Astrotec Vesna

A long time ago, audio wars raged in a galaxy far far away, the war won by those with strategy and strong allies. As they say in ancient times, there is no warrior alone in the field

I always look at low-cost products with great interest, because high-cost IEMs with a large residual margin, they have great marketing support and are easier to sell, especially if the product is successful

Another thing is to produce an inexpensive product and do it at a very high level. This is exactly what the experimenters and great masters of Astrotec did. They released a Vesna product that is not expensive, but at the same time it looks very cool and is impeccably built. When I opened the box, I felt a thrill, my words will be confirmed by everyone who bought an Astrotec Vesna. You open the box and look at this design, the quality of materials, positive tactile sensations and think what is wrong here, maybe the design and construction quality is all that the manufacturer offered!? Well, for such a price, there can’t be a sound equal to everything else here...

I don't want to spread the hype, Vesna will do it without me lol

Sound. It's a very pleasant tone with an emphasis on the mids, but due to the very advanced driver and proper tuning, the treble and bass have very good resolution with such a small driver head. The imaginary stage is wide, the division of plans and micro-detalization make you want to listen to Vesna for a very long time

These are a bit dark iem, but this darkness makes the sound velvety and very comfortable with all genres of sound

Now I will do what I really dislike and do very rarely, namely, I will do a comparison. This must be done because this warrior has entered the territory of two of my favorite inexpensive iem. I'm talking about Quarks and Tanya, for their price they are great and each is unique and good in its own way

If I rank these three iems, my shortlist will look like this:
1.Spring
2. Tanya
3. Quarks

Why is that so, you ask!? I will answer...because Vesna is superior to its competitors in everything except the Tanya box, but this shortlist will still not change because for me personally and probably most of the audiophiles it has the least value, maybe I'm wrong lol. Hello box lovers!

Vesna wins over its competitors primarily with build quality, materials and, most importantly, sound. The quintessence of all these parameters gives me the right to put Astrotec Vesna at the very top of the pedestal

Now you ask why Astrotec did this, I will answer you as a marketer. This is an ingenious approach in the production and positioning of the product. With the creation of Vesna, Astrotec accomplished three big marketing moves at once. Due to the low price, they will attract new customers who have long dreamed of trying Astrotec, but were afraid to spend money in vain. New customers in this inexpensive product will be able to feel the great skill of the creators

The second positive result will be an increase in loyalty from existing customers, who will break the mold of how such a low-cost product can be so cool. The third is an increase in knowledge and brand awareness, after people start using this product and writing about it

Cons. It is impossible to determine by touch in the dark where the right or left channel (shell) is, but I'm ready to live with it...

Forgive me but Vesna can't escape the hype without having the best sound in the world, not having the best design in the world, but for the money they are sold, this is a brilliant product and I'm ready to argue with everyone

The Astrotec Vesna is high on my list of iems that I will listen to every day as I explore the new facets and possibilities of this wonder

I definitely recommend

Appreciate the small and you will touch the great ©

#Astrotec #AstrotecVesna @Astrotec

Astrotec Vesna IEMs - Low Entry, High Performance



Vesna is the most affordable Chifi IEM that I reviewed to date, or which I think I will be reviewing. It costs about 20 USD, and it has a single dynamic driver, non-detachable cable, but comes with a nice carrying pouch.

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Introduction

Astrotec is an entry-level Chifi designer, with a long record of pretty enjoyable IEMs. They tend to make fairly long runs of their products, so usually you don't have to worry about limited warranty or other issues, plus they have stayed in business for a long period of time, giving me confidence they are going to be around for even longer.

It should be noted that I have absolutely no affiliation with Astrotec, I am not receiving any incentive for this review or to sweeten things out. I'd like to thank Astrotec for providing the sample for this review. Every opinion expressed is mine and I stand by it. The purpose of this review is to help those interested in Astrotec Vesna find their next music companion.



Packaging

First things first, let's get the packaging out of the way:







The package of Vesna is fairly good, it comes with a carrying pouch, and two extra sets of tips. There is one Type-C to 3.5mm adapter inside the package, but my smartphone Xiaomi Black Shark 4 cannot use it. As far as I know, this is a passive kind of Type-C adapter, so only smartphones that have sonic output over the Type-C connector could use it. You can refer to my review on HIFIMAN RE400C for more info on this, but basically, you won't be able to use it unless you have an older Google Phone, some Samsung phones, or a Huawei Smartphone.



Build Quality/Aesthetics/Fit/Comfort

Vesna is a very simple, but highly effective Entry-Level IEM. It has a thin, yet well made cable, through which you can see the copper wires, and a 3.5mm single ended jack. We have a cable separator on the cable, so you can deposit them without them tangling, but even without using that, Vesna is not very tangle prone, and the cable is of a high quality. The cable is slightly on the springy side.



The cable is not detachable, so when it does, the IEMs die, but Astrotec also sells an Evo version of Vesna which has a detachable cable. The IEMs have a metallic grille to protect the single dynamic driver from dust and debris, but I suggest checking whether they have that grille still on after taking them out, as one friend once had a metallic grille fall while wearing an older model, AM850, and had to have it removed by a medic.



There are Left and Right markings on the top of Vesna, and they are made for both over-the-ear and straight-down wearing styles, Astrotec really knowing that the entry-level market won't always want over-the-ear designs. The color choices are good, and the looks of Vesna are pretty cool, with a light blue back cover, and a silvery body. If you wear them straight-down, the cable does carry some microphonic noise, but it is bearable, while if you wear them over-the-ear, the cable will carry no microphonic noise.



