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Activo Volcano assessment
Astell & Kern’s lifestyle-focused sub-brand is again with a brand new providing, the Activo Volcano. These wired in-ear headphones goal to deliver audiophile-quality sound to all, combining supposedly “vibrant, immersive sound” at an easy-to-swallow value.
Particularly, the Activo Volcano IEMs will set you again $80 / £99 (about AU$120), which is significantly – and I imply significantly – cheaper than a lot of the model’s oeuvre so far. In addition to carrying a modest price ticket, the Activo Volcano include a 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and a USB-C connector, that means they’re out there to a broad viewers, throughout a broad vary of gadgets. However is Activo’s finances providing successful?
Nicely, to some extent, I’d reply that with a powerful sure. That potential to cycle via numerous connectivity choices is one thing lots of the best wired earbuds skip out on and to be clear, the Activo Volcano execute this fantastically effectively. Merely unscrew whichever connector is in use and swivel the specified different on – that’s all there’s to it.
There’s a useful carry case included too, so you’ll be able to retailer the out-of-use adapters once you’re on the go. On high of that, you get a pleasant choice of each foam and rubber eartips in a spread of sizes. After you’ve discovered the precise match, it is best to get a good seal, making certain you hear their numerous drivers at their finest and with commendable passive noise isolation. Activo’s resolution to pack all of this in at such an uncharacteristically low price-point is definitely one thing to be applauded.
The place I develop into – let’s say, somewhat extra choosy – is within the audio division. Sure, it is a product from the Astell & Kern ecosystem, however if you happen to’re anticipating really premium high-grade sound, you’re going to must look elsewhere. Do the Activo Volcano sound poor, then? Completely not. However if you need probably the most intricately detailed sound round, you’ll need to spend extra.
So, let’s actually zoom in on how the Activo Volcano sound. Every earpiece boasts a triple driver design: a fundamental 8mm unit partnered with two 6mm drivers. This configuration, says Activo, is meant to reinforce the richness of lower-midrange and bass. And maybe because the title suggests, you’ll be able to hear rumbling bass erupt from the get-go.
Yep, you’re gonna sense a big emphasis on low-end output with these in-ears – one thing that maybe numerous IEMs hesitate to go too arduous on. When tuning into Breather by Chris Stussy & S. A. M., I used to be struck by palpable low-end output, with the Volcano simply capable of replicate the monitor’s pounding drum machine.
Activo compares these IEM’s low frequency output to the “eruption of magma” from a Volcano. And though you’re not going to get that ultra-immersive, virtually tangible increase that a number of the finest over-ear headphones can ship, say, I’d argue there’s sufficient depth right here for followers of bass-heavy bangers to sink their tooth into.
I’ll admit, I definitely do get pleasure from a slight emphasis in the direction of bass registers, particularly provided that I predominantly hearken to a mix of funk, dance, and jazz fusion. However many searching for a flashy new pair of IEMs – whether or not musicians, audiophiles, or simply informal listeners – could also be hoping for a extra impartial sound signature. And that’s one thing you’re not going to get out of the gate right here.
When listening to Flying Beagle by Himiko Kikuchi, I felt the low-end might sound somewhat overstated, not giving fairly sufficient room for the flowing piano to sit down ahead and work its magic, whereas letting gentle percussion roll via the backdrop. And when listening to Splash Mountain by Yung Gravy, an already bassy monitor, I felt that each the low-end and treble had been a contact aggressive, that means vocals within the mid-range had been left behind. That’s to not say that the Volcano are commonly harsh-sounding or sometimes ship muddy audio, however simply know that there are extra well-rounded choices on the market.
As an illustration, I converted to my Sennheiser IE 200, that are amongst my very favourite IEMs, and value a really comparable quantity to the Volcano. As quickly as I did this, I might inform a giant distinction in high quality throughout all genres. The IE 200, put merely, plate up higher steadiness and instrument separation, that means you get a extra nuanced, revealing hear.
Even nonetheless, the Volcano aren’t going to smack you with distorted or tinny sound. Usually, I discovered tracks had been clear and there have been noticeable particulars, akin to gentle electronica in Black Eye by Allie X, that didn’t go amiss. And if you happen to customise EQ in your supply gadget or streaming app’s settings, you’ll be capable to get a extra impartial sound – or not – relying on what you’re into. However, all in all, I’d be mendacity if I mentioned these blew me away, sonically talking.
Sadly, I’m not executed with my criticism of those IEMs simply but, although. If I’m trustworthy, there’s not a ton that I really like about their design. To begin with, I need to speak about appears. Now, Activo says that the Volcano have a “crater-inspired” design that symbolizes the “immense energy and vitality” of their triple drivers.
