Skip to content
Available early February
The sole pursuit of sound truth – STELLA
VOLK Audio X Astell&Kern - A CONSTELLATION OF GOALS
STELLA is the result of three disciplines guided by a single pursuit of sound truth.
Astell&Kern stands for the precision of modern technology. VOLK Audio defines the architecture of design and acoustic form. Michael Graves brings the mastery of a five-time GRAMMY-winning engineer who understands the boundary between control and emotion.
Led by VOLK founder Jack Vang, whose decades of experience have shaped a generation of in-ear designs, the project evolved through exchange and refinement. Each discipline strengthened the others, creating an instrument distinguished by proportions, balance, and restraint. Throughout development, the VOLK engineering team worked closely with Astell&Kern to advance both the process and performance.
Specifically for STELLA, new acoustic architectures and driver assemblies were developed to achieve the precision and sound balance defined in the target response. These innovations were refined and calibrated in extensive sessions with Michael Graves at the Osiris Studio in Los Angeles. Each evaluation focused on sound accuracy, phase alignment, and spatial coherence to ensure every decision served the music itself.
"This collaboration was both an honor and a challenge that required absolute precision. The high standards of Astell&Kern and Michael Graves reflect our own, and this alignment pushed every part of the process to its limits. The goal was to create something focused, balanced, and precise, an IEM that is accurate enough for the most demanding mastering environments yet still has enough appeal for personal listening experiences.
STELLA continues this philosophy and reflects what is possible when precision meets functionality."
Jack Vang, founder of VOLK Audio
Highlights
- 12-driver quad-brid
- 6-way crossover
- Precision sound tubes
- STELLA is based on a 12-driver quad-brid architecture that combines four transducer technologies in a single, coherent system.
STELLA is based on a 12-driver quad-brid architecture that combines four transducer technologies in a single, coherent system. Each element was developed for its specific task and tuned through precise control of phase, pressure, and motion.
The design reflects the same discipline that also determines its form. Every contour, every cutout, and every circuit serves acoustic integrity. The structure is determined by performance, performance by structure. Nothing is decorative, nothing is superfluous.
Each driver operates in its natural range and contributes its character without interference. No forced equalization. No artificial enhancement. Only precision through functionality.
Technical details
- 1. LF-H-System | VOLK M9-R 9mm Subwoofer + two Sonion armatures
- 2. Tri-Armature-Array | Sonion
- 3. HF-H-System | VOLK MP-2 Dual Planars + four Sonion electrostatics
- 4. 0.78 2-pin connector
- 5. 6061-T6 aluminum housing | Satin black anodized
- 6. Front plate assembly | 6061-T6 middle plate, sapphire glass, and stainless steel frame
"Michael Graves is a multiple GRAMMY® Award-winning mastering engineer.
Since 2002, he has worked with clients worldwide and is regarded as one of the leading specialists in audio restoration and remastering. He has been awarded 5 GRAMMY Awards and 17 nominations.
His work on new and old recordings with labels such as Omnivore Recordings, Numero Group, Dust-to-Digital, BMG, Craft Recordings, and Analog Africa has helped shape the sound of artists like Blondie, Aretha Franklin, Hank Williams, Nina Simone, Erroll Garner, Ray Charles, Art Pepper, Janis Joplin, Buck Owens, and many others.
Graves is the owner and operator of Osiris Studio, a Los Angeles-based mastering and audio restoration company providing audio services for the entertainment and archival industries.
Michael Graves
WHERE ART MEETS TECHNOLOGY
- Low-Frequency Hybrid System (LF-H): VOLK M9-R dynamic driver + Sonion Dual Balanced Armatures
- Tri-Armature Midrange Driver
- High-Frequency Hybrid System (HF-H): Dual Planar Magnetic VOLK MP-2 drivers + Sonion Quad Electrostatic Tweeter
- 6-way crossover with multi-stage internal damping and tuned chassis ventilation
LF-H – VOLK Low-Frequency Hybrid System
The VOLK low-frequency hybrid system (LF-H) forms the starting point of STELLA's multi-stage architecture and combines the 9mm VOLK M9-R subwoofer and two balanced armature drivers in a two-stage chamber designed to regulate phase and resonance.
The geometry, alignment, and crossover of the chamber were developed together to maintain phase accuracy and pressure equalization between both stages. This coordination allows the dynamic driver to deliver depth and power, while the armatures add speed, texture, and sound structure in the lower frequency range.
With an operating range of 20 to 600 Hz, the LF-H forms the foundation for the weight and control that define the calmness and balance of STELLA.
MIDRANGE ARCHITECTURE
The midrange of STELLA is based on a triple balanced armature arrangement tuned for sound balance and natural presence.
The two symmetrical balanced armature drivers operate in the range from 600 Hz to 7 kHz and are tuned for energy and density in the 1–5 kHz range. They deliver warmth, articulation, and a vocal character that connects the lower and upper ranges with quiet precision.
Above that extends a single balanced armature driver from 6 to 15 kHz, which enhances the upper mid harmonics and refines the vocal and instrumental overtones. Its light diaphragm and fast transient response preserve clarity and texture and integrate precisely with the overlying planar and electrostatic systems, maintaining linearity across the entire spectrum.
