Meze Astru

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Audio46 Purchase – Meze Astru

A Little Technical Stuff:

Specs

• Driver Type:Dynamic
• Driver Size:10 mm
• Frequency Range:5 Hz – 35 kHz
• Impedance:32Ω
• Sensitivity:111 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz
• Input Connector:2-Pin
• Total Harmonic Distortion:<0.1% at 1 kHz
• Weight:4 g / 0.47 oz (without cables)

   -MRSP: Universal fit $899.00

 Greetings from the Audio Rabbit Hole!

I want to extend my gratitude to Tony and the Audio46 Team for lending me the Meze Astru for review. Whenever I’ve needed assistance, whether it was answering questions or making a purchase, they have been incredibly responsive and have always gone out of their way to ensure I’m taken care of. Thank you, Audio46 Team!

Here is your language lesson for the day. ASTRU [ˈas.tru] Romanian noun — STAR

Dynamic. Cosmic. Artistic. In Romanian, “ASTRU” is defined as either a celestial body or an illustrious soul.

Here, it means both – a fusion of immense gravity with artistic subtlety. A universe in the palm of your hand. A guide meant to illuminate your musical journey.

If you’re not already acquainted with Meze, let me share a bit about them. Founded in 2011 by industrial designer Antonio Meze, Meze Audio is a high-end audio company based in Baia Mare, Romania. They specialize in creating headphones and earphones that are not only designed with timeless aesthetics but also prioritize pure comfort and deliver an engaging, vivid sound.

Earlier in my audiophile journey and several reviews back, I had the chance to explore some Meze products, including the Classics 99 Neo. I also penned a brief write-up on the Meze Alba, while one guest reviewer, Nostoi, took a look at the Meze Elite. So, the ARH has encountered a few of their offerings, but it’s been quite a while since my last experience.

I’m looking forward to diving into the Astru, especially since I have a fondness for single dynamic driver configurations. I’m always curious about how they stack up against multi-driver setups. Recently, I bought a Canpur Silver Flash, another single DD set, and I can’t wait to compare the sound quality of the two.

Let’s embark on this journey and delve into the Meze Astru!

A Little Marketing Hype, straight from their site, no edits:

ONE IS ALL YOU NEED

ASTRU is more than an in-ear monitor; it is a statement piece: full-titanium, visceral sound, single dynamic. Simplicity raised to the highest level of performance.

It delivers a punchy, full-bodied, rich, and detailed sound – combining the layering and imaging associated with multi-driver IEMs with the tonal density and natural warmth that dynamic drivers provide, all within a cohesive, unified presentation.

VISCERAL SOUND

Embark on a journey beyond listening into a realm where music becomes palpable.

Natural and powerful, its sound is dense, immersive, and engaging, creating a realistic, impactful, and all-encompassing presentation.

UNIQUE TO THE CORE

ASTRU is powered by a high-performance single dynamic driver featuring a multilayer metal-coated composite diaphragm, engineered for exceptional control and refinement.

MULTILAYER COATING

The diaphragm dome consists of an outer gold coating applied in 80 ultra-thin layers via physical vacuum DC magnetron sputtering over a 48-hour process, followed by a titanium layer bonded to a PEEK dome base. This multi-stage architecture delivers smoother high frequencies, greater extension, and more natural transient response.

SOUND THAT BREATHES

The rear vent equalizes pressure between the driver’s back cavity and the exterior, allowing unrestricted low-frequency driver excursion for extended sub-bass and bass output (below 200 Hz), while continuously relieving ear canal pressure for fatigue-free, long-term listening.

PURE TITANIUM SHELL

 Lightweight yet exceptionally strong, the IEM housing is intricately CNC-machined from a single block of pure titanium into a one-piece construction, then refined through a multi-stage electroplating process to achieve a smooth satin finish that enhances comfort during wear. One matched pair of shells requires up to 7 days of processing.

Key Features:

• The included 1.2 m (3.9 ft) cable features silver-plated Linear Crystal Oxygen-Free Copper (LC-OFC) conductors arranged in a dual-strand configuration, with 161 individual conductors per strand. Insulated in SoftFlex PVC for enhanced comfort and flexibility, the cable incorporates CNC-anodized aluminum housings and a gold-plated 4.4 mm balanced termination.

• The package also includes a female 4.4 mm-to-male 3.5 mm adapter, enabling compatibility with a wide range of DAPs and headphone amplifiers.

•  To fully experience the intended sound tuning, detail, and bass response, achieving a proper seal is essential. ASTRU includes five pairs of custom-made liquid silicone ear tips, engineered specifically to match its acoustic design. Using alternative ear tips may alter the sound signature and affect the intended tuning. Available in XS, S, M, L, and XL sizes.

