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Acto volcanic review
The lifestyle-centered sub-brand of Estal & Cairn is back with a new offering, acto volcano. The purpose of these wired in-ear headphones is to bring Audiofile-Cuplicity Sounds for all, allegedly combining “vibrant, immersive sound” at an easy-to-swabo price.
In particular, the acto volcanic iMS will set you back $ 80 / £ 99 (about AU $ 120), which is enough – and I mean Enough – Cheaper than most of the brand’s Oeuvre to date. Along with carrying a minor value tag, the acto volcano comes with a 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm and a USB-C connector, which means that they are available to a broader audience, in equipment in a broad range. But is the acto’s budget offering a hit?
Well, to some extent, I will answer with a fabulous yes. Cycling ability through various connectivity options leaves some of the best wired earbuds and to be clear, acto volcano executes this imaginaryly well. Just opening whatever connector is in use is the swollen at the desired option – it is all there.
There is also an easy carry case, so you can store the out-of-oys adapter when you go on. On top of it, you get a good selection of both foam and rubber earcipp in a range of size. When you are found to be the right fit, you should find a tight seal, to make sure that you hear their various drivers in their best form and with commendable passive noise isolation. The acto’s decision to pack all this at such unwanted low price-point is definitely to appreciate something.
Where I become – let’s say, a little more agile – is in the audio department. Yes, it is a product of Estel and Cairn Ecosystem, but if you are really expecting a premium high-grade sound, you have to look elsewhere. Does acto volcanoes seem poor, then? Absolutely not. But if you want the most complex detailed sound around you, you will need to spend more.
So, let’s really zoom on how the acto volcano is sound. Each earpiece claims a triple driver design: a main 8 mm unit is partnered with two 6 mm drivers. This configuration, acto, says, its purpose is to increase the prosperity of the lower-conference and bass. And perhaps as the name suggests, you can hear the bass burst from the gate-go.
Yes, you are going to give an important emphasis on low-end outputs with in-ears-something that is probably hesitant to go to IEMs. Very Difficulty. When in tuning Defense By Chris Stussey and Sam, I was killed by at least-and output, able to repeat the pounding drum machine of the track easily with a volcano.
The acto compares the low frequency output of the IEM to a “Magma explosion” to a volcano. And although you are not going to achieve that ultra-emperor, almost tangible bounce, which can distribute some of the best over-ear headphones, say, I argue that there is enough depth here for fans of bass-beaded Bengers so that they can submerge their teeth.
I believe, I definitely enjoy a little emphasis towards bass registers, especially given that I listen to a mixture of bad odor, dance and jazz fusion. But many people are looking for an attractive new pair of IEM – whether musicians, audiofiles, or just casual listeners – can expect a more neutral sound signature. And this is something that you will not get out of the gate here.
When listening Flying beagle By Himiko Kikuchi, I felt that low-end may look slightly overstated, allowing the flowing piano to give enough space to sit forward and work to work, while letting the mild collision roll through the background. And when hearing splash Mountain By Yung Gravy, already stale track, I felt that both low-end and traables were a touch aggressive, which means that the Vocals were left behind in the mid-range. This is not to say that the volcano is rigorously rigid regularly or usually distributes sloppy audio, but simply know that there are more round options.
For example, I switched to my Sennheiser IE 200, which is one of my very favorite iMS, and the cost of the same amount as a volcano. As soon as I did this, I could tell a big difference in quality in all styles. IE 200, just insert, plate better balance and means separation, which means that you receive more nuances, reveal to hear.
Still, the volcano is not going to give you a smack with distorted or tinni sound. Generally, I found that the tracks were clear and noticeable details, such as in the light electronica Bad eye By Allie X, it did not go to Emiis. And if you customize EQ in the settings of your source device or streaming app, you will be able to get a more neutral sound – or not – depending on what you are doing. But, all of them, I am lying if I said that it blown me, speaking sonly.
Unfortunately, I have not yet been done with my criticism of these IEMs, though. If i’m honest, it’s not Ton That I love about their design. First, I want to talk about the look. Now, acto says that the volcano has a “crater-inspired” design that symbolizes the “immense power and energy” of their triple drivers.
