Astell&Kern PD10 Digital Audio Player
Breaking Away From The Normal
Astell&Kern has traditionally offered a varied range of products, each crafted to highlight its unique qualities. Recognizing the need for innovation beyond established norms, the PD10 emerges as a groundbreaking model that steps outside our usual lineup. It aims to deliver a more accessible and distinctive interpretation of “optimal sound,” featuring a reimagined version of the signature Astell&Kern volume wheel. Discover the start of a new chapter with the Astell&Kern PD10 and Cradle, where we break away from the conventional.

- World's First Application of AK4498EX in a DAP
- HEXA Audio Circuit Structure : Complete Separation of Digital and Analog Signal Processing
- Equipped with Impedance-Adaptive Dual Amplifiers
- Automatic Amplifier Matching Mode : Smart Gain
- Overwhelming Audio Performance Through Independent Dual Audio Circuits
- Includes a Docking Cradle for Home Audio Use
HEXA Audio Circuit Structure with Complete Separation of Digital and Analog Signals


The PD10 employs four AK4498EX DACs incorporated in an innovative HEXA audio circuit design with two separately applied AK4191EQs for processing digital signals, resulting in the creation of the finest sound.
The HEXA audio circuit is designed with a structure in which the AK4191EQ, a separate Digital delta-sigma modulator, reduces noise from the input digital signal, and then the AK4998EX, a completely isolated Analog DAC, processes only the analog signal separately.
By physically and perfectly separating digital and analog signal processing, The PD10 it delivers an astonishing level of sound that has never been experienced before.
Automatic Amplifier Matching Mode : Smart Gain
The PD10 instantly checks the impedance of the connected receiver upon plugging in your earphones or headphones and automatically sets the appropriate AMP. Regardless of which earphones (headphones) are connected, the player automatically distinguishes between low and high impedance without cumbersome settings and matches the optimal AMP. Earphones with an impedance of 32ohm or less are set to Normal Gain, providing a maximum output of 5.5Vrms in Balanced, and earphones exceeding 32ohm are set to High Gain, providing ample output of up to 8.3Vrms based in Balanced output. The customized amplifier matching function (Smart Gain) provides audio enthusiasts who use a variety of earphones and headphones with a fresh listening experience.
Equipped with Impedance-Adaptive Dual Amplifiers
To cater to the diverse listening environments of our users, the PD10 is equipped with two distinct amplifiers. Different sound tunings have been applied to each AMP, considering the average impedance of the connected earphones and headphones. The Normal Gain AMP reproduces delicate details and high-purity sound quality, faithfully expressing the original sound. The High Gain AMP specializes in handling complex and dynamic sounds, expressing audio signals more vividly and with greater clarity. Enjoy a variety of sounds from a single player, according to your preference and the earphones and headphones you use.
Overwhelming Audio Performance
Through Independent Dual Audio Circuits
To create an innovative DAP beyond the level of excellent DAPs, a DAP that no one has ever attempted, we aimed to overcome the limitations of sound by designing independent dual audio circuits for Unbalanced and Balanced outputs. In most DAPs, Unbalanced and Balanced signals are used together in the internal DAC structure. Since the signal output from the DAC is divided into Unbalanced and Balanced signals and transmitted to the AMP, an Audio Switch is essential. However, the Audio Switch has a limit to the range of signals it can receive from the DAC, so it first reduces the signal size and then transmits it to the amplifier to restore it to its original signal size, which creates limitations in improving audio performance. By creating two separate, independent audio circuits, one for balanced output and a second for unbalanced output, Astell&Kern maximizes audio performance no matter what output is being used. We invite you to experience the high-level sound created by Astell&Kern's innovative circuit technology.
Provides a Docking Cradle for
Home Audio Utilization
The included cradle allows for use not only as a portable device but also as a home audio source. When the PD10 is mounted on the cradle, it supports simultaneous device charging and digital input via the USB port. The XLR balanced analog outputs allow simple connection to a home audio system. Enjoy Astell&Kern sound more conveniently at home with the cradle.
* XLR output can be controlled by the PD10's volume or set at a fixed output level by enabling the line out option in settings.
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The LED on the front of the cradle displays the current playing song information, identical to the LED on the PD10 LED.
General Specifications
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Model
PD10
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Body Color
Silver
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Body Material
Stainless Steel
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Display
6inch 1080 x 2160 Touch screen
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Supported Audio Formats
WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF
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Sample rate
PCM : 8kHz ~ 768kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample)
DSD Native : DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo
DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo / DSD512(1bit 22.4MHz), Stereo -
Output Level
[Normal] Unbalanced 2.6Vrms │ Balanced 5.6Vrms (Condition No Load)
[High] Unbalanced 4Vrms │ Balanced 8.3Vrms (Condition No Load)
[Cradle XLR Out] 5.6Vrms (Condition Load) -
CPU
Octa-core
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DAC
AKM4191EQ x2 (Dual Modulator) + AKM4498EX x4 (Dual+Dual DAC)
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Decoding
Support up to 32bit / 768kHz Bit to Bit playback
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Input
USB Type-C input (for Charging & PC & MAC)
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Outputs
Unbalanced Out (3.5mm), Optical Out (3.5mm)
Balanced Out (4.4m, only 5-pole supported) -
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)
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Bluetooth
V5.3 (A2DP, AVRCP, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, LDAC, LHDC, SBC, AAC)
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Dimensions
2.96 (75.4mm)[W] x 5.88” (149.5mm)[H] x 0.68” (17.3mm)[D]
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Weight
About 15.34oz (435g)
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Feature Enhancements
Firmware upgrade supported (OTA)
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Operating Temperature
0℃ ~ + 40℃ (32℉~ 104℉)
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Audio Specifications
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Frequency Response
±0.066dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced │ ±0.066dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced
±0.62dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced │ ±0.61dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced -
S/N
125dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 128dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
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Crosstalk
-137dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ -138dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
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THD+N
0.0007% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 0.0006% @ 1kHz, Balanced
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IMD SMPTE
0.0004% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced │Balanced
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Output Impedance
Unbalanced Out 3.5mm (1ohm) │ Balanced Out 4.4mm(1.6ohm)
*Audio measurement specifications are based on Normal gain.
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Frequency Response
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Clock Source
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Clock Jitter
25pS (Typ.)
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Reference Clock Jitter
250 Femto Seconds
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Clock Jitter
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Storage Capacity
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Built-in Memory
256GB [NAND]
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External Memory
microSD x1 (Max. 1.5TB)
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Built-in Memory
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Battery
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Capacity
5,770mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer
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Charge Time
about 4hours (PD3.0 Charging)
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Playback Time
about 15hours (Standard : FLAC, 16bit, 44.1kHz, Vol.50, LCD Off, Normal Gain)
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Capacity
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Cradle Specification
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Model
AK Cradle (PES11)
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Body Color
Silver
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Body Material
Aluminum
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Input
USB Type-C (for PS10 Charging & Data)
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Output
3pin XLR (Stereo pair)
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Dimensions
4.96” (126mm)[W] x 3.82” (97.1mm)[H] x 6.55” (166.4mm)[D]
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Weight
About 19.92oz (565g)
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Model


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