High End 2023: Masterpiece: Vision Ears x Astell&Kern AURA

There weren't too many in-ears to see or hear at this year's High End either, but one clearly stood out visually and acoustically: the AURA from Vision Ears, manufactured in cooperation with Astell&Kern. 

Like the Odyssey before it, which was produced by Empire Ears for Astell&Kern, the AURA will only be available in 600 units worldwide and is therefore a collector's item.

I had the opportunity not only to listen extensively to the AURA at High End, but also to talk to Vision Ears co-founder Amir and chief developer Oliver about their latest project. 

They told me that the production of the AURA was very complex and that new production techniques had to be found in order to be able to produce the "jewel" in this form. 

Whether the effort was worth it? Let's take a closer look at the AURA first...

What immediately catches the eye is the striking case with a golden faceplate, which immediately reminded me of jewelry. I find the design very aesthetic and valuable and you can clearly see and feel the effort put into it. 

The "air vents" that make the AURA an open IEM are clearly visible - a design that is rarely seen in the in-ear sector. Personally, I only know the Black Hole and Black Hole Mini Wood from Shozy, which rely on an open construction. 

The advantage: As with large headphones, you can achieve a larger stage representation with this open design. 

The Aura is delivered with a copper cable specially manufactured by Effect Audio that visually matches the AURA perfectly. In general, care has been taken to create a harmonious “total work of art” that does justice to a “limited edition” in this price range. 

The AURA consists internally of 11 drivers per side as well as a special crossover. According to Vision Ears, all components were specially developed internally.

Let's get to the sound

Ok, the thing looks really good and is well made, but does the sound live up to the big price tag? We tested this in detail with the Cayin N7 and the Astell&Kern SP3000 Copper as sources. 

After just a few minutes of listening, a satisfied grin appears on my face. Yes, this is a very special IEM, definitely nothing “off the shelf”. 

The AURA immediately appears extremely clear and detailed. The highs impress with their airiness and a maximum of details without any sharpness.

Voices sound extremely natural and are easily brought to the foreground of the action, giving them presence and emphasis. 

Instruments and singers can be easily heard and localized without the overall effect suffering.

The bass goes deep, but remains perfectly controlled, tight, crisp and, in the best sense, neutral or slightly raised . 

Overall, the AURA vote is rather neutral. Nothing is exaggerated here and yet it manages the balancing act of not appearing boring but on the contrary - arousing emotions in the listener. That's how it should be!

In my mind's eye, a slightly W-shaped frequency curve emerges, which is confirmed on paper by Oliver, the chief developer of Vision Ears. 

The AURA harmonizes perfectly with Cayin's N7 and the SP3000 from Astell&Kern. I even suspect that the AURA is generally not sensitive with the connected source.Of course, you should use an appropriate amp or DAP in order to utilize the full potential of the AURA.

Image: Oliver from Vision Ears with his "masterpiece". 

Conclusion

The VISION EARS x Astell&Kern AURA is a very special IEM. From the sound, the design and the workmanship. You can see and feel that a lot of work and even more passion went into this product and the future owners will receive a limited collector's item that will bring them joy for many years.

For me personally, the AURA is the best thing I've ever heard from Vision Ears. Bravo!

The AURA is now available for pre-order from us: VISION EARS x Astell&Kern AURA 

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