Astell & Kern
Expected Apr 25, 2025
PD10 Digital Audio Player & Docking Cradle
$2,500.00 USDFeatures
World's first DAP application of AKM4498EX DAC chip (quad-DAC configuration)
Impedance-Adaptive Dual Amplifiers with Smart Gain auto-detection
Independent dual audio circuits for unbalanced and balanced outputs
Included docking cradle for home audio use with XLR balanced outputs
6-inch Full HD (1080x2160) touchscreen display
5,770mAh high-capacity battery with up to 15 hours playback
256GB built-in storage plus microSD support up to 2TB
Supports native playback of PCM up to 32bit/768kHz and DSD512
Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology for upsampling
Customizable Crossfeed feature for reduced listening fatigue
Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX HD, LDAC, and LHDC codec support
AK File Drop for wireless file transfers
AirPlay support for streaming from Apple devices
ReplayGain for automatic volume level adjustment
6 selectable DAC filters for personalized sound tuning
LED indicators showing current bit-rate information
What's in the Box?
Warranty
Complete Separation of Digital and Analog Signals in a HEXA-Audio Circuitry Structure
Astell&Kern equipped the PS10 with the same innovative HEXA audio circuit design first developed for the flagship SP3000. The PD10 consists of four AKM AK4498EX DACs and two separate AK4191EQ chips that handle digital signals. The PD10 is the world’s first DAP incorporating the newly released AK4498EX chip.
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.
Stunning Audio Performance with Independent 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.
Almost all other DAPs use the same internal DAC for both unbalanced and balanced outputs. Since the signal from the DAC is divided into unbalanced and balanced then delivered to the AMP, an Audio Switch is essential. When using a switch, there is a limit to the range of signal sent by the DAC, so most DAPs reduce the signal size first and then when the signal is transmitted back to the amplifier, it is necessary to restore the original signal size. This causes a limitation in improving the audio performance.
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 Amplifiers
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.
By incorporating two distinct amplifiers in a single player, users can tailor the sound based on the earphones and headphones used.
Smart Gain – Automatic Amplifier Matching Mode
The moment a headphone or earphone is connected to the PS10, the player instantly checks the impedance of the connected device and automatically sets the appropriate AMP.
Regardless of which earphones or headphones are connected, the PD10 automatically distinguishes between low and high impedance and matches it with the optimal AMP, without the user having to worry about manually changing settings to find the optimal match.
Earphones with an impedance of 32ohm or less are set to Normal Gain, providing a maximum output of 5.5Vrms when connected to the balanced output, and earphones greater than 32ohm are set to High Gain, providing ample output of up to 8.3Vrms for balanced out.
The Smart Gain function optimizes amplifier matching, providing audio enthusiasts who own a wide variety of headphones and earphones with a unique and refined listening experience.
Docking Cradle for Home Use
With the included cradle, the PD10 is not only a portable device, but can also be used as a home audio source. Simultaneous device charging and digital signal input via the USB port is supported when the PD10 is mounted in the cradle. The XLR balanced outputs on the back of the cradle allows connection to a two-channel home audio system or directly to powered speakers. XLR output levels can be controlled using the PD10's volume controls or set at a fixed output level by enabling the line out option in settings. An LED on the front of the cradle displays bit-rate information of the track currently playing based on color.
The player includes 256GB of internal memory with support for microSD cards up to 2TB, dual-band 2.4/5Ghz a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, DLNA networking, USB digital audio output, USB-C for data transfer and charging, and the ability to use the PD10 as an external DAC via Bluetooth or a direct USB connection to a Mac or Windows-based PC. A 6-inch Full HD (1080x2160) touch screen provides a high-resolution display. The PD10 supports native playback of high-res PCM music up to 32-bit, 768kHz and DSD512. A LED ring around the power button provides information on the bit-rate of the currently playing track.
ReplayGain automatically and uniformly adjusts playback volume across different music tracks. Using AK File Drop, you can freely transfer files wirelessly through a PC, smartphone, or FTP program located on the same network. Music file management is now possible with a cableless, wireless solution. Airplay support allows users to share music and provide direct control from Apple devices.
The PD10 includes support for aptX HD, LHDC and LDAC™ codecs to provide audiophiles with multiple options for 24-bit audio playback wirelessly. Bluetooth 5.3 features faster transmission speed and greater range compared to previous Bluetooth versions, therefore providing a more stable wireless connection. BT Sink allows the PD10 to connect to an external device via Bluetooth, and functions as a Bluetooth DAC. Music from an external device, such as a smartphone can now be played back in high-quality, taking full advantage of the advanced audio innovations found in the PD10.
Power Delivery 3.0 (PD 3.0) support allows you to charge your DAP faster and more efficiently than previous models, reaching a full charge in about 3.5 hours. Equipped with a 5,770mAh high-capacity battery, the PD10 enables up to 15 hours of continuous playback with its optimized circuit configuration. Although the screen is larger and the performance is upgraded, users can enjoy music without worrying about battery life with extended playback time. In a headphone environment in which the left and right channels are clearly separated, ear fatigue may increase during prolonged listening. The Crossfeed setting in the PD10 mixes parts of the original signal from one channel and sends that signal to the opposite channel with a time difference to center the sound image. This effect provides the headphone user with a sound profile similar to listening to the same music track in a room with full-sized speakers. Using detailed settings such as Shelf Cutoff, Shelf Gain, and Mixer Level, you can set the level of crossfeed according to your listening preferences. The PD10 is Roon Ready certified.
Features
- HEXA Audio Circuit Structure with complete separation of digital and analog signal processing
- World's first DAP application of AKM4498EX DAC chip (quad-DAC configuration)
- Impedance-Adaptive Dual Amplifiers with Smart Gain auto-detection
- Independent dual audio circuits for unbalanced and balanced outputs
- Included docking cradle for home audio use with XLR balanced outputs
- 6-inch Full HD (1080x2160) touchscreen display
- 5,770mAh high-capacity battery with up to 15 hours playback
- 256GB built-in storage plus microSD support up to 2TB
- Supports native playback of PCM up to 32bit/768kHz and DSD512
- Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology for upsampling
- Customizable Crossfeed feature for reduced listening fatigue
- Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX HD, LDAC, and LHDC codec support
- AK File Drop for wireless file transfers
- AirPlay support for streaming from Apple devices
- ReplayGain for automatic volume level adjustment
- 6 selectable DAC filters for personalized sound tuning
- LED indicators showing current bit-rate information
What's in the Box?
- PD10 Digital Audio Player
- Docking Cradle
- USB-C Charging Cable
- Warranty and Manual
- Leather Case (made with Synt3 eco-friendly polyurethane fabric)
Specifications
High Gain: Unbalanced 4Vrms | Balanced 8.3Vrms
Cradle XLR Output: 5.6Vrms