Astell & Kern's Luna IEMs: Insanely Light, Powerful Audio
Aiming skyward with high-end Luna in-ear monitors, Astell&Kern targets the premium audio market.
Get ready to revolutionize your audio experience with Astell & Kern's latest creation—the Luna in-ear monitors (IEMs). These bad boys are here to rock your world and set a new standard for high-end audio.
Time to break the bank and drop a cool £2,699 / $2,700 / €3,049 (about AU$5,612) on the swankiest IEMs in the Astell&Kern range. Inspired by the moon (naturally), the Luna aims to take your aural adventures to new heights with exceptional resolution and unparalleled performance.
Moonstruck Masterpieces
The Luna boasts the firm's moon-inspired third set in their IEM series, following the acclaimed AK Zero 1 and AK Zero 2. Embrace the lunar vibe in this hand-crafted masterpiece.
These headphones promise precise audio, enhanced spatial awareness, and a dreamy tonal balance. Say goodbye to the quad-brid design found in the Zero 2. The Luna opts for a single planar magnetic driver in each ear.
Plasma-Powered Marvel
The Luna's key feature is its newly developed 13mm Katabiki micro planar magnetic driver, engineered for superlative control in collaboration with Madoo.
The driver's diaphragm housing is CNC-machined from aluminum for high rigidity, with a petite, lightweight film and printed aluminum pattern to minimize weight. Together, the duo offers madly quick response times, high resolution, and lifelike, detailed audio presentation. The frequency response clocks in at 20Hz to 30kHz.
The Lunar Package
Nestled in an eye-catching Alcantara case, the Luna arrives with seven different ear tips for the perfect fit. Be prepared to stand out in a crowd with this player in your ears.
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Technical Wonders of the Luna's Micro Planar Magnetic Driver
- Huge Single-Driver Design: The Luna’s unique 13mm micro planar magnetic driver offers superior control and sound quality due to its large size and thin, planar diaphragm driven by a potent magnetic field.
- **Titanium Skull:'
- Housed in a robust, comfy titanium shell, engineered for both comfort and resonance control, further enhancing the perceived clarity and detail in the sound.
- Precision & Clarity: The planar magnetic driver is known for its lightning-fast response, delivering a vivid, bass-heavy, and intricate high-res playback without any harshness.
- Freedom from Multi-Driver Issues: The single-driver approach eliminates common phase and crossover problems found in multi-driver IEMs, providing a more coherent and well-rounded soundstage.
Advantages Over Other Driver Types
| Feature/Advantage | Planar Magnetic (Astell & Kern Luna) | Dynamic Driver | Balanced Armature | Hybrid (Balanced Armature + Dynamic) ||-----------------------------|------------------------------------------|-------------------------|-------------------------|----------------------------------------|| Driver Size | Large (13mm micro planar) | Variable (commonly 6–10mm) | Multiple tiny drivers | Combination of both || Speed/Transient Response| Super fast | Fairly quick | Extremely fast | Variable, but can shine || Distortion | Very low | Moderate to low | Low at mid/high, higher at bass | Depends on implementation || Soundstage & Imaging | Spacious, coherent, realistic | Warm, but can sound muffled | Exceptionally focused, but narrow | Can encompass a broad, lush soundstage || Bass Quality | Thumping, detailed | Deep, but can be boomy | Struggles to produce punchy bass | A harmonious blend of power and speed || Highs | Clear, rich, non-fatiguing | Slightly rolled-off | High in detail but harsh | Balanced || Comfort & Fit | Titanium shell, feathery lightweight | Varies | Lightweight, barely there | Sometimes cumbersome due to multiple drivers |
Bottom Line
The Luna’s micro planar magnetic driver shines by offering:- Rapid, precise audio reproduction thanks to the planar magnetic technology.- Minimal distortion and close-knit soundstage from the single-driver approach.- Durable, lightweight, and comfy titanium housing.- Balanced sound signature with deep, punchy bass, smooth mids, and crystal-clear highs, making it suitable for all genres and audiophiles who value both technical prowess and musicality.
The Luna’s planar magnetic driver sets itself apart among high-end IEMs, particularly when contrasted with traditional dynamic, balanced armature, or hybrid driver configurations. Don't settle for mediocrity—embrace the lunar revolution and take your audio journey to new heights.
- Incorporate the latest technology into your audio experience with Astell & Kern's Luna IEMs, which feature a single planar magnetic driver in each ear, inspired by the moon.
- These gadgets, with their precision, enhanced spatial awareness, and dreamy tonal balance, set a new standard for high-end audio, making them an excellent choice for smartphone users looking to elevate their listening game.
