Discover the Leaders in Portable HiFi Audio
Astell&Kern is a company whose name tells a story. Astell means "star" in Greek, and Kern means "core“ in German. Together, these words refer to the company's aim to continuously reach for the core of music — the "original sound." The name Astell&Kern speaks to the company's obsession with fidelity, ensuring the listener hears music exactly as the artist intended. With modern metals, sharp edges, and sleek designs, Astell&Kern products look like the future. High-end portable audio is something Astell&Kern does exceedingly well, and they have some of the best products out there.
Why Astell&Kern?
Here at Moon Audio, we vet every manufacturer we carry because we want to provide our customers with brands that we support and are proud to use ourselves. Carrying Astell&Kern products was a no-brainer for Moon Audio Owner and Founder Drew Baird, P.E., who says the company's products are reliable, simple to use, and innovative .
"Why Astell&Kern? Reliability, simple to use, innovative, and a great price-to-performance ratio. I actually like that Astell&Kern uses a closed, modified Android operating system. There's always at the forefront of innovation before anybody else. I mean, they were the first digital audio player to come out with a 2.5mm balanced output and now they have transitioned nicely to the 4.4mm, but kept the 2.5mm for folks that purchased a large stash of headphones and IEMs that utilize that connector," said Drew Baird, P.E.
History of Astell&Kern
In 2012, a South Korean home electronics company called iRiver (now known as Dreamus) debuted the AK100 portable media player, an MP3 player for high-resolution audio. It was dubbed an "iPod on steroids." It cost $699, and it prompted questions like, "What does a $700 iPod sound like?" The answer was that it sounded really good, despite its price tag and lack of features like wi-fi. Later that year, after releasing the AKR01 in-ear monitor, iRiver launched Astell&Kern as a subsidiary.
"We use the power of music to change your life." -Astell&Kern
Astell&Kern is dedicated to delivering best-in-class high-resolution audio devices for the playback of MQS (Mastering Quality Sound) studio-quality audio. Combining design and engineering excellence, craftsmanship and high-quality materials with state-of-the-art audio technology, Astell&Kern's range of award-winning portable music players and IEMs deliver the ultimate listening experiences.
What Makes Astell&Kern Different?
Astell&Kern products stylistically stand out from the crowd with their modern metals aesthetic, sharp edges, and sleek designs. AK digital music players look like the future. The company is best known for portable high-end music players, or hi-res “iPods.” As consumers learn about the need for higher resolution music files to feed our high-quality media players, those made by Astell&Kern have thrived.
We think Astell&Kern makes some of the best music players in the world. Plus, their technology is easy to learn and navigate as a newbie or a technology wizard. If you love to listen to music “on the go” and want hi-fi sound, AK digital audio players (DAPs) are essential listening gear with Mastering Quality Sound (MQS).
MQS includes high-resolution digital music recording formats from 16-bit/44.1kHz to 24-bit/192kHz. Sound engineering tech-speak can be confusing. More is usually better. Higher amounts of information can mean better sound with crisper highs and fuller lows (bass). The trick is to process and play as much information as possible or as much information as your recordings started with in the first place. Playing all the high-res information captured during the music recording process is Astell&Kern’s expertise.
Astell&Kern Technology
TERATON ALPHA
TERATON ALPHA is AK's ultimate Sound Solution to produce audio playback that is close to the original sound through the use of effective power noise removal, efficient power consumption and amplification without compromise through the audio output interface.Many people think “It is the DAC that determines the sound in the DAP, and in the end, if you use the same DAC, the sound will be similar for each product.” The DAC does play a large part of the sound signature in a DAP, but it's not the only factor that determines the level of sound.
DAPs can be largely divided into three sections: power, amplifier, and interface.
- Power: Astell&Kern's audio technology effectively removes power noise and converts the signal, which is essential to the power of the audio.
- Amplifier: The reason why the same DAC produces different sound signatures is because of differences in amp design. A&K's advanced AMP technology features efficient power consumption and powerful amplification that delivers performance without compromise.
- Interface: The audio interface that converts digital signals to analog and outputs then is composed of technology developed by AK that has been enhanced over the years.
TERATON ALPHA features Astell&Kern's patented technologies that are the result of tens of thousands of hours of continuous research and development to produce sound close to the original sound the artist and producer intended.
