Astell&Kern STELLA IEMs Review: The Versatile IEM That Does Everything Well
Read Time: Approx. 10 min.
Volk Audio's Second Act: A $3,900 Daily Driver Done Right
12 drivers, two manufacturers, and one universal IEM faithfully reproducing your favorite recordings. The STELLA IEM is the latest in-ear monitor to join Astell&Kern's collection–the result of a collaboration between AK and novice IEM manufacturer Volk Audio. If you're familiar with Volk Audio, then you know its Founder, Jack Vang, is no stranger to the IEM market.
At $3,900, the STELLA is Volk Audio's second IEM venture. They say that two minds are better than one, and the STELLA proves it, drawing on the strengths from each respective company–Astell&Kern's focus on industrial design and Volk Audio's tuning approach–to create an exceptional IEM packed with 12 drivers in a quadbrid configuration.
PROS
- Versatile for all genres
- Lush, Emotionally Engaging Midrange performance
- Premium build quality and comfort
CONS
- Sub-Bass can feel congested
- Flagship price point
Design
The Astell&Kern STELLA sports an understated design. It's a breath of fresh air among the "pick me" flashy IEM designs we've seen flood the market in the last couple of years. While I'm partial to gold and blingy, bling, bling, I do prefer an understated IEM faceplate with neutral colors over vivid, eye-catching alternatives.
The STELLA's shell is machined from aerospace-grade 6061-T6 aluminum and anodized in satin black, geometrically engineered for stiffness and resonance control. A three-part construction makes up the faceplate. The stainless steel frame, polished to a mirror finish, features a venting architecture machined into the shell and frame to equalize internal pressure and suppress resonance. The vents function as a unified pressure-control system, ensuring consistency between both channels.
The central plate, machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and finished in satin black, lends the STELLA its visual brilliance, while a 9H sapphire crystal glass panel completes the faceplate assembly. The panel is cut from a single block of optical-grade 9H sapphire crystal glass, then diamond-polished to eliminate micro distortion for complete transparency and visual purity.
While the grey and silver aesthetic of the STELLA may seem underwhelming compared to the market's current UEIM lineup, it's the close-up view where you can see the crystal intricacies that showcase the beauty in the little things. The Volk Audio and Astell&Kern insignias rest on each faceplate, surrounded by what the duo calls "constellations"–a fitting touch given that STELLA derives from the Latin word for star.
Big, bulky-looking IEMs can be a point of contention for listeners who historically struggle with fit and comfort, but the STELLA is the exception, not the rule. With a body shape similar to its sibling, the ETOILE and Astell&Kern's renowned NOVUS IEMs, the STELLA is modestly-sized with a geometric shape for the faceplate and a rounder body where the nozzle rests in the inner ear. I, myself, have smaller ears, and I struggle with finding an IEM that will not only fit properly and achieve a tight seal, but also be comfortable for longer than 30 minutes. Both the ETOILE and STELLA were extremely comfortable, and the STELLA's body style seems to be slightly slimmer than its older sibling.
Included with the STELLA is a premium hybrid conductor IEM cable with a 4.4mm balanced termination, three pairs of silicone ear tips (S/M/L), three pairs of foam ear tips (S/M/L), an IEM pouch, a cable holder, and a leather carrying case. While I'm partial to Dragon Audio Cables, the included cable is excellent and will serve most users exceptionally well. The 4-core, 23.7 AWG gld in a 12-strand Litz Type-4S geometry. A 500D macro-molecular fiber reinforcement core provides structural stability, while SoftFlex PVC insulation and a midnight black braided nylon outer jacket keep things flexible and durable. The cable's build quality will absolutely do the STELLA justice, and for those eventually looking for an upgrade, Dragon Audio Cables offer that next level of refinement.
Sound
The STELLA brings together the two distinct sonic philosophies of Astell&Kern and Volk Audio to create a balanced, musical-sounding IEM. Volk Audio operates under the belief that accuracy and emotions can exist in the same world–challenging the norm that accurate, monitor-like sound and emotionally engaging, musical sound are opposing qualities that can't coexist in the same chassis. Astell&Kern brings technical precision, resolution, and transparency to the table–three hallmarks of every AK product. Those two philosophies shape the STELLA's sound quality, while Mastering Engineer Michael Graves puts the finishing touches on it through critical listening sessions.