Vesna needs a bit of power to play music, and I recommend using at least an entry-level dac/amp/dongle, like FiiO BTR5 2021, ifi hip-dac2, or Soundmagic A30. The comfort is ok, the body of the IEMs is slightly large, at the ear canal level, and the tips are somewhat large, but they stay well in your ears, and there are no sharp edges or corners that would create a bad comfort. Vesna is extremely light too, and the cable is light too, so you never really feel that you're wearing them. Vesna isolates fairly well for me, between 15 and 20 dB of passive noise isolation, I cannot hear my keyboard while I'm typing with only pretty quiet music playing in them.



Sound Quality

The sound of Vesna is actually incredibly good, and even though I never reviewed an IEM this affordable, Vesna can easily beat most 40 USD - 50 USD IEMs I know, in both treble, bass extension, and overall dynamics / details. The sound of Vesna can be described as natural towards V-Shaped, with a strong bass impact, and they sound excellent at all listening levels. The overall feeling is that Vesna goes for a versatile signature with great overall detail. They get more v-Shaped at louder volumes, and are more natural and even at quiet and medium listening volumes.



The bass is detailed, clean and has excellent extension, as low as 40 Hz, which for the price is amazing. The bass speed is natural, which means a natural note decay, and good presence for drums and bass guitars. Vensa somehow sounds really smooth in textures, without being boring, which helps a lot with listening to bands that tend to be harsh and fatiguing, like Leningrad and J-Rock / J-Pop bands. The bass quantity is more than enough for Rap and EDM / Pop, but Vesna is not a basshead IEM by nature. The bass has a really nice impact, with focus around 60Hz.



The transition from bass to midrange is smooth, and Vesna is not boomy or exaggerated in any frequency, plus they have a really natural and clean voicing. The timbre of Vesna is absolutely spot on, they have no coloration towards darkness or brightness, and although the treble is quite open, the midrange and voices are very good. Detail levels are comparable to a 50 USD - 60 USD IEM, and Vesna has excellent overall dynamics and details. They have a medium sized soundstage, with a good overall stereo imaging and instrument separation.

The treble is on the open and airy side, with a good extension as high as about 12 kHz, after which it rolls off smoothly which again is outstanding for a 20 USD IEM. The treble is not closed or deafened above 14 kHz, so they sound fairly airy and open. The overall treble character is on the smooth side, and Vesna makes even harsh and bright music sound enjoyable and fun. They have this really musical tuning to them, and for an affordable 20 USD IEM, I can't believe my ears how great they can sound, putting all KZ models to shame when it comes to actually playing music in an enjoyable and fun fashion.



Value and Conclusion

I actually tend to avoid reviewing entry-level IEMS below 50 USD, because most of the time they sound so poor that I sometimes had to simply drop the review on a few before. It simply wasn't worth the effort to provide them any kind of review, as a bad review is still marketing for them, and I don't want to spend my time reviewing something that I consider too poor in quality. Vesna is truly a surprise, the value ratio is through the roof, and for 20 USD, I would suggest purchasing it even if it is not necessary for you, as a backup IEM. You may be surprised to hear them sounding more pleasing, more natural, smoother and more enjoyable even than 100 USD - 120 USD IEMs.



Basically, the price / performance ratio can't get much better than this, and I feel forced to add Astrotec vesna to Audiophile-Heaven's Hall Of Fame for the best price / performance ratio I experienced to date. Comparisons are not really useful here, since at 2X the price, most alternatives that I reviewed are considerably more expensive.



If you're looking for a natural, audiophile, musical and enjoyable IEM for 20 USD, Vesna is absolutely recommended, and the best entry-level IEM you can get for this price. You can get more by spending more, but if you have 20 USD to spend, regardless of your tuning preferences, most alternatives have considerable issues.

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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!

INTRODUCTION:

Astrotec, the brand based out of China is specialised in manufacturing the TWS, Cables, Earbuds etc. To get their name registered in the budget category they have launched this Vesna as their introductory model with the new Japanese LCP diaphragm which is now highly praised among the audiophiles out there. In this review let’s check out how the Vesna performs and is it really worth the price.



DISCLAIMER:

This unit has been provided to me by KeepHiFi in exchange for my honest opinion. The whole views are based on my observations with this product and based on my pairing with It hence it might differ from person to person.

If you are interested in purchasing this unit then please feel free to go along with this unaffiliated purchase link:

Amazon store: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TT8N8TR?ref=myi_title_dp&th=1

Shopify store: https://keephifi.com/products/astrotec-vesna-evo

SPECIFICATIONS:

Driver: 6mm Dynamic Driver, LCP diaphragm

Input: 1 mW

Impedance: 30 OHM

Cable: High purity OFC Cable 1.2±0.3m

Max Input: 3mW

Sensitivity: 102dB/1mw (S.P.L at 1KHz)

Connector: 3.5mm stereo plug

Frequency Response: 5Hz - 22KHz

DESIGN AND FIT:

The design of the Vesna is neatly done without any decorations. It’s quite subtle with some highlights like the teal coloured faceplate that catches everyone’s eye. The whole construction is made out of metal casing with non detachable cables.

