These high-fidelity wired headphones from a brand I love could compete with Sennheiser thanks to their affordable price.

Activo has recently launched its new in-ear headphones, the Volcano, which are now available on the market. This model stands out for featuring a triple driver system and offers connections in 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and USB-C, all at an accessible price of $80 / £99 / approximately AU$127.

The brand, which is part of Astell & Kern, aims to provide a high-quality in-ear monitor option without a steep price tag. Previously, Activo had introduced the high-resolution audio player Activo P1 and the in-ear headphones Q1, which are positioned in a higher price segment. In contrast, the new Volcano represents a much more affordable option compared to the Q1 model, which retails for $349 / £299 / approximately AU$600.

The Volcano headphones stand out for their unique design, as they do not feature the robust brass and steel structure of the Q1. Their configuration includes an 8mm dynamic driver and two 6mm drivers. While their frequency response is 20Hz to 20kHz, similar to that of the Q1, the sensitivity threshold is 100dB/mW, and they have an impedance of 16 ohms. The cable is a blend of oxygen-free copper and silver, with two-pin connectors on one end and the option for various connections on the other.

The package also includes several types of ear tips, offering three foam memory tips and three silicone tips. Although the weight of the Volcano has not been specified, they appear lighter compared to the Q1, which had been considered somewhat bulky by some reviews.

At this price point, the Volcano presents a competitive option against other reputable models, such as the Sennheiser IE 200, which, while featuring a single dynamic driver covering a wider frequency range (6Hz - 26kHz), come at a significantly higher cost of around $119 / £125.