Astell&Kern has been the benchmark in the DAP (Digital Audio Player) category for over a decade with a rather remarkable track record of innovation that has helped drive a lot of the interest in high-end headphones. The Head-Fi crowd has benefitted enormously from its extensive R&D work and there is likely to be a lot of excited attendees at the forthcoming CanJam Singapore with the introduction of the Astell&Kern PS10.
Astell&Kern has a rather extensive lineup of DAPs — and while the PS10 does not represent the flagship model, it certainly represents a new direction for the Korean manufacturer and one of the most obvious changes is its new volume wheel — and those who are familiar with their DAPs will probably latch on to the new reality that the traditional volume wheel is no longer.
The new docking cradle which is included for the price ($2,500 USD), makes it very easy to integrate the Astell&Kern PS10 into your home audio system; and that includes those who may use active loudspeakers and wish to add a wireless hi-res network streamer that supports 32-bit PCM, DSD, LDAC, and Roon.
HEXA Audio Circuitry
The PS10 features A&K’s HEXA audio circuit design which was first used in the SP3000. In this case, there are four AKM AK4498EX DACs and two separate AK4191EQ chips that handle digital signals. The HEXA structure reduces the noise of the digital signal input through the AK4191EQ, a separate digital delta-sigma modulator, and the AK4498EX DAC is then used to process the analog signals separately, resulting in better audio performance.
Independent Dual Audio Circuits
Most DAPs use the same internal DAC for both singled-ended and balanced outputs. Since the signal from the DAC is divided and then delivered to the amplifier, an audio switch is essential. When using a switch, there is a limit to the range of signals sent by the DAC, so most DAPs reduce the signal size first, and then, when the signal is transmitted back to the amplifier, it is necessary to restore the original signal size. This causes a limitation in improving the audio performance.
By equipping the PS10 with separate audio circuits for balanced and single-ended outputs, audio performance is maximized no matter what output is being used.
Impedance-Adaptive Dual Amplifiers
To better accommodate different headphones, the PS10 is equipped with two distinct amplifiers. Different sound tunings have been applied to each amp, taking into consideration the average impedance of connected earphones and headphones.
- The Normal Gain AMP reproduces delicate details and delivers high-purity sound, faithfully reproducing the original sound.
- The High Gain AMP excels in handling complex and dynamic sounds, rendering audio signals more vividly and with greater clarity for a more immersive listening experience.
By incorporating two distinct amplifiers in a single player, users can tailor the sound based on the earphones and headphones used.
Smart Gain – Automatic Amplifier Matching Mode
When a headphone or earphone is connected to the PS10, the player instantly checks the impedance of the connected device and automatically sets the appropriate AMP.
Earphones with an impedance of 32 Ohms or less are set to Normal Gain, providing a maximum output of 5.5 V RMS when connected to the balanced output, and earphones greater than 32 Ohms are set to High Gain, providing an output of up to 8.3 V RMS for balanced out.
The Smart Gain function optimizes amplifier matching, providing audio enthusiasts who own a wide variety of headphones and earphones with a unique and refined listening experience.
Memory and More Connectivity
The PS10 includes 256GB of internal memory with support for microSD cards up to 2TB, dual-band 2.4/5Ghz a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, DLNA networking, USB digital audio output, USB-C for data transfer and charging, and the ability to use the PS10 as an external DAC via Bluetooth or a direct USB connection to a Mac or Windows-based PC. The PS10 is also Roon Ready certified.
The PS10 supports native playback of high-res 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512; an LED ring around the power button provides information on the bit rate of the track that you are listening to.
Crossfeed
In a headphone environment in which the left and right channels are clearly separated, ear fatigue may increase during prolonged listening. The crossfeed setting mixes parts of the original signal from one channel and sends that signal to the opposite channel with a time difference to center the sound image. This provides the headphone user with an experience similar to listening in a room with speakers. Provided settings include Shelf Cutoff, Shelf Gain, and Mixer Level, listeners can set the level of crossfeed according to listening preferences.
More Features
ReplayGain automatically and uniformly adjusts playback volume across different music tracks. Using AK File Drop, you can freely transfer files wirelessly through a PC, smartphone, or FTP program located on the same network.
