Introducing the Luna, the third in Astell & Kern’s growing line of IEM earphones, following the AK Zero1 and Zero2. Crafted in Japan, Luna is a single-driver, planar-magnetic design, encased in a smooth titanium housing engineered with durability and comfort in mind.
The brand, long known for its meticulous digital audio players, brings a comparable level of precision and innovation to these in-ears.
Signalling a significant leap in driver innovation and acoustic engineering, at its heart is a single, custom-designed 13mm unipolar micro planar magnetic driver, dubbed ‘Katabiki (片響).’
This is no off-the-shelf component. Developed in collaboration with Japanese audio specialists MADOO, the Katabiki driver utilises a bespoke unipolar magnetic circuit – a single powerful magnet with a dual ring-shaped yoke that precisely controls diaphragm movement.
This is important: planar magnetic drivers are typically larger and more complex, often reserved for over-ear headphones.
The brand, long known for its meticulous digital audio players, brings a comparable level of precision and innovation to these in-ears…
Here, Astell & Kern has found a way to miniaturise the tech without compromising the sonic virtues that planar fans prize, namely lightning-fast response, microscopic detail retrieval, and ruler-flat phase characteristics.
The diaphragm itself is said to be astonishingly light. A printed aluminium pattern on an ultra-thin film ensures minimal mass and superior rigidity, crucial for speed and accuracy.
All of this is housed in a titanium shell that’s not only stylish, but contributes to the acoustic performance by minimising unwanted resonances.
Astell & Kern also pays due respect to the signal chain. The Luna ships with a premium silver-coated OCC and copper OCC cable, which connects via a 2-pin, 0.78mm interface to your source.
The supplied accessory package contains seven pairs of ear tips, plus a luxurious Alcantara carry case.
While they lack niceties such as Bluetooth and noise cancelling, IEMs have become popular with audiophiles due to their excellent noise isolation, detailed sound reproduction, and portability. Their compact size also makes them ideal for travel.
The Astell & Kern LUNA sell for £2,699 (€3,049 / $2,700).
Introducing Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2, the latest Bluetooth headphone from the iconic UK Hi-Fi marque. These updated flagship cans build on the foundations of the original Px8, introducing mechanical and acoustic improvements for a more stable fit and commensurately expressive sound. With high-res wireless codec support, advanced noise cancellation and luxury materials, this new…
The Whisky Exchange has dropped three new exclusive bottlings to mark the start of 2026, spanning Scotch whisky, American bourbon and Jamaican rum. The limited collection comprises an experimental single-cask Torabhaig from the Isle of Skye, a punchy single-barrel bourbon from Bardstown Bourbon Company, and a sherry-cask-aged Hampden Estate rum that leans fully into the…
Amazon is looking to carve itself a lucrative slice of the booming lifestyle TV market, with the announcement of the Amazon Ember Artline Fire TV series. The Ember Artline marks Amazon’s debut in the fast-growing gallery TV sector. The category is currently led by Samsung’s long-running The Frame series. Like its inspiration, the new model…
The Luxe Review 
Introducing the Luna, the third in Astell & Kern’s growing line of IEM earphones, following the AK Zero1 and Zero2. Crafted in Japan, Luna is a single-driver, planar-magnetic design, encased in a smooth titanium housing engineered with durability and comfort in mind.
The brand, long known for its meticulous digital audio players, brings a comparable level of precision and innovation to these in-ears.
Signalling a significant leap in driver innovation and acoustic engineering, at its heart is a single, custom-designed 13mm unipolar micro planar magnetic driver, dubbed ‘Katabiki (片響).’
This is no off-the-shelf component. Developed in collaboration with Japanese audio specialists MADOO, the Katabiki driver utilises a bespoke unipolar magnetic circuit – a single powerful magnet with a dual ring-shaped yoke that precisely controls diaphragm movement.
This is important: planar magnetic drivers are typically larger and more complex, often reserved for over-ear headphones.
Here, Astell & Kern has found a way to miniaturise the tech without compromising the sonic virtues that planar fans prize, namely lightning-fast response, microscopic detail retrieval, and ruler-flat phase characteristics.
The diaphragm itself is said to be astonishingly light. A printed aluminium pattern on an ultra-thin film ensures minimal mass and superior rigidity, crucial for speed and accuracy.
All of this is housed in a titanium shell that’s not only stylish, but contributes to the acoustic performance by minimising unwanted resonances.
Astell & Kern also pays due respect to the signal chain. The Luna ships with a premium silver-coated OCC and copper OCC cable, which connects via a 2-pin, 0.78mm interface to your source.
The supplied accessory package contains seven pairs of ear tips, plus a luxurious Alcantara carry case.
While they lack niceties such as Bluetooth and noise cancelling, IEMs have become popular with audiophiles due to their excellent noise isolation, detailed sound reproduction, and portability. Their compact size also makes them ideal for travel.
The Astell & Kern LUNA sell for £2,699 (€3,049 / $2,700).
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 review: new headphone flagship offers bigger sound, gorgeous design
Introducing Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2, the latest Bluetooth headphone from the iconic UK Hi-Fi marque. These updated flagship cans build on the foundations of the original Px8, introducing mechanical and acoustic improvements for a more stable fit and commensurately expressive sound. With high-res wireless codec support, advanced noise cancellation and luxury materials, this new…
Drink in 2026 with these Jamaican sherried rum, peated whisky, and high-strength bourbon exclusives
The Whisky Exchange has dropped three new exclusive bottlings to mark the start of 2026, spanning Scotch whisky, American bourbon and Jamaican rum. The limited collection comprises an experimental single-cask Torabhaig from the Isle of Skye, a punchy single-barrel bourbon from Bardstown Bourbon Company, and a sherry-cask-aged Hampden Estate rum that leans fully into the…
Amazon enters gallery TV arena with design-led Ember Artline Fire TV range
Amazon is looking to carve itself a lucrative slice of the booming lifestyle TV market, with the announcement of the Amazon Ember Artline Fire TV series. The Ember Artline marks Amazon’s debut in the fast-growing gallery TV sector. The category is currently led by Samsung’s long-running The Frame series. Like its inspiration, the new model…
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