Astell&Kern - KANN ULTRA

ASTELL&KERN PROUDLY PRESENTS THE FIFTH GENERATION OF THE KANN SERIES DAP - THE KANN ULTRA

The Kann series has earned a devoted following among audiophiles worldwide, renowned for its emphasis on ultra-high output and pristine sound quality. The Kann Ultra, the fifth addition to the Kann series, continues this tradition of excellence. It boasts the highest output power of any Astell&Kern player and introduces the Triple Output Sound feature. With its optimised octa-core processor and user interface, Kann Ultra offers an even more user-friendly experience for enjoying exceptional sound quality. This device has four gain modes, delivering up to 16Vrms of desktop hi-fi level output, and it's equipped with ES9039MPRO dual DAC chips, making it a powerful companion for many high-resolution headphones. The Kann Ultra also provides separate Pre/Line Out options for flexible connectivity with various devices. It supports playback up to 32bit/768kHz, native DSD512, and incorporates Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology. Additionally, it features Astell & Kern's unique Teraton Alpha technology and offers an impressive battery life of up to 11 hours thanks to its substantial 8,400 mAh capacity.

EQUIPPED WITH TWO OF THE LATEST ESS FLAGSHIP DAC CHIPS FOR HIGH-RESOLUTION AUDIO PLAYBACK

The Kann Ultra incorporates dual ES9039MPRO DACs, which are the latest flagship Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) developed by ESS. These DACs are designed to provide exceptionally vivid and spacious audio that goes beyond your expectations. The ES9039MPRO is an upgraded version of the ES9039PRO model, featuring a built-in stereo hardware MQA renderer. It offers even more advanced modulation than the previous flagship DAC, resulting in reduced power consumption, noise, and distortions within the DAC itself, ultimately enhancing the audio performance. Astell&Kern has reimagined the AMP BLOCK to ensure that the ES9039MPRO's high-resolution sound is faithfully conveyed through each port of the Triple Output configuration, showcasing its advanced capabilities. With the Kann Ultra, you can pick and choose from seven DAC filters to create your sound style. Design your sound with the seven DAC filters.

UTILISING ASTELL&KERN’S PATENTED TERATON ALPHA TECHNOLOGY FOR FAITHFUL AUDIO PRESENTATION

Astell&Kern's Kann Ultra is equipped with TERATON ALPHA technology, which showcases several patented technologies developed by Astell&Kern. These innovations have been the result of extensive research and development efforts, making them Astell&Kern's ultimate solution for superior sound. From its ability to provide ultra-high output suitable for even the most delicate headphones to the unique Triple Output design, intricate amplifier configuration, and minimal noise in a compact portable audio player, all of this has become achievable thanks to Astell&Kern's TERATON ALPHA, the ultimate Sound Solution. Building upon their expertise in noise cancellation at high power levels, acquired from earlier models like the Kann Max and CA1000 series, Astell&Kern has elevated TERATON ALPHA to new heights. This proprietary technology, developed through continuous research, is engineered to deliver audio playback that faithfully replicates the original sound by effectively eliminating power-related noise, optimising power management, ensuring consistent amplification, and providing a fully converted audio output interface.

EXPERIENCE HIGH-FIDELITY WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY WITH BLUETOOTH, WI-FI, BT SINK AND AK FILE DROP

Astell&Kern Kann Ultra is equipped with multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, BT Sink, and the AK File Drop function, facilitating easy connections to various devices. With Bluetooth 4.2, Kann Ultra offers faster and longer-range transmissions, ensuring a more stable wireless connection. It supports LDAC and 24-bit aptX HD wireless protocols, delivering high-quality sound for audiophiles, even during wireless music playback. MQA decoding is also supported to provide the highest audio quality. The BT Sink feature allows Astel&Kern’s Kann Ultra to connect to an external device via Bluetooth. A new addition is the AK File Drop function, enhancing file transfers by enabling wireless file transfers through a PC, phone, or FTP program, simplifying music file management without the need for cables.