Music file management is now possible with a wireless solution. Airplay support allows users to share music and provides direct control from Apple devices.
Bluetooth 5.3 features faster transmission speed and greater range compared to previous Bluetooth versions, therefore providing a more stable wireless connection.
Bluetooth Codec Support includes aptX HD, LHDC, and LDAC codecs to provide audiophiles with multiple options for 24-bit audio playback wirelessly.
BT Sink allows the PS10 to connect to an external device via Bluetooth and functions as a Bluetooth DAC. Music from an external device, such as a smartphone, can now be played back in high quality, taking full advantage of the advanced audio innovations found in the PS10.
Power Delivery 3.0 (PD 3.0) support allows you to charge your DAP faster and more efficiently than previous models, reaching a full charge in about 3.5 hours.
Equipped with a 5,770 mAh high-capacity battery, the PS10 enables up to 15 hours of continuous playback.
Larger Screen: Although the touch screen is larger (6 inches) and the performance is upgraded, users can enjoy music without worrying about battery life with extended playback time.
Docking Cradle for Home Use
The PS10 comes with a docking cradle that is both a charger and a central digital and USB connection hub that allows the PS10 to be used easily at home. XLR balanced outputs on the back of the cradle allow connection to a two-channel home audio system or directly to powered speakers.
XLR output levels can be controlled using the PS10’s volume controls or set at a fixed output level by enabling the line-out option in settings.
An LED on the front of the cradle displays the bit-rate information of the track currently playing based on color.
External Design
For Astell&Kern products, design is just as crucial as sound quality in the overall experience. The design concept of the PS10 is the ‘Contrast Cube.’
The harmony of stainless steel and glass materials in the body creates a simple yet rich image through light reflection. Designed for easy one-handed operation, the intuitive button control enhances user immersion.
To evoke the powerful performance of a high-output audio player, the design resembles a ‘Control Tower’ that focuses on the core functions of the DAP.
For the first time in an Astell&Kern DAP, the volume wheel has been replaced with buttons, creating a clean and minimalist look while using distinct material contrast to draw the user’s attention to the control buttons.
The PS10’s carefully crafted design and production process, which enhance the unique colors of the materials, demonstrate Astell&Kern’s exceptional craftsmanship.
The Bottom Line
The Astell&Kern PS10 drops its trademark volume wheel for a more streamlined appearance and larger screen. What hasn’t changed is their commitment to 32-bit PCM and DSD playback, hi-res wireless streaming, support for Roon, LDAC, aptX HD, and a rather large 2TB of storage space with microSD cards.
The ability to drive demanding headphones and IEMs along with active loudspeakers and traditional high-end amplifiers through its single-ended or balanced outputs makes it a viable replacement for most high-end network streamers. Its strong battery performance and portability only adds to its usefulness for those who want to take their digital music library with them.
It also carries a smaller price tag than we are used to seeing for a high-performance DAP, unless you opt for the more stripped down $430 P1.
Price & Availability
The PS10, with included docking cradle, will make its global debut at CanJam Singapore, 5 – 6 April 2025, and be available at authorized Astell&Kern dealers worldwide in May 2025 for $2,500 USD.
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Anton the King of Cope
April 2, 2025 at 1:12 pm
Understand the benefits of this and like the cradle feature, but $2,500 for this is absurd. Buy a WiiM Ultra and one of the more affordable DAPs from A&K or Cayin and some headphones for the same outlay of money.
Must be nice to have such funds to waste on a digital Walkman…when you already have one in your hand that does the same thing.
Ian White
April 2, 2025 at 2:38 pm
So I get the support for the WiiM Ultra as its the best network player below $1,000, but for those who might want the “best” possible DAP and network player — this actually makes some sense. You don’t require a DAC because the AKM DAC inside the PS10 is very high-end and you also have 2 TB of storage. Take a look at one of the Innuos network players with internal storage — they cost more than the PS10. You also can’t take them with you in a backpack on the airplane or train.
None of the current smartphones can come close to the PS10 in sound quality. Even with a good Dongle DAC. The output difference alone makes the PS10 compatible with most planar headphones whereas most Dongle DACs struggle with the bigger models.
The wireless support and LDAC support are big too.
IW