Astrotec Vesna

Being honest straight out the gate - I have never heard before the brand Astrotec, Nevertheless, its what I personally like about this hobby, constantly exposing myself to new horizons (in this case, new IEMs). So anyways, the Vesna is the contender that Astrotec handed out to beat everyone else in the 20USD range. So how does it fair with other IEMs in this already-saturated entry level pricing group?



Foreword

1. I have been using this pair of IEM for about a total of 5 hours of casual listening + 1 hour of actual listening (doing nothing else) for more specific conclusions for the review
2. I will be using DACs relative to the price of the IEM to review them. This is because using high end stuff like the Questyle M15 over-exaggerates the capabilities of the IEM itself.

DISCLAIMER :
This pair of IEM was sent to me by Keephifi, thank you for that. However, they are in NO WAY influencing this review, hence all the opinions written about this pair of IEM is subjected to no bias and will be honest.

If you are interested in purchasing this pair of IEM, you can do so with the non-affiliated link :
Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TT9RK1J?

Now with all of that out of the way, let's begin the review.

UNBOXING & ACCESSORIES
The people over Astrotec definitely still tries to cater to the consumer that eventhough you're getting something with a budget price, you're not missing out on a standard proper unboxing. Sliding away the sleeve shows the IEMs being presented in the cutout foam. Removing the cardboard compartment reveals extra accessories inside, which includes a simple pouch, eartips, and also a 3.5mm to USB-C converter. It's not a DAC though, I tested that.






BUILD & FIT

The bullet headshells are made of aluminum with a matte finish, hence making it feel premium yet feels lightweight. The faceplates are also made of aluminum and has a debossed "+" or "x" sign for its own aesthetic purpose. The cables are non detachable (keep in mind for cable rollers) , but does feel premium and does not have that issue where rubbing on it causes noise. The splitter and the 3.5mm jack is made of metal as well, accenting its quality visually and physically.






In terms of fit, the stock eartips do not really create a perfect seal and it feels somewhat slightly off, so I opted for third-party tips. Other than that, the simple cylindrical shape is straight to the point, giving you a straight forward fit.
Overall, feels lightweight and comfortable.


SOUND
Source : Foobar 2000 -> JM10 Dongle (Cirrus Logic CS43131) -> S.M.S.L. SH-6 Amplifier -> Astrotec Vesna with Spinfit CP145 (M size)


In general, the Astrotec Vesna is a more balanced sounding IEM with neutral characteristics and slightly more elevation on the mids.

BASS
one word : lacking
We can say that it's a balanced tuning but I've definitely heard more bass presence and more immersion on the Tripowin Lea

• The decreased amount of bass definitely makes everything in this region sound less impactful, but is more relaxing and increases the details significantly
• Songs with subbass will now have that part replaced with only subtle and the polite rumbles
• Kick drums sound very airy with a less impactful boom
• Fast and tight
• Basslines for some reason will sound very clean due to the lean tuning
• The bassline fron YOASOBI - Into The Night sounds very clear, but with only soft accompaniment of the bass and more of the metallic plucking sound (can I call it gritty?)
• No bass bleed is to be expected

MIDS

Vocals :
tldr : Considering the balanced nature and the elevated mids, it will definitely sound more forward in most cases, but will be slightly bland

Male vocals

• Tom Misch - Geography - Tom definitely sounds very forward, but does not present any aggresiveness in his vocal notes. Most likely due to the mix he might sound slightly hollow (as heard from other IEMs as well
• Stromae - Multitude - sounds strong and very, but yet not in-your-face
• Mac Miller also sounds so much more forward

• Female vocals
• Lilas Ikuta : overall might sound slightly flat and not lively due to the balanced tuning
• Aimer : vocals sound less intimate and more laid back, which for my personal preference is not really that on par
• No signs of sibilance whatsoever

Instruments :

