Astell&Kern PD10

The Astell&Kern PD10 is a new direction for the brand, a departure from conventional DAP design that combines a HEXA audio circuit with four AK4498EX DACs, independent dual audio circuits for balanced and unbalanced outputs, impedance-adaptive Smart Gain amplification, and a docking cradle that transforms it into a home audio source with XLR balanced outputs. The world's first DAP to feature the AK4498EX.

Type and Technology

Digital audio player with docking cradle. HEXA audio circuit: four AK4498EX DACs driven by two AK4191EQ digital modulators with complete separation of digital and analog signal processing. Independent dual audio circuits for balanced and unbalanced outputs, each circuit fully isolated, with no audio switch between them, maximizing performance from both connections simultaneously. Smart Gain: automatic impedance detection on headphone connection, instantly selecting Normal Gain (up to 5.5Vrms balanced, for 32 ohms and below) or High Gain (up to 8.3Vrms balanced, for above 32 ohms). Normal Gain AMP reproduces delicate detail and high purity; High Gain AMP handles complex and dynamic material with additional vividness and clarity. Supports PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512. Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC, AAC, SBC. Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz). 256GB internal storage plus microSD (up to 1.5TB). 5,770mAh battery, approximately 15 hours playback. 6-inch 1080x2160 touch display. USB-C input on included cradle supports simultaneous charging and XLR analog output for home audio integration.

Sound Character

The HEXA circuit's complete separation of digital and analog domains, and the independent dual audio circuits for each output, produces a presentation with exceptional dynamic range and precision. The dual AMP architecture gives the PD10 a genuinely different character depending on headphone impedance, making it one of the most versatile-sounding DAPs in terms of adapting to the connected headphone's needs rather than applying a single character to everything.

Build and Finish

Stainless steel body at 75.4 x 149.5 x 17.3mm and 435g. LED display on front face mirrors playback information from the PD10 when cradle-mounted. Cradle included: aluminum construction at 126 x 97.1 x 166.4mm. Available in Silver.

Best For

Audiophiles who want a high-performance portable DAP that doubles as a home audio source via its XLR-output cradle, and those who want Smart Gain's automatic amplifier optimization across a wide range of headphone impedances.

What's in the Box

• Astell&Kern PD10 digital audio player
• AK Cradle with XLR outputs
• USB-C cable
• Documentation

Specifications