Astell&Kern Features
Streaming with Your Astell&Kern DAP
Music streaming with your Astell&Kern DAP is incredibly easy with a wide variety of streaming services available on the Astell&Kern Open APP Service. The Open APP service allows you to install specific APK music streaming apps to your device. Open App supports the following streaming services:
Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, SoundCloud, TuneIn Radio, myTuner, Sirius XM, DS Audio, Bandcamp, Melon, Bugs, Music Mate, AWA, QQ Music, KK BOX, KT genie, Joox, and MOOV.
Please refer to our Astell&Kern support blog for the entire list of Astell&Kern products that support the Open APP service.
Roon Endpoints
For those who enjoy streaming with Roon, the good news is that newer AK players are Roon Ready.
What is Roon? Roon is a rich and engaging way to browse, organize, and listen to music. Artist photos, credits, bios, reviews, lyrics, tour dates, and composers are located automatically and then interconnected by links to build a surfable digital magazine. Roon is also a multi-room, multi-user networked audio platform offering features such as bit-perfect playback, DSD and PCM upsampling, multichannel support, and Signal Path display.
What is Roon Ready? Roon Ready network devices have Roon's streaming technology built in, and are certified by Roon Labs to provide the highest level of quality and performance in network streaming. Being Roon Ready means that Astell&Kern players transparently discover and connect to Roon without any configuration, and bit-perfect audio is delivered from Roon to the player. This allows you to stream music from your device using Roon as your music management and playback engine.
Astell&Kern + Roon: How to Set Up Your Music Player as a Roon Endpoint
AK Roon Ready Devices:
- ACRO CA1000 Music Player
- ACRO CA1000T Music Player
- KANN ALPHA DAP
- KANN MAX DAP
- KANN ULTRA DAP
- PEE51
- SE180 DAP
- SE200 DAP
- SE300 DAP
- SP1000 DAP
- SP100M DAP
- SP2000 DAP
- SP2000T DAP
- SP3000 DAP
- SR35 DAP
Astell&Kern + Android Transfer
How compatible is Android OS with PC and MAC? Believe it or not, you don't have to work for the Geek Squad at Best Buy to get music from your computer to your spiffy new Android-based DAP music player. It's not quite plug-and-play, but it's honestly not that difficult, and we're here to walk you through the process step by step.
Astell&Kern BT SINK
BT Sink allows you to connect your AK player to an external device via Bluetooth, similar to connecting a smartphone to a BT speaker. This allows you to access your local music library and play it at the highest available codec. For instance, if you have music stored locally on your phone or laptop and want to access said library that might not be your music player, you can connect it to the AK player for immediate file playback though the DAP itself via Bluetooth sync (or BT Sink).
AK File Drop
AK File Drop makes wireless file transfers simple. Using AK File Drop, you can freely transfer files wirelessly through a PC, smartphone, or FTP program on the same network. Music file management is now possible with a wireless solution. Whereas BT Sink can stream your music from another device, AK File Drop can actually transfer those files to local storage on your device.
Astell&Kern Notable Product Timeline
2012: AK100, AK's first DAP
2013: AK120, AK's first Dual DAC
2014: AK240, AK's first 2.5mm, DSD 128 support
2015: AK380, AK's first DSD256 support; AK JR Player
2016: AK70, AK's first standard pocket-sized DAP
2017: SP1000, AK's first Octa-Core; KANN, AMP-integrated line-out support
2018: SE100, AK's first 8ch DAC; SR15 DAP; SP1000M DAP
2019: SP2000, AK's first independent channel, DSD512 support; KANN CUBE, AK's first 12 Vrms support
2020: SE200, AK's first Multi-DAC DAP; KANN ALPHA, AK's first 4.4mm support
2021: SP2000T, AK's first Triple AMP System DAP; SE180, TERATON ALPHA Audio Sound Technology support; SR25 MKII DAP
2022: SP3000, World's first DAP with complete separation of digital and analog signal processing; KANN MAX, 4-step gain level with maximum 15 Vrms output; Odyssey Earphones, an AK and Empire Ears collab; PATHFINDER IEMs, an AK and Campfire Audio collab; ACROCA1000 Music Player
2023: ACROCA1000T Music Player; SE300 DAP; AURA Earphones; AK HB1 Portable Bluetooth DAC/AMP; KANN ULTRA DAP; SR35 DAP; HC3 Dual DAC/AMP; PA10 Amplifier
Astell&Kern Music Players/ DAPs
Astell&Kern Music Players/ DAPs at Moon Audio
A&ultima
A&futura
A&norma
KANN
A&ultima — Be the Ultimate.