The given cable is very good in terms of durability and does provide that nice feel in the hands even though they are not braided. The cable does have that sticky nature hence tangling might be an issue with this. The model also has another variant with a non detachable cable version in which you can swap a better cable for more premiumness.

The earphone is pretty comfortable in terms of fit where the bullet shape goes well in terms of longer listening comfort.



SOUND:

The sound of the Vesna is on a balanced to neutral profile with more concentration over the mid range region and the treble section. The bass is more on a mellow side and focussed more on an analytical sound rather than a usual budget fun sound. In this dissection of audio lets check that out in the detail.

The Vesna does require a good amount of power to unleash its full potential hence a dedicated AMP would be of great use.

BASS:

The bass leans towards the neutral side and has more clarity and separation over the fun and boomy impact. Both the mid bass and the sub bass has been tamed out and not in the line of fun. The track separation however seems stellar for the price though. The control and the speed of the bass is pretty fast hence the sub bass rumble is only noticeable in specific tracks and it's too subtle.

Since the bass is pretty neutral here the fuller sound cant be seen here rather it's a lean sound and if you are using it for some EDM’s then you would be disappointed but for some classical and instrumentals then this would really make a grin in your face because of that separation.

But frankly I would have expected a bit more sub bass and midbass because without that the Vesna sounds pretty flat and has no bodied sound. The attack, bite and punchy bass is not seen here. The bass is more focussed towards to deliver a clean, tighter, faster low end. People out there who love a neutral profile with neutral bass to EQ it then this might be best for you to get in the budget.

1. Hall Of Fame – The Script
2. Somebody to Love – Kyrill & Redford

MID RANGE:

Now you are talking! Because the mid range is where the whole magic of the Vesna lies! The presentation is done very nicely with a nice layering effect.

The vocals are positioned at a sweet spot where it's not too intimate or laidback rather at a sweet spot. The tonality of the vocals are realistic with near to natural tone. The timbre of the instruments are fine too without any bright, dry or metallic hint. The background instruments are nicely brought forward without any hindrance. The track separation is the star show here where the instruments are nicely spaced out giving a sense of grand presentation in general.

The headroom is also above average for the price thus everything sounds wide and clean without any sense of intimate sensation. The piano notes and the kick drums are neatly portrayed out without any artificial taste. The notes sounded good enough neither too light or fuller. They do have a nice presence of air giving a lively feel to the overall listening. The energetic factor is not present but the lively factor does compensate for that and makes the track sound livelier.

Overall the mid range is more on an analytical side rather than a musical or fun side. The clean and natural tonality combined with that above average separation and headroom gives the listener a nice concert-like experience.

1. Perfect – Ed Sheeran
2. Love Story – Taylor Swift

TREBLE:

The treble is modest here where the roll off can be seen evidently giving a gentle and smooth listening experience. The treble heads out there should stay away from this. The non fatiguing sound does lack that brightness in the top end thus also lacking that shimmer and brilliance. The lively factor that comes out of the treble is missing hence they might sound duller.

The track separation is pretty good and the air in the treble section is restricted. The guitar strings and the cymbal crashes don’t sound that realistic where they are mellowed out noticeably. The splash and sparkle of the percussion instruments are smoothed out hence they appear lacklustre.

When it comes to replaying the faster tracks the Vesna is capable of replaying it nicely without any sort of distortion since the track separation is nicely done here. In the track Mr.Brightside the guitars and the kick drums are neatly separated out without any congestion.

Overall the treble is tuned to please the relaxed listeners by providing a nice non fatiguing sound by compromising the percussion instrument notes and the treble extension but its worth for the treble sensitive heads out there.

1. Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
2. Sultans Of Swing – Dire Straits

TECHNICALITIES:

STAGING: The staging of the Vesna is pretty good in terms of width and height. Both of them are in correlation with each other and nothing is too intimate or widest. The instruments have a good amount of space for their placement and no congested feeling is observed.

IMAGING: The imaging is also pretty good with neat and precise instrument placements. They can be pinpointed even when replaying any busier tracks. The channel sweep from left to right is done pretty smoothly. The transient response of the Vesna is pretty good too.



VERDICT:

Vesna, the latest offering from the house of Astrotec is a well rounded budget package that one can get. The Vesna being an in -ear type has that nice bullet styled comfortable shells for longer listening sessions with durable, long lasting cable comes with 3.5MM termination for universal usage with the smartphones. The model also comes with a detachable cable design and is priced slightly higher.

Apart from the design aspect the sound is also nice with great analytical sound for the price. This model is equipped with the Japanese LCP diaphragm which is now highly praised among the audiophiles and used in the popular models like the Aria, T3 Plus etc. The sound is focussed towards some pure audiophiles out there searching for a budget beater pair to add in their collection. The sound is more on a neutral side with more emphasis on the mid range with best tonality and timbre. The bass is pretty neutral but the technical aspect of the low end is nicely portrayed out. The bass has that nice control and speed while the treble rolls off early to provide that nice smooth longer listening sessions. The vocals are the star show here with natural and rich tonality while the instruments in the background are neatly portrayed out without any hindrance or compression in the staging. The major con for me is that they have thinner notes weight and leaner bass.

Overall the Vensa does provide nice value for money with one of the best ANALYTICAL SOUND IN THE BUDGET without any need of dumping a lot of cash!

