ASTELL&KERN AK ZERO1 HYBRID IEM WITH THREE TYPES OF DRIVERS

Astell&Kern has introduced its latest in-ear monitor (IEM), the Astell&Kern AK ZERO1, featuring three different types of drivers.

Composed of a micro planar dynamic driver, dual balanced armature (BA) drivers and a dynamic driver, this design combines the sonic characteristics of each driver.

ASTELL&KERN AK ZERO1 FEATURES

The Astell&Kern AK ZERO1 features and innovations include three different types of drivers, planar, balance armature and dynamic with a precision crossover structure and harmonised driver structure. The acoustic chamber is created using 3D printed technology and the housing is a precise CNC-machined metal housing. The IEMs come with a HiFi grade pure silver-coated OFC cable.

The new Astell&Kern AK ZERO1 Hybrid IEM

MICRO PLANAR DYNAMIC DRIVER

The Micro Rectangular Planar Dynamic Driver is a specially developed, highly advanced driver that allows a planar driver design, normally difficult to scale down for headphones, to be applied to in-ear monitors. Adopting a sturdy and lightweight planar membrane to minimise frequency loss, this is combined with a vibration panel that has a high-polymer and thin metal film.

Astell&Kern AK ZERO1 Hybrid IEM with it’s cable

DUAL BALANCED ARMATURE AND DYNAMIC DRIVERS

The Astell&Kern AK ZERO1’s driver system also features dual BA drivers, using custom-designed coils. These are coupled with the single 5.6 mm dynamic driver each side.

The Astell&Kern AK ZERO1 Hybrid IEM has three types of drivers

ASTELL&KERN AK ZERO1 CROSSOVER DESIGN

To realise this new sound through the ideal frequency response, a Crossover Network design was generated based on a thorough understanding of each driver’s parameters. Once established, each driver is carefully placed in the optimal position, enclosed in specifically designed acoustic chambers manufactured with 3D printing technology. These precision enclosures cleverly eliminate unnecessary movement and resonance from the drivers to ensure a stable performance. Lastly, the main precision-tooled housing reduces internal and external vibrations.

Astell&Kern AK ZERO1 Hybrid IEM with new crossover design

HIFI GRADE PURE SILVER-COATED CABLES

To further maximise the audio performance the Astell&Kern AK ZERO1 arrives equipped with a pure silver-coated OFC cables. They are crafted with high-purity silver plating and copper, alongside aluminium plugs. Elsewhere, the MMCX connectors ensure a prime-quality connection between the ear housing and cable.

4.4MM MMCX CABLE ACCESSORY

Astell&Kern has also launched an optional 4.4mm cable. The PEP11 sports larger aluminium-machined 4.4mm plugs and features the same top-quality high-purity silver plating and copper cable.

Astell&Kern AK ZERO1 Hybrid IEM new cable

SIGNATURE ASTELL&KERN DESIGN

Astell&Kern’s recognisable bold diagonal design language continues on the AK ZERO1, with the premium cut metal surface. The shape of the housing and the slender ear nozzles have been carefully designed and refined to not only provide a secure and comfortable fit, but to deliver the sound efficiently and accurately through your ears. To further provide a snug fit, five different-sized pairs of silicone ear tip and one set of foam tips are supplied, along with a carry case.

What’s in the pack?

ASTELL&KERN AK ZERO1 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Drivers: Hybrid Drivers

• Special Micro Rectangular Planar Dynamic Driver x1
• Custom Balanced Armature Driver x2
• 5.6mm Micro Dynamic Driver x1

Connector type: MMCX

Housing material: Aluminium

Frequency Response: 25Hz–30KHz*

SPL: 96dB@1KHz (1mW)*

Impedance: 16Ω@1KHz*

Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.7%@1KHz

PEP11

Connector type: MMCX

Cable core: 4

Cable material: Silver, Copper

Plug: 4.4mm

Astell&Kern AK ZERO1 Hybrid IEM

ASTELL&KERN AK ZERO1 PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The Astell&Kern AK ZERO1 is priced £649 / $699 / €749 and will be available from November.

The Astell&Kern PEP11 is priced £119 / $130 / €139 and will be available from November.

HiFi Pig Says: We are constantly amazed by the way brands like A&K are miniaturising headphone technologies that used to be only found in much larger headphones.

Get all the latest Hifi News with Hifi Pig here!