But in fact, I am receiving the moon pit instead of a volcanic pit from these – especially given to the end of white and silver which is chosen here. I failed to play on my open volcanic even after the Tribet Stormbox Lava Speaker earlier this year. Any audio manufacturer there to create a more fun volcanic products to make products? I will keep an eye on
On top of him, I just found the earpiece of the volcano a little heavy in my ear. Each bud felt largely compared to my IE 200 and I found them challenging to keep them for more than an hour or before fatigue were kicked. The cable is very chunky and without a playback option or mike – something that you will get from a rival like Sure Aionic 3.
But all this is not doom and sadness. I say, the construction of the acto volcano probably seems excellent than its price. Cable, while large, looks high in quality and feels high. If you want to swap in a later option after a market, it is also a viewable. For reference, however, the wire involved is made of seven-strand silver-plated copper and five-strand oxygen-free copper cable. The PC content used for buds also feel smooth and not highlight the feeling of excessive plastic, durability and reliability.
So, let’s return to all important questions. Is the acto volcanic a hit? Well, perhaps not enough. It is very much liked here to ensure that it is weighty bass output, high construction quality or various connectivity options. But equally, there are some areas that disappointed me a touch. I personally found that the model is extremely large, with a design that is safe and easy to fit, not especially comfortable or on-theme. And audio – although the price is still good – may be more revealed and balanced.
Should you buy acto volcanoes? Well, if you do not need a spectacular equity in frequencies and it doesn’t feel bad that it is a slightly big experience, perhaps. But for a similar price, I would say that you will be better with Sennheiser IE 200 – have I mentioned like those people?
Acto volcanic review: Price and release date
- $ 80 / £ 99 (about AU $ 120)
- Launched in March 2025
In March 2025, the acto volcanic came to the IEMS market. The acto is still quite fresh and was created by Parent Estal & Cairn as a lifestyle brand. And volcano is the cheapest offering to date, with a list value of $ 80 / £ 99 (about AU $ 120). This is a larger part than the acto’s previous effort, acto Q1 IMS, which we have given the status of four and a half stars, appreciating their excellent clarity and excellent separation.
Acto volcanic review: glasses
|
Drivers |
1x 8 mm, 2x 6 mm dynamic triple-driver |
|
weight |
5g (per bud) |
|
frequency range |
20Hz-20KHz |
|
Waterproof rating |
not stated |
|
Connectivity |
3.5 mm; 4.4 mm; USB-C |
Should you buy acto volcanoes?
|
Property |
Note |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
features |
Vyozic cables, interchangeable connectors, no controller. |
4/5 |
|
sound quality |
Good audio for the price, Big Bass, but opponents provide greater balance and expansion. |
4/5 |
|
design |
Looks infallible, not heavy, largely comfortable, but feels premium. |
2.5/5 |
|
price |
The cheap is given overall quality, but the same price contestants are strong. |
4/5 |
Buy them if …
Do not buy them if …
Acto volcanic review: Consider also
| Header Cell – Column 0 |
active volcano |
Sennheiser IE 200 |
Master and Dynamic Me05 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
price |
$ 80 / £ 99 (about AU $ 120) |
$ 149.95 / £ 129.99 / AU $ 239.95 |
$ 199 / £ 169 (about AU $ 320) |
|
Drivers |
1x 8 mm, 2x 6 mm dynamic triple-driver |
7 mm dynamic |
8 mm high-boycott |
|
weight |
5g (per bud) |
4 g (per bud) |
23 g |
|
frequency range |
20Hz-20KHz |
6Hz-20KHz |
20Hz-20KHz |
|
Waterproof rating |
not stated |
not stated |
not stated |
|
Connectivity |
3.5 mm; 4.4 mm; USB-C |
3.5 mm |
3.5 mm; USB-C |
How did I test acto volcano
- Tested for several weeks
- Used in office and on a flight
- Tested mainly using tidal
I used acto volcanoes during several weeks. I tested him mainly while working at home, but also used him in the office and during the flight. When listening to the tunes, I was mainly turned to the tidal, but I spent some time to destroy the song on Spotiff.
When testing, I ran through the entireity of the techradar test playlist, including tracks from a variety of styles. I also compared the volcano against the re -released version of the Construction IE 200 and Master and Dynamic Me05.
