13/09/2025
MYER AUDIO SLIIVO SL224: Tribrid Tuning Done Right
DISCLAIMER: The MYER AUDIO SLIIVO SL224 was sent to us free of charge by the MYER AUDIO team for review purposes. We at Aural Cafe would like to take this opportunity to humbly thank the MYER AUDIO team for their continuous support to Aural Cafe.
Introduction: -
Today at Aural Cafe, we are reviewing SLIIVO SL224, a tribrid IEM offering from the house of Shenzhen, China-based MYER AUDIO. SLIIVO SL224 features two Dynamic Drivers, two Balanced Armatures, along with four Micro-Planar Drivers.
MYER AUDIO is a Hi-Fi audio brand based in Shenzhen, China, operating under the umbrella of Shenzhen Myer Technology Co. Ltd. Backed by over two decades of industry expertise and strong ties with leading Hi-Fi brands, MYER AUDIO is committed to innovation and craftsmanship. Established in 2021, the brand has successfully carved a niche for itself by offering precisely tuned in-ear monitors at competitive prices. At Aural Cafe, we first discovered MYER AUDIO through Crinacle’s review of the SLIIVO SL-41 Mk2, an IEM noted for its distinct tuning that subtly diverges from the mainstream 'meta' sound signature. While our impressions may occasionally differ from Crinacle’s, we hold his expertise in high regard. So, when a reviewer of his calibre praises MYER AUDIO, it signals that this is more than just another Chi-Fi brand; it’s a standout name with a refreshingly original approach to sound. Currently, MYER Audio primarily focuses on a hybrid offering two distinct lineups: CKLVX and SLIIVO. The brand began its journey with the SL-41 MK1 under the SLIIVO series and even introduced a pure balanced armature model, the SLT6, within the same lineup. More recently, MYER Audio has expanded its offerings with new additions to the CKLVX series. As of now, the SLIIVO lineup includes the SL-41 MK2, SLT6, SLA3 and the newly launched SL224, which we’ll be reviewing today at Aural Cafe, while the CKLVX series features D6V2, D41, and the recently released CK2V, which we have reviewed previously in Aural Cafe. Our readers and fellow audiophiles can read our review of CK2V and SLA3 by clicking on the following links: (https://www.facebook.com/teamauralcafe/posts/pfbid02dDJY7C5ycpjpBuDpgWTZLxqvGh6TvPWjSqTfu5ogi72rFP6u7B6fUvZ4EoEcNE6Fl, https://www.facebook.com/teamauralcafe/posts/pfbid02Mukc47MakxmDBufSxVeR3ygCsk1X6ffc97SddHVU19yWyqG6JfRynnugN5eiwwPVl). While the brand name 'MYER' is simple and appears to be inspired by the phrase 'MY EAR,' the model names such as D6V2, SL-41 MK2, SLT6, and SLA3 are somewhat cryptic and difficult to remember. However, we at Aural Cafe have deciphered that the numbers in the model names generally indicate the number of drivers, and the 'K' in the CKLVX series signifies the use of Knowles drivers.
The SLIIVO SL224 is the latest addition to MYER's SLIIVO lineup. It features a robust 10 mm bio-composite diaphragm dynamic driver (the same driver as in the SLA3 and CK2V) and a 6mm titanium-plated diaphragm dynamic driver handling the lows, while two custom BA drivers manage the Mids, and four custom micro-planar drivers take care of the Highs. After coming up with many successful single-driver-based IEMs and hybrid IEMs such as the SLA3, SL-41 MK2, and SLT3, SLIVO SL224 marks Myer Audio’s maiden entry into the tri-brid IEMs. The Myer Audio team have taken the help of two Different types of dynamic drives of 10 mm and 6 mm to tune the lows. While the 10 mm bio-composite Diaphragm dynamic driver is tuned with the aim of achieving the sub-bass, the 6 mm titanium-plated diaphragm dynamic driver is implemented with the aim of enhancing the mid-bass with richer texture and fuller impact, ensuring a well-balanced and immersive listening experience. Complementing the dynamic drivers are two balanced armature drivers, specifically tuned for mid frequencies to deliver clear and precise mids, life-like vocals, whereas the rest four micro-planar drivers are implemented to produce the smooth yet extremely detailed treble extensions. The octa-driver configuration is meticulously housed within a precisely engineered 3D-printed acoustic chamber, designed to maximise each driver’s performance. As a hybrid in-ear monitor, the crossover design plays a crucial role in the performance of the SLIVO SL224. It’s impressive to see that the Myer Audio team has implemented a precise crossover system within the SL224.
