In-Ear Headphones Meze Audio ASTRU

Meze ASTRU - in-ear headphones with a single dynamic driver and titanium body

ASTRU is an in-ear monitor built around a single high-output 10 mm dynamic driver whose diaphragm uses a multi-layer, metal-coated composite structure. The single-driver design eliminates the need for a crossover and for phase alignment between multiple transducers, which makes the presentation sound coherent as a whole. A sensitivity of 111 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz, 32 Ω impedance and distortion below 0.1 % at 1 kHz place ASTRU among headphones that work well even with portable players and headphone amplifiers.

The diaphragm dome is formed by a gold layer deposited in 80 ultra-thin layers using vacuum magnetron sputtering over a 48-hour process, complemented by a titanium layer bonded to a PEEK base. This layered architecture increases the stiffness of the vibrating surface while keeping mass low, which translates into smoother treble, greater extension upwards and more natural transients. A rear vent equalises pressure between the driver's rear chamber and the outside air, allows unrestricted diaphragm excursion below 200 Hz and at the same time continuously relieves pressure in the ear canal during longer listening sessions.

The shell is CNC-machined from a single block of pure titanium as a one-piece construction and then refined by a multi-stage electroplating process to a satin finish. Producing one pair of perfectly matched shells takes up to seven days. The ergonomics follow on from the ADVAR and ALBA models, but the geometry has been further refined to trace the natural shapes of the ear without pressure points. A weight of 13.4 g and a precise fit contribute to a stable seal, which is a prerequisite for correct bass reproduction.

The package includes a 1.2 m cable with silver-plated LC-OFC conductors in a dual-strand arrangement with 161 wires per strand, insulated in SoftFlex PVC, with CNC-anodised aluminium hardware and a gold-plated 4.4 mm balanced plug; a 4.4 mm to 3.5 mm adapter extends compatibility with DAPs and amplifiers. Five pairs of liquid silicone ear tips (XS–XL) are supplied, designed specifically for the acoustics of ASTRU — using other tips may alter the tuning. The acoustic filter is protected by an etched nickel wax guard electroplated to match the titanium nozzle, and a hard case plus a soft PU leather pouch are provided for transport.

Key features

• Driver: Single 10 mm dynamic driver with composite diaphragm
• Diaphragm: Gold layer, titanium and PEEK base
• Shell: One-piece CNC-machined pure titanium
• Venting: Rear vent for deep bass and comfort
• Cable: Silver-plated LC-OFC with 4.4 mm balanced plug