AüR Audio Aehta

AüR Audio Aehta, their finest

Disclaimer

I bought the Aehta with a very small discount, I am free to say whatever I want.

All impressions are my own subjective thoughts after having used them for a good time. These are my thoughts at this moment, and as time moves I might change my opinion.
This is also a very subjective hobby where everything from experience, anatomy or age will affect what we hear. Also keep in mind that it is easy to use bold words when talking about differences, while it may be perceived as a small change for you.
While I can perceive something as natural sounding, I do believe we can never get a perfect performance similar to what is achieved live.

Ranking System:
1 Very bad or unlistenable
2 Listenable but not good
3 Average
4 Very good
5 Exceptional or having a special sauce

My rating system highly values what is musical for me, so my rating will always be a subjective opinion.



About me and my gear used for the review

My audio preference is neutral with some warmth, I can also like forward midrange and treble if not excessive. I am a believer in having different tuned gears for different genres or moods instead of chasing the single perfect one.

Main music genres I listen to are Metal, Electronica, Jazz, Indy rock/metal, R&B, Pop. I am a music lover, and can also listen to almost all the genres out there.
I have been into music gear since the mid 90s, gifted some big speakers at an early age. Then moved more and more into headphones with the Koss Porta Pro and a Sony Discman.
I have also tried playing many instruments over the years from piano to sax and have a feel for what's a natural tone, but not the biggest patience in learning to play.

My current favorites in Headphones are ZMF Verite Open and Beyerdynamic T1 G2.
My current favorites in IEMs are 634ears LOOK 2-TX02 and Campfire Audio Bonneville.
My current favorites in Earbuds are FranQL Caelum and Venture Electronics Zen 3.0.

Gear used in the main rig is Denafrips Ares 12th-1 DAC together with the Topping A90 Discrete headphone Amp. I also have a Schiit Lokius I can swap in if I want to do a little analogue EQ.

Portable main gear being HIBY R8 II and HIBY R6 Pro 2, with some dongles like HIBY FC6 and Colorfly CDA-M1P.





So what is the AüR Audio Aehta

The Aehta is the newest IEM from Singapore based AüR Audio, the brand consists of Abel the tuner and Nicholas the manager.
This is their first quadbrid IEM costing 1059 USD, using 2 dynamic drivers, 2 bone conductors, 4 balanced armatures and 2 electrostatic drivers. The shell is in black 3D printed resin with gold design on the faceplate, every faceplate is uniquely made by Abel.

As usual with AüR the packaging and accessories are on the cheap side, providing you with an entry cable and hard puck for storage. The provided silicon tips are soft and decent, actually very similar to JVC Spiraldot.

There is an option to upgrade the cable to the Athena cable, a good 8wire cable. This adds 200 SGD to the price, roughly 150 USD.

The shell is light but feels sturdy, the Aetha has less ergonomics curves than previous AüR models. Aetha also has a longer nozzle, this is both good and bad depending on how your ears are. But overall the ergonomics is fine, not the most comfy for me but should be quite universal and work for most people.

The shell is quite small in width and height, but has a very thick depth. So when using Aehta they protrude some outside the ear, this will be more flush for people who are able to get deeper fit.



The Aehta also has 3 tuning switches, one for bass mids and treble. Can go from a more bright sound to something close to a basshead.



https://www.auraudio.store/product-page/æhta









Timbre

First off, what is Timbre?
From the Wikipedia:
The Acoustical Society of America (ASA) Acoustical Terminology definition 12.09 of timbre describes it as "that attribute of auditory sensation which enables a listener to judge that two nonidentical sounds, similarly presented and having the same loudness and pitch, are dissimilar", adding, "Timbre depends primarily upon the frequency spectrum, although it also depends upon the sound pressure and the temporal characteristics of the sound"

First minutes of trying a new set of gear, what I always listen to is how natural and musical it sounds. Much of this goes down to how I perceive the Timbre.

I perceived Aehta as a very clean and coherent IEM from first minute, a resolving and engaging sound. Overall just a natural sounding set, and depending on switches will be brighter or warm.

Going to use the ranges here in review:




Details and soundstage

This is a very resolving IEM, the most resolving set so far from AüR. Have a good mix of micro and macro detail without being analytical sounding, and make good use of quality sources.

Soundstage is always very personal, I find it better than average in depth and with. But where it shines is more in how spherical it surrounds you in music, having very good 3D imaging making music more engaging.

Bass

I love good bass and this is probably the best AüR have made, has a good mix of speed and texture. Not too soft or hard, and quantity will change a lot depending on tuning switches.
The quantity of bass when used with the first switch on will be too much for some, for me that can be considered a basshead I find it perfect with it engaged.