FOUR LEVELS OF GAIN SETTINGS AND REPLAY GAIN FEATURE FOR A COHERENT LISTENING EXPERIENCE

Astell&Kern Kann Ultra introduces the Replay Gain feature, which automatically adjusts the loudness of each track to maintain a consistent volume level between songs. This ensures your playlists play smoothly, providing a uniform listening experience without abrupt volume changes. Replay Gain supports sound sources up to 24-bit/192kHz, allowing you to enjoy high-quality music from any source. Kann Ultra goes a step further by offering four gain levels and an ultra-high-output of up to 16 Vrms, delivering ample power and clear sound for an exceptional listening experience. With Unbalanced 3.5mm Out, Optical 3.5mm Out, and 4.4mm Out (5-pole supported), Kann Ultra can effortlessly drive a variety of headphones and IEMs, ensuring compatibility with different audio gear.

FEATURES THE TRIPLE OUTPUT MODE FEATURE FOR EASE OF USE WITH VARIOUS HEADPHONES

Kann Ultra introduces the Triple Output Mode, allowing you to experience Astell&Kern's finely tuned audio quality while using demanding headphones, high-detail IEMs, or external devices. Unlike a simple separation of output ports, Astell&Kern's Teraton Alpha technology enables distinct amplifier and sound designs for the Headphone Out and Line/Pre-Out ports, ensuring the best sound for each connection. With Kann Ultra's Triple Output, you can build a robust Head-Fi system even on portable devices. You have the flexibility to use the headphone-out, pre-out, and line-out connections with headphones, IEMs, and external devices. The headphone output offers four preset gain settings and an ultra-high-output of up to 16Vrms, powerful enough to drive high-impedance headphones without an external Amp. Choose Pre-Out mode on the Pre/Line Out port to send audio to an external amplifier or audio device, or opt for Line Out mode when connecting to external devices for optimised sound output.

EMBEDS THE NEXT-GENERATION OCTA-CORE PROCESSOR AND SHOWCASES THE NEW CRIMSON UI

Astell&Kern Kann Ultra marks the debut of the latest Octa-Core processors, bringing notable performance enhancements for an even more enjoyable audio experience. The new processor speeds up the system and delivers a 4th generation UI/UX that's swifter and smoother. To maintain audio integrity, Kann Ultra thoughtfully separates the audio circuit area from the processor section, where the CPU, memory, and wireless components reside. A dedicated shield minimises heat and processor-generated noise. A crimson-themed UI/UX is a fresh addition to the KANN series, emphasising an "ultimate music player" approach to music listening. This theme prioritises edge, simplicity, and dark mode, using a black base with red accents to reduce visual strain and improve user interactions. Plus, it brings various enhancements to streaming app services, artist views, album sorting, and album art search functionality.

ENJOY ACCURATE AND VIVID SOUND WITH DIGITAL AUDIO REMASTER AND CROSSFEED TECHNOLOGY

The Astell&Kern Kann Ultra boasts Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology, specially designed to enhance sound quality by increasing the sample rate of the audio source beyond its original limits. This higher sample rate results in more refined and analogue-like sound reproduction, allowing you to appreciate the original sound's richness and subtle nuances. It elevates your listening experience to a higher tier of audio quality. Additionally, Kann Ultra incorporates Crossfeed technology, which addresses ear fatigue commonly associated with extended headphone use where the left and right channels remain distinct. Activating the Crossfeed feature introduces a pleasing, comfortable sound experience by blending portions of the original signal and routing it to the opposite channel with a time delay to centre the sound image. Detailed settings such as Shelf Cutoff, Shelf Gain, and Mixer Level enable you to customise the level of crossfeed to suit your listening preferences.

DESIGNED TO LEAVE A LASTING IMPACT AND OFFERS A WHOOPING 11.5 HOURS OF PLAYBACK TIME

Astell&Kern's Kann Ultra follows the design theme of "Forceful Impact," carrying forward the signature hexagonal columnar body style of the KANN series. The most striking element is the oversized volume wheel knob, symbolising the device's enhanced performance compared to its predecessor. Astell&Kern skilfully concealed parting lines and incorporated protective elements around the volume wheel, ensuring a harmonious and functional appearance. These features accentuate the Kann Ultra's substantial presence, showcasing its primal strength as a solid metal structure. To complement this design, decorative elements link with the volume wheel knob's serrated pattern, creating a visually large wheel that harmonises with the device's imposing body and underscores the Kann Ultra's formidable capabilities. In response to its increased size, the orientation of the volume wheel has been revamped for versatile usage scenarios, whether placed on a desk or held by hand. Notably, the Kann Ultra now boasts a 5.5-inch full HD display and a substantial 8,400mAh battery, delivering an impressive 11.5 hours of playback time.