Astell&KernLayla in-Ear Monitors by Jerry Harvey Audio - 12 Drivers per Channel, 4th Order Crossover, and Carbon Fiber Housing

These are on par with full sized open backed headphones. The resolution is insane, and so is the soundstage. The bass is incredible and goes beyond Shure's SE846 v 1.They fit my ears just fine, but they are huge and not as recessed as previous IEMs I've owned ( se215, se530, se846, UE900s, etc).My biggest complaint is build quality. They come with a great looking carbon fiber case, but it looks like it was assembled in 5 min and has gaps all around.The right IEM also has a huge scuff underneath the clear coat and decal. That is just unacceptable for an IEM with an MSRP of $2500.Though two cables are included one is a 2.5mm (perhaps due to the collaboration with Estelle and Kern). I'd rather have two 3.5mm cables in long and short versions (like how Shure used to do).Anyway, the sound. Incredible detail and resolution. Every frequency is represented perfectly. Plenty of air, soundstage, and spaciousness. These are better than my Audeze planars.I play from Tidal via USB Audio Player Pro, and a Chord Mojo v 1. They sound decent connected directly to my phone too.These replace my Shure SE846's and I have no regrets. I never liked fumbling with the nozzles, and JH's bass adjustment is superior.Every genre sounds great, but lesser quality recording will sound flat and lifeless (like with all reference quality gear). Nothing is exaggerated or inflated, unless you want to crank up the bass and have a 20in sub in your head).Great if you don't want to transport full size cans and a dac/amp.The pair I received had a cosmetic defect from the manufacturer. JH audio was unhelpful and rude, and Astell & Kern never replied. The seller came through to make it right though. Great customer service.

I use them to listen to prog, jazz and classical music. l like the construction, the materials used.I like the possibility to adjust the bass frequencies with a dial, the sound signature overall is fantastic with no stress for my ears. They work fine with the 2.5 balanced cable connected to my A&K Kann. They are expensive but it's worth it.I suggest to use the memory foam tips for a better listening/isolation. I already tried some spare tips successfully:the Comply T-500 and the Foamer

Really amazing sound! Give it a week to mature and it really sings! After ~ 2 years this is still my end game portable solution. Very detailed with very good separation... Soundstage goes beyond your ears. You can place where instruments hit and can pick out individual voices in group vocals. Bass has enough oomph which is important for me as I get used to the sound of LCD 3. Some say vocals are recessed but I think this has more to do with the Layla being able to reproduce sounds from the other instruments that get hidden normally!

Due to their size, it can be challenging to keep them solidly anchored in my ears while moving. This is despite the included assortment of variously sized foam and rubber ear pieces. The headphones are composed of high grade materials such as carbon fiber, the included aluminum case is gorgeous and clearly high end. The sound quality is wonderful, although this is mandatory and expected for such expensive hardware.

Wonderful audio response! Physically little too big for my ears though.