Astell&Kern's PD10 marks a bold leap forward in digital audio players, redefining innovation with cutting-edge technology.

Venturing Beyond

The PD10 is Astell&Kern's first product to venture beyond the constraints of their existing lineup. It represents a bold new direction in product design and innovation. The PD10 embodies this evolution with a novel take on A&K's iconic volume wheel design. The DAP offers a more intuitive and distinctive path to optimal sound.

Complete HEXA Separation of Digital and Analog

Astell&Kern equipped the PD10 with the same innovative HEXA audio circuit design first developed for the flagship SP3000.  The PS10 consists of four AKM AK4498EX DACs and two separate AK4191EQ chips that handle digital signals.

Most digital players process digital and analog signals together inside the DAC. However, Astell&Kern’s advanced HEXA structure reduces the noise of the digital signal input through the AK4191EQ, a separate digital delta-sigma modulator, and the AK4498EX DAC is then designed to process the analog signals separately.

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

Independant Dual Audio Circuits

To create not just a great DAP, but a truly innovative DAP, Astell&Kern worked to overcome the limitations of sound by designing an independent dual audio circuit for unbalanced and balanced outputs. By creating two separate audio circuits, one for balanced output and a second for unbalanced output, Astell&Kern maximizes audio performance no matter what output is being used.

Impedance Adaptive Dual Amps

To cater to the diverse listening environments of users, the PD10 is equipped with two distinct amplifiers.  Different sound tunings have been applied to each amp, taking into consideration the average impedance of connected earphones and headphones.

• The Normal Gain AMP reproduces delicate details and delivers high-purity sound, faithfully reproducing the original sound.
  
• The High Gain AMP excels in handling complex and dynamic sounds, rendering audio signals more vividly and with greater clarity for a more immersive listening experience.

Smart Gain

When headphones or earphones are connected, the PD10 instantly detects impedance and auto-adjusts the AMP. Its Smart Gain function ensures optimal amplifier matching, delivering a refined listening experience for all devices.

Docking Cradle

With its included cradle, the PD10 transitions from a portable player to a home audio source, offering USB charging, digital input, and XLR balanced outputs for seamless connection to speakers or a two-channel system. Volume can be adjusted via the PD10 or set to a fixed line-out level, while an LED display indicates track bit-rate through color.