Astell&Kern - AK XB10
Portable Bluetooth DAC & AmpUnfortunately, even if we desire to, we won't be able to resurrect this product. The Museum is where we pay our respects to end-of-life, old, archived, but not forgotten products. This page was made with a lot of love and will live on for posterity. What to say, we're sentimental people. 😔
While this product is gone forever, here are others we recommend
Customer Reviews
I have a Senheiser 599 HD which was not being powered even by the Apple DAC or the DDhifi that I have bought previously. But Astell and Kern you have done it. Now I can really enjoy great music from my Iphone on the Senheisers using the DAC. Brilliant Purchase
We're thrilled to hear that you're happy with your purchase!
The sound is very good and it has a good bass also. The bass is smooth and vocals are very nice. Especially the recommended playlist is awesome.
Hey there, thanks a lot for this lovely review and we are glad you are enjoying it! Keep the music playing.
I was super happy and grateful to Headphone Zone for giving it to me @2k as on Amazon the price is 18k. It’s really worth the price and a great product.
Thanks Raghav, also great support from your team with the customer service I got from one of your team members who called me. I am super happy :)
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that you had a great experience with us! We appreciate your support and look forward to serving you!
I have no words for it. Just buy it and feel the music.
Hey there, thanks a lot for this lovely review and we are glad you are enjoying it! Keep the music playing.
Astell&Kern - AK XB10
Thanks a lot for your lovely rating!
This bluetooth device is a wonderful companion for your IEM's. The balanced output on this is a great feature among the many control buttons it offers. It's very convenient to use because of its size and a great alternative for phones which have compatibility challenges with dongle DAC's like the Nothing Phone 2. Aptex HD codecs on this gives great quality sound output.
Pricing on Headphone Zone is competitive when compared to its MRP. Thank you for all your support team.
Hey there, thanks a lot for your amazing review!
The DAC is a super device. The output of the music is amazing.
We're glad that you had a great listening experience and thanks for the amazing review! Hope to see you soon!
The Astell&Kern is a great bluetooth receiver. I use it with a Senheiser HD560 headphones. It provides good clarity for podcasts and music. The alarm generated on low battery is polite. The clip that comes with the device is a joy to use. I most importantly like the lock switch to avoid unwanted button presses.
Thanks a lot for your awesome review!
Why Astell&Kern is Special
Designed in Korea
Established & Reputed
Trust us, our reputation in the audio world speaks for itself!
This headphone or gear comes from a well-respected brand known for its high-quality audio equipment, so you can be confident in your purchase.
If you see a product marked as “🎖️ Established & Reputed”, it means you're getting a top-tier device from a brand that's earned its stripes in the audio industry.
Revered by Audiophiles
Audiophiles can be really picky and tough to impress and if the audiophile community says something sounds good, you can bet it's great!
This headphone or gear has gained recognition and admiration from audiophiles, who are known for their discerning taste in high-fidelity audio. They appreciate its precision, attention to detail and its ability to deliver an immersive sonic experience.
If you see a product marked as "🙌🏻 Revered by Audiophiles", it means that it meets the highest standards of sound quality and performance, making it a top choice for anyone who values exceptional audio experiences.
Born in 2004
Why we love this DAC/Amp
Value for Money
Great sound always doesn't have to come with a fancy price tag.
Every once in a while we come across a product that give you a lot more value for the price.
If you see products marked as "🥜 Value For Money" you can be sure you're getting a great bang for your buck.
Ideal for Beginners
Lost in the Audio Maze? Let Us Guide Your Beginner Audiophile Journey!
If you are a newcomer in the audio world, this headphone or gear is a stepping stone for those overwhelmed by the plethora of options available.
If you see a product marked with “🌱 Ideal for Beginners," it indicates that this device is perfect for starting your audiophile journey.
Incredibly Popular
Some things deserve all the attention.
