Astell&Kern - AK PA10

ASTELL&KERN INTRODUCES THEIR FIRST-EVER CLASS-A PORTABLE AMP - THE AK PA10

Astell&Kern has been researching and developing AMP technology to deliver pure sound. The AK PA10 is the first AK model to introduce a Class-A analogue AMP based on Astell&Kern's know-how in AMP circuit design technology. It provides Class-A AMP's natural and spacious analogue sound, further enhanced by its exclusive TERATON ALPHA technology. Enjoy the pure analogue sound of Astell&Kern with AK PA10's Current control, Gain control, and Crossfeed options for digital audio players and source devices.

FEATURES CLASS-A AMPLIFICATION AND TERATON ALPHA TECHNOLOGIES THAT DELIVER BREATHTAKING SONIC PERFORMANCE

Great headphone AMPs generate "true" and "pure" sound reproduction. Authentic sound is achieved when every component, including power, noise, signal transition, circuit architectures, etc., has been thoroughly developed and implemented in addition to realising a steady output. The AK PA10 is small enough; to be portable but operates seamlessly with headphones and IEMs. The audio comes off as more refined with the TERATON ALPHA technology. The TERATON ALPHA is an AK Ultimate Sound Solution allowing for playback of ultra-high quality sound without distortion. Through effective power noise elimination, effective power management, unwavering amplification, and a fully converted audio output interface, TERATON ALPHA, Astell&Kern's exclusive technology, has been developed to produce audio playback that is as similar to the original sound as possible.

EXPERIENCE PURE ANALOGUE AND JITTER-FREE SOUND OF CLASS-A AMP

Class-A AMPs offer the best linear output, providing soft, warm, and natural sounds by amplifying signals without distortions or defects. This characteristic makes it the most sought-after amplification method by music lovers. Class-A AMPs in a portable form factor are considered impossible as it requires high power consumption. The AK PA10 integrates an analogue Class-A AMP based on the unique circuit design technology of Astell&Kern, offering signature analogue sounds. With a unique circuit design from Astell&Kern that reduces power consumption and increases output while removing noise, the AK PA10 is a dependable Class-A AMP that you can use anywhere and at any time. Experience pure analogue sound with the AK PA10's Class-A amplification!

CURRENT CONTROL FOR PRECISE AND SPATIAL SOUNDSTAGE AND IMAGING

The AK PA10 controls current to suit different headphones and IEMs, reproducing a more intensive and spatial sound. The AK PA10 offers a three-stage control of Class-A AMP current, emphasising the characteristic of Class-A AMP relative to the current value and creating a more intense sound. The current control settings are Default (low), Mid (+50mA), and High (+100mA). Also, Astell&Kern addressed the concern of battery drain due to power consumption, the "major" reason why Class-A AMPs; are not used for portable devices, by controlling the current value. You can create sounds that suit the characteristics of headphones and IEMs through the three-stage current control option. Get ready to enjoy the textured and spatial sounds that AK PA10's Class-A AMP can create.

MASSIVE POWER OUTPUT WITH GAIN CONTROL

Sufficient power output is required to extract all the subtle nuances in music when played back through varying headphones and IEMs. When connected to the balanced "input," the AK PA10 can support up to 6.2 Vrms output at high gain. Choose the gain level that offers the best sound of the headphone and IEM that you use to enjoy crystal-clear sounds. The AK PA10 offers Unbalanced 2.1Vrms and Balanced 4.2Vrms on low and Unbalanced 3.1 Vrms / Balanced 6.2Vrms on high gain. The AK PA10 brings out the full potential that your audio device has to offer.

CROSSFEED EFFECT LIKE NEVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE

As headphones isolate the left/right channels, this can cause increased fatigue to your ears during extended listening periods. This design offers limited spatial sound by comparison when listening to the same music from speakers. Crossfeed mixes some of the signals from one channel and sends them to the opposite channel with a slight delay, creating a more central and natural sound, recreating sounds similar to that of listening via a speaker system, subsequently reducing listening fatigue. The AK PA10's Crossfeed function is implemented exclusively by hardware circuit design, not by digital software, offering a more seamless and sophisticated crossfeed effect without degrading the original sound. Turn on Crossfeed to experience a more holographic and airy sound.

TRUE BALANCED CIRCUIT DESIGN FOR HIGH OUTPUT AND LOW NOISE

Most portable headphone AMPs switch 3.5mm Unbalanced signals to 4.4mm Balanced signals or do not support a 4.4mm "true" Balanced connection. The AK PA10 supports 4.4mm "true" Balanced input/output for high output and vivid audio. It also supports 3.5mm unbalanced input/output ports so that you can use it with most devices. Amplifying small signals to get high outputs inevitably drives the noise level up. However, AK PA10 introduces a high output design for the perfect operation of hard-to-drive headphones, using delicate current control and a "perfect" circuit design. The AK PA10 incorporates Astell&Kern's signature analogue volume control that seamlessly delivers the sounds of the analogue Class-A AMP. It also has a separate power supply IC per audio block divided into crossfeed, volume, AMP, etc., so that it can comfortably supply the optimal power required for each audio IC. In addition, a proprietary shield can technology is applied so that noises and electromagnetic waves do not affect the audio block. This design physically separates unbalanced and balanced circuits that deliver high-output and low-noise audio.

WHOPPING 12 HOURS OF CONTINUOUS PLAYBACK TIME WITH LED BATTERY STATUS INDICATOR

The AK PA10 hosts a built-in 4,200 mAh battery for 12 hours of continuous playback time without needing to connect it to a power source. Enjoy the analogue sound of Astell&Kern anywhere and at any time with AK PA10, which offers portability and class-leading playtime. The AK PA10 displays the remaining battery and charge status through its status LED. When the AK PA10 is ON, the colour of the LED changes according to the recharge status: White (70% or more), Yellow (69% -30%), and Red (30% or less). When the AK PA10 is being charged Blue light keeps on flashing and stays solid Blue when the charging completes.

UNIQUE AND DISTINCTIVE INDUSTRIAL SLOPE DESIGN WITH DELICATELY PROCESSED VOLUME WHEEL

The Slope is the design concept of the AK PA10. The exterior design shows the identity of Astell&Kern and is designed with an image that portrays powerful performance and superb ergonomics. The processed octagonal pillar-shaped aluminium main body has a diagonally sloping surface. The character side presents the design identity of Astell&Kern and prevents the slipping of the device. The unibody design that finishes the fit at the rubber pad is attached to the player allowing for a seamless design that does not reveal the parting lines to the player. The delicately processed volume wheel is one unit recessed in the body of the product, and the control and volume identification are separate. This design prevents you from unintentionally operating the volume wheel and allows for visually checking the current output level whilst simultaneously controlling the volume. The rubber pad on the front allows the audio player and AK PA10 to stay together without movement and vibration when they are bound together with the supplied rubber bands. Additionally, Astell&Kern added a 3D textured pattern inspired by the logo of Astell&Kern for a touch of luxury. The side switches are indicators to let you know the setting of each function intuitively whilst adding to the overall robust and distinctive industrial design of the AK PA10.