Astell&Kern PD10

The Astell&Kern PD10 represents a significant leap forward in the world of high-end portable audio players. This innovative device breaks traditional boundaries by offering a dual function: it can be used on the go as a classic audiophile player, and it also transforms into a true streamer for Hi-Fi systems thanks to its dedicated dock. Featuring exclusive HEXA technology with complete separation of digital and analog circuits, the PD10 incorporates four next-generation AKM AK4498EX DACs and delivers a surprisingly warm sound signature that stands out from the brand’s previous models. Its 6-inch Full HD touchscreen, expandable memory up to 2TB, and 15-hour battery life round out the portrait of a device that pushes the limits of portable audio.

A Revolutionary Dual Identity

The PD10 marks a first in Astell&Kern’s history: an audiophile player that transcends its original function. On the move, it operates like any other high-end portable player to power headphones and earphones. Once at home, simply place it on its dedicated dock and it instantly transforms into a complete Hi-Fi source for your home setup.

The AK Cradle PES11 dock, included with the device, is not just a simple charging accessory. Made from high-quality aluminum, it features balanced XLR outputs for direct connection to an amplifier or active speakers. The system even offers dedicated volume control with LED display, or can operate in fixed line mode according to your preferences.

This unprecedented versatility eliminates the need to purchase and configure multiple separate devices, while maintaining sonic consistency between your mobile and home listening sessions.

Cutting-Edge Audio Architecture

The PD10 features the HEXA architecture, initially developed for the flagship SP3000. This forward-thinking design is based on a complete physical separation of digital and analog circuits, thereby eliminating the interference that typically degrades sound quality.

At the heart of the device are four AKM AK4498EX converters—a world first in a portable player—paired with two AK4191EQ chips dedicated to digital signal processing. Unlike conventional players that process all signals through the same DAC, the PD10 uses the AK4191EQ as a separate digital delta-sigma modulator to reduce incoming signal noise, while the AK4498EX DACs focus exclusively on analog processing.

Dual Independent Audio Circuit

Astell&Kern takes innovation even further with two completely independent audio circuits: one for balanced outputs (4.4 mm jack) and another for unbalanced outputs (3.5 mm jack). This setup avoids the usual compromises of other players that share the same DAC for both output types, which requires an audio switch that limits performance.

This sophisticated architecture delivers exceptional sound quality, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 128 dB and total harmonic distortion of just 0.0006% on the balanced output.

Intelligent Adaptive Amplification

The PD10 stands out with its dual amplification system designed to automatically adapt to your headphones. Two different amplifiers coexist within the device, each with a distinct sound signature:

• The normal gain amplifier, optimized to reproduce “the most accurate sound possible, with maximum detail,” ideal for low-impedance earphones and headphones (32 ohms and under).
• The high-gain amplifier, “excellent for powerful and dynamic sound,” perfectly suited for high-impedance models (over 32 ohms).

The intelligent gain function automatically detects the impedance of the connected equipment and selects the most appropriate amplifier, eliminating tedious manual adjustments. This feature is especially useful for audiophiles who own several types of headphones or earphones with varying characteristics.

With an output power reaching 8.3 Vrms in balanced mode, the PD10 can effortlessly drive even the most demanding headphones.

A Distinctive Sound Signature

Unlike previous Astell&Kern players known for their neutrality and clinical precision, the PD10 offers a surprisingly warm sound signature. This new sonic direction for the brand results in a more linear sound and, depending on the track, an almost dense quality.

The bass and midrange have remarkable texture, highlighting the emotion and character of each recording. The treble extends beautifully without ever sounding harsh or sibilant, even on brass-heavy tracks. This natural warmth gives the PD10 increased versatility across different musical genres, making it particularly well-suited for pop, indie/alternative, folk, country, and jazz.

The PD10 excels at complementing and balancing the characteristics of your earphones or headphones. It manages to enhance both warm and engaging earphones as well as more natural and analytical headphones, always delivering a rich and nuanced musical experience.

Redesigned Design and Ergonomics

With dimensions of 75.4 x 149.5 x 17.3 mm and a weight of 435 g, the PD10 is larger than most current players. However, this generous size allows for the integration of all the cutting-edge technology and makes it easier to handle the 6-inch Full HD touchscreen (1080 x 2160 pixels).

The PD10’s design marks a notable evolution in Astell&Kern’s aesthetics, with a reinterpretation of their iconic volume wheel. The silver stainless steel casing reflects the brand’s commitment to premium materials, while an LED ring around the power button changes color to indicate the resolution of the file being played.

The included case fits the contours of the player perfectly, offering optimal protection on the go. Note, however, that it must be removed to use the charging dock.