HF-H – High-Frequency Hybrid System
The VOLK high-frequency hybrid system (HF-H) defines the upper range of the STELLA architecture and combines VOLK's dual planar magnetic drives MP-2 with four electrostatic tweeters in a unified system.
The crossover and acoustic topology were developed together to ensure phase accuracy and sound stability during the transition between the planar and electrostatic assemblies. This balance allows the planar drivers to shape the upper overtones precisely and controlled, while the electrostatic drivers expand the bandwidth and atmosphere with speed and composure.
With an operating range from 9 to 45 kHz, the HF-H ensures coherence and clarity at the extension limits and completes STELLA's spectrum with authority and sophistication.
Material-Design-Engineering
HOUSING
The housing, made from aviation-grade 6061-T6 aluminum and satin black anodized, forms the structural core of STELLA. It holds all acoustic elements in precise alignment and provides stability between the driver assemblies and the housing. Its geometry is designed for stiffness and resonance control. The internal mass and surface continuity stabilize the structure, reduce vibrations, and preserve acoustic accuracy. The alloy's low density ensures comfort while maintaining strength and balance.
CENTRAL PLATE
The central plate, made from 6061-T6 aluminum and satin black anodized, forms the optical and structural heart of STELLA. It is located between the shell and the frame and ensures the geometric balance of the entire assembly. The emblems of VOLK and Astell&Kern are positioned opposite each other, each centered in its own field. The surrounding constellations follow independent paths but adhere to the same proportions and sequence. It is both decoration and structure – an expression of the balance and craftsmanship that characterize STELLA.
SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL GLASS
The panel, cut from a single block of optical 9H sapphire glass, completes the front plate of STELLA and connects the stainless steel frame and the middle plate into a single, sealed structure. The surface is then diamond polished to eliminate micro-distortions and achieve full transparency and visual purity. The result is a structural lens made of pure sapphire, designed for stiffness, precision, and continuity of form.
FRONT PANEL
The frame defines the structural boundary between the sapphire glass and the aluminum chassis, which is crafted from stainless steel with micrometer precision. Every surface is highly polished to reflect the precision of its shape and the materials it unites. Beyond structure, it regulates the interface between air and material. The ventilation architecture integrated into the frame balances internal pressure, suppresses resonances, and ensures equilibrium throughout the acoustic system.
Every edge, radius, and transition has been modeled so that light and form act as a continuous surface.
VENTILATION ARCHITECTURE
The ventilation system integrated into the aluminum housing and stainless steel frame regulates airflow throughout the enclosure. Its geometry balances internal pressure, stabilizes diaphragm movement, and ensures a linear driver response. Each opening is defined by depth, diameter, and damping profile to balance pressure relief and isolation.
This prevents standing waves and suppresses low-frequency bloom while maintaining the integrity of the acoustic chamber. The ventilation openings act as a unified pressure control system, ensuring consistency between both channels and completing the structural and acoustic balance of STELLA.
CROSSOVER DESIGN
Stella features a proprietary six-way network that preserves phase integrity and synergy across all driver groups. Each acoustic path is filtered and time-aligned to maintain spatial coherence and tonal stability across the entire frequency spectrum.
Perfectly crafted cable
The cable was developed as an integral part of the STELLA acoustic system and preserves signal integrity and linearity across the entire range, maintaining the balance between structure and sound.
23.7 AWG, 4-conductor configuration
Hybrid conductor arrangement: 5N LCOFC copper, 4N silver, and 24K gold
- 12-strand Litz geometry of type 4S
- 500D core reinforcement made of macromolecular fibers
- SoftFlex PVC insulation
- Midnight black braided nylon outer sheath
- 6061-T6 anodized black hardware with high-gloss polished 316 stainless steel accents
- 4.4 AEC balanced connection
Scope of delivery
- STELLA earphones L/R
- Hybrid conductor arrangement: 5N LCOFC copper, 4N silver, and 24K gold (2-pin, 4.4 mm)
- 3 pairs silicone ear tips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs foam ear tips (S/M/L)
- IEM pouch
- Cable holder
- Leather carrying case x1
Specifications
- Model STELLA
- Drivers • 1 × VOLK M9-R 9 mm dynamic driver • 5 × Sonion balanced armature drivers • 2 × VOLK MP-2 planar magnetic drivers • 4 × Sonion electrostatic tweeters
- Cables • 23.7 AWG, 4-wire configuration • Hybrid conductor array: 5N LCOFC copper, 4N silver, and 24K gold • 4.4 AEC balanced connection
- Materials and Finish • 6061-T6 aluminum housing, bead blasted and anodized in Satin Black• 6061-T6 aluminum mid-plate, anodized in Satin Black with diamond-polished mirror finish• Sapphire glass panel, 9H• 316 stainless steel front plate frame, high-gloss polished
- CROSSOVER DESIGN Six-way
- Components TBC
- Frequency Response 10 Hz – 45 kHz
- Sensitivity 103.8 dB at 1 kHz
- Impedance 7.17 Ω at 1 kHz
