Astell&Kern / IRVAKZERO2

Astell&Kern / AK ZERO2 is an in-ear earphone that uses an advanced Quad-brid driver design and ultra-precision crossover network. The second original IEM model packed with Astell&Kern's philosophy of pursuing the original sound.

■[Advanced Quad-brid IEM] Flat sound faithful to the sound source
・Astell&Kern's goal is to inspire and entertain everyone through the wonder of experiencing music in its original state. In order to let more users know the joy of music, we are constantly researching and making efforts to produce sounds that are faithful to analog.
""AK ZERO2"" is the second model of the original IEM that uses advanced technology and incorporates Astell&Kern's philosophy of pursuing the fundamental sound, based on the knowledge gained from the development of the first model AK ZERO1. AK ZERO2 uses an advanced ""Quad-brid"" design consisting of four different drivers and an ultra-precision crossover network to deliver flat sound that is extremely faithful to the sound source.

■Advanced Quad-brid design
・Uses a ""Quad-brid"" design consisting of four different types of drivers and an ultra-precision crossover network. Dual custom BA drivers are used individually for the midrange (full range) and mid-low range, and a micro rectangular planar driver (PD: planar drive driver) developed specifically for high frequency reproduction is installed for the high range. Equipped with a 10mm diameter dynamic driver that combines a piezo transducer (piezoelectric vibrator) for low and ultra-high frequencies. A piezo transducer works in conjunction with the dynamic driver to function as a super tweeter that expresses ultra-high frequencies, while the large-diameter dynamic driver provides a rich and deep bass range.

[High range] Micro rectangular planar driver
・The Micro Rectangular Planar Driver is an advanced driver that has been specially developed for high frequency reproduction in order to apply the planar driver design, which is difficult to scale down in headphones, to IEMs. A sturdy and lightweight planar diaphragm is used to minimize frequency loss, and a composite diaphragm that combines a polymer membrane and a metal thin film provides a crystal clear sound similar to the BA type, but by being driven by a coil shaped on a flat surface, it achieves a sound character that combines the sense of presence of a dynamic type.

[Mid-low range] [Full range] Dual custom BA driver
・Dual Custom BA Driver is a BA driver designed with a custom coil to reproduce both full range and mid-low range. It is equipped with a total of 4 units: 2 BA drivers that achieve clear mid-low range vocal sound with ultra-low distortion, and 2 BA drivers that have been uniquely tuned to harmonize each frequency band.

[Low/super high range] 10mm diameter dynamic driver with piezo transducer
- Equipped with a 10mm diameter dynamic driver made in a fully automated and error-free process. Reproduces rich and deep bass range. Furthermore, the piezoelectric transducer that works in conjunction with the dynamic driver functions as a super tweeter with a strong presence in the ultra-high frequency range.

■Ultra-precision crossover network and architecture design
・Four different drivers are harmonized with an ultra-precise crossover network, optimally placed in a 3D printed acoustic chamber, and a CNC aluminum housing suppresses resonance to achieve extremely excellent tonal balance and ultra-low distortion. You can enjoy a variety of sound sources, from live jazz to spectacular large-scale classical music, with delicate and pure sound.

Ultra-low noise crossover network
・Ultra-precision crossover network harmonizes six drivers with distinctive acoustic characteristics. It produces a balanced, flat sound while maximizing the acoustic characteristics of each driver.

3D printed acoustic chamber
-Each driver is optimally placed in an acoustic chamber created using sophisticated 3D printing technology. This design eliminates unnecessary movement and resonance of the driver, achieving stable performance.

CNC aluminum housing
-The housing uses Astell&Kern's advanced aluminum processing technology to suppress resonance and achieve stable, high-quality sound.

■Unbalanced and balanced, two Hi-Fi grade 4-core pure silver coated OFC cables
- Adopts a sterling silver coated OFC cable with a flexible 4-core structure that is easy to handle. Using high-purity silver plating, copper, and a stylish aluminum plug, it is designed to transmit audio signals without loss. In addition, by adopting a highly accurate MMCX connector, the connection quality between the housing and cable is improved and stable performance is achieved. Furthermore, AK ZERO2 comes with two types of cables, 3.5mm unbalanced and 4.4mm balanced, to maximize performance depending on the connection destination.

■Astell&Kern signature design
・AK ZERO2 is a bold step forward from AK ZERO1, setting a new standard for clear, flat audio. The diagonally cut hexagonal shape, which creates light and shadow, creates a powerful impression and represents a new sound experience that sets a clear standard. The shape of AK ZERO2 is designed to fit naturally in your ears, allowing you to enjoy music comfortably.

■Handcraft in Japan
・AK ZERO2 is carefully assembled by professional engineers with extensive experience in Japan and produced using state-of-the-art equipment. We achieve excellent quality through a strictly controlled process.

■Driver: Hybrid type (Quad-brid)
■Number of drivers: 1DD (+1PT) + 4BA + 1PD / (one side) 6 drivers
■Driver configuration: Micro rectangular planar driver x 1, dual custom BA driver x 2 (total BA x 4), 10mm diameter dynamic driver x 1, piezo transducer x 1 (*integrated with dynamic driver)
■Format: Closed type
■Reproduction frequency: 20Hz - 30,000Hz
■Sensitivity: 105dB @ 1KHz (1mW)
■Impedance: 5Ω @ 1KHz
■THD: 0.7% @ 1KHz
■Material: Aluminum
■Cable: 4-core pure silver coated OFC cable (approx. 120cm), (Connector: MMCX, Plug: 3.5mm unbalanced L-shaped x 1, 4.4mm balanced L-shaped x 1)
■Accessories: 4-core pure silver coated OFC cable (3.5mm unbalanced), 4-core pure silver coated OFC cable (4.4mm balanced), silicone earpieces: 5 pairs (XS/S/M/L/XL), urethane foam earpieces: 1 pair (F), carrying case
■Country of origin: Japan
■Manufacturer's warranty: 1 year for main unit / 90 days for cables and accessories