This headphone or gear is a crowd favourite, winning over fans everywhere with its undeniable audio quality.
If you see products marked as “🥇 Incredibly Popular”, you’re opting for a tried-and-true choice that’s loved by many, ensuring you're getting something that’s proven to be awesome and widely acclaimed.
Our Team's Favourite
Cause after all, we are audiophiles first!
This headphone or gear has won the hearts of our team, standing out as a top pick among our gurus.
If you see products marked as “💙 Our Team’s Favourite”, you're choosing a product that’s been tested, loved, and enthusiastically recommended by our team, giving you confidence that it’s a standout choice!
For Audiophiles On-the-Go
Are you an audiophile looking to carry your music with you wherever you go?
This headphone or gear is portable and is designed to deliver top-notch audio quality on the move, ensuring your favourite tracks sound their best no matter where you are.
If you see a product marked "🛺 For Audiophiles On-the-Go", it means this product is perfectly portable, turning every journey into a musical adventure with studio-quality sound!
Battery Life
No need to be connected to the power socket with these devices.
This headphone or gear promises long-lasting battery performance, ensuring your device keeps up with your adventures without missing a beat.
If you see products marked as “⏳ Battery Life”, be rest assured that you'll enjoy extended usage time, whether it's for uninterrupted music playback, extended gaming sessions, or all-day productivity, keeping you powered up throughout your day.
Battery Capacity
Power that keeps your music going.
This headphone or gear has ample battery capacity, promising you plenty of juice to power through your day with gusto.
If you see products marked as “🔋 Battery Capacity”, rejoice in the knowledge that your device is equipped with a robust battery, providing you with extended usage time and reducing the frequency of recharges, so you can focus on your favourite tracks.
Why it Sounds Amazing
DAC Chip
Know the secret to your pristine audio.
This headphone or gear reveals the secret sauce behind superior audio quality, highlighting the presence of a high-performance DAC chip for pristine sound reproduction.
If you see products marked as “⚙️ DAC Chip”, expect to experience your music with unparalleled clarity, detail, and fidelity, ensuring that every note and nuance is faithfully reproduced for your listening pleasure.
Power Output
When you need that juice to get the best out of your products.
This headphone or gear packs a punch, revealing the product's impressive power output capabilities, ensuring it can handle even the most demanding products with ease.
If you see products marked as “🚀 Power Output”, you're in for a treat with robust performance for driving high-fidelity products without breaking a sweat.
Balanced Output
Upgrading from single-ended to balanced can be the easiest way to improve your sound.
This DAC, Amp or Hi-Res player offers a balanced output, ensuring pristine audio quality with minimised interference and enhanced clarity for your listening pleasure.
If you see a product marked as "⚖️ Balanced Output”, get ready for a symphony of crystal-clear tunes, free from any unwanted noise drama!
For an Audiophile looking to listen to music on the go with the convenience of their mobile phones, this is a priceless DAC. For me, the 2.5mm balanced output connectivity, makes this an audiophile essential that is a must-have in your collection.
About RAGHAV SOMANI
Raghav Somani is the Founder & CEO of Headphone Zone. An avid audiophile and musician since 2008, his choice of headphones include STAX Electrostats, Audeze LCD 3, and for music on the go, the JH Audio Roxanne + Astell&Kern SP1000 is never too far away. On his playlist, you'll find A.R. Rahman, Michael Jackson, and the Eagles.
DESCRIPTION
A DEDICATED DAC/AMP THAT OFFERS DUAL AUDIO OUTPUTS
The XB10 features a dedicated DAC that has been tuned using Astell&Kern's latest technologies. The amplifier drives just about any headphone while amplifying even the minutest of details. A standard-sized 3.5mm jack provides connectivity to maximum devices. The 2.5mm jack, on the other hand, is for those audio enthusiasts who are looking to enjoy a deeper level of sound. It eliminates ground noise and provides a balanced connection resulting in increased output.