Astrotec Vesna ($19.99): A very affordable alternative

Vesna



Intro: I have been privy to several Astrotec models from IEM’s to TWS systems. All have had their benefits and I still think Astrotec flies under the radar for many enthusiasts. Their products are top notch and the sound fits many styles including my own. The Vsena came about after communication with Ms. Zhang from the marketing department at Astrotec. I graciously accepted her offer and it is implied that the unit is mine to keep but not sell forward (still uncool) unless asked back for. What follows is an honest interpretation of the Vesna and comparatives versus some in the same segment.

I thank Ms. Zhang and Astrotec for the faith in my abilities and the sample.



Specs:

Driver: 6mm Dynamic Driver, LCP diaphragm
Input: 1 mW
Impedance: 30 OHM
Cable: High purity OFC Cable 1.2±0.3m
Max Input: 3mW
Sensitivity: 102dB/1mw (S.P.L at 1KHz)
Connector: 3.5mm stereo plug
Frequency Response: 5Hz - 22KHz


In The Box:

Vesna (non-detachable cable)
Pinch-closed heavy fabric case
3 sets on silicon tips.
Velcro cable tie


Compared/Used:

VE Bonus IE ($20)
Meze Classic 12 ($69.99)
VE BIE Pro ($69)

MBP/Singxer SA-1
HiBy R3 Pro Sabre
iPhone 13 Pro Max w/ DDHiFi Lightning adapter (TC35C)


Songs Used:

Alex Fox
Jesse Cook
Roger Daltry/Wilco Johnson
Roger Daltry
Pink Floyd
Tedeschi-Trucks Band
Tommy Emmanuel



Unboxing:

For me, Astrotec has always been consciences about their packaging and the desire to keep it minimal while still pervading style and substance. A small square box contains all of the goodies, which has a white sleeve ordaining the outside. That white sleeve has all the information you need, including specs and a frequency graph on the back.

Taking the sleeve off, you are met with a soft foam cover holding the earbuds, with a slim cardboard sleeve on the bottom portion, which contains the extra tips and protective sleeve-case. That’s it and I’m OK with that, especially for the price.



Technicals:

Equipped with Japan 2nd Gen LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) Diaphragm, the 6mm dynamic driver is on the smaller side of life. Don’t let that diminutive size fool you, for the unit functions just fine. The overall character is somewhat complicated with all of the parts, but Astrotec has a long history of providing quality build, with thoughtful design and inside mechanics. This is no different. Simple and functional, the unit works.

LCP achieves a good balance between the two contradictory characteristics of high rigidity and high internal loss. It can effectively suppress the segmentation vibration, thereby reducing noise and accurately restoring the sound. In theory, less internal noise and vibration reduces vibrational distortional characteristics allowing the sound to permeate the air more cleanly, with less diffusional aspect. This allows for a cleaner, less vibrationally distorted sound, much like placing a pillow or extra soft padding in your old speakers would. Reduce the vibrational aspect, and the sound will not be interrupted as much. This is not uncommon, but still nice to see a company promoting this on their budget model.


Build/Fit/Finish:

The aluminum shell sound chamber, made from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, purportedly accurately restores every note, as an elf whispering in your ear. Their words, but I get it. Aluminum has a high dampening characteristic to it, and thus vibrational losses are minimized, further enhancing the sound experience. Made of three pieces, including the nozzle, the build quality is good, and the pieces fit together well. The burnished aluminum color keeps fingerprints at bay while giving a subdued look to it. The Vesna comes with a permanently mounted cable of copper. The Vesna Pro uses MMCX connectors, so you can change cables if you wish. The tip is a bit harder to mount on the wider lipped nozzle, but I would rather that than the opposite.

The cable is thin and of copper variety, providing a small footprint to the small earbud as well. An aluminum Y-splitter has a plastic cinch above it, and below the cable is of 4-braid variety, but inside a shrink sleeve. The 3.5mm jack is small as well, but the stress relief inner protection is well cut, even if a bit short for me.

A pleasant package and build overall, and fit is top notch, even with only the medium included silicon tips. When music starts, isolation is very good, with little to no bleed into my listening cocoon. The VE Bonus IE may be a bit more robust in build, but the Vesna provides just about what you would expect for a $20 earbud. Satisfaction.



Sound:

Summary:

When one listens to a $20 earbud, one must usually temper their expectations to fit the price. Upon first plugging the Vesna in to check before my mandatory 100hr burn in process (don’t @me) I noted how it sounded pretty solid from the off. Solid but not overenthusiastic bass qualities highlighted a cleaner than ought to be low end. The 6mm dynamic driver was proving its worth already. On Tinsley Ellis’ No Stroll In The Park, there is a solid bass line laid down by the electric bass as well as bass drum. You could feel it and after burn in, that foundational aspect is solid. Not guttural or thumping, but present enough to earn your respect.

The vocals of this are good, but a little thin and “flat.” Paranthetical for it can be a misnomer if not taken as part of the whole. The vocals are still fitting within character and price, and yet again that 6mm dd does its fair share to promote an appealing sound. Timbre is good but not great, and I do think the slightly thin mids have something to do with this. Treble is promoted as strong and effervescent. Not spikey or harsh but there promoting where needed and as it should. Cymbal clashes and sounds fall off a bit due to the limitations of driver size, but not enough to be forgotten. Everything And Everyone comes on and I forget all of the above and raise the volume accordingly. A bit harder to drive than some I have had recently, the HiBy does well here, and my Shanling M6 Pro does a fantastic job.