Myer Audio SLIVO SL224 retails for 230 USD in the global market at the time of this review.
Specifications: -
• Driver Configuration: 10mm Dynamic Driver + 6mm Dynamic Driver + 2-Balanced Armatures + 4-Micro Planar Drivers
• Impedance: 36Ω ± 5%
• Freq Response: 20Hz-20Khz
• Connector Type: 0.78mm 2-Pin
• Sensitivity: 108 dB/mW
• Cable: Hand-Braided Monocrystalline Copper Silver-Plated Cable with 3.5 mm+4.4 mm and Type-C plugs
Unboxing Experience, Design & Build: -
As you can see from our unboxing video (https://youtube.com/shorts/qJ48Y8MOhyY?feature=share), the MYER AUDIO SLIIVO SL224 arrived in a medium-sized black colour cardboard box wrapped with a green and black colour paper sleeve. In line with MYER AUDIO's minimalistic design philosophy, the front part of the box showcases greenish hues, offering a large view of the stunning faceplate of the SLIIVO SL224, which is inspired by the famous ‘Mother of Pearl’ design, as per our understanding. The model name 'SL224' is boldly printed in green at the top front of the sleeve, while the lineup name 'SLIIVO' appears in yellow at the top-right corner of the sleeve. The back of the sleeve is notably minimal, featuring a small sticker in the bottom right corner displaying the name and address of MYER Audio's parent company, 'Shenzhen Meier Technology Co. Ltd' in English and Chinese dialects. The right corner side of the paper sleeve pleasantly surprises us with a small sticker featuring the frequency response graph of the SLIIVO SL224. At Aural Cafe, we genuinely appreciate this thoughtful touch, as it provides an immediate insight into the IEM’s sound profile. On removing the sleeve, we are welcomed with a pitch-black cardboard box. On opening the box, we are welcomed by the usual instruction manuals, quality check stickers and white transparent butter paper, on removing which we finally come across the beautiful SLIIVO SL224 IEMs being placed at the centre top half of the box along with the stock modular cable with the help of the sponge cutout. The bottom half of the box is filled with a round-shaped denim blue-collar leather carry case, which we saw on all of the previous Myer Audio products we reviewed. On opening, we are greeted by the stock ear tips and the 4.4 mm plug, along with the Type-C plug for the modular cable of the SLIIVO SL224. Overall, the unboxing experience is pleasantly minimalistic yet thoughtfully functional. We at Aural Cafe especially loved the green-themed box with the sleeve, which gave us a sneak peek into the SLIIVO SL224 dazzling artistic faceplate. We also liked the thoughtful idea of sticking the frequency response graph of SLIIVO SL224 at the right corner of the sleeve, as it provides audiophiles with a valuable first-hand glimpse of the IEM's sound tonality.
