VOLK AUDIO Étoile

VOLK AUDIO Étoile – Limited Quadbrid Flagship IEM

The VOLK Audio Étoile is the result of over a decade of vision, acoustic ambition, and masterful sound craftsmanship. Developed in close collaboration between founder Jack Vang and Grammy-winning mastering legend Michael Graves, the Étoile delivers an IEM that perfectly balances technical precision with emotional depth.

As the brand’s debut model, the Étoile makes a clear statement of uncompromising precision and exclusive craftsmanship. With ten meticulously tuned drivers—including dynamic, balanced armature, electrostatic, and magnetostatic units—it offers a listening experience that combines analytical detail with natural musicality. Every note and nuance is rendered with crystalline clarity, while the balanced frequency spectrum provides deep, controlled bass, natural mids, and brilliant, airy highs.

The design of the Étoile reflects both Jack Vang’s vision and Michael Graves’ award-winning engineering expertise. The result is an IEM that excels technically while also meeting the highest aesthetic and tactile standards. Limited to just 350 pieces worldwide, the Étoile is both a professional tool and a coveted collector’s item for discerning enthusiasts.

Highest Resolution Meets Character

The 10-driver Quadbrid design combines four technologies in one system:

• 1 × 10 mm M10 subwoofer for powerful, controlled bass (20 Hz–350 Hz)
• 4 × balanced armatures for midrange frequencies (approx. 350 Hz–8 kHz)
• 4 × electrostatic drivers for brilliant highs (8 kHz–45 kHz)
• 1 × 8 mm M8 magnetostatic driver for precise treble extending well beyond 50 kHz

A six-way crossover on a dedicated PCB ensures all drivers work seamlessly together, with precise frequency allocation and sophisticated acoustic paths. Five acoustic “sound bores” further fine-tune the signal for optimal performance.

Design & Materials

The Étoile’s faceplates are made from 6061-T6 aluminum, finished with 24K gold, complemented by Italian Midnight Saffiano leather and medically certified Dreve resin for a luxurious touch.

The shell itself is crafted from black Dreve medical-grade resin and features dual tri-port vents to control internal resonances and regulate air pressure. Even small adjustments—such as 0.1 mm changes to port size—have audible effects on bass control and coherence, demonstrating the meticulous tuning of each IEM.

Each earpiece is a precisely CNC-milled aluminum unit with a 24K gold-plated faceplate. The combination of medical-grade resin, Italian Saffiano leather, and artisanal precision turns every Étoile into a masterpiece. The dual tri-port ventilation ensures not only stable diaphragm movement but also coherent, spatially immersive music reproduction.

The cable system is equally exceptional: the VOLK ARC cable uses carefully selected conductors of silver-plated copper, silver, and palladium-coated materials to ensure maximum signal fidelity, minimal distortion, and dynamic precision. Its medical-grade PVC jacket protects against microphonics while remaining flexible and reinforcing the luxurious overall aesthetic.

Cable & Connectivity

Included is the VOLK ARC cable, crafted from premium conductors: 5N OCC silver, 4N silver, silver-plated copper, and gold- and palladium-coated silver.

Hardware components, including the Y-split and 4.4 mm plug, are CNC-milled aluminum, black anodized, and accented with 24K gold rings.

Connections: 4.4 mm AEC balanced and 0.78 mm 2-pin for optimal signal transmission and universal compatibility.

Acoustics & Airflow

All drivers share a single acoustic chamber fed by a dual tri-port system to maintain stable air pressure. This design stabilizes diaphragm movement, eliminates unwanted resonances, and ensures consistent clarity and balance across the sound spectrum.

Limited Edition – Founder’s Reserve

• Only 350 units worldwide (Founder’s Reserve Edition)
• Faceplates finished in 24K gold
• Premium packaging and accessories:

Included Accessories:

• ÉTOILE IEMs – Founder’s Reserve Edition, Individually Serialized XXX / 350
• ARC Cable – Limited ÉTOILE Edition
• VOLK Leather Cable Tie
• IEM Carrying Case – Saffiano Leather × Goya Red Alcantara
• Velvet Box Dustbag – Founder’s Reserve Edition
• VOLK Silicone Eartips, Black – S / M / L
• Symbio F Foam Eartips, Orange – S / M / L
• VOLK Microfiber Cleaning Cloth – Black
• Founder’s Letter – Personally by founder, Jack Vang
• VOLK Collector Pins – Gold Edition + Black / White
• VOLK Decal – Gold Metallic Finish

Specifications

• Impedance: ~8.8 Ω @ 1 kHz
• Sensitivity: 110.6 dB @ 1 kHz
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 50 kHz

Our take

The VOLK Audio Étoile is more than the debut of a premium label—it is a statement. Technical brilliance, artistic vision, and artisanal precision converge in an IEM that delivers both analytical rigor and emotional resonance. Limited to 350 units, the Étoile is designed for listeners who experience reference-quality sound not as a benchmark, but as an immersive journey.