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A Portable Hi-Fi Great Just Dropped an Elite Set of Audiophile Earbuds

Meet the popular hi-fi manufacturer’s new flagship pair of wired headphones.

Astell&Kern Luna IEMsAstell&Kern

By Tucker Bowe

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Astell&Kern is arguably the biggest name in portable hi-fi these days. It’s best known for its line of portable digital audio players (or DAPs), which range from reasonably accessible, like the Activo P1 ($430), to the truly grail-worthy A&ultima SP4000 ($3,900).

The Korean hi-fi manufacturer makes a variety of other audio devices (though not as extensively as their DAPs), as well, including headphones and earphones. And, as of today, the brand has introduced its most high-end pair of wired earphones to date.

Astell&Kern Luna

Astell&Kern Luna IEMs
The Luna feature “Unipolar Micro Planar Magnetic Drivers” that Astell&Kern developed with the Japanese hi-fi specialists at Madoo.
Astell&Kern

Audiophile-grade IEMs

The Astell&Kern Luna is the company’s third pair of in-ear headphones, joining the existing AK ZERO1 ($699) and AK ZERO 2 ($1,099), but they’re considerably more expensive — they cost $2,700.

According to the brand, the Luna IEMs build on the groundwork from its previous IEMs, but take it to the next level by delivering a more precise sound.

Astell&Kern Luna IEMs
The smooth shape of the titanium housing was inspired by the moon, which is where Luna gets its name.
Astell&Kern

Unique planar magnetic drivers

The Luna have custom 13mm micro planar-magnetic drivers that have been newly developed with the help of Madoo, a Japanese earphone company that specializes in planar magnetic drivers.

These unique planar magnetic drivers utilize an ultra-thin, lightweight film with a printed aluminum pattern that, according to the brand, dramatically reduces the diaphragm’s weight.

This, along with a unipolar magnetic circuit, allows the Luna to deliver a high-fidelity sound with “outstanding response speed, exceptional resolution, and natural resonance.”

Astell&Kern Luna IEMs
The cables, which have been designed by Eletech Cables, use a blend of high-purity silver plating and copper.
Astell&Kern

Assembled in Japan

The Luna are audiophile-grade in-ear headphones made of high-quality materials. Each component is assembled in Japan.

They have precision-crafted titanium shells that have been designed to be durable and beautiful — in fact, the Luna’s shape was inspired by the soft curves of the moon.

The headphones come with silver-coated OCC and copper OCC cables, which Eletech, a hi-fi cable specialist, has made. They have two-pin 4mm connectors and have a 4.4mm balanced plug.

Astell&Kern Luna IEMs
The Luna comes with three pairs of Baroque ear tips, three pairs of AET07 eartips, a pair of foam tips, and an Alcantara carrying case.
Astell&Kern

Price and availability

Astell&Kern’s Luna IEMs are available now from authorized online retailers. They cost $2,700.

Astell&Kern Luna IEMsAstell&Kern

Astell&Kern Luna

Specs

Driver 13mm Unipolar Micro Planar Magnetic
Frequency response 20Hz – 30KHz
Cable Eletech's silver-coated OCC and copper OCC
About the Author:

Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. As a Tech Staff Writer, he tracks everything in the consumer tech space, from headphones to smartphones, wearables to home theater systems. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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