Moar:

This could be one of the most evenly presented earbuds I have listened to in a good while. Bass does not overwhelm the picture like some high-end IEM’s I have in-house right now (that is their character and I love them for that...) but comes across as strong and taut. Decay is quite fast as a result, and I think if that was delayed a bit, the Vesna could have something close to sumptuous bass qualities. Nonetheless, I like this treatment. Slight rumbles can be heard on some songs, but do not expect Legend X or Frontier Series quality here.

Vocals are clean if a bit thin as mentioned. Hence mids are clear and fairly crisp and clean but this would be an almost to me. I wish for a bit more richness here, but that could very well destroy the synergy of the overall signature. Nevertheless, I enjoy the vocals of Susan Tedeschi as much as Tinsley Ellis. Female vocals sound a bit thicker or meatier, but again for the price this is very good.

Turning the volume up does not turn the treble into a mess of spikey harshness. Not rolled off but tuned to not be an infiltration into your cranial matter either. Any more push up top and this could have become a jumbled, jangle screechy mess. Color me happy with the results so far.

Soundstage is of average quality with good placement across the three dimensions. This would be where a case of average is actually good, since this small of a driver is hard pressed to present a cavernous approach. As a result, layering & instrumentation is average as well, but again for the price good. I can discern instruments and where they lay, but on busier tracks it does become a bit of a bother. Again, to be expected.

The Vesna is what I would expect a quality offering at the $20 price point to sound like. And it does.



Comparison:

Astrotec Vesna ($19.99) vs VE Bonus IE ($20):

The VE Bonus IE was thrown in with the purchase of the more expensive BIE Pro, and I do not regret that inclusion by Wild Lee at all. Easier to drive, and with much more bass the Bonus Ie is not for the faint of heart. A favorite silicon tip can tame that exuberant bass a bit, but the point of it is to profit your ears with that quantity and quality. Much more V-shaped as a result, the Vesna bests the Bonus in the mids, with the vocal treatment falling slightly behind stage front in the VE product. Ellis’s guitar licks are very prominent and a bit pushy up top in the VE as well. But much like a quality basshead earbud, one does not purchase the Bonus IE for its lack of character. You purchase it for the bass. And in that the Vesna is no match.

The Bonus cable is of a spongy rubberized material, so microphonics are limited thankfully. To me you get what the oriented sound is for in the Bonus IE: bass first, and good clarity second. You live with that V-shape and you are happy. You live with the more evenly balanced vesna for more genre and are happy as well.


Astrotec Vesna ($19.99) vs Meze Classic 12 ($69.99):

The Mese is on loan from a fellow reviewer and it was a surprise inclusion in the package of others. I have the 11Neo (rather my son absconded with it...) and liked it very much. If looks were the sole criteria, these two would lead the earbud pack by a mile. The Vesna is quite a good looker, but the Meze is stunning. Soft pliable cable with gorgeous bronze coloring to the shell and hardware it is the best-looking earbud out there. But both here share one flaw: microphonics. The Meze has to me amongst the worst microphonics I have heard of late. Which is really a letdown as the sound is of gorgeous mid-centric quality. Quite forward here, the Classic 12 is not shy about vocals or guitar work. At the front could be defined by the Meze.

Here the Astrotec naturally falls behind for the Meze cost 3x as much and then some. Regardless, the Vesna presents a more even sound characteristic to it, which I tend to enjoy more. Where the Meze has better clarity and detail presentation, it is let down to me by being too detailed with those forward mids. This is a detail-oriented persons dream. It would be darn near perfect for orchestral or classical music. The Vesna is more even in presentation and thus better across genre.


Astrotec Vesna ($19.99) vs VE BIE Pro ($69):

Upon first listen to the BIE Pro, I was stunned. I still am. This is absolutely my favorite earbud at this price and possibly of all-time. The bass is a bit tamed from the Bonus IE, but the mids simply sing to me. With fervent treble note as well, this thing sings. I know your mileage will vary but for those who have not heard the BIE Pro, you owe it to yourself to try it. The cable above the Y-splitter is odd, what with its loosely wrapped copper, but it does keep microphonics down as well. Coming naturally with your choice of a balanced cable or single end you get to enjoy it as you see fit.

The BIE Pro also has better clarity of note to it as well. This is the one Meze should have been shooting for with the Classic 12 to me. And yes, I am biased towards it. The Vesna comes close with its even sound, but the VE product was born simply put to raise the roof. And to me it does.



Finale:

I scribe this while listening to R.E.M’s seminal Man In The Moon, through the excellent Singxer SA-1. You might think why such a quality dac/amp with a $20 IEM? Well, because I can and the Vesna fits right into the flow with the gear and the song. It may cost a mere $20usd, but it does perform exceedingly well. So much so, that it can muscle right into the top at this price. Yes, the cable has microphonics, and stays a bit tangled. But the build of the Astrotec model fits their character across the board. I do appreciate when the “budget” models look as good or almost as good as the totl models. Don’t be fooled, though. This is not a flagship model nor was it meant to sound like their flagships. It sounds quite good for the price, even with the limitations of the dynamic driver size and diminutive size overall.

The Vesna sounds wonderfully musical, even if the mids can be a bit bright for my tastes. Solid foundational bass, and a pleasantness to the treble and signature overall make this an affordable bargain, and worth a listen.

