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).
Brooklyn-based manufacturer Grado Labs has released a fourth addition to its acclaimed Signature headphone line. The Signature S550 arrives with an emphasis on musical warmth and long-session comfort, in distinctive Grado style. At the heart of the new Signature S550 is a 50mm dynamic driver, known internally as the S2. Rather than introducing an entirely…
Mother’s Day is the perfect time to spoil the most important lady in your life – and if you’re looking for a gift that feels extra special, you’ve come to the right place. Whether she loves indulgent spa days, fine champagne, stylish accessories, or cutting-edge tech, we’ve found the very best thoughtful, luxurious gifts she’ll…
Introducing the Magico S7 2026 edition, a new flagship loudspeaker aimed squarely at lovers of luxury audio. Designed and engineered in California, this imposing floorstander, which replaces the original Magico S7 after a decade-long production run, arrives as the most advanced expression of the company’s mid-tier reference range yet, sitting between its A Series and…
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).
Grado Signature S550 open-back headphones boast big drivers and Brazilian Walnut housing
Brooklyn-based manufacturer Grado Labs has released a fourth addition to its acclaimed Signature headphone line. The Signature S550 arrives with an emphasis on musical warmth and long-session comfort, in distinctive Grado style. At the heart of the new Signature S550 is a 50mm dynamic driver, known internally as the S2. Rather than introducing an entirely…
52 of the best luxury gift ideas for Mother’s Day 2026
Mother’s Day is the perfect time to spoil the most important lady in your life – and if you’re looking for a gift that feels extra special, you’ve come to the right place. Whether she loves indulgent spa days, fine champagne, stylish accessories, or cutting-edge tech, we’ve found the very best thoughtful, luxurious gifts she’ll…
First look at ultra-premium Magico S7 2026 flagship loudspeaker with £159,000 price tag
Introducing the Magico S7 2026 edition, a new flagship loudspeaker aimed squarely at lovers of luxury audio. Designed and engineered in California, this imposing floorstander, which replaces the original Magico S7 after a decade-long production run, arrives as the most advanced expression of the company’s mid-tier reference range yet, sitting between its A Series and…
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