A&ultima is the flagship AK line, combining the best specifications, high technology, and superior functionality. DAPs: SP1000M GOLD, SP1000, SP2000, SP2000T, SP3000
SP3000 DAP Music Player
The Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000 DAP Music Player is the newest flagship product that has set the standard for high-quality sound using the latest innovative technology in the A&ultima series. Not only does the SP3000 use the latest DAC with HEXA-Audio Circuitry, but it also features the innovative audio technology of TERATON ALPHA, AK's Ultimate Sound Solution, which has been refined for the SP3000. With the newly developed UX/UI, the SP3000 is focused on the process and experience of listening to music.
The SP3000 is the world's first DAP to use 904L stainless steel material, transforming it from just a digital device to a luxury good. 904L stainless steel is harder than general stainless steel, making the SP3000 incredibly durable and corrosion-resistant. The new HEXA DAC circuitry delivers a rich, dynamic listening experience that's evident in the layering, imaging, and textures. Songs have more energy with tons of resolution and great bottom-end weight and definition that's sure to appeal to audiophiles and music lovers. The sound quality, craftsmanship, and technology of the SP3000 raise the bar for Astell&Kern's flagship-level DAPs.
Sound: Dynamic, Rich, Layered
Standout Genres: Classic Rock, Pop, Country
SP3000 DAP Music Player - 24K Gold Edition
The Astell&Kern SP3000 DAP 24K Gold Edition is a nod to the success of the SP3000 DAP, possessing the same sound quality and technology but with a 24K gold-plated chassis. This is a limited edition model that captures the sound of the SP3000 in a chassis of extreme luxury and value.
Headphones & IEMs
Popular with performing artists and audiophiles, in-ear monitors, or IEMs, are a fantastic option for people who want the fidelity of full-size headphones with the portability and convenience of earbuds. While Astell&Kern is primarily known for their digital audio players, they have come out with several fine IEMs over the years that echo the design elements and sound quality of their DAPs. Astell&Kern has teamed up with other audio manufacturers for many of their IEMs, including Empire Ears, JH Audio, Beyerdynamic, and Campfire Audio. They also collaborated on a full-size headphone with Beyerdynamic.
AK ZERO1 In-Ear Monitors
The AK ZERO1 was the first fully in-house IEM endeavor for Astell&Kern. It's a tribrid design, combining a planar magnetic driver, two balanced armature drivers, and a dynamic driver. The AK ZERO1 IEM focuses on combining the sounds of three unique driver technologies into one IEM. The AK ZERO1 harmonizes the characteristics of each driver to deliver the most natural sound to your ears. An ideal frequency response was created through the crossover network, which is designed based on a thorough understanding of each driver’s parameters. At the same time, each driver is carefully placed in the optimal 3D position, enclosed in specifically designed acoustic chambers manufactured with precise 3D printing technology. By implementing this, Astell&Kern eliminated unnecessary movement and resonance of the drivers to ensure a stable performance.
Sound: Neutral, Musical
Standout Genres: Rock, Metal, R&B, EDM
PATHFINDER In-Ear Monitors
The hybrid PATHFINDER is an Astell&Kern collaboration with Campfire Audio. Featuring a "mountain peak" inlay design, the PATHFINDER combines AK's "light and shadow" design philosophy with Campfire's "awe of nature" design philosophy. Featuring a warm and rich sound, the PATHFINDER has a new Dual-Chamber Balanced Armature (BA) Driver from Knowles for the key part of the midrange, two BA drivers for high frequencies, as well as two dynamic drivers with a hybrid diaphragm that create bass and midrange. Knowles’ new ‘Dual Chamber’ Balanced Armature Driver, used for the first time ever in PATHFINDER, is an innovative driver in which a single coil operates two individual diaphragms. It’s like a twin cylinder engine – delivering more horsepower and smoother operation compared to one with a single, larger piston.
Sound: Bass meets clarity
Standout Genres: Rock, Folk, Bluegrass, Jam Band Music
Audio Systems, DACs & More
Home Audio/ Music Players
Portable DACs/ Amps
ACRO CA1000T All-In One Head-Fi Audio System
The ACRO CA1000T is the second edition of the ACRO CA1000 Music Player. It combines the functionality of a high-performance headphone amplifier and DAP. It's the perfect desktop companion complete with a powerful headphone amplifier and Astell&Kern's proprietary TERATON ALPHA technology. This technology produces audio playback as close to the original sound through effective power noise removal, efficient power management, and amplification.
