Presented in Sociedad in Singapore at the beginning of April during the specialized contest Canjamthe very stylized PD10 of Astell & Kern is another exhibition of the talent of a company that has been erected in undisputed leader Within the competitive sector of portable digital audio players (DAP). A portable digital reader of Authentic reference which also reaffirms its groundbreaking spirit through an aesthetic in which a new approach to the iconic stands out volume control wheel of the brand. Specifically, this component has been replaced by buttons that contribute to creating a clean and minimalist appearance. A change that, however, is only the tip of the iceberg of what comes next, materialized in numerous outstanding technological advances. The first of these advances has been adopted from the current reference model of Astell & Kern, the fabulous A&TIMA SP3000M: the Complete separation of the signals of digital and analog audio in the exclusive circital configuration HEXA.
It is a structure formed by four AK4498EX D/A Converters of the Japanese AKM and two DELTA-SIGMA MODULATORS AK4191EQ of the same brand, which is responsible for handling digital waveforms. As a general rule, the vast majority of digital players process digital and analog flows inside the DAC, but in the PD10 the hexa scheme Reduce noise of the incoming digital input through the AK4191EQ, so that the AK4498EX manipulates below Analog signals separately. Regarding the compatibility With digital files, support is available for PCM content up to 32 bits/768 kHz and DSD to DSD512. The second key innovation of this sensational device is found in the use of independent circuits For non -balanced and balanced analog outputs, a solution that allows Delete limitations in the signal sent by the DAC inherent to conventional DAP’s, maximizing sound benefits. Also, with the aim of satisfying the various listening environments of the users, the PD10 is equipped with two different amplifiersin whose conception the average impedance of the different types of headphones has been taken into consideration.
Specifically, the option Normal Gain Amp (impedances up to 32 ohms) grants the highest priority to timbral subtleties and faithful restitution of the original registration, while the High Gain Amp (impedances greater than 32 ohms) stands out when handling particularly complex and dynamic recordings, enhancing the vitality, clarity and immersiveness. The perfect use of these capabilities is guaranteed by the function Smart Gainwhich empowers the Astell & Kern to instantly check the headphones impedance which are connected and automatically establish the most appropriate amplification mode. Another distinctive feature of the PD10 is the elegant and practical aluminum base that accompanies it, which simultaneously exercises of cargo port and distribution center thanks to shots among which are a USB digital input and balanced analog outputs with XLR. Finally, we highlight the presence of a 256 GB internal memory (Expandable in another 2 TB via microSD card), a generous (6 ”/152’4 mm) High definition display screen, wireless connectivity Bluetooth 5.3 Compatible APTX HD, LHDC and LDACthe useful functionality of balance of the volume level Replaygainspace adjustment Crossfeed and homologation Raon Readywithout neglecting an exceptional quality construction starring materials such as stainless steel and glass.