•  Precisely etched from nickel and then electroplated to complement the titanium nozzle, the wax guard protects the acoustic filter from clogging, helping extend its lifespan. Functional, durable, and unmistakably Meze, it is a subtle detail that quietly safeguards every listening session.

•  To suit different moments in your journey, ASTRU arrives with two pouches: a sturdy pouch for secure storage and travel, and a softer PU leather envelope for a lighter, everyday carry.

 WHAT’S IN THE BOX:

 Included

•  Meze Astru
• 5 sizes of ear tips (XS, S, M, L, XL) with wax guard
• 2 carry solutions – a protective pouch and a soft PU leather envelope
• Premium dual 2-pin balanced cable that features CNC-anodized aluminum hardware and a gold-plated 4.4 mm balanced termination
• 4 mm to 3.5 mm adapter

Unboxing and Accessories

 Unboxing the Meze Astru is truly an experience shaped by personal taste. While the process itself is fairly straightforward, it exudes a unique sense of artistry.

The compact clamshell cardboard box, adorned with a logoed sleeve and elegant metal foiling, opens in the center to reveal the IEMs and cable securely held in a custom-cut tray. Getting the cable out can take a bit of finesse, but once that’s done, accessing the other accessories is quite simple.

The cable itself feels robust and is thoughtfully crafted. It features smooth, clear SoftFlex PVC sleeving, which eliminates any microphonics and ensures it won’t tangle or twist when stored. The wire consists of silver-plated Linear Crystal Oxygen-Free Copper (LC-OFC) conductors arranged in a dual-strand setup, each strand containing 161 conductors. For added convenience, a handy 4.4 mm-to-3.5 mm adapter is included in the package.

Personally, I love the brushed finish of titanium; it really adds a touch of sophistication. I think it’s essential to match the plugs and cable splitters for a cohesive look, and Meze has done this exceptionally well.

Included are five sizes of liquid silicone ear tips (from XS to XL) to accommodate a wide range of ear canal sizes.

For carrying options, you get a protective pouch suitable for everyday use and a soft PU leather envelope. While it’s nice to have options, neither feels particularly luxurious.

I’ve shared photos of the accessories, which truly highlight their quality.

Build Quality and Fit:

 I really appreciate Astru’s build quality; it gives off a well-crafted, milled vibe that I find appealing. The pewter-like finish on a CNC-machined titanium shell is striking. The shell is smooth and thoughtfully designed, complete with a vent that enhances performance with the dynamic driver. Weighing in at just 13.4 grams, it’s incredibly lightweight. The word that best describes it is “refined.” There’s nothing flashy or over-the-top about the exterior, which aligns perfectly with my taste in both aesthetics and sound.

When it comes to fit, this IEM truly stands out as a “put-it-in-your-ears-and-forget-it” type of device. I’ve easily worn them for hours without any discomfort. Subjectively, I’d rate the comfort a perfect 10 out of 10.

However, I struggled a bit to find the right seal, even with the ample selection of ear tips, including XL sizes. I often need time to experiment with tips for a proper fit due to the form factor, and this experience mirrored my past with products like the Meze Alba and many Dita models. Unfortunately, none of the stock tips worked for me. In the end, I found that the Spinfit Omni and Spinfit CP 145 tips suited me best. The CP 145 is great for a deeper insertion, while the Omni offers just a bit more bass.

Review Setup:

I crafted the review using a few key sources: the Pixel 10 Pro, paired with an Astell & Kern HC5 dongle, and the Astell & Kern PD10. For my sample music, I explored a range of formats, including 320 kbps, FLAC, and 24-bit audio, as well as streaming services like Tidal, Spotify Lossless, and Qobuz.

Moving on to the sound section….

 If I were to describe the Meze Astru in just a few words, I would say they offer a smooth, effortless, and well-balanced listening experience. I mainly use Astell & Kern products as my sources, which are often characterized by their smooth sound signature, and I wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment. When paired with A&K, the Astru delivers a detailed yet silky experience that, at least for me, is perfect for long listening sessions. They truly excel across various genres. Additionally, they thrive on power; while they handle volume well, giving them a bit of driving force allows them to really shine.

Bass:

I truly enjoy the bass produced by the Astru. Overall, it delivers a lively and snappy sound. The sub-bass provides a satisfying rumble, but what stands out most is the weight of the notes. While they can be heavy, the quality reveals such an exquisite timbre that it never feels overwhelming.

The mid-bass is consistently noticeable. When a track features a bass growl, it comes through clearly; conversely, when the music calls for a snappy, plucky bass, it’s equally well represented. I also appreciate Astru’s excellent decay. Proper decay can significantly impact sound quality in a dynamic driver, and somehow, the Meze Astru nails the timing just right. For my testing, I’ve used tracks from Marcus Miller, Detroit, Four80East, and many others.

