You can expect true high-quality sound even on the go—right up to audiophile standards—with the new Astell & Kern PD10 portable player.
Dutch importer D&D Audio has announced the brand-new Astell & Kern PD10. According to them, this new music player marks the beginning of a new innovation within A&K’s signature DAP (Digital Audio Player) lines. “The mobile player was unveiled earlier this month at CanJam Singapore. We’re just ahead of A&K themselves, who told us the PD10 will appear on their website by the end of April. We expect the high-end player to be available shortly thereafter through our dealers. The suggested retail price is €2,990,” says D&D Audio.
‘Continuous innovation’
D&D Audio continues: “Astell&Kern is renowned for its wide range of DAPs, from entry-level models to serious high-end flagships like the SP300M, which is currently available in a limited Copper Nickel edition. Their relentless pursuit of innovation knows no bounds, as demonstrated by the PD10. A&K is breaking away from traditional processes (and limitations), choosing instead to boldly explore new directions in both design and sound reproduction. The PD10 reflects this evolution, notably with a reimagined take on the brand’s iconic volume wheel, delivering a more intuitive and distinctive experience of what they call ‘optimal sound reproduction.’”
Four DAC chips
The combination of stainless steel and glass gives the newcomer a sleek and luxurious look. For the first time, Astell & Kern has replaced the traditional volume wheel with buttons, creating a minimalist design that still prioritizes usability. Internally, the player is equipped with the HEXA audio circuit from the SP3000, using four AKM AK4498EX DAC chips in total. Full separation of digital and analog signal paths has also been achieved. Two separate amplifiers—a Normal Gain AMP and a High Gain AMP—provide flexibility and are designed to deliver dynamic, complex sound with greater depth. A dedicated home docking station is also noteworthy…
For more information about the Astell & Kern PD10, visit this page on the D&D Audio website.