However actually, I’m getting moon crater, slightly than volcanic crater from these – particularly given the white and silver end that’s been chosen right here. I additionally moaned at Tribit earlier this 12 months after the Tribit Stormbox Lava speaker completely failed at enjoying to its open-goal volcanic theme. Any audio producers on the market fancy making a extra enjoyable volcano-inspired product? I’ll be retaining an eye fixed out.
On high of that, I simply discovered the Volcano earpieces a bit too cumbersome in my ear. Every bud felt considerably heftier than my IE 200 and I discovered it difficult to maintain these on for way more than an hour or so earlier than fatigue kicked in. The cable is fairly chunky too and is with out playback choices or a mic – one thing you’d get from a rival just like the Shure Aonic 3.
Nevertheless it’s not all doom and gloom. I’ve to say, the construct of the Activo Volcano seems extra luxurious than maybe its value suggests. The cable, whereas giant, appears and feels excessive in high quality. It’s additionally removable if you wish to swap in an after-market different. For reference, although, the included wire is made up of seven-strand silver-plated copper and five-strand oxygen-free copper cables. The PC materials used for the buds themselves additionally feels easy and never overly plasticky, oozing a way of sturdiness and reliability.
So, let’s return to the all-important query. Are the Activo Volcano successful? Nicely, maybe not fairly. There’s lots to love right here for positive, whether or not that be weighty bass output, excessive construct high quality or numerous connectivity choices. However equally, there are a couple of areas that left me a contact disillusioned. I personally discovered that the mannequin is overly giant, with a design that whereas safe and straightforward to suit, isn’t significantly comfy or on-theme. And the audio – although nonetheless good for the value – might be extra revealing and balanced.
Do you have to purchase the Activo Volcano? Nicely, if you happen to don’t want unbelievable evenness throughout the frequencies and don’t thoughts it’s barely bigger really feel, then maybe. However for the same value, I’d say you’ll be higher off with the Sennheiser IE 200 – did I point out I like these?
Activo Volcano assessment: Worth and launch date
- $80 / £99 (about AU$120)
- Launched in March 2025
The Activo Volcano IEMs got here to market in March 2025. Activo remains to be pretty contemporary and was created by dad or mum Astell & Kern as a way of life model. And the Volcano are its most cost-effective providing so far, with an inventory value of $80 / £99 (about AU$120). That’s an enormous chunk lower than Activo’s earlier effort, the Activo Q1 IEMs, which we rated four-and-a-half stars, lauding their wonderful readability and very good separation.
Activo Volcano assessment: Specs
|
Drivers |
1x 8mm, 2x 6mm dynamic triple-driver |
|
Weight |
5g (per bud) |
|
Frequency vary |
20Hz-20kHz |
|
Waterproof score |
Not acknowledged |
|
Connectivity |
3.5mm; 4.4mm; USB-C |
Do you have to purchase the Activo Volcano?
|
Attributes |
Notes |
Ranking |
|---|---|---|
|
Options |
Removable cable, interchangeable connectors, no controller. |
4/5 |
|
Sound high quality |
Good audio for the value, large bass, however rivals supply extra steadiness and element. |
4/5 |
|
Design |
Unremarkable appears, cumbersome, not massively comfy, however premium really feel. |
2.5/5 |
|
Worth |
Low-cost given general high quality, however similar-priced opponents are stronger. |
4/5 |
Purchase them if…
Do not buy them if…
Activo Volcano assessment: Additionally contemplate
| Header Cell – Column 0 |
Activo Volcano |
Sennheiser IE 200 |
Grasp & Dynamic ME05 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Worth |
$80 / £99 (about AU$120) |
$149.95 / £129.99 / AU$239.95 |
$199 / £169 (about AU$320) |
|
Drivers |
1x 8mm, 2x 6mm dynamic triple-driver |
7mm dynamic |
8mm high-excursion |
|
Weight |
5g (per bud) |
4g (per bud) |
23g |
|
Frequency vary |
20Hz-20kHz |
6Hz-20kHz |
20Hz-20kHz |
|
Waterproof score |
Not acknowledged |
Not acknowledged |
Not acknowledged |
|
Connectivity |
3.5mm; 4.4mm; USB-C |
3.5mm |
3.5mm; USB-C |
How I examined the Activo Volcano
- Examined for a number of weeks
- Used within the workplace and whereas on a flight
- Predominantly examined utilizing Tidal
I used the Activo Volcano over the course of a number of weeks. I predominantly examined them whereas working at dwelling, but in addition used them on the workplace and whereas on a flight. When listening to tunes, I primarily turned to Tidal, however I additionally spent a while blasting songs on Spotify.
When testing, I ran via the whole thing of the TechRadar testing playlist, which incorporates tracks from quite a lot of genres. I additionally in contrast the Volcano towards the Sennheiser IE 200 and re-released model of the Grasp & Dynamic ME05.