STREAM HIGH-RESOLUTION AUDIO WIRELESSLY
The Astell&Kern XB10 is very flexible in terms of connectivity. It supports SBC, aptX™ and aptX™ HD codecs for Android devices and the AAC codec for iOS. Just turn on your smartphone, tablet or laptop's Bluetooth and you're good to go. Qualcomm aptX™ HD technology is capable of transmitting up to 24-bit/48 kHz audio that is faithful to the original audio file.
ANSWER OR DECLINE CALLS WITHOUT REACHING FOR YOUR PHONE
The XB10 is a game-changer providing solutions to all your problems. Along with high-quality music, it also lets you answer calls without having to access your phone. Answering/Declining calls just requires the tap of a button while the inbuilt mic makes for crystal-clear calls.
ULTRA-POTABLE DESIGN ALLOWING YOU TO CARRY IT ANYWHERE
The XB10's design mimics the appearance of the scattering of light from a star. The surface is split into quadrants for easier operability. It is extremely lightweight and portable. Want to carry your music along? Simply clip the device to your shirt or bag and run along. The clip keeps your hands free and lets you flaunt Astell&Kern's classy light and shadow design.
SPECS
| CODEC | SBC,AAC aptX, aptX HD |
| PORT | 2.5 Balanced/3.5 Unbalanced |
| OUTPUT LEVEL | 2.5 Balanced : 1.8 Vrms/3.5 Unbalanced : 0.9 Vrms |
| FREQUENCY BAND | 2.4 - 2.4835 GHz ISM Band |
| BT VERSION | BT 4.1, Class2 |
| BT PROFILE | A2DP (multi), AVRCP, HFP,HSP |
| RANGE | Maximum Of 10 Meters |
| BATTERY TYPE | 350mAh 3.7V lithium polymer rechargeable battery |
| HOURS OF OPERATIONS | Approximately 5 hours for music playing and phone calls |
| STANDBY TIME | Upto 300 hrs |
| CHARGING TIME | Approximately 2 hours |
| CHARGING METHOD | Micro USB 5Pin (charging 5V 2A) |
| BATTERY LIFE | 5 hours |
| WIFI | 2.4 - 2.4835 GHz ISM Band |
| DAC | Cirrus Logic CS4350 DAC & Qualcomm CSR8675 BT |
| DIMENSIONS | 1.97 ”(50 mm) [W] x 1.97 ”(50 mm) [H] x 0.48 ”(12.3 mm) [D] |
| WEIGHT | 23 G |
| BOX CONTENTS |
1. Astell&Kern AK XB10
|
| 2. Micro USB Cable | |
| 3. Detachable Clip | |
| 4. Quick Start Guide | |
| 5. Warranty Card |
User Manual | AK XB10
Portable Bluetooth DAC & Amp
|
A DEDICATED DAC/AMP THAT OFFERS DUAL AUDIO OUTPUTS
The XB10 features a dedicated DAC that has been tuned using Astell&Kern's latest technologies. The amplifier drives just about any headphone while amplifying even the minutest of details. A standard-sized 3.5mm jack provides connectivity to maximum devices. The 2.5mm jack, on the other hand, is for those audio enthusiasts who are looking to enjoy a deeper level of sound. It eliminates ground noise and provides a balanced connection resulting in increased output.
STREAM HIGH-RESOLUTION AUDIO WIRELESSLY
The Astell&Kern XB10 is very flexible in terms of connectivity. It supports SBC, aptX™ and aptX™ HD codecs for Android devices and the AAC codec for iOS. Just turn on your smartphone, tablet or laptop's Bluetooth and you're good to go. Qualcomm aptX™ HD technology is capable of transmitting up to 24-bit/48 kHz audio that is faithful to the original audio file.