• Piano notes from the mids to uppermids sound strong, intimate, full of character and soul in certain tracks (FKJ - Ylang Ylang, 10 Years Ago, VINCENT ALBUM)
• Violins has their own grasp of showing itself off in the track, an example is from Stromae - Fils de Joie
• Electric guitars from sound pleasant and not aggressive, even with shreds will sound more laid back
• Vocal accompaniments (people singing the melody) definitely sound clear and crisp, with decent decay
• Macro and micro details in the mid and uppermid range have good resolution where everything is presented well with maximum clarity

HIGHS

• Overall treble is more on the smooth side with no instances of sibilance as well, definitely more livelier as well
• Hi hats will sound more forward (eventhough it is at the back as a complement) but still relaxed
• Treble extension for hi-hats and rides are above average
• Sparkly chimes and blings sounds crisp but not too bright
• Synths sounds pleasant, rounded, with no harshness

TECHNICALITIES
After I got past the fact that the bass is lacking, I was genuinely suprised by the detail retrieval and dynamics of this pair. I always use the BL-01 as a standard within this price range to gauge what is called amazing detail retrieval - and to be honest, I think the Astrotecs are even better than the BL-01 in this specific case ever so slightly. The overall presentation of the tracks of the song, the macrodetails accompanying notes of gutiars and pianos, the microdetails and foleys - its just amazing. But then again, we can't really compare a V-shaped to this - but you get what I mean.

Imaging and seperation is also quite good, giving you ease to listen clearly where every single instrument is at which direction

Soundstage is average with decent depth and width , which unfortubately causes the good imaging and seperation, as well as the amount of detail retrieval to make tracks easily sound congested when there is too much going on.


FINAL THOUGHTS
Other than the lacking immersiveness in the low end, the Astrotec Vesna definitely has a reason to be in the market. Its overall performance in its technicalities that push the midrange and treble region definitely deserves a praise. Personally, I would use these to listen to more classical, simple songs with not so much going on.


Again, if you are interested in purchasing the Astrotec Vesna, you can get them at the links down below :
Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TT9RK1J?

It might be the first time you hear about this Chi-Fi company:- Astrotec, which have previously produced some premium high end IEMs. Recently, they have announced their brand new ultra affordable product - Astrotec Vesna. Keephifi have recently provided me with a pair of Astrotec Vesna for my honest opinion, I do hope that you find my review info useful. I am no way affiliated with Keephifi or Astrotec, and the review below is solely based on my honest opinion. Below attached is the link to purchase the IEM unit if you are interested (do support them), thank you.

Product link: https://keephifi.com/products/astrotec-vesna-evo



Specification:
Input: 1 mW
Max Input: 3 mW
Impedance: 30 Ohm
Cable: High Purity OFC Cable 1.2+-0.3m
Sensitivity: 102dB/1mW (S.P.L at 1KHz)
Connector: 3.5mm stereo plug
Frequency Response: 5Hz - 22kHz
Driver: Japan 2nd Gen LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) Diaphragm

Fit/Comfort:
Definitely a comfortable fit due to its lightweight design, and the earbuds that came along are comfy, build material feels premium and not cheap. Overall shape is bullet, similar to OnePlus Bullets. The cables do feel premium and does not tangle easily.

Sound:
Overall balanced and neutral profile, male and female vocals are clear and not underwhelming. Sound could be improved using good Amplifiers as it demands for more power. Details are clear and acceptable as compared to other similarly priced IEMs. Slightly V-shaped sound and increases with volume.

Bass:
Vesna produces neutral, moderate and clean bass, suitable for daily music listening, but kinda disappointing for basshead. Bass is strong but cannot be compared to high-end IEMs. However there is no bass bleed. Overall acceptable bass for affordable this unit.

Treble:
Vesna produces smooth, gentle, open and airy treble and can be compared with mid range IEMs. Overall above average treble for this unit.

Mids:
Mids produced by Vesna is natural, crisp and clear, and full of richness. Overall midbass is quite flat but acceptable.

Soundstage:
Overall medium quality soundstage but not the widest due to the limitation of single dynamic driver. Instrumental separation is good and acceptable, but congestion is noticeable on complex tracks.

Conclusion:
Astrotec Vesna is definitely a good choice in terms of build quality and performance especially for beginners in the Hi-Fi music world. It is affordable in terms of pricing and suitable for those who seek for quality music but doesn't want to spend a fortune. However, do not expect much if you are a basshead.

