ACTIVO Q1

Astell&Kern continues its quest to get high-end audio hardware into the hands (or, er, ears) of mere mortals through its sub-brand Activo. Last time we saw the P1, a cut-price but perfectly capable hi-res player. This time it’s Activo IEMs, less than a tenth of the price of A&K’s NOUS flagship in-ears. Opting for clear and white styling – which is, we’re reliably informed, now cool again – the rabbit hole actually goes a bit deeper here. Within those clear buds sits tech from South Korean boutiq...