Astell&Kern

From Astell&Kern 
A&futura is a premium line of players with advanced features that bring the original performance to life. The SE100, the first model of A&futura, is designed for you to feel the quality of premium Hi-Fi from the moment you hold it.

• Radically different sound by ES9038 Pro 8-channel DAC
• Next Level performance with Octa-core CPU
• 5-inch display with HD screen resolution and improved user interface
• Similar audio block design of SP1000 for premium Hi-Fi audio performance

A&futura SE100 shows our dedication to provide both premium quality and value to our listeners including an eye-catching design. It features a 5-inch touchscreen, Octa-core CPU, and the best audio performance in its league.Astell&Kern is committed to delivering the original performance as the artist intended you to hear and the SE100 is a symbolic example of this vision and effort.

A&futura SE100 introduces an 8-channel DAC chip. 8-channel DACs have previously only been available for premium home audio systems, pro-audio workstations, and recording studio equipment. It is making a debut for the first time in an Astell&Kern portable system. Your favorite tunes will now sound fundamentality different with even greater dynamic range and refined sound.

Maximum Output
It is common knowledge in the audio industry that the amplifier plays a critical role in Hi-Fi audio systems. The latest know-how and amplifier design technologies developed by Astell&Kern have brought 4.1Vrms of balanced output power with minimal noise. As the output power increases, the noise fluctuates louder as well. However, A&futura SE100 shows 123dB of SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) at 4.1Vrms of audio output. At the same time, the noise level on single-ended is even smaller, it produces 122dB of SNR. Pure sound is the result in our technical achievement allowing for powerful, yet clean sound to be delivered gracefully by the SE100.

Femto-Second Clock for Exact Sonic Reproduction
An enhanced voltage-controlled crystal oscillator (VCXO) high-precision clock has been utilized in the A&futura SE100. The reference jitter of Astell&Kern's implementation has improved performance to 800fs (femto seconds), meaning that the SE100 faithfully reproduces your music by precisely measuring and accurately timing the synchronization of all instruments, vocal and even ambience sound recorded in your digital music file together.

Great Performance for the Ultimate Experience
The A&futura SE100 is equipped with an octa-core CPU which allows the player to produce the exact musical detail present in the original recording without distortion and provides a quick, lag-free operation.

The A&futura SE100 features faster booting times, speedy file transfers, lag-free processing and a new intuitive user interface for the ultimate player experience.

Ultimate Sound Quality
The A&futura SE100 supports native bit-to-bit DSD playback up to 11.2MHz for the best sound possible. The music is played back, bit-for-bit, just as the artist and engineer intended for it to be heard.

Audio
DAC	1 x ESS SABRE ES9038PRO 32-Bit
Audio Resolution	PCM: 8 ~ 384 kHz / 8-Bit PCM: 8 ~ 384 kHz / 16-Bit PCM: 8 ~ 384 kHz / 24-Bit PCM: 8 ~ 384 kHz / 32-Bit DSDNative: 2.8 MHz / 1-Bit DSD128: 5.6 MHz / 1-Bit DSD256: 11.2 MHz / 1-Bit
Frequency Response	20 Hz - 20 kHz±0.038 dB (Unbalanced Headphone Out) 10 Hz - 70 kHz±0.074 dB (Unbalanced Headphone Out) 20 Hz - 20 kHz±0.028 dB (Balanced Headphone Out) 10 Hz - 70 kHz±0.03 dB (Balanced Headphone Out)
Impedance	1 Ohms (Balanced Headphone Out) 1.5 Ohms (Unbalanced Headphone Out)
THD + N	0.0007% at 1 kHz (Unbalanced) 0.0006% at 1 kHz (Balanced)
Maximum Output Voltage	4.1 Vrms
Signal to Noise Ratio	122 dB (Unbalanced Headphone Out) 123 dB (Balanced Headphone Out)
Clock Jitter	800 fs
Crosstalk	138 dB at 1 kHz (Unbalanced Headphone Out) 144 dB at 1 kHz (Balanced Headphone Out)
Custom Equalizer	Yes

