ÉTOILE USER GUIDE

INSIDE THE BOX

  • ÉTOILE IEMs, Founder’s Reserve, serialized

  • ARC cable, ÉTOILE limited edition

  • VOLK leather cable tie

  • IEM carrying case, Saffiano leather with Goya Red Alcantara lining

  • Velvet box dustbag, Founder’s Reserve

  • VOLK silicone eartips, black, sizes S / M / L

  • Symbio F foam eartips, orange, sizes S / M / L

  • VOLK microfiber cleaning cloth, black

  • Founder’s letter, signed by Jack Vang

  • VOLK collector pins, Gold Edition plus Black and White

  • VOLK decal, gold metallic finish

Unboxing

ÉTOILE is presented in a multi-layered package. Each step reveals part of the Founder’s Reserve Edition.

  1. Remove the outer sleeve.

  2. Open the magnetic door flap upward.

  3. You are greeted by an envelope.

    • The envelope contains a personal message from Jack Vang, Founder of VOLK Audio.

    • Inside are also VOLK Audio stickers for collectors and personalization.

  4. Remove the envelope to reveal the ÉTOILE IEMs set into the top foam tray.

  5. To remove the IEMs, place two fingers on either side of each earpiece and gently lift them upward from the foam recess. Avoid pulling on the nozzles or sockets.

  6. After removing the IEMs, access the lower drawer. Inside is the Saffiano leather case with the ARC cable and the leather cable tie.

  7. Open the ESSENTIALS box. It contains two metal VOLK pins, the microfiber cloth, and two complete eartip sets.

  8. The velvet dustbag may be used to protect the presentation box during storage.

Setup

A. Connect the ARC cable

  • The ARC cable uses a .78 two-pin connector. Hold the shell securely by the body, not by the nozzle or socket. Align the pins carefully with the sockets and press straight in with gentle, even pressure.

  • Orientation: the VOLK logo on each connector must face outward when attached. This ensures correct Left/Right orientation and polarity.

  • Never twist the pins during insertion. To remove the cable, grip the connector housing firmly and pull straight out. Avoid pulling on the cable itself.

B. Tip selection and fit

A proper seal determines tonal balance, isolation, and long-term comfort.

  • Nozzle ring and bevel
    At the end of each nozzle is a small retaining ring. The included silicone tips feature a molded bevel that locks against this ring. Push the tip fully onto the nozzle until it seats securely behind the ring.

    This position should be treated as the minimum to prevent the tip from loosening or slipping off inside the ear. It is not mandatory to insert to this depth in every case. Comfort and preference will vary, and you may adjust insertion as needed. Use the retaining ring as a baseline for security, then fine-tune for comfort and sound preference.

  • Choosing a size
    Begin with medium silicone tips. Move to small or large if the seal feels loose or creates excess pressure.

  • Foam tips
    For maximum isolation and a slightly warmer balance, use the included foam tips. Compress gently between fingers, insert, and hold in place for three to five seconds as the foam expands to seal.

  • Insertion depth
    ÉTOILE is highly sensitive to insertion depth. A deeper fit enhances sub-bass and smooths upper mids. A shallower fit can sound more open but may reduce bass. Adjust to personal preference while ensuring comfort.

Fit check: with music paused, press lightly on the shell. If bass rises suddenly, the seal was incomplete. Try a larger tip or slightly deeper insertion.

Wearing ÉTOILE

  • Cable routing
    Guide the cable upward from the connector and curve it gently behind the ear. The pre-formed memory section should follow the contour of your ear naturally, keeping the earpiece stable during movement. Adjust the angle until it rests comfortably without pinching.

  • Insertion
    Insert the earpiece gently into the ear canal until the shell seats naturally. Do not force it; the correct eartip will allow a snug seal without discomfort.

  • Adjustment
    If you feel pressure, withdraw slightly and reseat to equalize. A proper fit should feel secure, reduce external noise, and remain stable without the need for constant adjustment.

  • Listening
    Always begin at a low volume, then increase gradually to a comfortable level.

Care and maintenance

A. Shells and faceplates

  • Resin shells
    After each session, wipe with the included VOLK microfiber cloth. For a deeper clean, use a soft cloth lightly dampened with warm water and a mild pH-neutral detergent, or isopropyl alcohol. Always dry immediately after cleaning.

  • Gold-plated faceplates
    Clean only with a dry microfiber cloth. If additional cleaning is needed, use a cloth lightly dampened with a pH-neutral solution, then dry immediately. Do not use alcohol, ammonia, solvents, or abrasives, as these will damage the plating.