The bass shelf is the glide style going into the midrange, goes more into the midrange with the bass switch on. Also a reason why I prefer it on. There is no drop off in sub bass and it has a punchy mid bass, the bass sounds very natural on both acoustic instruments or electronic elements.

Mids

Very clean midrange, be it instruments or vocals it delivers the most detailed midrange from all the AüR models. Some of this is probably due to the custom BAs used for the midrange, but probably also due to the bone conductors that are working at the midrange.

Even if it's very resolving and clean it's also very natural and musical, so not analytical and sterile. I would also say it's slightly midrange forward and even more when you engage the second switch, since this elevates the upper mids a little extra.
I find it equally good for both male and female vocals, and also good when listening to acoustic instruments. The midrange is very coherent, the transition from the DD to the BA is done excellently and also how the bone conduction is added.

In some way I can question if the bone conductor is actually doing something or not, the midrange is so coherent and full sounding so I guess it's something of the mix.

Treble

The Aehta have a very clean and transparent high end that is not too much where it gets fatiguing, the EST probably some of the reason for the nice treble. The treble is also not overly sharp and has some smoothness to it, this is true for the other AüR models also.

Some would maybe like even more air, I find it excellent but I know I'm sensitive to it and many others are not.

Instruments like cymbals have good clarity and sound real, same for orchestral pieces. When I swap over to some other models from AüR I notice them lacking some air, so this should be a small improvement for some.



Synergies

I don't find Aehta that picky when using sources, but my favorite listening has been with my desktop setup being Denafrips Ares 12-1 + Topping A90 Discrete. The HIBY R8 II DAP is also excellent and I find Aehta it more musical and full than using the AKM based HIBY R6 Pro 2.

I have tried a lot of tips to find what's best, since the nozzles are long I get a deeper fit and can use the ones that are smaller. So far my favorite is TANCHJIM T-APB Bass tips, a close second being Tangzu Sancai for a milder sound. Reason for the two tips is that they give me the best comfort while both providing a full sound, using something like Baroque tips took away too much bass on Aehta.

Tried Aehta with both Ariana and Athena cables from AüR, they are decent cables. But I did find my Lavricables silver cable to have a more full and resolving sound, and different from people's beliefs a high end silver is not bright and thin.







Comparisons

When evaluating the sets I use each of them over longer periods and also some shorter sessions swapping back and forth, it takes a long time and is not done in one sitting. The most critical comparison is done on my desktop setup that is highly resolving, with volume matching to take away loudness variance.

The spider chart is slightly exaggerated on some points to show differences.






AüR Audio Aurora

The Aurora is cheaper at $570 and is their hybrid IEM with 2 DD and 6 BA. The shell and faceplate is lighter and look less premium than Aehta, the ergonomics are better on Aurora for me.

They sound quite different, even with the DDs being the same. Aurora has more of a textured and smooth sound, but also sounds grainy and less controlled compared to Aehta. The technical side of Aurora is a good step below Aehta, less resolving etc.

The sub bass quantity is quite similar when using 000 but sounds slightly more controlled on Aehta. The mid bass is fuller and more engaging on Aehta, making music much more full and fun with better slam and body.

Also when using the 000 setting you get clear and detailed mids and treble with Aehta, this is more veiled and smooth on Aurora and due to this I often push the volume more.
The switch position with the most similar bass to Mids/treble ratio we have to use 100, but you then get a lot more bass vs the Aurora and even now clearer sounding.

When comparing string instruments or even vocals the Aehta have cleaner and more control, especially noticeable on forward parts that can seem a little harsh and distorted on Aurora. Didn't really notice this when I owned Aurora, probably as I got used to the sound.
To me the Aehta has a better controlled midrange, with better clarity and resolution. Even many instruments and vocalists have better weight to them on Aehta, noticeable when listening to stuff like rock and metal.

This also continues into the treble, as the Aurora has a more smooth and presentation with less clarity than Aehta. Aetha gives a more open top with better airy presentation, it's still not overly boosted and within what I prefer.

Soundstage is of course very personal, always finding Aurora to be average or slightly above other sets in the price range. Aehta has more depth and width, also the height has some extra.

Need to mention speed, a friend of mine complained about the bass being slow on Aurora. But this was just a byproduct of how the midrange is tuned on Aurora, the sound of Aehta is super fast, and to me clearer and more open than even Neon Pro. Same DD but different mid range drivers, at least my theory behind this.



AüR Audio Alita

This is the flagship of AüR, I guess they are both considered the flagship models now. The Alita is an all BA IEM with 12 balanced armatures, a mix of Sonion and Knowles drivers. It has a metal nozzle with a resin shell, and the ergonomics are slightly better for me on Alita.
Alita is warm and natural with relaxed but extended treble, a very musical and relaxing set that also is resolving. The comparison here is done with all switches off on Aehta, in general the Aehta is more natural and energetic.

