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).
The Macallan has just announced the Carta Nautica Collection, a new four-bottle series of single malt whiskies. As befits its Spanish moniker, Carta Nautica follows the journey of oak from North America to Jerez de la Frontera in Spain and onwards to Scotland. The collection draws on casks that have held bourbon and sherry, with…
Ah, brunch. Breakfast’s more sociable cousin, the only acceptable way to order a cocktail before noon: there’s no doubt in our mind that it’s the most important meal of the day. And you can forget eggs and coffee – London’s best spots make a strong case for dedicating the whole afternoon to our favourite event…
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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).
The Macallan Carta Nautica Collection charts a new course for Scotch whisky icon, led by a 38 Year Old
The Macallan has just announced the Carta Nautica Collection, a new four-bottle series of single malt whiskies. As befits its Spanish moniker, Carta Nautica follows the journey of oak from North America to Jerez de la Frontera in Spain and onwards to Scotland. The collection draws on casks that have held bourbon and sherry, with…
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Ah, brunch. Breakfast’s more sociable cousin, the only acceptable way to order a cocktail before noon: there’s no doubt in our mind that it’s the most important meal of the day. And you can forget eggs and coffee – London’s best spots make a strong case for dedicating the whole afternoon to our favourite event…
Indri celebrates Diwali with a Ruby Port Cask Indian Single Malt rich in fruit, honey and spice
Indian whisky producer Indri has launched its Diwali Collector’s Edition 2026, a cask-strength single malt matured in Portuguese Ruby Port casks, with just 180 individually numbered bottles allocated to the UK. Bottled at 58.5% ABV, the new expression combines ripe red and dark fruit character with honey, nuts and warming spice. Produced by Piccadily Agro…
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