  • General precautions
    Never submerge the IEMs. Keep all moisture away from the nozzles and the two-pin sockets.

B. Ear tips

  • Silicone tips
    Remove from the nozzle and rinse in warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to air dry completely before reinstalling.

  • Foam tips
    Do not soak. Instead, wipe gently with a lightly dampened cloth and allow to air dry fully at room temperature.

  • Replacement
    Inspect tips regularly. Worn or degraded tips compromise the acoustic seal, alter tonal balance, and reduce isolation. Replace as needed to maintain intended performance.

C. Nozzles and acoustic screen

  • If debris is visible, hold the nozzle facing downward and brush gently with a dry, soft brush. This prevents particles from falling deeper into the acoustic path.

  • Never insert sharp objects or metal tools into the nozzle.

  • Avoid pushing debris inward, as this can damage the acoustic screen and affect performance.

D. Cable care

  • Disconnect by the connector housings. Do not pull the wire.

  • Coil loosely and secure with the leather cable tie.

  • Keep away from sweat, lotions, and solvents. Wipe dry if exposed.

E. Case and materials

  • Saffiano leather
    Wipe occasionally with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to maintain its texture. Do not apply soaps, conditioners, or water. When not in use, store the case in a well-ventilated area, away from heat and humidity. Proper storage preserves the leather’s structure and finish.

  • Alcantara lining
    Brush gently with a soft cloth or brush to lift surface dust. Avoid moisture. Alcantara will age with use, developing a natural patina that reflects your handling.

  • General storage
    Keep the case and its contents away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, and strong magnetic fields. For long-term storage, use the velvet dustbag to protect the presentation box and its materials.

F. Moisture management

  • After heavy use, allow the IEMs to air dry for ten to fifteen minutes before placing them in the case.

  • In humid climates, consider a small silica gel pack in your storage area.

checklist for daily use

  • Wipe the shells with the microfiber cloth after each session and allow them to air for 10–15 minutes before storing in the case.

  • Inspect ear tips and nozzles to confirm a clean, secure fit.

  • Confirm cable orientation with VOLK logos facing outward.

  • Begin listening at a low volume, then raise gradually to preference.

Troubleshooting

Bass is light or sound is thin
Seal is incomplete. Try a larger tip, a deeper insertion, or use foam tips.

Treble is sharp
Use foam tips or try a slightly shallower insertion. Confirm that tips are fully seated behind the nozzle ring.

Center image sounds vague or hollow
Check cable orientation. The VOLK logos must face outward on both connectors.

Intermittent audio
Reseat the two-pin connectors. Test with another source or cable to confirm.

No sound on one side
Swap left and right IEMs or cable sides to isolate. Inspect the nozzle for blockage. Test with another source.

Sound is muffled or congested
Check for earwax or debris in the nozzles. Ensure tips are clean and fully dry. Try another set of tips.

Cable feels loose at the connector
Confirm that the two-pin is fully seated. If looseness persists, stop using and contact VOLK Support.

One side sounds quieter than the other
Swap left and right tips to rule out fit differences. Verify balance settings on your source. If imbalance remains, inspect the nozzle for blockage or test with another cable.

Distortion at high volume
Check that your source is not clipping. Reduce gain or volume. Test with another device to confirm.

Driver flex (popping sound when inserting)
This is part of the inherent design of the M10 dynamic driver used in ÉTOILE. It is not a defect and will not harm the IEMs. To minimize it, insert the earpieces slowly, allowing air to escape as the tip seals. Foam tips can also help reduce the effect.

If issues persist after these steps, contact your authorized dealer or VOLK Support for further assistance.

Listening safety

OSHA permissible exposure limits, 5 dB exchange rate

  • 90 dBA for 8 hours

  • 95 dBA for 4 hours

  • 100 dBA for 2 hours

  • 105 dBA for 1 hour

  • 110 dBA for 30 minutes

  • 115 dBA for 15 minutes or less

NIOSH recommended exposure limits, 3 dB exchange rate

  • 85 dBA for 8 hours

  • 88 dBA for 4 hours

  • 91 dBA for 2 hours

  • 94 dBA for 1 hour

  • 97 dBA for 30 minutes

  • 100 dBA for 15 minutes

Keep levels conservative and take regular breaks.

Warranty and service

Full warranty terms are available here:
www.volk-audio.com/warranty