteor in the night sky, effortlessly drawing attention.

The shell of Bolide is made using 3D printing and features a polarizing powder.

Right side bears a meteor pattern

 Left side displays the brand's logo.

Driver Design: A Powerful Combination

Bolide is equipped with 4 electrostatic drivers, 4 balanced armature drivers, and two 9.2mm dynamic drivers, making it Starry Audio's most powerful driver combination to date. The electrostatic drivers handle the highs, delivering delicate and expansive high-frequency details with low distortion and pure tonal quality. The mid-high frequencies are managed by the four balanced armature drivers, focusing on vocal and instrumental nuances. The tuning builds upon the brand's previous Syzygy model while introducing new breakthroughs. The bass is powered by the highly regarded dual dynamic drivers from Yozora, improved to provide an atmospheric and powerful low-end, creating a rich yet unobtrusive rhythmic experience. The four-way crossover design paired with a large electronic crossover board treats the electrostatic drivers independently, elevating the clarity and layers of the high frequencies, fostering a balanced and cohesive sound overall.

Faintly seeing the internal structure of the headphones.

Four-Way Crossover Design

Comfort: Customized Fit with No Burden

Despite housing multiple drivers, the comfort of Bolide exceeds expectations. The 3D printed shell fits snugly in the ear, with even weight distribution that prevents pressure during extended wear. The nozzle design also allows for increased space for low frequencies, enhancing bass performance while reducing pressure discomfort, significantly improving wearability. In practical tests, wearing them continuously for over two hours remains comfortable, which is quite rare for multi-driver headphones. The isolation performance reaches approximately 26dB, providing a good barrier against external noise during daily commutes or focused listening sessions.

The Conduit Design is tailored for optimal low-frequency performance.

Comes with multiple pairs of ear pads for customization.

Detachable Cable: Custom Tuned for Bolide

Bolide comes standard with an Olive cable designed specifically for this model by Rolling Force, utilizing a four-twist braided Litz structure that combines 4N and 5N oxygen-free copper, effectively reducing skin effect and proximity effect while enhancing detail and clarity. Stanley emphasizes that the cable maintains the essence of their previous Choco wire while adding olive green accents to resonate with the headphone's theme, showcasing thoughtful attention to detail. The cable introduces a refreshing quality to the sound, fully utilizing the headphone's potential.

The Olive cable retains the theme of the Choco cable while adding olive green details.

Uses 2-pin CM interchangeable cable interface.

The source end has a 4.4mm balanced connector.

Sound Performance: Delicate Yet Powerful Vocals

The tuning of Bolide embodies a refined Japanese style yet integrates elements from Chinese music, K-pop, and orchestral genres, providing a rich and diverse sound landscape. Initially, it may require significant power to drive, though it is not difficult to handle; paired with the Astell&Kern A&ultima SP4000 DAP, it fully unleashes its tonal potential. Vocals remain the standout feature, with particularly emotional renditions of female voices. In Utada Hikaru's "First Love," the vocal details are rich, and the piano accompaniment is clear and transparent, perfectly balanced. Listening to Jay Chou's works showcases Bolide’s adaptability to Chinese songs, with vocal breathiness clear and instrumental layers distinct, yielding a rich yet organized listening experience.

The bass is robust and responsive, ensuring a substantial yet elastic presence that creates a thick atmosphere. The high frequencies are worthy of mention; they are sufficiently prominent without being harsh, extending naturally and smoothly. When listening to YOASOBI's "Idol,"

The bright highs contrast beautifully with the warm male vocals, avoiding overemphasis while retaining natural flair. Instrument separation and control are excellent, allowing the vocals to stay front and center.

Conclusion: A Collectible Sound Meteor

Starry Audio's Bolide offers more than just a compilation of specifications; it represents a culmination of the brand's craftsmanship and experience. With the imagery of a meteor, it creates a fleeting yet profound auditory imprint. Whether you’re a fan of delicate vocals or someone who enjoys atmospheric low frequencies, Bolide delivers a gratifying sound experience. Its limited availability of 80 pairs in Asia further enhances its collectible value.

Accompanied by an oversized headphone case.

The metal card and headphones feature individual numbering.

Specifications

• Type: In-ear
• Drivers: 10 drivers (2 x 9.2mm dynamic, 4 electrostatic, 4 balanced armature), 4-way crossover
• Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz
• Sensitivity: 97dB/mW
• Impedance: 25Ω
• Isolation: 26dB
• Detachable Interface: 2-pin CM
• Cable: Rolling Force Olive Litz 4N OFC + 5N OFC, 4 twisted braided copper wire, 4.4mm balanced connector

Source By: https://www.spill.hk/headphones/Starry-Audio-Bolide-review/