Performance
CPU	Octa-Core
Internal Storage Capacity	128 GB
Maximum Storage Capacity	528 GB
Flash Media Slot	1 x microSDXC
Display	5" LCD (720 x 1280 Resolution)
Operation Method	Physical Buttons, Touchscreen, Volume Wheel

Media Support
FM Tuner	No
Video Recording	No
Video Playback	No
Formats Supported	Audio: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF

Connectivity
Wireless	Bluetooth 4.1
Bluetooth Codecs	aptX HD
Connections	1 x USB Type-C 1 x 1/8" (3.5 mm) Stereo Headphone 1 x 2.5 mm Balanced Headphone
Built-In Mic	No

Power
Battery	1x Built-In Rechargeable Lithium-Polymer Battery 3700 mAh Providing up to 11 Hours per Charge for Audio Playback
Charging Time	Full Charge: 2 Hours

General
System Requirements	Operating System  Windows XP, 7, 8, 10 Mac OS X 10.7
Water Resistance	None
Dimensions (W x H x D)	3.0 x 5.2 x 0.6" / 75.8 x 132.7 x 15.3 mm
Weight	8.5 oz / 241 g

• SE100 Device
• USB Type-C Cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Card
• microSD card slot cover x 2
• Protective Film (Front x 2, Back x 2)

 

From Astell&Kern
The leather case of A&futura SE100 is designed to have the best combination of trapezoidal straight lines and curved lines that hug the artistic, premium design of the player, while at the same time giving the optimal grip that is most suitable for usability.

The Garnet Red and Ebony Black color case uses Elbamatt leather from Tempesti

Elbamatt leather is made of high quality leather that has the highest density and thickness among the various parts of the cow and has a strong resilience against scratches due to its high oil content as a whole which can yield changes over time. Tempesti is a family company that has operated for 4 generations, since 1945, and is a founding member of the highly regarded VERA PELLE Association.

Design Concept
The leather case of A&futura SE100 is designed to deliver more than just protection, it gives the best premium fit to match the high standards of design of the SE100.

From Astell&Kern 
A&norma sets the standard of Hi-Fi audio for novice listeners. The SR15, the first model of A&norma, is the beginning point of the Hi-Fi Audio experience that allows you to enjoy the philosophy and technologies of Astell&Kern, which is accoladed by audiophiles around the world.

• Dual DAC of CS43198, MasterHIFI™ tier chipsets from Cirrus Logic
• Enhanced audio processing power and snappy UI with Quad-core CPU
• Native DSD playback and playback-focused User Interface
• Powerful audio performance curated by Astell&Kern's know-how

The A&norma SR15 uses two audio DAC chips for a Dual-DAC setup. These chips are known for their use in Home Hi-Fi systems which offer greater presence compared to the inferior DAC chips designed for mobile devices.

There are many devices that use DAC chips for audio processing, however there are different tiers and quality of chips sought by Hi-Fi audio manufacturers to deliver an experience close to the original performance.

A&norma SR15 has adopted the MasterHIFI™ class DAC, CS43198 for the first time in a portable system. At Astell&Kern, we believe that true Hi-Fi should sound as close as possible to the original performance. The CS43198 is one of few DAC chipsets that is capable of bringing us even closer to the original when it's matched with the analog amp design of Astell&Kern. In result, it brings even more liveliness and warmth of sound without distortion.

Furthermore, A&norma SR15 supports native DSD bit-to-bit, and gets one step closer to the Hi-Fi system.

Cirrus Logic and Hi-Fi Audio Evolution
Cirrus Logic has built its reputation as an expert in audio IC (Integrated Circuit) chips and solutions for more than three decades and has established its distinguished recognition in the audio industry.

Specializing in low power ICs for audio and voice signal processing applications, Cirrus Logic's products span the entire audio signal chain, from capture to playback, providing innovative products for the world's top smartphones, tablets, digital headsets, wearables and emerging smart home applications. Now they have introduced the MasterHIFI™ chipset solutions for excellent audio reproduction performance.