The power output for the ACRO CA1000T is very impressive with four levels of gain that can operate the most detailed IEMs and the most power-hungry headphones. You can use the ACRO CA1000T's headphone jacks for an immersive listening experience or connect speakers using the input/output ports. With three amp modes to choose from each one will provide you with a unique sound: The OP AMP mode delivers extreme clarity and dynamic sound. The TUBE AMP mode expresses more musical detail, and the HYBRID AMP mode delivers you a combination of retro vibes and high-resolution output.
The ACRO CA1000T is also Roon Ready and supports playback on various streaming apps through Bluetooth and Dual-band Wi-Fi. It has a built-in battery for portability so you can enjoy up to 11 hours of high-quality playback while you travel. Using the new AK File Drop function you can transfer audio files wirelessly through a PC, smartphone, or FTP program located on the same network. The BT Sink function allows you to connect a smartphone or external device via Bluetooth and playback audio in high quality on the ACRO CA1000T. The functions available on the ACRO CA1000T make it what Drew Baird, P.E., Owner and Founder of Moon Audio calls a kitchen sink — A product that truly does it all.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: Black Dragon Interconnect Cable
ACRO CA1000 Desktop DAP Music Player
The ACRO CA1000 is a product that breaks boundaries. It's a headphone amplifier and DAC - four ES9068AS DACs, to be precise. But it's also a DAP! AK calls it "carryable" because you can easily transport it. It's portable in the sense that there is no external power source, so you're never tethered to an outlet. The built-in battery provides 10-plus hours of playback, and the battery is fully charged in 2.5 hours. The tilting display can be adjusted to an optimal position depending where it is placed on your desk or table. The CA1000 supports four levels of gain settings so you can drive any headphone, including the most power-hungry. HiFiMan SUSVARA? No problem! The ACRO CA1000 can be used as a Hi-Fi audio system by connecting devices using a variety of digital inputs/output (Optical, Coaxial, Type-C USB) and analog inputs/outputs (RCA). And you get 2 balanced and two unbalanced headphone outputs.
Sound: Detailed and Balanced
Dragon Cable Recommendation: Black Dragon Interconnect Cable
AK CD Ripper MKII
CD ripping is simple and convenient with the AK CD Ripper MKⅡ. By setting up the ripping options in advance, the user can connect the AK CD Ripper MKⅡ and simply touch the CD ripping icon to begin. The connected Astell&Kern music player will access Gracenote's servers featuring the latest music data and automatically write the corresponding music information and album cover to the ripped music files. The user also has the option to manually enter metadata such as album title, artist, genre, and year of release for CD information that is not available on Gracenote. Furthermore, the user can set the ripping speed (normal / fast / very fast) and file format (WAV / FLAC) through the settings menu.
Check out this blog post about Ripping & Transferring Files on Your Astell&Kern Player
Dragon Audio Cables
Audio cables are the icing on your audio cake, and they can make or break your listening experience. At Moon Audio, we craft custom cables to improve the sound of your headphones and other audio gear. Your choice of cable is going to depend on a couple of factors, the first being the sound signature of your DAP. We recommend the Silver Dragon Headphone Cable for warmer DAPs and the Black Dragon Headphone Cable for more analytical-sounding DAPs. That being said, the sound signature of your headphones is also going to be a factor. Bottom line: If you are looking to add weight and warmth to the overall sound, or if you want a smoother top end, go with the Black Dragon. If you are looking for more detail, clarity, and top-end sizzle, go with the Silver Dragon.
Our HiFi Dragon Audio Cables bring out more of what you love in your music and audio gear. If your USB cables keep dying - as many stock cables do - then check out our quality USB Audio Cables. We say time and time again that materials matter, and our audio cables and custom geometries actually help to bring out those desired properties in your gear and music. We make tons of custom options for our customers so that you can get the right HiFi Audio cable for your exact needs. If you have any questions feel free to Contact Us and we'll be more than happy to help.
Enjoy the Detailed, Resolute Sound of Astell&Kern Products
Astell&Kern designs and manufactures their products with one goal in mind: To deliver music that touches people's hearts, rather than just their ears. Every AK product is created with passion, craftsmanship, and innovation with the latest proprietary technology. For more than a decade now, Astell&Kern has become a household name among audiophiles, transforming how we listen to our favorite HiFi music on the go. From DAPs to Bluetooth DAC/Amps, Astell&Kern delivers intuitive, easy-to-use products that fit into your lifestyle. Users can enjoy that signature AK sound — Analytical, detailed, and resolute — with the goal of reproducing the most accurate sound possible, just the way the artist intended.
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