When it comes to design language, let's first apprise our readers and fellow audiophiles of the design language of the IEM. Staying true to MYER Audio's minimalistic yet artistic design language, the SLIIVO SL224 IEM features black colour shells crafted from medical-grade resin featuring standard metallic nozzles of 6.2mm in length. In spite of being a sub-250 USD IEM, the MYER AUDIO team has employed high-precision 3D printing technology to craft lightweight and ergonomically designed shells for the SLIIVO SL224. The unique round shape vents can be seen on the sides of the IEM’s shells near the two-pin connector points to optimise the air flow inside the IEM. When it comes to the faceplate, the faceplate design of SLIIVO SL224 is truly one of a kind. The dazzling faceplate design of SLIIVO SL224 is inspired by the ‘Mother of Pearl’, as per our understanding, giving the set a unique appeal with a captivating glow when refracted with light. The edges of the SLIIVO SL224 stunning faceplate are further accentuated by an auxiliary metallic frame, giving the SLIIVO SL224 a distinctive and premium appearance. The faceplate of SL224 also featured SLIIVO, the lineup name in silver, adding a touch of elegance with its subtle shine.
The SLIIVO SL224 comes equipped with a hand-braided modular stock cable. This four-core stock cable of SLIIVO SL224 is crafted using high-purity monocrystalline copper silver-plated wires featuring durable 0.78mm 2-pin connectors, along with a modular design for added versatility. It’s very similar to the previously reviewed SLA3. The package includes interchangeable 3.5mm and 4.4mm termination plugs, along with the Type-C, allowing users to switch between sources, including the current generations of mobile phones, which usually come without a 3.5mm port, with ease. When changing the plug, an audiophile should ensure proper alignment by matching the cable slot with the small white dot located at the base of all plugs. As per the MYER Audio team, the stock cable effectively improves the purity of sound by offering smooth signal transmission along with ultra-low internal resistance. The stock cable of the SLIIVO SL224 merges beautifully with the subtle greenish faceplate of the SLIIVO SL224. When it comes to the ergonomics of the cable, we are happy to inform our readers and fellow audiophiles that the cable has just the right flexibility and weight, which would really help while listening to music on the go. We would also like to add here that we didn’t come across any kind of phonics during our testing of the SLIIVO SL224 IEM. The SLIIVO SL224 comes with two sets of silicone ear tips in standard S, M, and L sizes. One set features black narrow-bore silicone tips, while the other offers premium white narrow-bore silicone tips that closely resemble SpinFit ear tips in design and appearance. Additionally, SLIIVO SL224 also comes with a pair of medium-sized, wide-bore foam ear tips, demonstrating MYER Audio's commitment to accommodating a wide range of audiophile preferences. When it comes to the difference between the white and black colour silicone ear tips, the white colour has a thicker stem in comparison to the stem of the black colour narrow bore silicone ear tips. Surprisingly, the SLIIVO SL224 comes with the same high-quality, round-shaped denim blue leather carrying case that was included with other Myer Audio IEMs.
In terms of fit, we’re quite satisfied with SLIIVO SL224’s ergonomically designed lightweight shells; we feel it might be big for audiophiles with smaller ears, but it's just an assumption. As for sound isolation, the ergonomic design of the shells provides a decent level of passive noise isolation, effectively reducing external distractions for a more immersive listening experience. Overall, we at Aural Cafe are genuinely impressed by the decision of the MYER Audio team to not only include a high-quality modular cable but also include a high-quality leather carry case. When it comes to design language, we totally love the lightweight shells of SLIIVO SL224 featuring a unique, dazzling faceplate.
Sound Analysis: -
The sound impression of SLIIVO SL224 is outlined after pairing it with the stock cable and white wide-bore silicone ear tips, in company with a solid, neutral DAP. The following sound impression is drawn after keeping SLIIVO SL224 under a 50-hour burn-in period as advised by the MYER Audio team. For insights into how aftermarket ear tips, cables, and sources affect the sound quality, please refer to the Synergy section of the review.
