Astell&Kern's AK SOLARIS X is based on Campfire Audio's Solaris 2020 and features a custom-made balanced armature (BA) driver and a dynamic driver hybrid system and tuned to A&K's profile, states the spec sheet.

Additionally, Campfire Audio has utilised its Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber technology (TAEC) that is said to optimise the driver performance by adjusting the volume of space available in front of it, providing a direct passage from the driver to your ear. So, even though the custom BA driver, explicitly designed for the AK SOLARIS X, is smaller in size than its predecessor, it still offers a wideband performance that extends high frequencies without sibilance or fatigue.

Meanwhile, another BA driver provides the mid-range frequencies, while the custom 10mm dynamic driver is optimised for the Polarity Tuned Chamber.

By using volume cavities, both in front and behind the dynamic driver, bigger sounds can be drawn from smaller drivers. In this hybrid design, it can also specifically target the AK SOLARIS X's driver performance, resulting in a deeper and more refined mid-to-low frequency, says the team behind it.

The AK SOLARIS X comes with a balanced 2.5mm pure silver cable (a 3.5mm adapter is supplied). The Pure Silver Litz Cable consist of four 4N (99.99% purity) conductors design to provide the most transparent and extended sounds possible. The soft-touch jacket that wraps around each conductor ensures both flexibility and durability. Additionally, the beryllium/copper MMCX connectors are more resilient against wear and tear than regular brass connectors.

Finally, the AK SOLARIS X come with an eco-friendly cork case that Campfire Audio sources from a small boutique shop in Portugal, who work-side-by-side with people with physical disabilities.

The Astell&Kern AK Solaris X is priced at £1,499/ €1,799 and available exclusively in-store at Harrods and Selfridges from mid-July.

Visit Astell&Kern for more information