The STA-K is a 49 USD dual dynamic driver IEM. It uses a 10 mm driver with a beryllium-plated diaphragm for the lower frequencies and a 6 mm driver with a PET diaphragm for the higher frequencies. The tuning leans toward the Harman curve.
MAIN TAKEAWAY
EarAcoustics Audio is a Chinese IEM manufacturer founded in 2015. They are not widely known internationally, but they seem well established in China and are based in Shenzhen. Their website is earacoustic-audio.com. They work primarily with KeepHifi for international distribution but are gradually becoming available through more retailers.
Current price and availability:
Disclaimer: The review unit was supplied by KeepHifi for an honest review
The housing is made from clear resin with a silver-colored faceplate featuring a decorative diamond pattern. It is on the smaller side of medium and I find it very comfortable.
The cable is silver-plated copper with a smooth coating that gives it a pleasant surface and a good amount of grip. It is the standard 120 cm length. You can get it with or without a microphone, and there is also a USB version. It uses standard 0.78 mm 2-pin connectors in the IEMs and my set has a straight 3.5mm cable termination.
Urverket by Maridalen
Two saxophones, a double bass, and percussion. The STA-K delivers a very pleasant, well-balanced, and natural tonality. It has a “dry warmth” that I really like.
Analogue MTV Unplugged by a-ha
It is very clear and nicely balanced, again with a sense of dry warmth: It is not too thick, rich, and bold, nor completely dry and crisp, but something in between. The level of detail is very good.
Woodpecker by Tingvall Trio
Nicely balanced, detail level is good for an IEM at this price.
Spontaneous Compositorius by Thomas Agergard
Again, it is nicely balanced. The bright percussion is clear without being overly sharp, and there is plenty of detail. The saxophone has a slightly dry-warm timbre. The bass is a bit on the rounder side.
Rambling Man by Laura Marling
Very pleasant overall tonality. Articulation and dynamics are not top notch but adequate.
Sunrise by Norah Jones
The bass is slightly boomy and lacks the last word in definition. Vocals are very pleasant, with a slightly velvety quality.
Angel by Massive Attack
The bass is a bit round and thick but not overwhelming in quantity, keeping a nice balance. The percussion is slightly less articulated than it can be, but overall the performance is very pleasant.
Limit to Your Love by James Blake
Vocals are very nice, with a velvety character. The piano is slightly soft but very pleasant. The powerful bass is well rendered—round and thick without sounding distorted.
Bullet in the Head by Rage Against the Machine
The STA-K’s rich sound, with its thick bass, works very well here. Vocals are slightly laid-back, and the percussion is not as articulate as it could be, but overall this track is very enjoyable.
Daddy Lessons by Beyonce
The delivery is very smooth and well balanced. The bass is rich and solid, with a slightly round character, while the treble is laid-back and non-offensive.
As Before by Olga Konkova
The cajôn drum has a nice richness. The piano is laid back and velvety, as is the vocals.
Young Vivaldi by Modo Antiquo
This sounds very nice. The timbre is natural, with a hint of that dry warmth I’ve mentioned before.
Summer 3 Vivaldi Recomposed by Max Richter
The low end is very full. In general, the delivery is slightly dark but nice – in a somewhat laid back manner.
Sound Signature
The STA-K has a slightly laid-back, “Harman-tuned” sound signature that I find very enjoyable.
Treble
The treble is smooth and fairly detailed, yet laid-back. Treble enthusiasts might find it lacking, but those sensitive to sharp highs may find it ideal.
Midrange
The midrange is smooth and velvety, with what I often call a dry warmth. It is generally well balanced but on the darker side, never feeling recessed or overly forward.
Bass
The bass is somewhat boosted, with a thick and rounded character. Those seeking tight, well-defined bass textures might be disappointed, but if you enjoy thicker bass and like some rumble, it performs quite well.
Soundstage and Imaging
The soundstage and imaging are not spectacular but works ok. Instrument separation is adequate, though the background is not pitch black (as is to be expected at this price point).
Detail, Dynamics, and Timbre
The detail level is good for the price, though not extraordinary. Dynamics are not a standout; the focus is more on smoothness and balance than sharp articulation or dynamic contrast.
The timbre leans slightly dark. The midrange has a dry warmth that is very appealing, while the treble remains smooth and laid-back, as noted earlier.
I have spent some time comparing two relevant IEMs to the STA-K: the Truthear x Crinacle Zero:RED (65 USD) and the Kiwi Ears Cadenza (35 USD). Both are well known and popular budget IEMs.
You can find the full comparison reviews here:
In short, all three are good options in the 35 to 65 USD price range, but they differ significantly in tonality. The Zero:RED is the most neutral, the brightest, and the crispest. It also has the greatest technical potential, although this depends quite a bit on finding the right amplifier pairing. The Kiwi Ears Cadenza is smoother and warmer, with a more typical Harman-style tuning. The STA-K is the warmest and smoothest of the three, with the most relaxed presentation and the fullest sounding bass.
Overall, the STA-K offers a smooth, balanced, and enjoyable sound. Its slightly laid-back treble, velvety midrange, and rich, rounded bass make it a pleasant listen, especially for those who prefer a relaxed and musical presentation over extreme detail or sharp dynamics.
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