Hi all, with spring like this coming soon – so get ready to listen! So today I would like to tell you about a very interesting in-ear headphones from a Chinese company Astrotec, Lyra. True, the form factor of the earmolds is quite controversial. On the one hand these ears are not burdened with noise isolation, on a busy street you will hear not only beautiful music. But on the other hand – earphones can take a good note – up to a quality sound that can come in handy in the office or at home.
thanks to mycroft internet store.su for the provided sample for listening
Astrotec Lyra in-ear headphones
In the last months I was able to get acquainted with some headphones of this class. At first I got Edifier H180, then I had a chance to listen to the legendary Yuin PK3. And now it’s turn – a hybrid model of Astrotec Lyra earphones.
Specifications
Type of headphones: earphones
Headphone Type: Dynamic 15.3mm dynamic driver
Type of acoustic enclosure: Open
Connection type: corded
Min reproducible frequency: 15 Hz
Max frequency reproduced: 23 000 Hz
Impedance: 32 Ohm
Sensitivity: 108 dB
Maximum power: 10 mW
Harmonic content: 0.25%
Design
Diameter diaphragm: 15.3 mm
Cable type: symmetrical
Adapter: 6.3 mm included
Plug: 3.5 mm jack straight
Accessories
Metal case, exchangeable ear cushions 2 pairs, 1 pair of ear pads
Dimensions
Cable length: 1.2 m
Looks and ergonomics
The headphones come in a black cardboard box. On the box graphic of headphones, model name and company logo. Inside, another box-box, which is a booklet and a bar of thick foam, which are located and the headphones themselves and the metal can-case with accessories.
In a jar like those in my childhood filled with sand to play “beater” found two pairs of removable ear cushions, a pair of fasteners for BTE, and the headphones themselves are also here.
Ears are made of metal with a rubber ring that surrounds the front of the earmold with output holes. Everything is clear, strong, beautiful and reliable. Cable length of 1.2 meters with a straight jack, I also found it very comfortable and durable.
The “Lyres” look very cool and stylish. No gaps or imperfections, the design is very good. The behind-the-ear fit, though, seemed to me not very comfortable at first. I twisted and spun them, took them off, put them back on, pressed them to my ears… Then I spat on it and surfed on Facebook. It took me about ten minutes and then I realized that I can barely feel them in my ears and the sound is very nice! So, there is some fog about the fit: everything seems to be ok at the computer, but how will they behave on the walk, in motion? I think that surprises are not excluded..
Sound
The listening was done with MyST DAC 1866OCU V.2, Hifiman hm-601 LE and QLS qa-360.
The Astrotec Lyra played best on the stationary MyST DAC 1866OCU, but it did more than fine with portable players as well.
The sound of the headphones can be characterized as neutral, smooth, clear. There is no obvious imbalance in the tonal balance. The pitch is dry, even, I would say, monitor-like.
Everything is wonderful with detail in the sound. The resolution is very good, each instrument is clearly delineated in space.
Some people may not like some lightness of sound, but this flaw is man-made, arising from the loose fit. The same thing happened to me, the first time the ears were free, there was too much air and the music material looked very light. If you want more bass, just flip the headphones in, the sound will immediately flatten. In general, there are some nuances, but in general, the sound is very happy.
The tweeter is clear, clean, unobtrusive, a little bit cold. No obvious problems to my ears.
The mid-range is very intelligible, without peaks and distortion. Detail and resolution are top notch. The middle too is a bit cool and clean, I like it!
The bass is quite fast, without rumble and muttering. Sometimes it lacks in quantity, but the quality of the bass is excellent. In general, you could add to it, but perhaps a lot depends on the fit and taste preferences.
Conclusion
Very interesting model: both in sound and design. There are little complaints about the amount of bass, but its quality is not a complaint. In the rest of the frequency range, I think everything is great. But the situation with ergonomics is not so unambiguous. Though maybe I’m just tired of the liner notes?
The average price in online stores for Astrotec Lyra reaches 9790 Dollars. I think it is an everyday price, if you consider what a bandit the dollar has become against the ruble.
Sound, design, price.
Lack of noise isolation, the fit is not suitable for everyone.
Do these Astrotec Lyra in-ear headphones deliver the desired bass experience? Will they impress with their cool middle range? Can they truly entice the listeners with their seductive sound quality?