EarAccoustic Audio STA-K DD iems
Product link for reference:
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/ke...-twice-the-immersion-twice-the-emotion.28288/Prior to this, I knew nothing about these STA-K iems, including price, reviews, specs etc.
I went in completely blind.
They were kindly sent out by Keep Hi-Fi with no expectations except my honesty, and that’s what they got.
I unboxed them and was very pleasantly surprised. They looked premium, they looked fancy. My expectations instantly rose.
I love the clear case with the gold and silver inside – very striking!
I’m predominantly headphones but I love a good pair of iems for travel, work and night to drown out the good lady wife…….. (oops, did I print that????)
I always prefer a balanced cable (headphones can be hard to drive) and initially I was disappointed the STA-Ks only came with a 3.5mm termination. I quickly reminded myself that iems are very sensitive and just don’t need a balanced connection. It’s actually a very lovely looking and feeling white cable. I’m a happy camper.
My only gripe (and it is minor) is that there are only 1 type of tips. Often, even cheaper brands will supply 3 sets of different tips – foam silicone etc.
But these ones fit well so I can’t complain too much.
So looks, comfort, fit (yes the seal is excellent and the fit spot on), how do they sound?
With no preconceptions, I found these iems to be…………….simply amazing!!!!!!
Let me break this down.
I used my trusty Fiio M23, which is just a magnificent Dap. I threw EDM, Electroswing, Classical, Rock, Metal and much more at them.
Polyphia – Playing God
Loreen - Euhoria
Lady Gaga – Abracadabra
The Omnific – The Labyrinth Chronicles
Billy Jole – Prelude/Angry Young Man
J.S. Bach – Concerto for Harpsicord, Strings & Continuo No. 1 in D Minor BWV 1052: I Allegro
HiLight Tribe - Free Tibet (Vini Vici Remix)
Tool - Chocolate Chip Trip
Infected Mushroom – Return to the Sauce
Their Dogs were Astronauts – Seahell
Metallica Fade to Black
Metallica – One
Bobby Bass = Hoist the Colours (Bass singer’s version)
I am NOT going to go through every song and bore you with a detailed description of every subtle nuance, as there were NO subtle nuances………….these iems are EVIL!!!!!! They are MONSTERS!!!!! They must be controlled at all costs!!!!!!
Ok, let me explain……..No doubt, due to the dynamic drivers, (and engineering and tuning haha), these things are BASS canons!!!!
Bass is omnipresent, it’s ubiquitous, it’s seriously deep, well controlled, authoritative and in check at the same time. As in, it doesn’t bleed into the midbass or mids and just exists deep and powerful on it’s own. Check out Hi Light – Free Tibet if you don’t believe me……….wow!
Mids – the mids are neutral, which suits me perfectly (I’m an unashamed V-shaper), so I’m vocal 2khz sensitive (shouty). The Sta-Ks had none of that!! The mids were just sitting beautifully in the mix for me.
Highs – the highs on these iems are crisp, clear, detailed and I really do get the impression these are expensive little beasts. They do everything so well.
Soundstage – this is good but not spectacular. I get a slight extension left to right and on the right track (Tool – Chocolate Chip Trip), I get a real holographic sound around my head. Very nice!
Dynamics – if you’ve been reading then you’ll know what I’m saying before I say it. These iems honestly slam! They punch, they kick like a mule. They are fun, engaging and exciting.
Timbre – electronic music sounded fun and exciting. Guitars, piano and vocals sounded natural and real.
These are seriously bass canons and should be on EVERYONE’s radar if you’re looking for affordable bass monsters with detail and clarity to boot at this low price point!
I’ve looked up the price by now, just to see what I’m dealing with. I won’t summise what I thought they would be, but I can say with all confidence, they are selling for much less than their performance level!!!
This is just the 2nd review that has had me absolutely gushing (the Aune S17 Pro EVO being the recent one), but with all honesty, the STA-Ks have me questioning how such good quality can be made for such a low price. A huge win for consumers, take my word. I’m off on holidays for 3 weeks and I own a mouch more expensive pair, but it won’t be them I’m taking this time……….
I have rated these 5/5 especially for the price, with only very minor nitpicks…….price to performance is simply excellent!!
