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Astell&Kern (A&K) has unveiled its latest portable digital audio player (DAP), the A&K PS10. This device is packed with an array of audiophile-oriented features and comes with a home charging dock that also functions as a two-channel analog source for high-fidelity audio systems. The PS10 is set to make its debut at CanJam Singapore on April 5-6, 2025, and will be available at authorized Astell&Kern retailers globally starting in May 2025, priced at $2,500.
Breaking away from their previous designs, A&K has opted for a more traditional, smartphone-like look with the PS10, moving away from the sharp, angular chassis styles seen in earlier models. Longtime fans will notice another significant shift: the removal of the rotary knob for volume adjustment, a hallmark of A&K players since the AK100’s introduction in 2012, except for the more budget-friendly Activo P1.
The company refers to this change as a fresh interpretation of their iconic volume wheel design. Instead of a knob, the PS10 features volume controls via two buttons, a pair of plus and minus buttons on the device’s side. A&K asserts that this design enhances user experience, aiming for an optimal sound experience while maintaining a premium feel, thanks to its stainless steel and glass construction.
Regardless of opinions on the new design, the PS10’s internal technology is noteworthy. It features cutting-edge components, including:
– The world’s first implementation of AKM AK4498EX DAC chips in a DAP.
– Impedance-adaptive dual amplifiers with “Smart Gain” that automatically switch between normal and high gain based on the connected headphone or earbud impedance.
– A quad-DAC configuration utilizing dual AK4191EQ chips for handling all-digital pathways.
– Separate signal paths for both balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs.
– 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD cards up to 2TB.
– Dual-band 2.4/5 GHz a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi.
– USB digital audio output capabilities.
– USB-C connectivity for data transfer and charging.
– External DAC modes, accessible via Bluetooth or a direct USB connection to either Mac or Windows PCs.
As with prior A&K players, the PS10 supports an extensive range of audio formats, accommodating PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and native processing of DSD files up to DSD512.
Additionally, it supports various high-resolution audio Bluetooth codecs, such as aptX HD, LHDC, and LDAC, allowing for bi-directional communication. This means it can send audio wirelessly to headphones or receive audio via Bluetooth from external sources.
The rechargeable battery promises about 15 hours of continuous playback, with charging taking approximately 3.5 hours, thanks to Power Delivery 3.0 support.
The included docking cradle offers an ergonomic angle for easy navigation and features both XLR balanced outputs and a USB-C port that supports USB DAC/USB digital output capabilities. Users can control the volume of the XLR outputs from the PS10 or set them to a fixed output level for use with other components. The PS10 is also Roon Ready certified, enabling users to manage their music through the Roon platform.
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