Both are resolving sets, but I do find Aehta a step above Alita. Not only because of the relaxed treble on Alita, but Aehta is also more resolving in both the bass and midrange. Soundstage is also good on both, personally I find Aehta more 3D and spacious.

Even if Alita has good BA bass, it's not the same as a dynamic driver. So for me the decay lacks the soulful and natural bounce, making bass notes less textured and resolving.
And if we just talk about the amount of subjective bass, the Alita has less sub bass than the Aehta. Mid bass is about the same, but it's softer and less punchy in Alita. Aehta sounds more bassy in 000 while also being cleaner in the low midrange, both are coherent sounding.

And for reference this bass presentation on Alita is the same as Neon Pro switch off, Neon Pro is almost the same tuning as Alita but with less upper mids and treble.

Alita for me is a midrange set, it's both warm and soft. It has that QDC tuning without being boosted too much in the upper midrange, it is also fairly smooth. Alita is more smooth and warm while the Aehta is more clean and natural, Aehta also has some more vocal bite and crispness than Alita. The low mids are more weighty than the upper mids of Alita, this is more balanced on Aehta.

The highs of Alita are soft and relaxed, but it also has good extension. But perhaps it will be lacking for people who want a more forward air region. Aetha does have a more open and resolving treble, its cleaner and more extended.



AüR Audio Ascension

Ascension is the previous model launched late last year, this is a tribrid with 1DD 5BA and 2EST priced at 750 usd. This also has gone the route of getting custom DD, although larger than Aehta and with stronger magnet. The Ascension BAs is the same type as Aurora mid drivers, E Audio RAB drivers.

Ascension has better ergonomics to me, this is maybe the most ergonomic IEM from AüR if you have large ears. The nozzle is quite large on Ascension, but in return they are shorter so the IEM doesn't sit as far outside your ear as with Aehta. The Ascension also has better grooves on the shell, but I can argue that Aehta is probably the safest bet on ergonomics for most folks.

The artistic design is better on Aehta and makes Ascension look a little cheap, also in how it is more weighty and feels more premium\ in the hand.

Biggest change going from Ascension to Aehta is that everything sounds cleaner and more resolving, it's a little like going from analog slower sound to more analytical and speedy set.

Bass is more punchy and visceral on Aehta while Ascension has a slower more textured bass quality, depending on music or mood both can be equally good.
Bass of Aehta is better for fast technical music, while some acoustic music can sound more organic and nuanced on Ascension. Both are nuanced and good, and if it's one that suits more music it's Aehta.
Even in the 000 switch position the Aehta sound is warmer in the bass than Ascension, both in sub and mid bass. The texture is tighter and has more punch to it, making it handle fast music much better than Ascension.

Aehta midrange also has more weight on instruments like guitar and drums, they also have extra clear sound.
Upper mids have also more bite on Aehta over Ascension, so vocals tend to have extra presence and clarity.
I like both presentations of the midrange, and depending on music or mood I can go both ways.

The treble has a very similar quantity, just that Aehta is a little more airy. Pushing the 003 switch is pushing the gap even a little more.



Penon Voltage
Adding a section extra here for Voltage, due to many questions.

Recently I had the Penon Voltage on tour and I did compare it to AüR Audio Aehta, the Voltage is a tribrid costing $1200 with 2DD+4BA+4EST and the Aehta is $1050 quadbrid with 2DD+2BC+4BA+2EST.

First off it's not about which is really better, it more depends on preference. With Aehta on switches 000 and voltage 11 they sound the most similar in bass, mids and treble weight.

I would say Aehta is more energetic and clean while the Voltage is more textured and thick, both have a very natural timbre.

Aehta have faster bass that slam harder, for overall quality they are both good. Aehta have more sub bass extension with good balance between sub and mid, while the Voltage have more of mid bass focus and lack some sub bass extension.

Mids of Aehta are more clean and open, while Voltage is thicker and smoother sounding, both have good midrange but sound different. There is something in the upper midrange of Voltage that can get piercing, but not on all music.

Treble quality is close to the same, a little more air and treble on Aehta when we push the third switch for more treble.
Soundstage is different, super wide on Voltage making it more oval. While Aehta is more balanced with more depth than voltage but less width, both are holographic and nice.

The resolution of Aehta is a small step above, the difference is not huge. But instruments and vocals are cleaner on Aehta, making it easier to hear micro details in the music.