MasterHiFI™ class designation is only given to their chipsets that meet their highest audio performance standard. It will deliver your music as the musicians and producers wanted you to hear it.

Enhanced Audio Processing Power with Quad-core CPU
Some may think that only sound matters in Hi-Fi systems. While it does matter greatly, there are other factors that influence your immersive music experience as well. A&norma is designed to remove any distracting elements, including noise, distortion and unintuitive user interface.

The Quad-core CPU gives you even more processing power for your digital music and a lot faster, natural UI experience. Get lost in your music without distractions.

• 24-bit, 192 kHz Bit-to-Bit Playback
• The A&norma SR15 plays any resolution of digital files up to 24-bit/192 kHz, bit-for-bit.
• For 32-bit audio, downsampling is performed by the SRC (Sample Rate Converter) method.
• DSD is native up to 64 MHz and DSD 128 MHz is converted to PCM for playback.

New Intuitive User Interface
A&norma SR15 has adopted the user interface of the A&ultima SP1000, which has grown famous for its intuitiveness and simplicity.
- Player is in the main. All functions are centered on "music replay."
- Secure access to the music DB and features to manage music files
- Minimum menu depth and simple structure

DAC	2 x Cirrus Logic CS43198 24-Bit
External DAC Functionality	Yes
Audio Resolution	PCM: 192 kHz / 24-Bit DSDNative: 2.8 MHz / 1-Bit DSD128: 5.6 MHz / 1-Bit
Frequency Response	20 Hz - 20 kHz±0.03 dB (Unbalanced Headphone Out) 20 Hz - 20 kHz±0.024 dB (Balanced Headphone Out) 10 Hz - 70 kHz±0.038 dB (Unbalanced Headphone Out) 10 Hz - 70 kHz±0.065 dB (Balanced Headphone Out)
Impedance	1.6 Ohms (Balanced Headphone Out) 1.1 Ohms (Unbalanced Headphone Out)
Volume Control	Digital
THD + N	0.0008% at 1 kHz (Unbalanced) 0.0009% at 1 kHz (Balanced)
Signal to Noise Ratio	122 dB (Balanced) 122 dB (Unbalanced)
Clock Jitter	45 ps
Crosstalk	137 dB at 1 kHz (Unbalanced Headphone Out) 137 dB at 1 kHz (Balanced Headphone Out)

Performance
CPU	Quad-Core
Internal Storage Capacity	64 GB
Maximum Storage Capacity	400 GB
Flash Media Slot	1 x microSDXC
Display	3.3" LCD (480 x 800 Resolution)
Operation Method	Physical Buttons, Touchscreen, Volume Wheel

Media Support
FM Tuner	No
Video Recording	No
Formats Supported	Audio: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF

Connectivity
Wireless	Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Bluetooth Codecs	aptX HD
Connections	1 x 2.5 mm Balanced Headphone 1 x 1/8" (3.5 mm) Stereo Headphone 1 x Micro-USB 2.0

Power
Battery	Built-In Rechargeable Lithium-Polymer Battery 3150 mAh

• SR15 Device
• 5-pin micro USB Cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Card
• microSD card slot cover x 2
• Protective Film (Front x 2, Back x 2)

From Astell&Kern
The perfect complement to the geometric design of the player, the A&norma SR15 case embraces the unique elegance of the center rectangle display and the interconnected triangles of the body. It gives protection with optimal grip while maintaining a stylish look and luxurious feel.

The material selected for this important role was created by Synt3, a world-class manufacturer of polyurethane located in Milan, Italy.

The diverse patterns and colors seen in the new brands developed by Synt3 are consistently regarded as new standards in the industry. Synt3's superb sense of design is always at the forefront of the industry.

 

Our Take 
Taking what we firmly believed was the best digital audio player on the market and making it more portable, while compromising nothing, was a very smart choice by our friends at Astell&Kern. The SP1000M is an endgame DAP that fits in your pocket like a dream. Our current top pick, we give it our highest recommendation.