I thank Astrotec and Ms. Zhang for the sample. It was my pleasure reviewing the Vesna.

DISCLAIMER

I bought the Astrotec Vesna at my own expense, with a slight discount. It can be gotten here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003715639529.html



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This is the year of the LCP driver craze (eg Moondrop Aria, Tin HIFI T3 Plus, Dunu Titan S), and the Astrotec Vesna are an LCP containing single DD neutralish set, whose tuning is pretty uncommon at the budget segment (most are tuned V-shaped or harmanish).

They have great price to performance ratio, packing decent technical performance and good timbre, with an organic timbral accuracy. Some nitpicks are a thinner note weight, and some sibilance/splashiness at the 6 kHz regions.


SPECIFICATIONS

• Driver configuration: 6mm Dynamic Driver, LCP diaphragm
• Frequency response: 5 Hz – 22000Hz
• Impedance: 30 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 102 dB/mW
• Cable: non detachable version versus 2 pin version available
• Tested at $19.90 USD; detachable variant is $34.90

ACCESSORIES

Other than the IEM, the Vesna packaging comes with:

- 3 pairs of silicone tips (S/M/L)
- USB C dongle - quite an interesting addition to a budget IEM accessory line-up, in terms of sonic fidelity, nothing really stellar to write home about, but a nice touch nonetheless.
- Soft carry pouch - the pouch has a clasp and is quite sturdy, definitely usable and quite robust



For the purposes of this review, the stock tips were used.


BUILD/COMFORT

The Vesna are a bullet shaped IEM meant to be worn cable down. They are very light, ergonomic and comfortable.

I didn’t find any driver flex for myself (but YMMV once more as this is somewhat dependent on ear anatomy and types of ear tips used).

My set is the cheaper non detachable variant, but one can purchase a 2 pin detachable variant for $15 USD more. This non detachable version's cables are thin and have microphonics unfortunately. One can lower the microphonics by using a shirt clip (not provided but can be purchased for a few cents). There is a strain relief reinforcement, so that adds some reassurance, unlike that of the noodle-thin non reinforced Final Audio 3000 (cough cough).

Between the 2 variants, perhaps looking back, I would have considered spending the extra 15 bucks to get the detachable version, so as to use some aftermarket non-microphonic cables on it. Also perhaps to use balanced cables/connect BT dongles. Non detachable cables are also an awkward yank away from being a white elephant, but considering the non detachable version are priced at sub $20 USD, something has to give, for the price!


ISOLATION

Isolation is below average, but they can still be used outdoors, just perhaps not in very noisy places.


DRIVABILITY

I tested this set with:
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Khadas Tone Board -> Topping L30 amp
- Khadas Tone Board -> Fiio A3 Amp
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- ESS ES9280C PRO DAC/AMP dongle
- IKKO Zerda ITM01 dongle
- Tempotec Sonata HD Pro dongle (BHD firmware)
- Smartphone

The Vesna do benefit and scale better with amping (as per the sensitivity of 102 db/mW and impedance of 30 ohm), they sound meh from a weaker source. In view of the Vesna having a thinner note weight, they synergize better with warmer analoguish sources, rather than from very clinical/bright sources.


SOUND & TECHNICALITIES

The Vesna are a neutral IEM. There is a sub-bass and higher treble roll off. Note weight is on the thinner side, but this aids in transients. Though those that want a lusher and thicker sound may need to look elsewhere (eg Tanchjim Tanya, Final E3000).


Astrotec Vesna graph via IEC711 compliant coupler. There is an artefact resonance peak at 8 kHz.

Soundstage is wide, especially with amplification, however depth and height are about average. Imaging and layering is quite good, though instrument separation and details are fuzzy at times. Technicalities wise, nothing to nitpick considering the USD $20 cost. Transients are quick with the LCP drivers used, and this is a highlight.

Timbral accuracy for acoustic instruments is very good, though vocal timbre can sound a bit thin due to aforementioned thin note weight. Pairing the Vesna with a warmer source can mitigate this area.

The bass here is mid-bass focused and just a tinge north of neutral with a sub-bass roll off. There is just a small tickle of sub-bass in bass heavy tracks. Bass texturing is decent, no mid-bass bleed is present, bass speed is quite agile.

Mids are somewhat neutral too, though because of the lack of midbass warmth, the lower mids can sound a bit thin. Upper mids are not shouty and are not fatiguing with just a 10ish dB pinna gain.

Treble has a roll off at the higher treble, but the lower treble can be a bit spicy, with mild sibilance and a bit of a prominent peak for cymbals/high hats that can cause occasional "splashiness" around the 6 kHz region. It is not that fatiguing when used at low to moderate volumes (Fletcher Munson curve).


COMPARISONS

I made some comparisons for the Vesna against other bullet shaped single DD sets. Multi driver/BA/hybrid types were left out as they have different pros and cons amongst the different transducer types.


Final Audio E3000 ($50 USD)

The E3000 are more L shaped and more bassy. The E3000 have worse isolation and a more crappy non reinforced cable without strain relief.

The E3000 are harder to drive, and have a bigger mid-bass, though the E3000's mid-bass is very boomy and bleeds and isn't tight or clean, and are much slower than the Vesna's. The E3000 have a thicker note weight and sound more lush.

Timbre is less natural on the E3000 for acoustic instruments. In terms of technicalities, the E3000 are slightly better in imaging, instrument separation and soundstage, but costs almost 2x the price (for non detachable Vesna variant).