About the tuning switches, they work on both sets but Aehta can change itself more depending on what you choose. Voltage will never be a basshead IEM in quantity, while Aehta can be considered too bassy by many when 1 switch is engaged. In a similar fashion when using the treble switch, Voltage on 01 is still warm and not bright. While the Aehta on 011 is too bright for me, since the upper range is then much more elevated compared to the low end.

Both have nice looking shells, depending on taste. Build quality is also good on both. For me the Voltage is the most comfortable, but I have large ears and more normal ears would probably fit Aehta better with the smaller shell and nozzle.

Both are at similar price ranges, and both are excellent choices. I hope this has helped someone choose between the two, had a few PMs the past weeks so it's nice to help.



Music

https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/ad7bbfa3-2067-4235-b2ed-f5a3fb53ff28

When comparing AüR Audio Aehta to other sets I have used some of the tracks in the playlist. The playlist are quite large now, and need some editing.

I'll also mention some albums I have loved with Aetha these past weeks, my own listening being with Bandcamp or Tidal.



https://tidal.com/browse/album/298087041?u

Matthew Halsall - An Ever Changing View

One of my favorite albums from 2023, jazz with some crossover into contemporary classical.
The spaciousness and clarity is wonderful, you can dream yourself away with Aehta.



https://tidal.com/browse/album/357926576?u

The Black Dog – Other, Like Me

Ambient dark techno, awesome new release. Take good use of Aehta deep bass, and also the clear sound. Since this album has quite boosted low end I prefer it with all switches off for less warmth.



https://tidal.com/browse/album/360034668?u

Synestia, Disembodied Tyrant - The Poetic Edda

Also a very new release, quite intense death metal. A speedy recording that's quite brutal and sounds worse if IEMs cannot keep up with all that's happening, no problems with Aehta and I find it quite equal to Neon Pro in clarity on stuff like this.



https://tidal.com/browse/album/356732480?u

Charlotte Day Wilson - Cyan Blue

Canadian singer and songwriter with her latest album, soulful release.



https://tidal.com/album/309757560?u

Dylan LeBlanc - Stranger Things

American singer, songwriter and guitarist, the Coyote album has some rock, blues and folk.
Sound great on Aehta, especially due to the midrange.



https://tidal.com/album/324692920?u

Søren Bebe Trio - First Song

Danish jazz, this release is a compilation of 10 of their singles from their 9 years. Beautiful and relaxing playing, with piano, drums and bass.



https://tidal.com/browse/album/364634956?u

A remaster that is better than the original, IDM and ambient electronica. Some of the tracks here have some seriously deep sub bass, very engaging and make good use of the bass of Aehta and also the technicalities.



https://tidal.com/browse/album/345865086?u

Wheel - Charismatic Leaders

Prog group from Finland, I for one find this as a very good release and their best so far.
Pushing 101 on Aehta for a fuller sound that is more engaging and lively, sound both technical and fun.



https://tidal.com/browse/album/356732598?u

Kamasi Washington - Fearless Movement

Master of the tenor sax,composer and band leader, this album is the newest one from Kamasi. It is a little more experimental and different than his previous ones, contemporary this one also but mixes in more elements from other genres.



https://tidal.com/browse/album/340523963?u

Little Simz - Drop 7

A small release from UK rapper Little Simz, still a solid one with addictive beats and good female rap. Push that bass switch and enjoy.



https://tidal.com/browse/album/352178744?u

L’Impératrice - Pulsar

Just released and is another good realest from the French group, has elements of disco, house and more. Engaging and fun, high chance you wanna move to the rhythm.


https://tidal.com/browse/album/203670371?u

Sophia Jani - Music as a mirror

Contemporary classical from Munich, minimalistic and intimate. Beautiful and emotional.
Depending how your preference is this is best with 000 to me, pushing 011 makes it more open up top but lacks some warmth then.



Conclusion

AüR Audio proves they are really good at making good IEMs, this for me is their best one. Abel is really good at making coherent sounding IEMs.

In short Aehta is a natural set that is clean and resolving, but also has a musical and fun side. And due to having tuning switches it is very versatile, being able to go for a more neutral sound to something warm or dark. I talked with many about the Aehta, and it's clear we like different switch positions. Some might dislike when switches are on IEMs, but it cannot be denied it is a smart decision to cater to more people.

If there is anything I dislike it's that I would have preferred the older design on the shells for better ergonomics, but this can be a personal problem for me.
I also would expect a better cable and perhaps something different than the unbranded black puck for storage, specially since we are now up in the higher end market where people expect a premium experience.

If I look at my spreadsheet, it gets a solid 4.5 stars. Going back in time I would have maybe given it a full score, but I had to adjust my rankings so not all models get 4.5/5 stars.

I find Aehta awesome, and it is clearly my favourite from AüR. Highly recommend it.