Astell & Kern LAYLA II
The Layla II is a flagship universal IEM built around 12 balanced-armature drivers per side, proprietary locking connections and an adjustable bass system. Its supplied Head-Fi listing reflects a deeply respected, much-loved reputation, making this an intriguing choice for listeners seeking a technically ambitious, feature-rich in-ear design.
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Kinda Soggy
Sound Quality
50/100
Fit Comfort Isolation
50/100
Build Accessories
50/100
Value for Money
85/100
Pros
Highly regarded and much loved in the supplied Head-Fi listing.
Cons
The available review provides no specific listening impressions on tuning, detail, imaging, or dynamics.
Fit, comfort, isolation, build usability, and accessory quality are not documented in the supplied review.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 50/100
The available listing calls the Layla II a much-loved IEM that was regarded as among the best, but it provides no usable detail on its tonal balance or technical performance. There is not enough dimension-specific listening evidence to draw firm conclusions about its individual sonic traits.
Bass
50/100
The available review excerpt does not describe sub-bass extension, punch, texture, quantity, or control. Its broad praise for the IEM does not establish a specific bass performance verdict.
Midrange
50/100
There are no comments on vocal placement, timbre, instrument body, or upper-midrange presence. Reviewers provide no direct evidence about midrange character.
Treble
50/100
The excerpt does not address treble extension, air, smoothness, sibilance, or listening fatigue. Broad acclaim alone cannot show how the high frequencies are tuned.
Resolution Separation
50/100
No direct observations are provided about microdetail, layering, or clarity in busy recordings. The listing's general statement of high regard is not enough to substantiate a technical-resolution claim.
Soundstage Imaging
50/100
The reviews say nothing about stage dimensions, image placement, depth, or positional precision. Spatial performance therefore remains undocumented in the supplied evidence.
Dynamics Coherence
50/100
There is no commentary on dynamic impact, transient behavior, rhythmic drive, or driver integration. The supplied review material does not support a more specific assessment.
FIT COMFORT ISOLATION PERFORMANCE 50/100
Although this is identified as a universal-fit IEM, the supplied review material contains no first-hand fit, seal, comfort, or passive-isolation impressions. Its practical in-ear experience is therefore not documented here.
Seal Stability
50/100
No reviewer describes insertion, seal consistency, movement stability, or fit-related bass changes. There is no evidence of either recurring seal problems or notably secure fit.
Comfort
50/100
The supplied material does not discuss shell ergonomics, nozzle comfort, pressure points, or extended-session wear. Comfort will depend on individual ear anatomy, with no reviewer consensus available.
Isolation
50/100
No passive-isolation observations are included in the available excerpt. The real-world effectiveness of the universal shells in noisy settings is not established.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Accessories
50/100
The specifications identify proprietary locking connectors and an adjustable-bass system, but the supplied review does not assess their durability, usability, cable quality, finish, case, or ear-tip selection. Reviewers say little about real-world construction and included accessories.
Value for Money
85/100
At $2,999, the Layla II sits in a flagship price class. The supplied review material offers no direct discussion of value or competing alternatives, beyond describing the model as much loved and highly regarded.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
No reviews found yet
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
Specifications
- Model
- LAYLA II
- 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
- Freqphase
- US Patent 9,197,960
- Jerry Harvey Audio locking Connector
- US Patent 9,172,180
- Adjustable Bass System
- US Patent 9,161,170
- Freqphase Control Method and System
- US Patent 8,925,674
- Dual driver dual high
- US Patent 8,897,463
- Dual Bore System
- US Patent 8,567,555
- 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
The Siren Series Universal fit IEMs plus Astell&Kern Playback allows you to hear the music how the
Recording Artist and Mix Engineer intended.
The second in the Siren Series line, Layla is worthy of being named after one of the most famous
love songs in Rock history. Recorded By Eric Clapton, with his band Derek and the Dominos and
released in 1970 on Layla and other Love songs. Layla was inspired by Clapton's unrequited love for
Pattie Boyd, the wife of his friend George Harrison.
- Custom-made Proprietary Balanced Armature Drivers (12BA per side)
- Powered by soundrIVe technology : Quad low, Quad Mid and Quad High balanced armature drivers per side
- Variable bass output, adjustable from cable : user controlled low frequency drivers with the
adjustable bass (0 - +13dB).
- Frequency ranges from flat bass response up to +13dB (10Hz to 100Hz)
- Integrated 4th Order crossover
- Triple Bore with Stainless Steel Tubing
- Noise Isolation -26dB
- Moon Audio IEM cable for 3.5mm unbalance and 2.5mm balance cable both are included in the package
Layla has the most sophisticated crossover network ever put into an IEM.
The shape of all crossover filters are all 4th order.
This crossover circuit combined with the Freqphase waveguide and new proprietary quad drivers
deliver an audio quality that will truly put you at the mix position in the recording studio,
whether it's hearing exactly what the mixer/producer and band wanted you to hear, mixing your own
tracks or performing live.
– Jerry Harvey
The 1st reference/mastering IEM from Jerry Harvey Audio
Full Metal Jacket
Each Body, Cap and Sound bore are machined from one Solid Block of Titanium with Carbon Fiber Logo Plate insert.
All new proprietary Driver designs
This series of IEM’s were designed to be used as a Mastering reference tool because the high driver was designed for optimum top end extention with minimal distortion. The mid driver is perfectly flat from 10Hz to 5kHz. Low driver designed for steeper low pass and with virtualy no distortion.
SoundrIVe Technology (Quad Driver Technology)
LaylaⅡ was equipped with soundrIVe Technology, using Jerry Harvey Audio's proprietary mini quad drivers. LaylaⅡ has a triple quad driver (12 drivers) configuration that offers the widest frequency range you’ll ever hear.
FreqPhase Technology / Stainless Steel Tube Waveguide
FreqPhase corrects Time and Phase of multiple Drivers. The Waveguide ensures each driver signal arrives within 0.01 milliseconds, resulting in a Phase coherent IEM.
4-pin Cable Connection with Machined Aluminum Locking Collar
4-pin cable connection with Machined Aluminum Collar mechanism provides a more secure and strong connection with earpiece and will also help to protect it from sweat and dust.
Variable bass output, adjustable from cable
User controlled low frequency drivers with the adjustable bass (0 - +13dB). Frequency ranges from flat bass response up to +10dB (10Hz to 100Hz).
Additional Balance Cable for Astell&Kern
AK380/AK320/AK240/AK120Ⅱ/AK100Ⅱ provides a balance output with its specific 2.5mm 4pole terminal. LaylaⅡ is originally designed and tuned for the AK380 balance output and provides a balanced cable specially made to connect to the AK380.
This originally designed 3.5mm and 2.5mm cables are specially made by Moon Audio in USA and both are included in the package.
Hand Crafted IEM made in the USA
Jerry Harvey Audio is proud to manufacture LaylaⅡ by using old school craftsmanship, while using the most cutting edge Technology.
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- Addicted to Audio — online and in-store — Epping, Victoria, Australia (website)
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- Audio 46 — online and in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
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