• Tonality: - After testing SLIIVO SL224 with some hi-fi DAPs and dongles across different genres of music, we at Aural Cafe like to state that the sound tonality of the SLIIVO SL224 leans towards a unique reference sound signature. The dual Dynamic Driver has been thoughtfully implemented by the team at Myer Audio to impart precisely boosted lows, adding an intoxicating layer of warmth and musicality to the overall sound signature without compromising the technical prowess of the SLIIVO SL224. The overall sound signature is musical, totally free-flowing and yet very detailed at the same time. The very capable 10mm composite bio-diaphragm dynamic driver, which we have seen implemented in several IEMs from various hi-fi audio brands, ends up boosting the low end, which in turn ends up adding a subtle amount of sub-bass, while the other dynamic driver of 6mm size takes care of the mid-bass. The midrange is where the IEM shines brightly. The midrange on SL224 stays a bit flat, open and spacious, along with top-notch clarity. We’d also like to highlight the excellent crossover implementation by the MYER Audio team. The integration between dynamic drivers and balanced armatures, and micro planar drivers is seamless and coherent, making it hard to tell you're even listening to a hybrid IEM. When it comes to timbre, instruments rooted in the low end, like the kick drum, bass guitar, and Double Bass, are decent. Instruments from the mid-range area, such as the saxophone and trumpet, sound particularly immersive and engaging. However, the timbre of high-frequency instruments like cymbals and Violins exhibits realism and lifelike tonality. When it comes to the detail retrieval ability of SLIIVO SL224, the SLIIVO SL224 surprisingly retrieves micro details with absolute ease in a very effortless manner. With its rare, rich neutral sound signature infused with emotion and soul, the SLIIVO SL224 pairs effortlessly with virtually any genre of soundtrack except EDM. That said, we at Aural Cafe felt that the SLIIVO SL224 truly shines with metal, progressive rock, and blues, delivering an engaging and emotionally rich listening experience. One of the highlights was Aerosmith’s 'Dream On,' which sounded absolutely captivating with the SL224 at the helm.
• Lows: - The lows of SLIIVO SL224 are tuned using the very capable 10mm bio-composite diaphragm dynamic driver, which we have previously seen being implemented in many IEMs from other hi-fi brands such as Shanling, Penon and Yanyin Audio, along with the 6mm titanium-plated diaphragm dynamic driver to handle the mid-bass. The lows of SLIIVO SL224 are precisely boosted to infuse the overall sound with fun, foot-tapping energy, vis-à-vis adding a touch of warmth and musicality throughout the frequency range. The SLIIVO SL224 delivers quality lows that strike a balance between deep, resonant sub-bass rumble and tight, punchy mid-bass. The transient response of SLIIVO SL224 is truly agile and exudes the initial impact of a drumstick on a drum head or the plucking of a guitar string with absolute authority, all thanks to the stiffness and responsiveness of its bio-composite diaphragm dynamic driver. The sub-bass is precisely boosted, showcasing rumble and resonance while staying immersive. We can say it’s not at the level of the bass-head IEMs. When it comes to midbass, the SLIIVO SL224 delivers tight and clean mid-bass with outstanding dynamics and impressive speed. The mid-bass leans on the faster side, yet preserves superb definition and punch, delivering an engaging and irresistible foot-tapping listening experience, which we thoroughly enjoyed while listening to “One More Time“by Daft Punk. The mid-bass stays solid and stable without bleeding into the mids, all thanks to the very capable 6mm titanium-coated dynamic driver. When it comes to timbre of musical instruments in this part of the frequency, the instruments such as bass guitar and kick drums showcase a realistic timbre, which we thoroughly enjoyed while listening to “Dreams” from the legendary album Rumours by Fleetwood Mac.
