Breaking Away From The Normal
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.
- World's First Application of AK4498EX in a DAP
- HEXA Audio Circuit Structure : Complete Separation of Digital and Analog Signal Processing
- Equipped with Impedance-Adaptive Dual Amplifiers
- Automatic Amplifier Matching Mode : Smart Gain
- Overwhelming Audio Performance Through Independent Dual Audio Circuits
- Astell&Kern Device to Support Full Android OS
- Advanced DAR Technology
- Features 4.5th generation UI, combining functionality and emotional design
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.
HEXA Audio Circuit Structure with Complete Separation of Digital and Analog Signals
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 Analog DAC, processes only the analog 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 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.
In order to complete the ultimate DAP that has never been experienced before, we have not only applied the latest DAC and new specifications, but also further developed and applied Astell&Kern's revolutionary audio technology, TERATON ALPHA, our Ultimate Sound Solution.
Boasting effective power noise removal, efficient power consumption, stable amplification, and a perfectly converted audio output interface, TERATON ALPHA is Astell&Kern's unique technology, focused on realizing sound close to the original.
General Specifications
Model
PD10
Body Color
Black, 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 Native : 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)
Operating Temperature
0℃ ~ + 40℃ (32℉~ 104℉)
Audio Specifications
Frequency Response
±0.066dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced │ ±0.066dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced
±0.62dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced │ ±0.61dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced
S/N
125dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 128dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
Crosstalk
-137dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ -138dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
THD+N
0.0007% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 0.0006% @ 1kHz, Balanced
IMD SMPTE
0.0004% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced │Balanced
Output Impedance
Unbalanced Out 3.5mm (1ohm) │ Balanced Out 4.4mm(1.6ohm)
*Audio measurement specifications are based on Normal gain.

