Overview

Astrotec is a Shenzhen-based audio brand. Its parent company was established in 2002, the “Astrotec” brand was created around 2009–2011, and it states it was honored as a “Chinese Top 10 Headphone Brand” for five consecutive years (2017–2021) [1]. The current catalog centers on wired IEMs such as Vesna (single DD, LCP diaphragm), AM850 MK2 (single DD), Volans (single DD “Tesla” magnetic system), and Archimedes (14.8 mm planar + PZT hybrid) [2][3][4][5].

Scientific Validity

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Independent, lab-style datasets (FR/THD/Isolation) for Astrotec’s recent models are limited as of 2025-09-01. We therefore anchor the score at a neutral mid-point and summarize what can be verified:

• Manufacturer specs (Vesna): 6 mm dynamic driver with LCP diaphragm; 30 Ω; 102 dB SPL/mW; stated FR 5 Hz–22 kHz [2].
• Manufacturer specs (Archimedes): 14.8 mm planar magnetic driver (dual-sided 14 magnets, 2 µm diaphragm) + 9-layer PZT; 16 Ω; 106 dB SPL/mW; stated FR 5 Hz–25 kHz [3].
• Market context (for comparison only): widely measured baselines exist for competitors like 7Hz Zero/Zero:2 and LETSHUOER S12 families (IEC-711/5128 databases) [6][7][8]; these inform CP equivalence below but are not Astrotec’s own measurements.

When robust third-party measurements for Astrotec models become available (full-band FR ±dB, THD vs SPL, isolation), this rating should be revisited.

Technology Level

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Astrotec implements contemporary transducer tech rather than pushing novel electronics or DSP. Notable examples include the planar-plus-PZT hybrid in Archimedes (CNC metal shells, specified dual-sided magnet array) [3][5] and LCP diaphragms in budget DD models like Vesna [2]. These are competent, mainstream implementations; we do not find evidence of breakthrough system-level innovation or published technical papers/patents that would justify a higher score.

Cost-Performance (company-wide)

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Representative set (weights reflect typical market pull: budget 60%, upper-entry/planar 40%):

1) Budget DD: Vesna — 19.90 USD (official store) [2].
Cheapest equivalent-or-better: 7Hz Salnotes Zero — regular list 19.00 USD (Linsoul product page) [9]; widely reported neutral-leaning FR and low distortion baselines [6].
Computation: 19.00 USD ÷ 19.90 USD = 0.96.

2) Planar/PZT hybrid tier: Archimedes — 129.99 USD (retail street, HiFiGo) [5].
Cheapest equivalent-or-better (by user-facing function & measured FR/THD): 7Hz × Crinacle Zero:2 — ~25 USD (current street; 5128 FR database available) [7][10].
Computation: 25.00 USD ÷ 129.99 USD = 0.19.

Weighted company CP: (0.96 × 0.6) + (0.19 × 0.4) = 0.65 → rounded to 0.7.

Equivalence note (minimal): Both comparators are wired IEMs; third-party databases show FR within transparent-leaning targets and low distortion at least on par with typical entry planars/single-DDs [6][7][8][10].

Reliability & Support

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Astrotec’s official warranty statement references one (1)/two (2) years depending on product/region/dealer, after which the user bears repair/replacement costs [11]. Build uses common, serviceable materials (aluminum or stainless shells, 2-pin connectors on many models) [2][3]. However, the support model is largely dealer-mediated and long-horizon reliability data remain scarce.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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The brand focuses on audible transducer choices (LCP, planar, hybridization) and straightforward ergonomics (compact shells, standard connectors) [2][3]. We do not see strong evidence of measurement-driven iteration across releases (e.g., published before/after FR/THD targets), keeping the score modest.

Advice

• If you’re spending ~20 USD: Vesna is a tidy package with an LCP DD; however, 7Hz Zero remains a price-to-performance benchmark backed by abundant third-party data [2][6][9].
• If you’re considering Archimedes for planar tech: weigh it against cheaper, well-measured options (e.g., Zero:2 for tonality, or S12/S12 Pro if you specifically prefer a planar diaphragm feel) [7][8].
• Support/warranty: confirm your retailer’s term (1–2 years) before purchase [11].

References

1. Astrotec “Our Story” (brand timeline & awards), accessed 2025-09-01: https://astrotecglobal.com/pages/our-story
2. Astrotec Vesna / Vesna EVO official page (specs & price), accessed 2025-09-01: https://astrotecglobal.com/products/vesna
3. Astrotec Archimedes official page (specs), accessed 2025-09-01: https://astrotecglobal.com/products/archimedes
4. Astrotec AM850 MK2 official (catalog), accessed 2025-09-01: https://astrotecglobal.com/collections/universal-iems
5. HiFiGo news/product page — Archimedes price (129.99 USD), accessed 2025-09-01: https://hifigo.com/blogs/news/astrotec-launches-archimedes
6. Super* Review Squiglink — IEM FR database (method: IEC-711 clone), accessed 2025-09-01: https://squig.link/
7. Crinacle’s 5128 FR database (Zero:2 etc.; ITU-T P.57 Type 4.3), accessed 2025-09-01: https://graph.hangout.audio/iem/5128/?share=Zero2_S1
8. LETSHUOER S12 official pages & graphs (planar baseline), accessed 2025-09-01: https://letshuoer.net/products/s12-hifi-earphones-planar-iems
9. Linsoul product page — 7Hz Salnotes Zero (regular 19.00 USD), accessed 2025-09-01: https://www.linsoul.com/products/7hz-salnotes-zero
10. AudioScienceReview threads referencing Zero:2 low distortion metrics, accessed 2025-09-01: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/7hz-x-crinacle-zero-2-iem-review.50534/
11. Astrotec Warranty page (one/two-year language), accessed 2025-09-01: https://astrotecglobal.com/pages/warranty

(2025.9.1)