• Mids: - The Midrange of the SLIIVO SL224 is powered by a pair of custom balanced armature drivers. The mids on the SLIVO SL224 are neither forward nor laid back. It sits on the central stage while being a bit flat, and is one of the strongest points of the SLIIVO SL224. Flat and showcase top-notch clarity while staying effortlessly spacious. What makes the mids on the SL224 a bit special is its reference nature, as the vocals are very rich with superb texture and soul. Also, when it comes to the Vocals’ note weight, it is just outstanding. The lower mids on the IEM are quite refined and stable, as a result of which, it is beautifully complemented while listening to the complex metal and rock numbers. The upper mids of the SLIIVO SL224 exude a gentle sense of energy and excitement without any kind of shoutiness, which we at Aural Cafe found quite satisfying. We at Aural Café love relaxed, soulful tuning as it really aids while listening to blues and Progressive Rock genre soundtracks. So, in this scenario, SLIVO SL224 does a stellar job. When it comes to vocal texture, both the male and female vocals showcase top-notch texture, but the male vocals come out a bit more real in comparison to the female vocals. When it comes to instruments, the timbre of the instruments is just right at the point. The string/percussion-based instruments, such as Piano, do showcase decent texture on SL224, which we enjoyed while listening to ‘In the Air Tonight-Remastered’ by Phil Collins. When it comes to timbre of the instruments in this range of sound frequency, instruments such as the Saxophone exhibit excellent timbre, something we thoroughly enjoyed while listening to 'Songbird' by Kenny G. Overall, the musical and emotionally engaging midrange stands out as the SLIIVO SL224's greatest strength, ultimately becoming the heart and soul of its sound signature.
• Highs: - The Highs of the SLIIVO SL224 are tuned using four of the custom-developed Micro-Planar drivers. Because of them, the detail retrieval is excellent, and micro-details are very easy to pick out without feeling the harshness. The micro-planars are fast and clean, making the IEM very engaging. After all these, still the overall highs are quite resolving and not much fatiguing, making it sustainable for longer sessions, which we thoroughly enjoyed while listening to “Echoes” by Pink Floyd. The upper treble is well extended, as a result of which the SLIIVO SL224 do justice to the rock-based soundtracks. When it comes to the instruments, the cymbal hits are properly defined and don’t feel splashy at all. We really enjoyed listening to ‘Pneuma’ by the American Progressive Metal Band ‘Tool’.
• Soundstage & Imaging: - The SLIIVO SL224 exhibits an open and spacious sound stage, vis-à-vis delivering a highly immersive and engaging listening experience. The sound stage width slightly surpasses the depth, yet it adds to the overall sense of immersion. Since the SLIIVO SL224 features a dynamic driver, the soundstage depth of SLIIVO SL224 reaches to another level when SLIIVO SL224 is driven by solid hi-fi DAPs and desktop sources. Despite being priced at just 230 USD, the SLIIVO SL224 demonstrates jaw-dropping layering capabilities, which we thoroughly enjoyed while listening to “Something Just Like This” by Coldplay and The Chainsmokers. The separation between instruments is just amazing, as a result of which the SL224 can be a perfect choice for the metalheads. At Aural Cafe, we’re impressed by how the MYER Audio team has seamlessly integrated three distinct driver technologies, blending their unique strengths so effectively that the SLIIVO SL224 feels like listening to a single-driver IEM. When it comes to imaging, the imaging capability of SLIIVO SL224 is outstanding and one of the best we have heard in this price range and becomes quite handy while listening to progressive rock genre of soundtracks such as “Fear of a Blank Planet” by Porcupine Tree, which we thoroughly enjoyed with SLIIVO SL224 at the helm.
• Synergy: - Given that the SLIIVO SL224 features a dynamic driver alongside two balanced armature drivers and four micro-planar drivers, we at Aural Cafe recommend at least 50 hours of burn-in to unlock its full potential. After this period, the sound tonality becomes noticeably more refined and smoother, with significant improvements in Lows and Sound stage width and depth. In terms of driveability, we're pleased to report that the MYER Audio SLIIVO SL224 is relatively easy to drive, performing well even with basic dongles. However, due to the presence of a dynamic driver that loves clean power, SLIIVO SL224 truly shines and scales impressively when paired with hi-fi portable DAPs and desktop sources.
