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).
Disney has used the San Diego Comic-Con to look towards another established fantasy franchise with fresh details surrounding the third season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. The new season will arrive on Disney+ on November 20 and adapts The Titan’s Curse, the third novel in Rick Riordan’s bestselling series. For the first time, this…
Chorus wants to give fans of fizz a new reason to reach for beer Blurring the lines between premium beer and sparkling wine, Chorus Fine English Sparkling Beer is the brainchild of Baynhams Brewery in Hampshire, and it’s intended for occasions normally reserved for Champagne or Prosecco. The concept was imagined by brothers Tom and…
Rum, music and mixology come together in an unusual collaboration as Vapoura Rum celebrates London’s Mandrake Hotel with a limited-edition vinyl record and a bespoke summer cocktail menu. Vapoura Rum The After Stories is a new creative project that invites music producers to capture the atmosphere of iconic venues through sound. The inaugural release sees…
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).
Disney+ confirms Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 3 air date and plot
Disney has used the San Diego Comic-Con to look towards another established fantasy franchise with fresh details surrounding the third season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. The new season will arrive on Disney+ on November 20 and adapts The Titan’s Curse, the third novel in Rick Riordan’s bestselling series. For the first time, this…
This novel English sparkling beer could be your next favourite celebratory toast
Chorus wants to give fans of fizz a new reason to reach for beer Blurring the lines between premium beer and sparkling wine, Chorus Fine English Sparkling Beer is the brainchild of Baynhams Brewery in Hampshire, and it’s intended for occasions normally reserved for Champagne or Prosecco. The concept was imagined by brothers Tom and…
Vapoura Rum puts The Mandrake Hotel on vinyl with immersive cocktail collaboration
Rum, music and mixology come together in an unusual collaboration as Vapoura Rum celebrates London’s Mandrake Hotel with a limited-edition vinyl record and a bespoke summer cocktail menu. Vapoura Rum The After Stories is a new creative project that invites music producers to capture the atmosphere of iconic venues through sound. The inaugural release sees…
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