Astell & Kern – PD10

Astell&Kern has always offered a wide range of products, each crafted with its own unique character. Yet, true innovation often requires stepping beyond established traditions.

A New Chapter with the Astell\&Kern PD10

With the PD10, Astell&Kern presents its first product that breaks away from the boundaries of the existing lineup. It is designed to deliver a more convenient and distinctive experience of optimal sound, while even the brand’s iconic volume wheel has been reimagined in a fresh, modern form.

The PD10 marks the beginning of “Breaking Away From the Normal”—a bold step into a new era of Astell\&Kern.

Advanced Features for Ultimate Convenience

• 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
• 6-inch Full HD Touchscreen – A stunning 1080×2160 display for an intuitive user experience.
• 256GB Internal Storage – Expandable via microSD up to 2TB.
• High-Resolution Audio Support – Native playback of PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512.
• Bluetooth 5.3 with High-Resolution Codecs – Supports aptX HD, LHDC, and LDAC for wireless 24-bit audio.
• BT Sink Mode – Use the PD10 as a Bluetooth DAC for high-quality playback from external devices.
• ReplayGain – Uniform volume adjustment across music tracks.
• AK File Drop & AirPlay Support – Wireless file transfer and Apple device integration.
• Roon Ready Certification – Seamless integration with Roon for music library management.
• Crossfeed Mode – Reduces ear fatigue by creating a more natural soundstage in headphone listening.
• Power Delivery 3.0 (PD 3.0) – Fast charging in approximately 3.5 hours, with up to 15 hours of playback.

Complete Separation of Digital and Analog Signals in a HEXA-Audio Circuitry Structure

Astell&Kern equipped the PD10 with the same innovative HEXA audio circuit design first developed for the flagship SP3000.  The PD10 consists of four AKM AK4498EX DACs and two separate AK4191EQ chips that handle digital signals.  The PD10 is the world’s first DAP incorporating the newly released AK4498EX chip.

By physically and perfectly separating digital and analog signal processing, the PD10 delivers an astonishing level of sound that has seldom been experienced before.

Stunning Audio Performance with Independent Dual Audio Circuits

Unlike conventional DAPs that share the same DAC for balanced and unbalanced outputs, the PD10 features two separate audio circuits. This unique design eliminates signal loss and restores audio integrity, providing optimal performance regardless of the selected output.

Impedance-Adaptive Dual Amplifiers

The PD10 is equipped with two distinct amplifiers designed to adapt to different headphone impedance levels. The Normal Gain AMP delivers high-purity sound, while the High Gain AMP enhances complex, dynamic sounds with greater clarity and immersion.

Smart Gain – Automatic Amplifier Matching Mode

With Smart Gain technology, the PD10 automatically detects the impedance of connected headphones and selects the optimal amplifier setting. Low-impedance headphones (≤32Ω) use Normal Gain, while high-impedance headphones (>32Ω) switch to High Gain, ensuring the perfect audio balance.

Full Android OS Integration by Astell&Kern

Through its proprietary Astell\&Kern Direct Path (ADP) technology, Astell\&Kern has eliminated the sampling limitations (SRC) of the Android OS. This ensures true bit-perfect, lossless playback—even when streaming—delivering the highest possible sound quality at all times.

Advanced DAR by Astell\&Kern

The second-generation DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) technology makes its debut in the SP4000, offering a sound that is more natural and refined than ever before. Instead of sending the audio file directly into the DAR engine, the signal first passes through VSE (Virtual Sound Extender), which virtually restores lost harmonics and improves sound quality at the earliest stage.

In the next step, the advanced DAR engine applies a highly precise upsampling process, further enhancing resolution and musical detail. This two-stage approach results in a deeper, more immersive listening experience that brings the sound closer to the original recording.

Enhanced 4.5th-Generation UI – Where Function Meets Emotion

The PD10 introduces an upgraded interface that harmonizes practical usability with a uniquely emotional touch. On the main screen, an animated LP slides in and out as you browse through albums, transforming music selection into a visually engaging and tactile experience.
Remaining true to Astell&Kern’s design language, the UI preserves the iconic Crimson theme, embodying the brand’s identity while presenting it in a refined, modern form.

Sleek and Intuitive Design

Inspired by the ‘Contrast Cube’ concept, the PD10 combines stainless steel and glass for a sophisticated look. For the first time in an Astell&Kern DAP, the volume wheel has been replaced with buttons, creating a clean and minimalist look while using distinct material contrast to draw the user’s attention to the control buttons.

Designed for effortless one-handed operation, the PD10 delivers both form and function in a premium package.

Specifications

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)

Clock Source　    　

• Clock Jitter: 25pS (Typ.)
• Reference Clock Jitter: 250 Femto Seconds

Storage Capacity  　       　

• Built-in Memory: 256GB [NAND]
• External Memory: microSD x1 (Max. 2TB)

Battery          　       　

• Capacity: 5,770mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer
• Charge Time: about 4hours (PD3.0 Charging)
• Playback Time: about 15hours (Standard : FLAC, 16bit, 44.1kHz, Vol.50, LCD Off, Normal Gain)

Supported OS        　       　

Supported OS: Windows 8,10,11(32/64bit) MAC OS X 10.7