Thank you.

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Disclaimer:

• I purchased this unit with my own money. Rest assured that this review will try its best to devoid from any bias/es.
• The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
• No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
• Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.

Burn-in time: 5-10 hours per day, 4 days.


Source/s used:

• Hidizs AP80
• Not-By-VE Avani Realtek Dongle
• BaseUs USB DAC
• VE Megatron USB-DAC
• Zishan U1 USB DAC (AKM Variant)
• Cyberdrive Feather DAC
• Non-HiFi smartphone (realme 5i, Samsung Galaxy On7)
• Local Files via Foobar and Roon, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.

IEM and configuration: Stock small eartips, stock cable, any form of EQ or MSEB off, 40-60% volume, both high and low gain.

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Sound signature:

• W-shaped, with a hint of brightness on upper frequencies. Very good technicalities for its retail price.

Lows:

• Lows are elevated and controlled. Subbass is a bit elevated than the midbass but they are really close in terms of level of elevation. It also exhibited some good texture during the observation period. Despite being elevated, the decay leans to the faster side of the spectrum. It will be enough for most tracks but some bassheads may find it lacking, particularly the rumble, for bass heavy tracks.

Mids:

• The mids are elevated and never get drowned during my stress tests. There is a good amount of warmth on the lower mids to keep the lower notes and vocals have that good amount of depth. Despite having warmth, it is still clean, detailed, and textured for the most part. Upper mids are elevated, clear, with above-average vocal rendition. I did not experience any harshness or sibilance throughout my experience, but for those people who are sensitive to upper frequencies, they might find the Vesna’s upper mids a bit “energetic” to their liking.

Highs:

• The treble on the Vesna is slightly elevated, well-extended, with good amount of air. There is no presence of harshness or hotness here in this region. Detail retrieval is also above average for its asking price and for its price range as this can compete with some IEMs I have auditioned and experienced that costs 60 USD below in terms of detail retrieval.

Soundstage, Imaging, and separation:

• The soundstage here is just average in terms of width and expansion. It is a bit deeper than wider on my tests, as most bullet-style IEMs I have experienced with sounded. Separation is above average with slight congestion present only on very busy tracks, mostly on J-Rock tracks. Imaging is above average on this IEM as it exhibits better picture of vocal and instrument positioning compared to some of the IEMs within the same price range.

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Pros:

• Excellent sound quality under 20 USD.
• “Balanced-midcentric” sound signature.
• Punchy bass.
• Clear, articulate mids.
• Very good upper frequency presentation.
• Above average imaging and separation for its asking price.
• Comfortable, bullet-type fit.
• Generous accessories for its asking price.
• Comes with a free 3.5 female to USB-C adapter.
• Well-tuned LCP Driver.

Cons:

• Fixed cable may be a downside for some (but not me).
• A bit harder to drive compared to other IEMs that has the same driver material. Needs a decent source or DAC/AMP to shine.
• Soundstage isn’t cramped or compressed by any means, but could be better.

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The Astrotec Vesna is one of those IEMs that sets the bar higher in the budget range. This sound quality was only available for IEMs under 100USD years ago. Due to this aggressive innovation, these sound quality slowly trickles down to the budget segment. This audio bliss reminded me of an IEM I used to love before for sounding excellent in this price category - the Urbanfun Hi-Fi. I am happy to recommend the Astrotec Vesna for those people who are looking for a budget all-rounder, bullet-type IEM that will sound good as long as they have a decent source such as Dongles or DAPs to pair with it.

Pairing recommendation/s:

• A neutral or warm powerful source will make the Vesna show its full potential as this IEM is a bit harder to be driven properly. Some noticeable improvements are its better dynamics and smoother upper mids response as this IEM will sound “peaky” when not properly driven.
• The included eartips are good enough for this IEM and does bring justice to its full sound capability, but you can always use your eartips of choice. Start with the smaller sizes first to have a deep, comfy fit and isolation.

Thank you for reading!