Extensive Connectivity and Compatibility

The PD10 offers outstanding connectivity with its dual-band Wi-Fi chip (2.4/5 GHz) and Bluetooth 5.3 supporting multiple high-resolution codecs (aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC). This improved Bluetooth version over previous models allows for faster transmission speeds and greater range.

In terms of compatibility, the player supports native playback of PCM files up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD512, thus covering all current audiophile formats. It can also serve as an external DAC via Bluetooth or a direct USB connection to a Mac or Windows computer.

The AK File Drop function enables wireless file transfer from a PC, smartphone, or via FTP, while AirPlay compatibility makes integration with Apple devices easy. The PD10 can even act as a Bluetooth receiver, receiving audio from an external source.

Optimized Memory and Battery Life

With 256 GB of internal storage and the option to add a microSD card up to 2 TB, the PD10 can house a substantial music library, including space-hungry high-resolution formats.

The battery life of around 15 hours when playing 16-bit FLAC files (volume at 50%, screen off) is a significant improvement over the SP3000M, which offered only 10 hours of listening. A full charge takes just 3.5 hours thanks to Power Delivery 3.0 technology, allowing for faster and more efficient charging than previous models.

Technical Specifications

Audio Features

• Supported formats: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF
• Sampling rates:
  • Pulse Code Modulation (PCM): 8 kHz to 768 kHz (8 / 16 / 24 / 32 bits)
  • Native DSD:
    • DSD64 (2.8 MHz) stereo
    • DSD128 (5.6 MHz) stereo
    • DSD256 (11.2 MHz) stereo
    • DSD512 (22.4 MHz) stereo
• Audio circuit:
  • Converters: AKM4191EQ x2 + AKM4498EX x4 (world’s first in a portable audio player)
  • Decoding: Bit-to-bit up to 32 bits / 768 kHz
  • HEXA structure: complete separation of digital and analog circuits
  • Independent audio circuits for balanced and unbalanced outputs
  • TERATON ALPHA technology: stable power supply, low noise, optimal conversion

Connectivity

• Input: USB Type-C (charging and PC / MAC connection)
• Outputs:
  • 3.5 mm (unbalanced and optical)
  • 4.4 mm balanced (5 poles)
• Wireless:
  • Wi-Fi: 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac – 2.4 / 5 GHz
  • Bluetooth: v5.3 (A2DP, AVRCP, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC, SBC, AAC)

Technical Performance

• Internal clock:
  • Jitter: 25 ps (typical)
  • Reference jitter: 250 femtoseconds
• Processor: Octa-core
• DAR oversampling: PCM conversion up to 384 kHz / DSD up to DSD256

Storage and Battery Life

• Storage:
  • Internal: 256 GB (NAND)
  • External: 1x microSD (up to 1.5 TB)
• Battery:
  • Capacity: 5770 mAh – 3.8 V Li-Polymer
  • Full charge: approx. 4 h (PD 3.0)
  • Battery life: approx. 15 h (FLAC 16-bit / 44.1 kHz, volume 50, screen off, normal gain)
  • Fast charging PD 3.0 (coming soon)

Display and Interface

• Screen: 6” touchscreen – 1080 x 2160
• LED around power button: indicates the resolution of the file being played
• Features: wireless firmware updates

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions: 75.4 x 149.5 x 17.3 mm
• Weight: approx. 435 g
• Material: stainless steel
• Case color: silver
• Operating temperature: 0 °C to +40 °C
• Redesigned design: signature volume wheel reimagined

Sound Processing and Customization

• Amplification:
  • Dual amplifiers: normal and high gain, each with a distinct sound signature
  • Smart gain: automatic detection of headphone impedance
  • Powerful output: up to 8.3 Vrms in balanced mode
• Customization:
  • 6 digital-to-analog converter filters: adjust tone to your preferences
  • Controlled crosstalk: “speaker” effect for headphone listening, reduces fatigue
  • Volume normalization: automatic playback volume leveling (supports up to 24-bit / 192 kHz)

Wireless Features

• AirPlay: iPhone compatible
• Bluetooth receiver: audio reception from an external source
• AK File Drop: wireless file transfer (PC, smartphone, FTP)

Accessory: Charging Dock

• Dock features (AK Cradle PES11):
  • Color: silver
  • Material: aluminum
  • Input: USB Type-C (power + data)
  • Output: 3-pin XLR (stereo pair)
  • Dimensions: 126 x 97.1 x 166.4 mm
  • Weight: approx. 565 g
  • Features: charging + XLR output to Hi-Fi system, volume control or fixed line out
  • Adjustable volume on dock with LED display

System Compatibility

• Windows: 8, 10, 11 (32 / 64 bits)
• macOS: from 10.7