These new in-ear monitors look like an audiophile’s dream

While there are plenty of top headphones to pick from, sticking with a wire will get you better sound. And if you want to focus on the purest sound, look towards a set of in-ear monitors. Astell&Kern’s Activo sub-brand has just launched the new Q1 option, which looks like an audiophile’s dream.

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Activo and DITA are flaunting over four decades of combined expertise. It’s all very impressive if you’re the sort of person who wants their earbuds to be as engineered as a Formula 1 car.

The Q1 features a hybrid setup with a dynamic PM1+ driver from DITA, wrapped in brass for that posh resonance, paired with a Knowles balanced armature driver. The result? Clarity that cuts through the noise, punchy bass, and airy highs. That dynamic driver is tuned for full-range sound, while the brass housing and extra voice coil windings give you richer lows and smoother mids.

Of course, Activo didn’t skimp on the cables. The Q1 comes with DITA’s custom MOCCA2 cable, which packs 32 strands of Cardas Grade 1 Ultra-Pure Copper. With 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single-ended plugs, these IEMs are ready to pair with whatever gadget you’re rocking. And to top it all off, the packaging includes a branded mini Tanos Systainer case and five sizes of final Type-E eartips for that Goldilocks fit.

The Activo Q1 are priced at $349/£299/€399. Tempted? They’re available to order directly from today.

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Connor Jewiss

About

Connor is a writer for Stuff, working across the magazine and the Stuff.tv website. He has been writing for around nine years now across the web and in print too. Connor has attended the biggest tech expos, including CES, MWC, and IFA – with contributions as a judge on panels at them. He's also been interviewed as a technology expert on TV and radio by national news outlets including France24. Connor has experience with most major platforms, though does hold a place in his heart for macOS, iOS/iPadOS, electric vehicles, and smartphone tech. Just like everyone else around here, he's a fan of gadgets of all sorts. Aside from writing, Connor is involved in the startup and venture capital scene, which puts him at the front of new and exciting tech - he is always on the lookout for innovative products.

Areas of expertise

Mobile, macOS, EVs, smart home