Tanchjim Tanya ($24 USD)

The Tanya are a similarly priced competitor. The Tanya are more bassy with a thicker note weight than the Vesna. The Tanya's bass is boomier, slower and less tight with more pronounced midbass bleed. Both sets have good timbre as per their DD roots, but the Tanya have a less microphonic cable.

In terms of technicalities, they are very close. The Tanya and Vesna are complementary, the former for a chiller thicker and fuller sounding set, whereas the Vesna are a bit thinner in note weight, but more neutral and agile.


CONCLUSIONS

In a nutshell, for the price of $20 USD, this set is really more than decent. The price to performance ratio provided here is amazing. This kind of quality for the coin would have been unheard of just 2 - 3 years ago!

Timbre and layering is a highlight on the Vesna, though they do need amping to scale to optimal performance. Tonally, the neutralish Vesna are quite unique as most budget gear nowadays are tuned V shaped or harmanish for consumer preferences.

Those who have been in the CHIFI circuit long enough might have something more technical in their collection. Bassheads will need to look elsewhere, plus there is a bit of splashiness with cymbals/highhats and sibilance, but the Vesna are a good ultra budget introductory IEM for those new to the hobby looking for a neutrally tuned IEM (assuming one has a dongle amp at least).

Oh ya, and the added USB dongle is a very nice touch, for the all-in USD $20 price, I rather skip a restaurant meal and experience some audio nirvana!

Since the earlier reviews cover the physicals, I am focusing on sound.

You find the complete story at https://www.audioreviews.org/astrotec-vesna-review/

Equipment used: MacBook Air | Earstudio HUD 100 (low gain) with AudioQuest JitterBug FMJ | SpinFit CP145 eartips.

The Vesna have a warm, (relatively) rich signature with a realistic attack and an overall surprising sonic quality. Sure, they are still budget earphones but their overall cohesion is pretty good and they are attractive and engaging to my ears/brain.

No, the bass does not dip particularly deep – its merely ok – but it is as tight as my wallet. Not the biggest rumble down there and the slam may a bit on the polite side. No midbass hump, no sub-bass hump. The bass is agile and warm. Best actor in a supporting role. Not bad at all.




The Astrotec Vesna feature a relatively flat frequency response without any irritating peaks.

Vocals are the big surprise…they are intimate, articulate, have decent note weight and the notes are well defined and rounded, too. Exceptional quality at this price point. Yes, you can turn the music up and the voices remain smooth and are not stabbing you in the chest…or rather eardrums. A huge asset. Typically, budget iems are lean and piercing in the midrange, these are not. Therefore, no shoutiness either. Hurrah!

Treble is non intrusive. Cymbals may sound metallic and energetic, but they still keep some subtlety. Extension into the lower treble is very good but resolution is not the greatest.

Stage is reasonably wide, not very deep, and also not too high. Imaging and spatial cues are outstanding for its class, attack is delightful: no harshness, nimble, very pleasant on my ears. Separation, layering, and resolution are also very good for the class. I would like to repeat: note weight and note definition both stick out. Timbre is also great: everything sounds natural.

Looking back, the combination of a warm signature, a speedy, non-syrupy bass, and smooth, silky vocals creates an overall very pleasant listening experience for me.

Astrotec Vesna Compared​

The Vesna is the best <$30 iem I have heard in a long time – and they may be a valid successor to the discontinued Moondrop Crescent. The similar looking Venture Electronics Bonus IE is way too sub-bassy in comparison, and therefore blunter sounding at its low end, although it also has an overall organic timbre.

The $25 Tripowin Leá lacks dynamics, and cohesion in comparison, though it has a more impressive build with detachable cable. It is harsher and aggressive sounding in the midrange.

The Vesna, I say it again, can be turned up to the hilt without sounding piercing or aggressive.

Concluding Remarks​

Well, another $20 earphone withe non-detachable cable and piston-shaped earpieces. But hey, this one is more cohesive than any of its siblings I have tested (through its flatter tuning). It does essentially nothing wrong, not even remotely. On the contrary, it is an engaging, enjoyable listen for me, even with much higher-priced iems in my drawer. The Vesna’s will go in my glove department for use at the supermarket.

Until next time…keep on listening!

Disclaimer​

The Vesna was provided unsolicited by Astrotec – and I thank them for that.

Get the Vesna directly from Astrotec or their from Astrotec Official Store.

Introduction:
Astrotec is a company based in China that specializes on portable audio products like in-ear monitors and earbuds. It was founded in 2002 and the word "Astrotec" was from combining the words "astronomy" and "technology". The Vesna, an in-ear monitor with a bullet type design, is their most recent product. It comes in two variants, with the regular one having a fixed cable, and the Evo variant having an improved, detachable cable. The Vesna currently retails for 20 USD, and was provided to me for free by Astrotec in exchange for this review.