In closing, I can confidently say that the bass frequencies I experience align perfectly with my expectations of a top-notch dynamic driver, fantastic bass execution all around.

Mids:

When discussing the ASTRU, I must say that the midrange strikes a delicate balance, showcasing its warm tonality while still offering clarity. I’m particularly sensitive to harsh upper midrange sounds, and to my ears, there’s a certain liveliness in that range, but it avoids being off-putting or sharp.

Take female vocals, like Norah Jones in “Don’t Know Why,” for instance; her voice doesn’t have that upper “smear” at its peak. Many of her songs feature vocals that ebb and flow beautifully, and depending on the driver’s characteristics or tuning, they can really resonate without being piercing.

The smoothness of Astru’s tonality shines through in the mids. As someone with aging ears, I’m particularly sensitive to any harshness in the upper mids. Everyone experiences that range differently; it might be a bit sharp for some, but for me, the effortless sound takes precedence.

Treble:

Let’s take a moment to discuss the treble produced by single dynamic drivers. When using a single driver, manufacturers often feel the need to compensate for the dynamic driver’s bass response. Unfortunately, this usually leads to compromises in treble performance. It’s important to note that while a good seal can enhance bass, a poor seal can equally detract from the clarity of the treble range. To get back on track, companies typically take one of two approaches when tuning treble for single-driver systems: they either roll off the treble or try to emphasize detail. The latter can sometimes result in a sound that feels grainy or chaotic.

I believe the Astru successfully strikes a balance between these two tuning types. I haven’t noticed any sibilance, yet I can clearly pick out the higher frequencies in the treble range. The execution of the treble is impressive. While it uses a single dynamic driver, it comes in at almost 1K, and in my opinion, it definitely lives up to what you’d expect for that price.

Technical:

On the technical side, I find that the Astru performs impressively well in terms of staging precision, especially for a single-driver IEM. If you’re in the market for a device that excels in micro-detail retrieval, the Astru might not meet your expectations. While it certainly offers a good amount of detail, it falls short of the intricate micro-details you’d find in a multi-driver hybrid setup. To assess its staging and instrument separation, I often turn to Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain.” The Astru handles this track beautifully. The opening guitar clearly resonates in my left ear, the drums are perfectly centered, and the electric guitar comes through distinctly in my right ear. Excellent job!

Meze Astru vs. Canpur Silver Flash comparison:

The Canpur Silver Flash is a single dynamic driver IEM priced at $120. At this price point, it’s tough to criticize its sound quality. However, its shortcomings become more noticeable when compared to the $899 Meze Astru.

The unboxing experience and accessories that come with the Silver Flash leave much to be desired, even for a $120 product. Clearly, the focus is on delivering sound quality. On a personal note, I also find the fit a bit challenging. But setting aside these subjective issues, the sound quality stands out for its deep bass, impressive transparency, and the signature snap typical of dynamic drivers. Overall, it’s a fun, bass-heavy experience that leans towards a U-shape sound profile, and I genuinely enjoy it.

That said, it doesn’t quite match the effortless, natural tonality of the Astru, which exhibits a refined control across all frequencies in comparison. For genres like EDM, Hip-Hop, and other lively tracks, the $120 Silver Flash serves as an excellent option. However, when it comes to most music, the Astru operates in a different league altogether.

You might want to own this IEM if:

 + You value a smooth, controlled signature but still want a strong sub-bass presence.

+ You enjoy a detailed listen that won’t bog you down with a ton of micro-details.

+ You want musical, non-fatiguing sound that excels during long listening sessions, and comfort that allows it

+ You are sensitive to upper mid peaks and sibilance, and want treble that sparkles without being harsh.

+ You appreciate a spacious, precise soundstage.

 

 In Closing

 Overall, the Meze Astru distinguishes itself as a thoughtfully engineered, artfully tuned single dynamic-driver IEM that emphasizes coherence, control, and long-term listenability.

Its bass performance is a standout, delivering satisfying sub‑bass depth, natural note weight, and excellent decay without overwhelming the mix.

The midrange is warm, smooth, and articulate, presenting vocals and instruments with an organic ease that avoids glare or fatigue, even for listeners sensitive to upper‑mid energy.

Treble is handled with restraint and refinement, clear, well‑extended, and free of sibilance, striking a rare balance for a single‑driver design at this level.

While it does not chase extreme micro‑detail or analytical sharpness, the Astru compensates with precise staging, confident imaging, and a seamless, effortless presentation that keeps the focus firmly on musical enjoyment.

Paired with its exceptional comfort and premium build, the Astru offers a polished, immersive listening experience that comfortably justifies its place in Meze’s high‑end lineup.