Astell&Kern KANN Ultra

The Astell&Kern KANN Ultra is the fifth generation of the KANN series, the flagship high-output digital audio player from Astell&Kern, delivering the highest output power of any A&K player with Triple Output Sound technology, a redesigned UI, and a premium form factor that continues the KANN tradition of combining exceptional audio performance with practical portability.

Type and Technology

High-output portable digital audio player (DAP). Triple Output Sound: unbalanced 3.5mm, balanced 2.5mm, and balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn, each independently optimized. Highest output power of any Astell&Kern player. Optimized processor and improved UI/UX for faster, more intuitive operation. Supports high-resolution PCM and DSD natively. Streaming via Wi-Fi with support for major streaming services. Bluetooth with aptX HD. MQA support. Android-based OS for streaming app compatibility.

Sound Character

The KANN series has always prioritized drive capability and output power for demanding headphones, the KANN Ultra continues that tradition with the highest maximum output in the A&K lineup, making it capable of driving planars and high-impedance dynamics directly that other DAPs struggle to power adequately. Triple Output Sound ensures each headphone connection is properly optimized rather than sharing a single output circuit.

Build and Finish

Premium A&K construction with a high-quality display, physical scroll wheel, and robust build quality. The KANN Ultra form factor is larger than the SP series but still portable and comfortable for daily use.

Best For

Headphone enthusiasts who want the most powerful portable digital audio player available, particularly those with demanding full-size headphones who want to drive them directly from a DAP without a separate amplifier.

What's in the Box

• Astell&Kern KANN Ultra
• USB-C cable
• Protective case
• Documentation

Specifications