International purchase link

Specifications:
Driver unit: 6 mm dynamic, liquid crystal polymer diaphragm
Impedance: 30 ohms
Sensitivity: 102 dB
Frequency response range: 5 Hz - 22 kHz

Source:
Poco X3 paired with FiiO KA3, Tempotec Sonata E35 and Zishan U1

Test tracks:
Africano - Earth Wind and Fire
Dark Necessities - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Gurenge - Lisa
The Chain - Fleetwood Mac
Monsters - All Time Low
Ours - Taylor Swift
Stay - Mayday Parade
Snuff - Slipknot
Yesterday Once More - Carpenters
So Slow - Freestyle
Aurora Sunrise - Franco
Attention - Pentatonix
Blue Bird - Ikimono-gakari
You're Still The One - Shania Twain
Anyone Who Knows What Love Is(Will Understand) - Irma Thomas
Salamin - Slapshock
AOV - Slipknot
Hey Jude - The Beatles
The Way You Make Me Feel - Michael Jackson
...and a lot more.

Unboxing and Accessories:
The Vesna comes in a pretty small square box. Removing the sleeve will reveal the earphones inserted in a very thick foam and with the cables tied with a velcro strap, and below it is a smaller box that contains a fabric pouch for storage, three pairs of white silicone eartips, and a basic male USB C to female 3.5 mm adapter. As per Astrotec, this is just a simple adapter and does not contain any DAC chip. Underneath the foam there is the instruction manual and a quality control pass certificate.

Build:
The shells are made of metal in a very small, bullet type design. The turquoise colored faceplate has this cross design. At the top portion of the shell, the letters L and R are printed to indicate the left and right side respectively. In the dark, there is no way to determine which side is which, so I thought it might have been better if the cross on one side was tilted so that if you touch it, you'll immediately know which side it is. The nozzle has a fine metal mesh filter and a lip to lock eartips in place.

The cable is a basic single core oxygen-free copper cable. This is the type of cable that gets very stiff over time, especially the part of the cable that touches your cheeks while wearing them. It is lightweight, moderately soft and flexible but microphonics is an issue. The noise is loud when the cable gets rubbed, tapped or wiggled. The chin slider is made of hard rubber, while the splitter and 3.5 mm gold plated plug are made of metal.

Now let's get to the sound.

Lows:
The lows are full of impact and have a substantial elevation. Subbass rumbles vigorously with excellent depth, and decay that is longer than average. Midbass also hits strong. It sounds thick and can sometimes get a little too boomy on bass heavy tracks, resulting in some occasions of bass bleed.

Overall, the really small 6 mm driver of the Vesna outputs surprisingly strong bass that is definitely reaching basshead territories. Not only it is strong, it's ability to reach really low frequencies is also impressive.

Mids:
The mids are partially upfront, with an average level of clarity. The mids also have an added hint of warmth that causes the male vocals to be thicker and more forward, but renders female vocals to be slightly nasal on some rare occasions.

Overall, the elevation in the lows carries through the mids. Instruments in this section have sufficient articulation but can sometimes feel like they are pinched together.

Highs:
The highs, just like the lows, are increased in both the quantity and extension. Treble reach is slightly above average as well as the length of the decay. Lower treble has great energy too, giving instruments in this section a more solid attack.

Overall, the Vesna is able to showcase sparkly, vibrant highs. If you are treble sensitive, perhaps the Vesna can become fatiguing for long listening sessions, but it shouldn't be an issue for people without that sensitivity.

Soundstage and Imaging:
This is where we feel the limitations of the small dynamic driver. Stage expansion is slightly below average. There is not much height to the stage, and the width is just barely adequate. Imaging accuracy is good and has sufficient clarity. Instrument separation and layering is good on acoustic tracks but congestion is really noticeable on complex tracks especially in metal and rock genres.

Conclusion:
The Vesna is a great option for casual listeners, those who are just starting to go down the rabbit hole of this hobby, or for those who are wanting to add something inexpensive to their collection. One small complaint is that it comes with a fixed, noisy cable. But nevertheless, relative to the price, the build quality and performance the Vesna can give you is definitely something worth considering.

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.

Disclaimer : The unit was provided by Hifigo as a part of a review tour but all thoughts and opinions are my own. You can purchase the Vesna here.

Build and Fit
Gone are the times of bullet style earphones, or so I thought. It doesn't have much going when it comes to the aesthetics. It is sturdy and that is all one can ask for at 20 USD.
The bullet style fit doesn't sit well with my personally, but oh well.

Amp Needs
30 ohm, 102dB/mW. No external amplifier is needed.





Sound Quality
Vesna is surprisingly detailed for the price range. It's tonality is on the leaner side with a slight sizzle in the treble region. I think the surprising amount of raw detail is in part due to the overall tuning of the Vesna. Bass quantity is definitely on the lower side and it doesn't reproduce much texture in this region either. The treble has a noticeable but tasteful boost in the lower treble which emphasizes the cymbals, "S's" and "T's" but it is not sibilant. But it is for sure on the "sparkly" side of presentations. Vesna could use more air up top which would result in a more complete sonic picture in my opinion. It seems to be rolled off beyond the lower treble, which puts a very slight veil on the treble. Midrange is linear in terms of presentation right up to the upper midrange which is boosted, thus affecting timbre just a slight bit and adds a tinge of thinness and compression to the sound. Vesna is not forgiving when it comes to poor recordings. If the recording is shouty, you will know it. Due to the lesser bass impact, the dynamics are not up to the mark and thus this earphone is good for analytical or critical listening. Instrument separation is pretty good and headstage is quite spacious, coming close to what I would consider the king of FR emulated headstage, the KZ EDX.



Conclusion
Tuned more for analytical/critical listening, the only major flaw is the lack of air up top. The lack of air and openness would have made the vesna a much more purpose built earphone.

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?