The STELLA delivers a neutral-natural sound signature with good tonal balance and a tuning that prioritizes harmony above all else. Its versatility is unmatched. I had a hard time finding a genre that these IEMs didn't complement.
The STELLA offers a satisfying bass response that brings a song's energy to life, without becoming too bassy or flat-sounding. The mid-bass is quick, snappy, and tight with decent slam, though the sub-bass can feel a little congested depending on the song. Hip-hop tracks, R&B, rock, and pop were all standout genres that did the low-end response justice. While the sub-bass doesn't rumble and wow you in the way IEMs like the Campfire Trifecta's does, it reproduced Bad Bunny's track NUEVAYoL and several Don Toliver songs with authority. Listeners who don't enjoy an overwhelming bass response will find the STELLA incredibly satisfying.
The STELLA delivers a neutral-natural sound signature with good tonal balance and a tuning that prioritizes harmony above all else.
The STELLA offers a satisfying bass response that brings a song's energy to life, without becoming too bassy or flat-sounding. The mid-bass is quick, snappy, and tight with decent slam, though the sub-bass can feel a little congested depending on the song. Hip-hop tracks, R&B, rock, and pop were all standout genres that did the low-end response justice. While the sub-bass doesn't rumble and wow you in the way IEMs like the Campfire Trifecta's does, it reproduced Bad Bunny's track NUEVAYoL and several Don Toliver songs with authority. Listeners who don't enjoy an overwhelming bass response will find the STELLA incredibly satisfying.
The midrange is where the STELLA truly exceeds, delivering emotional weight that brings vocals to life and excellent energy. There's a lushness to the sound that makes it comparable to the 64 Audio U12t in terms of dynamics and midrange richness. The organic, emotive quality of the STELLA creates an intimate, engaging listening experience across genres–from indie and folk to acoustic and pop ballads.
How does it compare to the Volk Audio ÉTOILE?
The STELLA represents a significant step forward from Volk Audio's first IEM release, the ÉTOILE. It's a far cry from its predecessor in the best way possible. Where the ÉTOILE felt like it lacked direction and was trying to do too many things at once, the STELLA has a clear identity. It elevates the vocal and midrange performance of the ÉTOILE while scaling back on the intricate imaging and replacing it with extended bass response for a more lifelike presentation.
Here's the thing about the STELLA: It's a jack of all trades and master of none–but that's not always a negative. We've associated a bad rep with anything labeled "a jack of all trades," but that methodology is old and, in this case, downright wrong. Personally, I'd rather be an exceptionally well-versed individual who can dabble in all areas than be siloed to one–and that's the STELLA's superpower. It's not just the master of one sonic quality or technical spec; it does a lot of things really well, which is precisely why it appeals to many types of listeners. For audiophiles who aren't picky and don't lean heavily to one side or the other, the STELLA is an excellent choice as a daily driver. It handles pop, rock, R&B, folk, acoustic, and indie with equal competence.
NEUVAYoL
By Bad Bunny
(DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS)
What You Need
By Don Toliver
(Life of a Don)
Happier Than Ever
By Billie Eilish
(Happier Than Ever)
Rumor Has It
By Adele
(21)
Features
- 12-driver quadbrid architecture uniting dynamic, balanced armature, planar magnetic, and electrostatic technologies
- VOLK LF-H low-frequency hybrid system with M9-R 9mm subwoofer and dual balanced armatures (20–600 Hz)
- VOLK HF-H high-frequency hybrid system with dual MP-2 planar drivers and quad electrostatic tweeters (9–45 kHz)
- Proprietary 6-way crossover network with multi-stage internal damping and phase alignment
- Aerospace-grade 6061-T6 aluminum shell with satin black anodization and precision vent architecture
- Sapphire crystal glass faceplate with diamond-polished 9H optical-grade finish
- Tuned in collaboration with 5-time GRAMMY Award-winning mastering engineer Michael Graves at Osiris Studio
- Premium hybrid conductor cable: 5N LCOFC copper, 4N silver, and 24K gold in 4-core litz configuration
- Tri-armature midrange array tuned for natural vocal presence and tonal balance (600 Hz–15 kHz)
- Engineered for mastering-grade accuracy with engaging musicality for critical and personal listening
Equipped with a total of 12 drivers in a quadbrid configuration, the STELLA is a force to be reckoned with. Internally, one dynamic driver, five balanced armature drivers, two planar magnetic drivers, and four electrostatic drivers make up the 12-driver configuration. For low frequencies, a 9mm dynamic driver and dual balanced armature drivers handle the load, while three balanced armature drivers work the mid frequencies, and Volk Audio's proprietary MP-2 dual planar magnetic drivers and four Sonion electrostatic drivers cover the high frequencies.
