Astell & Kern Layla AION
The Layla AION delivers reference-grade detail with a remarkably spacious, three-dimensional soundstage, pairing smooth, articulate treble with bass that can be tuned from neutral restraint to visceral depth. MajorHifi highlights its lifelike precision, while headfi praises the smaller, lighter carbon-fiber design and superb imaging. A serious flagship for critical, genre-fluid listening.
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
94/100
Fit Comfort Isolation
90/100
Build Accessories
94/100
Value for Money
88/100
Pros
Exceptionally resolving, accurate presentation with clear separation and a revealing studio-monitor character.
Variable bass control spans precise, nuanced low end to deep, powerful impact, with extension reported to 10Hz.
Expansive, cohesive imaging delivers unusually roomy depth and distinct placement for an IEM.
Revised chassis is substantially smaller and lighter than the previous Layla, with quick seating and strong passive isolation.
Cons
The large universal-fit housings may still require careful fit consideration despite the improved ergonomics.
Its flat, less-forward midrange and neutral tuning may not suit listeners seeking a vivid V-shaped or highly emotive presentation.
Flagship-level pricing is a significant barrier.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 94/100
Reviewers describe an exceptionally detailed, accurate and highly adaptable flagship presentation. Its adjustable bass, smooth but articulate treble, expansive imaging and unusually strong coherence make it suitable both for critical listening and a broad range of music.
Bass
95/100
The adjustable bass system lets listeners move from restrained low end to deep, powerful impact. MajorHiFi found the medium setting especially convincing, combining precise attack with engaging depth, lifelike texture and subtle detail; Head-Fi also reports extension down to 10Hz.
Midrange
91/100
MajorHiFi hears a notably flat midrange rather than an overtly forward or recessed one, with plentiful detail but less immediate vocal presence than some rivals. Head-Fi similarly describes the mids as slightly warm and subdued relative to strict neutrality, while retaining excellent resolution.
Treble
94/100
Treble is consistently described as smooth, resolving and free from harshness. MajorHiFi praises convincing reproduction of strings, horns and female vocals, while Head-Fi finds the upper range slightly smooth in character but still highly revealing.
Resolution Separation
97/100
Resolution is a defining strength. Stereo Index calls it the most detailed and rich headphone it has heard, and both MajorHiFi and Head-Fi describe an exceptionally revealing, high-resolution presentation with clear space around individual musical elements.
Soundstage Imaging
96/100
MajorHiFi reports abundant stage width, convincing depth and excellent three-dimensional placement, calling it unusually open and roomy for an IEM. Head-Fi likewise finds the imaging superb, wider and more cohesive than the preceding Layla Full Metal Jacket.
Dynamics Coherence
94/100
Head-Fi considers the Layla AION a highly versatile mastering-monitor and audiophile design, crediting its bass adjustability and crossover implementation. The broad source compatibility noted by MajorHiFi further supports a coherent, dependable performance across varied listening setups.
FIT COMFORT ISOLATION PERFORMANCE 90/100
The smaller, lighter AION chassis appears to address the unwieldy fit of the earlier Full Metal Jacket version. Reviewers find it easier to seat and more comfortable than its substantial shell initially suggests, while its size also contributes to strong passive isolation.
Seal Stability
90/100
Head-Fi reports that the nozzle length and angle allow quick seating in the ear. The same reviewer found the older Layla Full Metal Jacket too large and heavy for sustained use, but presents the reduced AION shell as a meaningful ergonomic improvement.
Comfort
89/100
MajorHiFi says the earphones wear better than expected once inserted, despite their visual bulk. Head-Fi notes that the AION is 31% smaller and 45% lighter than the prior Full Metal Jacket model, a change it considers important for long-term usability.
Isolation
91/100
MajorHiFi finds passive isolation impressive, reporting that the substantial housings readily blocked nearby office conversation. No reviewer identifies isolation as a practical weakness.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Accessories
94/100
The Layla AION combines machined carbon-fiber shells, an integrated nozzle structure and a stronger lightweight braided cable. Its package is practical rather than merely decorative, including eartips, a cleaning tool, bass-adjustment tool, soft pouch, robust carrying case and a 2.5mm-to-3.5mm adapter.
Value for Money
88/100
At roughly $3,499, this is firmly positioned among flagship IEMs. MajorHiFi considers it capable of competing directly with other flagship models, and its review finds that the sonic performance lives up to the product's considerable expectations.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
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Specifications
- Model
- Layla AION
- Type
- Universal fit IEM
- Driver Unit
- Custom-made Proprietary Balanced Armature Drivers [12BA per side]
- Frequency Response
- 10Hz to 23kHz
- Input Sensitivity
- 117dB @ 1mW
- Impedance
- 20 ohm
- Jerry Harvey Audio Patent Number
- #9,197,960 / #9,172,180 / #9,161,128 / #8,925,674
- Specification
- - Audio was NOT muted during the measurement. - The image/specification may be changed without notice to improve product performance and quality.
Manufacturer's Description — Astell & Kern
Jerry Harvey Audio x Astell&kern
Jerry Harvey Audio custom earphones world's leading creator and collaboration Astell&Kern
The Layla AION Universal fit IEMs plus Astell&Kern Playback allows you to hear the music how the
Recording Artist and Mix Engineer intended.
The first Layla launched as a custom earphone in 2014 and instantly became known as the audiophile "holy
grail." Since then, there have been two limited edition releases of universal fit Layla, "Carbon Fiber
Edition," and "Full Metal Jacket." Each generation stunned the market as industry's first full Carbon
Fiber earphone and then the first full Titanium earphone available. The newest and third generation is
the most exciting yet: Layla AION.
Layla AION Technology
- Powered by soundrIVe™12 Drivers per side: Quad Low, Quad Mid, and Quad High Proprietary Balanced Armatures.
- Sonic Tube Chassis™3D printed chambers house the 12 driver configuration and implement freqphase technology - allows for a smaller shell design without bending on sound quality.
- freqPhase™Patented technology ensures the correct phase and time alignment of all frequencies, resulting in the most accurate music reproduction of any earphone available.
- Acoustic Sound Chamber™Recessed tube system keeps sweat away and alleviates the need for excessive cleaning.
Machined Carbon Fiber Shell
Each Layla AION begins as a carbon fiber block formed by compressing hundreds of layers of resin-infused carbon fiber fabric. After undergoing an initial machining process, and then a secondary hand shaping process, Layla AION is precision tuned using state-of-the-art equipment and assembled by hand. A striking faceplate design of red and black pearloid with oversized chrome logos makes Layla AION one of the most visually appealing universal fit earphones yet.
Silver-Plated OFC Litz Wire Cable with 7-pin Connector
Our strongest, lightest, most durable cable yet. High purity OFC 4N Silver-plated cable with German-made, military grade, iridium connector, designed to create a tight grip at connection, while easing insertion and removal. Built-in O-ring keeps the connection between the cable and earpiece sweat proof. Robust cable will not oxidize and features upgraded memory wire around the ear.
Handcrafted Earphones Made in the USA
Layla AION universal fit earphones are manufactured in Orlando, Florida by the same talented engineers and technicians responsible for producing Jerry Harvey Audio's line of custom earphones, seen in thousands of ears and on professional stages around the world.
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- Addicted to Audio — online and in-store — Epping, Victoria, Australia (website)
- Advanced MP3 Players — online and in-store — Musselburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (website)
- ALAIN CHOUKROUN — online and in-store — Paris, Île-de-France, France (website)
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- Area Hifi — online and in-store — L'Eixample, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- Audio 46 — online and in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
- Audio Advice — online and in-store — Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (website)
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