Astell & Kern PD10 Digital Audio Player And Docking

Astell&Kern has long maintained a diverse lineup tailored to the unique characteristics of each product. However, we have come to realize that a departure from conventional methods is essential for achieving true innovation. The PD10 represents our first product that ventures beyond the constraints of our existing lineup, marking a new endeavor. It is designed to provide users with a more convenient and distinctive experience of 'optimal sound,' and even the iconic Astell&Kern volume wheel design has been reinterpreted in a novel way. Experience the beginning of “Breaking Away From The Normal”, the Astell&Kern PD10.

First Application of AK4498EX in a DAP

By applying AKM's latest DAC AK4498EX, we have achieved a more natural sound. Adopting a HEXA audio circuit structure, featuring two AK4191EQs for processing digital signals and four of AKM's latest DACs, the AK4498EX, combined with Astell&Kern’s TERATON ALPHA technology, the highest level of sound quality is delivered.

Automatic Amplifier Matching Mode : Smart Gain

The PD10 instantly checks the impedance of the connected receiver upon plugging in your earphones or headphones and automatically sets the appropriate AMP. Regardless of which earphones (headphones) are connected, the player automatically distinguishes between low and high impedance without cumbersome settings and matches the optimal AMP. Earphones with an impedance of 32ohm or less are set to Normal Gain, providing a maximum output of 5.5Vrms in Balanced, and earphones exceeding 32ohm are set to High Gain, providing ample output of up to 8.3Vrms based in Balanced output. The customized amplifier matching function (Smart Gain) provides audio enthusiasts who use a variety of earphones and headphones with a fresh listening experience.

Equipped with Impedance-Adaptive Dual Amplifiers

To cater to the diverse listening environments of our users, the PD10 is equipped with two distinct amplifiers. Different sound tunings have been applied to each AMP, considering the average impedance of the connected earphones and headphones. The Normal Gain AMP reproduces delicate details and high-purity sound quality, faithfully expressing the original sound. The High Gain AMP specializes in handling complex and dynamic sounds, expressing audio signals more vividly and with greater clarity. Enjoy a variety of sounds from a single player, according to your preference and the earphones and headphones you use.

Overwhelming Audio Performance
Through Independent Dual Audio Circuits

To create an innovative DAP beyond the level of excellent DAPs, a DAP that no one has ever attempted, we aimed to overcome the limitations of sound by designing independent dual audio circuits for Unbalanced and Balanced outputs. In most DAPs, Unbalanced and Balanced signals are used together in the internal DAC structure. Since the signal output from the DAC is divided into Unbalanced and Balanced signals and transmitted to the AMP, an Audio Switch is essential. However, the Audio Switch has a limit to the range of signals it can receive from the DAC, so it first reduces the signal size and then transmits it to the amplifier to restore it to its original signal size, which creates limitations in improving audio performance. By creating two separate, independent audio circuits, one for balanced output and a second for unbalanced output, Astell&Kern maximizes audio performance no matter what output is being used.

Astell&Kern’s Full Android OS Integration

Astell&Kern has overcome Android OS’s sampling limitation (SRC) through its proprietary customization technology, ADP (Astell&Kern Direct Path). This allows for bit-perfect, lossless playback even in streaming environments, ensuring the highest possible sound quality during music listening.

Advanced DAR by Astell&Kern

Advanced DAR, Astell&Kern’s second-generation DAR (Remaster) technology, is first applied to the SP4000, delivering sound that is even more natural and reDigital Audio fined. Rather than sending the audio file directly to the DAR engine, VSE (Virtual Sound Extender) to virtually restore lost harmonics, enhancing the sound quality at the initial stage. Then, the advanced DAR engine performs a second-stage upsampling process with greater precision and completeness. This two-step approach allows listeners to enjoy a deeper, more immersive sound that comes closer than ever to the original recording.

Equipped with a 5,770mAh
High-Capacity Battery

The PD10 enables up to 15 hours of continuous playback with its optimized circuit configuration. Although the screen is larger and the performance is upgraded, you can enjoy music without worrying about battery life with the extended playback time.

Enhanced 4.5th-Generation UI That Blends Function and Emotion

The PD10 features an upgraded UI that balances both functionality and emotional experience. The main screen includes an immersive animation where an LP appears to slide in and out as you swipe through albums—turning the act of choosing music into a visually engaging and tactile experience. The interface retains Astell&Kern’s signature Crimson theme, reflecting the brand’s identity and capturing its distinct emotional sensibility in a refined, modern design.

Sound Design Through DAC Filters

With the PD10, you can enjoy the fun of creating your own sound style by directly selecting various DAC filters provided by the DAC manufacturer. Design your own sound through 6 DAC filters.

Crossfeed,
Speaker effect when listening through headphones

In a headphone environment in which the left and right channels are clearly separated, ear fatigue may increase during prolonged listening. The moment you turn on Crossfeed, the experience of crisp, but comfortable sound begins. Crossfeed mixes parts of the original signal from one channel and sends that signal to the opposite channel with a time difference to center the sound image. Through the use of detailed settings such as Shelf Cutoff, Shelf Gain, and Mixer Level, you can set the level of crossfeed according to your listening preferences.

Real-Time Information with LED Lights

The LED light surrounding the power button provides information on the Bit Depth of the currently playing song, and also adds a visually pleasing element by making it shine and stand out.

Supports Native DSD512, 32bit/768kHz

PD10 supports Native DSD512 and up to 32bit/768kHz with Astell&Kern’s excellent audio technology, allowing you to fully enjoy your favorite music.

Equipped with a 6-inch Large Screen Full HD Display

Experience the PD10 more conveniently and comfortably through the wider and higher-quality 6-inch large screen display

AK File Drop to enjoy wireless transfers

The new AK File Drop function in the PD10 makes files transfers easier and more convenient. Using AK File Drop, you can freely transfer files wirelessly through a PC, smartphone, or FTP program located on the same network. Music file management is now possible with a cableless, wireless solution.

ReplayGain Automatically and Uniformly Adjusts Playback Volume

ReplayGain for Automatic Volume Level Adjustment ReplayGain functionality, which adjusts audio sources with varying volume levels to a uniform loudness, has been implemented. Enjoy your personalized playlists with the ReplayGain feature.

Wireless Hi-Fi Sound via BT Sink

The BT Sink function allows you to connect the PD10 to an external device via Bluetooth, similar to connecting a smartphone to a BT speaker. Music being played on the external device can be transmitted to the PD10 through the BT Sink function.