- LF-H System | VOLK M9-R-9mm Subwoofer + Dual Sonion Armatures
- Tri-Armature Array | Sonion
- HF-H System | VOLK MP-2 Dual Planars + Quad Sonion Electrostatics
- 0.78 2-pin Connector
- 6061-T6 Aluminum Shell | Satin Black Adonized
- Faceplate Assembly | 6061-T6 Central Plate, Sapphire Glass and Stainless-Steel Frame
The STELLA features a proprietary six-way crossover network that preserves phase integrity and synergy across all driver groups. With this many drivers working in close quarters, careful filtering and time-alignment are essential. In the STELLA, each acoustic path is optimized to maintain spatial coherence and tonal stability across the entire frequency spectrum, ensuring all drivers work together rather than against each other.
Dragon Cables
There are a lot of reasons why you need to make sure your audio cables are not afterthoughts.
Our HiFi Audio Dragon Cables bring out more of what you love in your music and audio gear. If you love your headphones but wish they had a bit more top-end sparkle - a Silver Dragon Headphone Cable would be a great option. If your USB cables keep dying - as many stock cables do - then check out our quality USB Audio Cables. We say time and time again that materials matter, and our audio cables and custom geometries actually help to bring out those desired properties in your gear and music. We make tons of custom options for our customers so that you can get the right HiFi Audio cable for your exact needs. If you have any questions feel free to Contact Us and we'll be more than happy to help.
Verdict
At $3,900, the Astell&Kern STELLA IEMs deliver flagship-level performance from two hi-fi manufacturers who clearly understand their strengths. With Astell&Kern's technical expertise, Volk Audio's emotionally-engaging tuning philosophy, and Mastering Engineer Michael Graves final edits, the STELLA proves that you can have it all–accuracy, musicality, and technical precision.
The STELLA has a clear identity: It's the daily driver for audiophiles with eclectic tastes who refuse to compromise. It doesn't do any one thing at a level that will wow the spec-sheet crowd, but it does everything exceptionally well across an impressive range of genres. The understated design is a refreshing departure from the flashy aesthetic dominating the market and the premium build quality justifies the price point. Comfort is exceptional, even for those with smaller ears, and the included accessories are thoughtful and genuinely appreciated. Audiophiles seeking a musical, versatile daily driver flagship who value tonal balance and emotional engagement over analytical precision will be thrilled with the Astell&Kern STELLA IEMs.
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What's in the Box
- STELLA earbuds (left/right pair)
- Premium hybrid conductor cable with 0.78mm 2-pin connectors and 4.4mm balanced termination
- 3 pairs of silicone ear tips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs of foam ear tips (S/M/L)
- IEM pouch
- Cable holder
- Leather carrying case
Specifications
Model: Stella
Materials and Finish:
- 6061-T6 Aluminum Chassis, Bead-Blasted and Anodized Satin Black
- 6061-T6 Aluminum Central Plate, Anodized Satin Black with a Diamond-Cut Mirror Finish Face
- Sapphire Crystal Glass Panel, 9H
- 316 Stainless-Steel Faceplate Frame, Mirror Polished
Driver Configuration:
- 1 × VOLK M9-R 9mm Dynamic Driver
- 5 × Sonion Balanced Armature Drivers
- 2 × VOLK MP-2 Planar Magnetic Drivers
- 4 × Sonion Electrostatic Tweeters
Crossover Design: Six-Way
Components: TBC
Frequency Response: 10Hz-45kHz
Sensitivity: 103.8dB at 1kHz
Impedance: 7.17 ohms at 1kHz
Cable Gauge: 23.7 AWG, 4 Core Configuration
Conductor Material: Hybrid Conductor Array: 5N LCOFC Copper, 4N Silver and 24K Gold
Termination: 4.4 AEC Balanced Termination
