Activo Q1 Review: Audiophile In-Ear Headphones That Deliver Premium Sound

These Activo Q1 in-ear headphones offer audiophile-level sound quality without the hefty price tag, blending sleek design and impressive audio performance.

A Fresh Take on Audiophile IEMs

If you’re someone who’s dipped toes into the world of high-fidelity audio, you know just how intimidating the entry barrier can feel—both in cost and complexity. That’s where Activo, Astell&Kern’s sub-brand, has stepped back into the spotlight. After a few quiet years, 2024 saw Activo release the P1 digital audio player, a more affordable gateway into audiophile gear. But they didn’t stop there. Soon after, the Activo Q1 in-ear monitors (IEMs) arrived, promising the same ethos: premium sound with accessibility.

Having spent weeks with the Activo Q1, I’m honestly impressed. They strike a remarkable balance, delivering a quality sound experience that’s hard to expect at their price point.

What’s the Price Tag on Activo Q1 IEMs?

At $349, these aren’t just any pair of earbuds—they’re positioned in a sweet spot in the audio world. To put it in perspective, they share a price range with some of the latest flagship true wireless earbuds like the Technics EAH-AZ100 wireless earbuds. Although the Q1 lacks wireless features, that absence is more than made up for by their richer, more nuanced sound profile.

Let me be real—if you’re hunting for audiophile-grade IEMs, chances are you already have a pair of everyday wireless buds sorted. So the real appeal here is that Activo Q1 stands at the more attainable end of the wired IEM spectrum, especially when you compare them to Astell&Kern’s pricier wired offerings.

What Makes the Activo Q1 Stand Out?

The design calls to mind the minimalist, transparent aesthetic popularized by brands like Nothing. Activo and Singapore’s Dita teamed up to craft a visually striking yet functional look. These IEMs are like little melting ice cubes—crystal clear, with the Activo logo seemingly floating inside the housing.

They fit snugly into the ear thanks to ergonomic shaping, with a firm but comfortable hold. The earbuds arrive detached from the cables for safe storage but connecting them is a breeze. Five pairs of matte, semi-transparent ear tips come in the box, making it easier to find the perfect fit.

Inside each earpiece is a hybrid setup: a custom 9.8mm dynamic driver PM1+ from Dita housed in brass, paired with a Knowles balanced armature driver. While the tech is mostly concealed within the plastic casing, what you can glimpse screams premium craftsmanship.

The bundled Mocca2 cable by Cardas adds another layer of refinement. Its matte plastic sheath reveals white internal wires beneath, continuing the transparent theme. You get both 3.5mm and 4.4mm connectors, each matte-finished to show the inner wiring. Admittedly, the cable can tangle a bit more than I’d like, but I’d say that’s par for the wired IEM course, not a design flaw.

All these elements come together to create a futuristic yet premium feel—without the use of precious metals common in higher-end models. The Q1 is a little on the bulky side, which might take some getting used to, but once you find the right ear tips, they stay put comfortably.

Another pleasant surprise at this price: the Q1 ships with a hard Systainer case by Tanos in light gray, with rubber inserts to cushion the headphones and cable. This sturdy case is lockable and spacious enough to keep everything organized. Plus, there’s a plastic case for your spare ear tips—little touches like these underline how thoughtfully Activo has packaged the Q1.

Unboxing these headphones gives you the sense that you’re getting a well-built product, not a budget compromise disguised as audiophile gear.

Are Activo Q1 Truly Audiophile Grade?

Let’s talk comfort first. I’m someone with relatively large ears and usually don’t struggle much with earbud fit. After trying the different ear tips, the Activo Q1 felt comfortable enough to wear for hours, whether I was zoning out to full albums or dissecting individual tracks. The plastic housing feels softer against the skin than many metal-bodied competitors. The cable’s ear-hook design works perfectly, securing the buds in place without fuss. The big plug at the other end feels solid and secure in the player’s jack.

For the tech heads out there, here’s a quick rundown: frequency response spans the full audible range (20 Hz to 20 kHz), sensitivity hits 109 dB/mW at 1 kHz, and the impedance is 31 ohms. Whether or not these numbers immediately click with you, they translate to a genuinely impressive sonic experience.

I paired the Q1 with the P1 player during my listening marathon—warming them up, switching between formats (FLAC, MP3, hi-res Apple Music), and testing how different sources shaped their sound. Spoiler: I was blown away. The Q1 sounds way beyond its price.

Activo has tuned these buds to nail the mid and low frequencies with precision, avoiding any harshness or muddiness. The Knowles driver takes care of those sparkling highs, which brings a beautiful balance and clarity. After proper burn-in, the Q1 exudes a warm character, rather than the cold neutrality you might find elsewhere. If you want strict reference sound, there are other options out there, but these IEMs aim to impress newcomers and seasoned listeners alike without leaving them itching for an upgrade soon.

Keep in mind, these don’t pack the punchiest bass. If you crave earth-shaking lows, the Q1 might feel a bit restrained. For me, that measured balance works beautifully, but bass lovers should weigh that carefully.

In quieter environments, the passive noise isolation is strong, especially with the right tips. That makes for an immersive listening session—think of the crisp swing of Brubeck’s Take Five or the vibrant energy of The Beatles. The Q1 lets every nuance shine through without fatigue.

Final Verdict on Activo Q1

If you’re looking for a way into audiophile-quality IEMs without the sticker shock of the top-tier models, the Activo Q1 is a seriously attractive option. Paired with the P1 player, it’s a thoughtfully crafted combo that’s already making waves on audiophile forums.

They deliver accurate and rich sound that’s accessible without breaking the bank. And while the bold transparent design might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it certainly adds personality to your audio gear.

Other Audiophile IEM Options to Consider

If you want one of the most affordable IEMs from a recognized audio brand, check out the Sennheiser IE200 in-ear monitors. They cost less than half of what the Activo Q1 do and are much smaller, though they don’t quite match the Q1’s sound power.

For those willing to invest a bit more, Sennheiser’s IE600 offers a detailed and beautiful sound experience. They share a similar silhouette with the IE200 but deliver a noticeable sonic upgrade — a perfect step up if you’re ready to splash more cash.

Activo Q1 delivers a very pleasant balance with a warmth that gives it its own character. They’re excellent all-rounders designed to impress audiophiles new and old alike.

– Reviewer

• What is the price of the Activo Q1?
  The Activo Q1 retails for $349, placing it in an appealing mid-range price category for audiophile IEMs.
• Are the Activo Q1 comfortable for long listening sessions?
  Yes, with the right ear tips, these IEMs are comfortable for extended wear, even for listeners with larger ears.
• Do the Activo Q1 have wireless capabilities?
  No, these are wired in-ear monitors, focusing on superior sound quality rather than wireless convenience.
• What kind of sound signature do the Activo Q1 deliver?
  They offer a warm, balanced sound with precise mids and lows, and detailed highs, suitable for a wide range of music genres.
• Is the Activo Q1 suitable for bass-heavy music?
  While they provide clean bass, those seeking powerful, deep bass might find the Q1 a bit reserved in that department.

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