Astell & Kern PD10 Digital Audio Player  (Black)

The PD10 employs four AK4498EX DACs incorporated in an innovative HEXA audio circuit design with two separately applied AK4191EQs for processing digital signals. The HEXA audio circuit is designed with a structure in which the AK4191EQ, a separate Digital delta-sigma modulator, reduces noise from the input digital signal, and then the AK4998EX, a completely isolated Analog DAC, processes only the analog signal separately, leading to highly accurate audio reproduction.

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 what listening device is connected, the player automatically distinguishes between low and high impedance without cumbersome settings and matches the optimal AMP. Earphones with an impedance of 32 ohms or less are set to Normal Gain, providing a maximum output of 5.5 Vrms balanced, and earphones exceeding 32 ohms are set to High Gain, providing ample output of up to 8.3 Vrms 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.

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.

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.

Digital Audio Remaster technology is designed to overcome the limitations of source formats by upsampling the sample rate of the audio being played. Higher sample rates enable more precise playback, allowing for a more vivid reproduction of the original sound with delicate and analog-like sound expression, enhancing the subtle nuances and rich sound of the music to a higher level of appreciation.

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.

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