Astell&Kern PD10

Astell&Kern PD10

Portable digital audio player

As Astell&Kern‘s most forward-thinking DAP to date, the PD10 breaks away from traditional design, offering a bold new take on high-resolution listening.

Featuring a reimagined version of the iconic volume wheel and a sleek docking cradle, the PD10 delivers intuitive control and an uncompromising ‘optimal sound’ experience.

Astell&Kern PD10 Main Features

• Next-Gen Innovation – The PS10 marks a bold new direction for Astell&Kern, introducing a fresh design philosophy and innovative features beyond the existing DAP lineup.
• HEXA-Audio Circuitry Structure – Inspired by the flagship SP3000, it features a world-first implementation of AKM’s new AK4498EX DAC for superior digital-analog separation.
• Independent Dual Audio Circuits – Dedicated circuits for balanced and unbalanced outputs ensure optimal sound quality without compromise.
• Impedance-Adaptive Dual Amplifiers – Two distinct amplifiers cater to different impedance ranges, allowing for precise tuning based on headphones or earphones.
• Smart Gain Auto Matching – Automatically selects the optimal amplifier mode based on connected headphones, ensuring effortless, high-quality sound.
• Home Audio Integration – The included docking cradle transforms the PS10 into a high-end home audio source with XLR balanced outputs.
• 6-Inch Full HD Touchscreen – A large, vibrant 1080×2160 display enhances the user experience.
• Fast Charging & Long Battery Life – Power Delivery 3.0 support for quick charging and up to 15 hours of continuous playback.

Breaking Away From The Normal

Astell&Kern have long maintained a diverse lineup tailored to the unique characteristics of each product.

However, they have come to realise that a departure from conventional methods is essential for achieving true innovation.

The PD10 represents their first product that ventures beyond the constraints of our existing lineup, marking a new endeavour.

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 & Cradle.

First Application of AK4498EX in a DAP

By applying AKM’s latest DAC AK4498EX, they 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.

Silver Plated Shield HEXA Audio Circuit Structure

The PD10 employs four AK4498EX DACs incorporated in an innovative HEXA audio circuit design with two separately applied AK4191EQs for processing digital signals, resulting in the creation of the finest sound.

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 Analogue DAC, processes only the analogue signal separately.

By physically and perfectly separating digital and analog signal processing, The PD10 it delivers an astonishing level of sound that has never been experienced before.

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 customised 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 their 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 specialises 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.

Independent Dual Audio Circuits

To create an innovative DAP beyond the level of excellent DAPs, a DAP that no one has ever attempted, Astell&Kern 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 maximises audio performance no matter what output is being used.

Docking Cradle for Home Audio Utilisation

The included cradle allows for use not only as a portable device but also as a home audio source.

When the PD10 is mounted on the cradle, it supports simultaneous device charging and digital input via the USB port.

The XLR balanced analogue outputs allow simple connection to a home audio system.

Enjoy Astell&Kern sound more conveniently at home with the cradle.

Supports Airplay

Supports AirPlay for iPhone users, allowing direct control while listening to music via AirPlay.

Equipped with a 5,770mAhHigh-Capacity Battery

The PD10 enables up to 15 hours of continuous playback with its optimised 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.

Leather Case

The PD10 bundle case is made using polyurethane fabric from the Italian company Synt3.

Synt3 is an eco-friendly material certified under RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) version 2.0, which verifies the use of recycled materials from raw materials to the final product. It is highly durable and resistant to contamination.

Synt3’s eco-friendly leather maintains its quality even after long-term use, ensuring continuous usability.

Designed to highlight the unique features of the PD10, the case is engineered for easy access to all buttons and offers an optimised fit that provides perfect protection while ensuring the best grip. It not only enhances visual appeal but also elevates the overall PD10 experience.

Astell&Kern PD10 specifications

Model – PD10

Body Colour – Silver

Body Material – Stainless Steel

Display – 6inch 1080 x 2160 Touch screen

Supported Audio Formats – WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF

Sample rate – PCM : 8kHz ~ 768kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample) DSD : DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo DSD512(1bit, 22.4MHz), Stereo

Output Level – [Normal] Unbalanced 2.6Vrms │ Balanced 5.6Vrms (Condition No Load) [High] Unbalanced 4Vrms │ Balanced 8.3Vrms (Condition No Load) [Cradle XLR Out] 5.6Vrms (Condition Load)

CPU – Octa-core

DAC – AKM4191EQ x2 (Dual Modulator) + AKM4498EX x4 (Dual+Dual DAC)

Decoding – Support up to 32bit / 768kHz Bit to Bit playback

Input – USB Type-C input (for charging & PC & MAC)

Outputs – Unbalanced Out (3.5mm), Optical Out (3.5mm) Balanced Out (4.4m, only 5-pole supported)

Wi-Fi – 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)

Bluetooth® – V5.3 (A2DP, AVRCP, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, LDAC, LHDC, SBC, AAC)

Dimensions – 2.96 (75.4mm)[W] x 5.88” (149.5mm)[H] x 0.68” (17.3mm)[D]

Weight – About 15.34oz (435g)

Feature Enhancements – Firmware upgrade supported (OTA: Over-The-Air)

Storage

Built-in Memory – 256GB[NAND]

External Memory – microSD (Max. 2TB) x1

Included in the box

1x Astell&Kern PD10 player & Docking Cradle

1x High-End Premium Leather Case

1x USB-C to USB-C cable (1 metre)

3x screen protectors

1x Quick start guide