Volk Audio ÉTOILE Founder's Reserve Edition | 10-Driver Quadbrid Universal IEMs
At the Intersection of Precision Engineering and Acoustic Artistry, Etoile Unites 10 Drivers in a Purpose-Built Structure Where Every Element Serves the Sound
- Founder's Reserve Edition: Limited to 350 units worldwide
- Quadbrid Driver Design: (1x) Proprietary 10mm DD + (4x) BA + (4x) EST + (1x) M8mm Magnetostatic
- Impactful, well-controlled bass and nuanced, articulate highs
- Tuned with 5-time Grammy winner Michael Graves
- Custom ARC cable features curated blend of high-purity conductors and a 4.4mm AEC-balanced plug
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Bloom's Take The Volk Audio ÉTOILE brings a fresh voice to the flagship IEM tier with a quadbrid architecture and standout midrange tonality that favors nuance over flash. Its 10-driver configuration—including dynamic, BA, electrostatic, and a rare magnetostatic tweeter—offers fast, textured bass, a smooth yet extended treble, and rich layering that creates a sense of realism without artificial sharpness or glare. ÉTOILE’s midrange is its defining strength. Vocal and instrumental timbres are lush, present, and finely detailed, delivering emotional weight and depth especially in acoustic, jazz, and vocal-centric genres. The imaging is precise and holographic, with immersive spatial depth that prioritizes focus and placement over sheer width. A boutique presentation rounds out the experience: gold-trimmed housings, leather faceplates, and an upscale Arc cable. Rather than chasing explosive dynamics or spotlighted detail, ÉTOILE offers a graceful, organic tuning that rewards longer, more attentive listening—an understated flagship that’s all about quiet excellence. |
Power. Precision. Intent.
Ten drivers. Four technologies. Six crossover bands. Five acoustic paths.
M10 Subwoofer
Bass is anchored by the M10, Volk’s proprietary 10mm dynamic driver, specifically tuned to reproduce frequencies from 20Hz to 350Hz. The M10 utilizes an N52-grade neodymium magnet paired with a high-purity Japanese OFC voice coil. This precise configuration ensures rapid driver response, tight control, and clearly defined bass structure. A strategically positioned layer of Saffiano leather within the acoustic chamber naturally damps bloom and governs decay, resulting in impactful, controlled, and articulate bass reproduction.
Quad Balanced Armatures
Midrange is reproduced by four Sonion balanced armature drivers, arranged into two dedicated dual-driver modules to precisely cover frequencies from 350Hz to 8kHz. This design provides tonal richness, clarity, and controlled definition, ensuring instruments and vocals possess natural weight and realism. Together, these dual-driver modules deliver controlled and detailed midrange reproduction, presenting music with accurate tonal balance, emotional realism, and precise definition.
Quad Electrostatics
High frequencies are reproduced by a quad set of Sonion electrostatic drivers, specifically implemented from 8kHz up to 45kHz to deliver clarity, finesse, and exceptional detail. Each driver features an ultra-thin, charged diaphragm evenly suspended between two conductive electrodes. Driven by dedicated transformers, these diaphragms respond uniformly and instantly to audio signals, surpassing traditional drivers in transient speed and accuracy.
M8 Magnetostatic
The M8 is Volk’s proprietary 8mm magnetostatic tweeter, specifically engineered to reproduce upper frequencies with natural timbre, precise tonal control, and lifelike detail.
At its core is an ultra-thin diaphragm evenly suspended between two symmetrical arrays of permanent magnets, enabling uniform vibration, immediate response, and minimal distortion. Together with the electrostatic drivers, the M8 forms an integrated high-frequency system delivering exceptional clarity, precision, and musical realism.
6-Way Crossover
ÉTOILE’s crossover is implemented on a custom-engineered PCB, utilizing resistor-capacitor networks to achieve precise six-way frequency division and seamless driver integration. Signals are routed directly into five dedicated sound bores, with specific frequency bands further refined through acoustic filters. This topology ensures exact electrical and acoustic alignment, faithfully reproducing ÉTOILE’s intended sound signature.
Engineered Art
It begins with a precision-formed acoustic panel, sealing a chamber where geometry, pressure, and timing align. Above it, full-grain Italian Saffiano leather naturally damps micro-resonance, refining bass and revealing texture. A CNC-machined 24K gold-plated 6061-T6 aluminum frame crowns the structure, mounted at staggered suspension points to disperse resonance and ensure rigidity.
Airflow
ÉTOILE houses all drivers within a shared acoustic volume, utilizing a dual tri-port vent system to regulate airflow and equalize internal pressure across the driver array. This stabilizes diaphragm motion, eliminates unwanted resonance, and preserves clarity and tonal balance.
Limited Edition ARC Cable
ARC is crafted from a curated matrix of high-purity conductors: solid-core 5N OCC silver, 4N silver, silver-plated copper, gold-plated silver, and palladium-plated silver. Each selected specifically for how it shapes current, controls impedance, and preserves absolute signal integrity. Hardware is CNC-machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, precision-brushed and anodized black, with the Y-split and 4.4mm AEC plug accented by engraved 24K gold rings.
The Founder's Reserve
The ÉTOILE features a 24K gold-plated faceplate presented within a bespoke carrying case, handcrafted from Italian Saffiano leather and Goya Red Alcantara. Selected for their storied heritage and meticulous refinement, these materials flow seamlessly from ÉTOILE’s faceplate to its companion case. Individually serialized and sealed with the Reserve insignia, this edition honors those whose conviction carried our vision forward.
Specifications
- Volk Etoile full list of specifications
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Driver
- (1x) M10 10mm Subwoofer
- (4x) Balanced Armatures
- (4x) Electrostatic
- (1x) M8 8mm Magnetostatic
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Termination
- 4.4mm AEC Balanced
- 0.78mm 2-pin
In the Box
- Volk Etoile IEMs
- Limited edition ARC cable
- Volk cable tie + cleaning cloth
- Carrying case + velvet box dustbag
- Silicone ear tips
- Symbio F Foam ear tips
- Founder's letter
- Volk collector pins + decal
