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The Kann MAX from Astell&Kern is a fourth-generation portable audio player in the Kann series. It is equipped with four ESS ES9038Q2M digital-to-analog converters and can deliver up to 15 volts RMS via its balanced output. Designed to drive a wide range of headphones, it weighs 305 grams and features an aluminum chassis. It is available in two finishes: Mud Brown (limited edition) and anthracite gray.
The Kann MAX sports a distinctive design that continues the aesthetic of the Kann series while introducing substantial improvements. With dimensions of 68.3 × 117 × 23.6 millimeters, the device is three times thicker than a modern smartphone, reflecting the complexity of its internal circuitry and its generous battery.
The chassis, machined entirely from a block of aluminum, features the brand’s signature angular lines, with beveled edges that create a play of light and shadow reminiscent of Astell&Kern’s conceptual theme. The limited-edition “Mud Brown” finish offers an original alternative to the traditional anthracite gray, giving the device a unique visual identity.
The 10.4-centimeter (4.1-inch) touchscreen with a 720 × 1280 pixel resolution occupies most of the front panel. This display provides enough brightness and definition for comfortable navigation, even in direct sunlight. Astell&Kern’s signature volume wheel, positioned on the right side, offers 150 adjustment levels for precise volume control. This analog wheel ensures no loss of audio quality and maintains perfect channel balance, even at the lowest volumes.
A discreet multicolor LED ring surrounds the wheel, changing color according to the resolution of the file being played: red for 16-bit, green for 24-bit, purple for 32-bit or DSD. This visual indicator allows you to instantly identify the quality of the audio stream without checking the screen.
At the heart of the Kann MAX, four ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chips work together to deliver surgically precise digital-to-analog conversion. This Quad-DAC configuration assigns a full converter to each channel, allowing total separation of left and right signals. This architecture drastically reduces crosstalk (-135 dB in balanced mode) and lowers total harmonic distortion to microscopic levels: 0.0003% in unbalanced and 0.0004% in balanced mode.
Astell&Kern’s TERATON ALPHA technology is the result of thousands of hours of research. This system combines sophisticated power management, active noise suppression, and amplification with minimal distortion. Each audio block (DAC, volume control, amplification) has its own dedicated power circuit, eliminating interference and ripple noise typical of switching power supplies.
The multilayer printed circuit board (12 layers in total) demonstrates the complexity of the internal architecture. This design physically isolates the different audio stages while maintaining short signal paths to preserve the integrity of the music stream. The output connectors feature gold PVD coating to minimize contact noise and ensure optimal connection.
The Kann MAX’s amplification section is its main technical highlight. With four selectable gain levels, the device adapts its output power to the specific needs of each headphone or earphone. The “Super Gain” mode delivers up to 8 volts RMS on the 3.5 mm unbalanced output and reaches 15 volts RMS on the 2.5 mm and 4.4 mm Pentaconn balanced outputs.
This phenomenal power allows it to effortlessly drive even the most demanding planar magnetic headphones, such as the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFiMAN Susvara, which are typically reserved for desktop amplifiers. The particularly low output impedance (1 ohm unbalanced, 1.6 ohms balanced) ensures optimal control of the drivers and preserves the original sound signature of the headphones.
The three headphone outputs offer maximum compatibility with today’s audio ecosystem. The 3.5 mm output also includes an S/PDIF optical function, allowing you to connect an external DAC for an even more sophisticated audio chain. This versatility makes the Kann MAX a true Swiss Army knife of portable audio.
The Kann MAX supports all current high-resolution audio formats. PCM files are natively decoded up to 32-bit / 768 kHz, while DSD is supported up to DSD512 (22.4 MHz). MQA 8x compatibility allows you to fully enjoy high-resolution streaming catalogs offered by Tidal and other platforms.
Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity includes aptX HD and LDAC codecs, enabling 24-bit wireless transmission for compatible headphones and earphones. The BT Sink function turns the Kann MAX into a Bluetooth receiver, allowing the device to be used as an external DAC for a smartphone or tablet. This bidirectionality greatly expands the device’s use cases.
The Android-based operating system, though customized and optimized for audio, allows the installation of third-party apps via the Open APP service. Major streaming platforms (Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music, Apple Music) can thus be installed directly on the device, making the Kann MAX an all-in-one solution for both portable and home listening.
The 5600 mAh lithium-polymer battery provides around 13 hours of continuous playback (FLAC 16-bit / 44.1 kHz, volume 40, unbalanced mode). This endurance allows for intensive use over several days without needing to recharge. Support for 9V / 1.67A fast charging reduces full charge time to 3.5 hours, compared to 5.5 hours with standard charging.
The ReplayGain function automatically adjusts the volume between tracks to maintain a consistent listening level, especially useful when listening to compilations or eclectic playlists. This intelligent normalization works up to 24-bit / 192 kHz files without altering the original dynamics of the recordings.
With its 15 volts RMS on the balanced output, the Kann MAX delivers power comparable to many desktop amplifiers. It easily drives headphones up to 600 ohms impedance, such as the Beyerdynamic DT880 or T1. For planar models that require high current, its performance rivals entry-level desktop amplifiers, while also offering portability.
The Kann MAX transforms into an external USB DAC via its USB-C port. Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux without additional drivers, it supports streams up to 32-bit / 384 kHz over USB. This feature significantly improves the audio quality of a laptop or desktop computer, turning the player into a portable professional audio interface.
The internal memory of 64 GB can hold about 1,000 albums in FLAC 16-bit / 44.1 kHz. The microSD slot supports cards up to 1 TB, bringing the total capacity to over 1 TB. The AK File Drop function allows wireless file transfers from any device connected to the same network, simplifying the management of large music libraries.
The aptX HD and LDAC codecs allow transmission up to 24-bit / 96 kHz and 24-bit / 990 kbps, respectively. While a wired connection remains superior in terms of bandwidth and latency, the difference becomes subtle with high-end Bluetooth headphones/earphones compatible with LDAC, especially when listening to compressed music or streaming.
Francis
Extremely delighted, especially since I received the Meze premium PCUHD silver-plated 4.4mm jack cable.
Comment from 16 February 2024 — Experience from 26 January 2024
Pascal
I use this player with high-resolution music files on an SD card as well as with Qobuz. The sound quality of the product is excellent, it's pure pleasure for the ears. However, when streaming on Qobuz you need to be very very close to the wifi router otherwise the listening experience deteriorates very quickly. At this price point, Astell could have made an effort on the wireless module.
Comment from 30 May 2023 — Experience from 19 May 2023