At Aural Cafe, we paired the SLIIVO SL224 with a variety of DAPs, cables, and ear tips to unlock its full potential. Our testing lineup included several high-fidelity portable DAPs and desktop sources such as the iBasso DX320, Astell & Kern SP1000M, Dethonray Prelude, DTR1+ Limited Edition, Listening M1, and Clarinet, along with the Aune M1p and iFi Audio ZEN 3 DAC/Amp stack. To our surprise, the SL224 paired exceptionally well with clean, powerful, and neutral sources, particularly the Dethonray DTR1+ Limited Edition. It also delivered a solid performance with clean analogue desktop sources like the AUNE S17 Pro and the iFi ZEN 3 stack. When driven by these capable hi-fi setups, the SL224 revealed a highly elastic sub-bass response and improved mid-bass punch. We also noticed a significant enhancement in soundstage depth and width when paired with the above-mentioned sources. When it comes to portable dongles, we tested SLIIVO SL224 with a line of dongles such as iFi Audio GO Link Max, Go Bar Kensei, Aune Yuki, Celest CD20 and felt that SLIIVO SL224 matched at its best with Celest CD20. Myer Audio also gave the modular Type-C plug to use the SL224 directly with mobile phones. After trying that, we can say the supplied Type-C connector does not alter sound under any given circumstance. One can get the same sound characteristics through it.
We also tested SLIVO SL224 with several budget and expensive cables across different brands from Rhapsodio, Kinera, to Linksmith and Lavricables and felt that SL224 performs at its optimum level with a solid SPC Cables, which were Kinera Mia Cables in our case. The silver-plated copper makes the overall sound a bit more exciting and adds a solid amount of musicality to the overall sound signature. We at Aural Cafe do know that it doesn't make sense to match a $1000 cable with a $230 IEM, but we at Aural Cafe are always curious to test the optimum capability of the transducer in hand, and it is due to this curiosity that we tested the SLIVO SL224 with most of the cables we had in our cable bank. When it comes to ear tips, we would like to add here that ear tips play a big role in overall sound quality and sound isolation. The SL224 best fits with stock wide-bore ear tips. The sound tonality remains reference, and the note weight, especially in the upper mid area, becomes a bit more stable. But when it comes to us at Aural Cafe, we prefer the stock wide-bore ear tips over the narrow-bore pairs of silicone ear tips given. The wide bore tips make a sound a bit more fun and engaging, without being too punchy, and the mids became a bit more transparent. While the white narrow-bore tips help get more mid-bass punch and wider soundstage, the vocals sound a bit underwhelming in comparison to the wide-bore silicone ear tips. When it comes to aftermarket ear tips, we felt that SL224 performed at its best with Spinfit CP145.
Conclusion: -
At just $230, the MYER Audio SLIIVO SL224 delivers an impressively refined listening experience that punches well above its price class. With its unique reference tonality, open and immersive soundstage, and tasteful low-end and extremely detailed treble, the SL224 stands out as a unique hybrid IEM that’s both technically strong and emotionally resonant. From its ‘Mother of Pearl’-inspired faceplates and decently given accessories to its precisely implemented 3-way crossover, the SL224 reflects MYER Audio’s commitment to thoughtful design and tuning. While it may lack the lower-end extension needed for the bass-heads, it more than compensates with lush mids, detailed highs, and a unique and precise mids that complement a wide range of genres. Whether you're a budding audiophile or a seasoned listener seeking a balanced sound signature with extremely good technicalities without compromising on the lower end, the SLIIVO SL224 stands out in the highly competitive $250 segment and earns a strong recommendation from us at Aural Café. It is available for purchase globally through the following links (Non-Affiliated links are given below).
- https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009273566571.html
- https://hifigo.com/products/myer-audio-sliivo-sl224?srsltid=AfmBOopdxnqIg6CZAozsG9E_2qyuGGUyPnQldFNaI2WtRyxfN8ll8ObR