ANSWER OR DECLINE CALLS WITHOUT REACHING FOR YOUR PHONE
The XB10 is a game-changer providing solutions to all your problems. Along with high-quality music, it also lets you answer calls without having to access your phone. Answering/Declining calls just requires the tap of a button while the inbuilt mic makes for crystal-clear calls.
ULTRA-POTABLE DESIGN ALLOWING YOU TO CARRY IT ANYWHERE
The XB10's design mimics the appearance of the scattering of light from a star. The surface is split into quadrants for easier operability. It is extremely lightweight and portable. Want to carry your music along? Simply clip the device to your shirt or bag and run along. The clip keeps your hands free and lets you flaunt Astell&Kern's classy light and shadow design.
| CODEC | SBC,AAC aptX, aptX HD |
| PORT | 2.5 Balanced/3.5 Unbalanced |
| OUTPUT LEVEL | 2.5 Balanced : 1.8 Vrms/3.5 Unbalanced : 0.9 Vrms |
| FREQUENCY BAND | 2.4 - 2.4835 GHz ISM Band |
| BT VERSION | BT 4.1, Class2 |
| BT PROFILE | A2DP (multi), AVRCP, HFP,HSP |
| RANGE | Maximum Of 10 Meters |
| BATTERY TYPE | 350mAh 3.7V lithium polymer rechargeable battery |
| HOURS OF OPERATIONS | Approximately 5 hours for music playing and phone calls |
| STANDBY TIME | Upto 300 hrs |
| CHARGING TIME | Approximately 2 hours |
| CHARGING METHOD | Micro USB 5Pin (charging 5V 2A) |
| BATTERY LIFE | 5 hours |
| WIFI | 2.4 - 2.4835 GHz ISM Band |
| DAC | Cirrus Logic CS4350 DAC & Qualcomm CSR8675 BT |
| DIMENSIONS | 1.97 ”(50 mm) [W] x 1.97 ”(50 mm) [H] x 0.48 ”(12.3 mm) [D] |
| WEIGHT | 23 G |
| BOX CONTENTS |
1. Astell&Kern AK XB10
|
| 2. Micro USB Cable | |
| 3. Detachable Clip | |
| 4. Quick Start Guide | |
| 5. Warranty Card |
|
User Manual | AK XB10
Portable Bluetooth DAC & Amp
|
Don't sweat it, this
Astell&Kern - AK XB10 comes with a 1 Year warranty
from Astell&Kern that covers manufacturing defects.
All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.
Read more about Astell&Kern's warranty in India.
PRODUCT DESIGN WINNER
Reddot Design
Apr, 2017
PRODUCT DESIGN AWARD
iF Design
Jan, 2017
HEADFONIA
AWARD
Headfonia
Dec, 2016
WIRELESS ACCESSORIES
CES
Nov, 2016
"All things considered, the XB10 is impressive. Connection distances with wireless-loving devices are good. Haptics are good. Battery life is decent."
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"This impressive bite-size Bluetooth amp delivers excellent sound quality, decent battery life and plenty of useful features."
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"This little device can transform your favorite wired headphones wireless and capable of high-resolution audio streaming thanks to its aptX HD support."
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"If sound quality is something that really matters to you and you only want the very best from your smartphone, the XB10 is an incredibly worthwhile upgrade."
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“With gorgeous sound in an ultra-portable package, Astell & Kern’s XB10 Bluetooth amp is the best way to make your wired headphones wireless.”
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" If you need something to walk around with that is exclusively designed as a Bluetooth device, I can confidently say that you won’t find anything smaller or better in quality than the AK XB10."
Read MoreHave a question? Get in touch!
Check out the most common questions our customers ask. Still have questions? Talk to our Headphone Gurus.
What DAC chip is incorporated in Astell&Kern AK XB10?
What is the battery life like?
What is the output power like?
What is the Bluetooth version?
What are the various Bluetooth codecs supported?
What are the benefits of using 2.5mm balanced connection?
What chipset is used for Bluetooth transmission?
Can you answer or reject calls?