From Astell&Kern 
We constantly strive to master the philosophy of delivering original sound. So far, we believe that the A&ultima SP1000 is the optimal product that produces the highest-quality audio.

We were not sure whether it was possible to come up with a product that is different from the SP1000 while delivering the same sound quality, but we decided to take up the challenge so that more people could experience our products’ fidelity.

There were many trials and tribulations in making the SP1000, our best product, smaller. We were determined to not compromise sound quality in the process, and we ultimately developed the second A&ultima product, the SP1000M.

• Octa-Core CPU for Next-Level Performance
• AK4497EQ Dual DAC for Highest Sound Quality
• 4.1 Inch HD Display
• Highest Quality Audio of SP1000
• Portable and Durable Aluminum Body
• DNLA-Based AK Connect App
• Open APP Service 
  

The lightweight and portability of the SP1000M enables the user to enjoy original sound playback anytime and anywhere. The A&ultima SP1000M achieves greater portability, without sacrificing the level of performance found in the original SP1000.

The “M” in SP1000M does not stand for one specific word, but rather encompasses many characteristics that the product aims to pursue.

• MINI: Smaller than the SP1000
• MOBILITY: More compact design for portability
• MAXIMUM: Produces the highest-quality audio
• MANIA: For users who are obsessed with true, original sound
• MATE: Perfect anytime and anywhere
• MOMENT: Free of distractions, get lost in the music 

 

Great Performance for the Ultimate Experience

The A&ultima SP1000M is equipped with an octa-core CPU which allows the player to produce the exact musical detail present in the original recording without distortion and provides a quick, lag-free operation.

The A&ultima SP1000M features faster booting times, speedy file transfers, lag-free processing and a new intuitive user interface for the ultimate player experience.

Ultimate Sound Quality

The latest AK4497EQ dual-DAC design and the upgraded CPU in the A&ultima SP1000M allows for accurate playback of native 32bit/384kHz audio with no compromise on sound quality. The music is played back, bit-for-bit, just as the artist and engineer intended for it to be heard.

The A&ultima SP1000M also supports native bit-to-bit DSD playback up to 11.2MHz for the best sound possible.

Model

SP1000M

Body Color

Lapis Blue, Onyx Black, or Royal Gold

Body Material

Aluminum(Blue/Black) or Brass (Gold)

Display

4.1 inch (720 x 1280) Touchscreen

Supported Audio Formats

WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF

Sample Rate

PCM: 8kHz ~ 384kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample)
DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo
DSD128(1bit 5.6MHx), Stereo
DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo

Output Level

Unbalance 2.1 Vrms / Balance 4.2Vrms (Condition No Load)

CPU

Octa-Core

DAC

AKM AK4497EQ x2 (Dual DAC)

Decoding

Support up to 32bit / 384kHz Bit to Bit Decoding

Input

USB type-C (3.0) input (data transfer, PC & Mac) / Connection Mode : MTP (Media Device)

Outputs

PHONES (3.5mm) / Balanced Out (2.5mm, only 4-pole supported)

Wi-Fi

802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz)

Bluetooth

V4.1 (A2DP, AVRCP, aptX™ HD)

Dimensions

2.67" x 4.60" x 0.66" (67.9mm x 117mm x 16.9mm)

Weight

7.16 oz (203 g) [Blue/Black] or 10.79 oz (306 g) [Gold]

Feature Enhancements

Firmware upgrades supported (OTA)

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AUDIO PERFORMANCE

Frequency Response

±0.062dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalance / ±0.061dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) Balance
±0.68dB (Condition: 10Hz~70kHz) Unbalance / ±0.67dB (Condition: 10Hz~70kHz) Balance

Signal to Noise Ratio

120dD @ 1kHz, Unbalance / 123dB @ 1kHz, Balance

Crosstalk

138dD @ 1kHz, Unbalance / 144dB @ 1kHz, Balance

THD+N

0.0007% @ 1kHz, Unbalance / 0.0006% @ 1kHz, Balance

IMD SMPTE

0.0004% 800Hz 10kHz(4:1) Unbalance & Balance

Output Impedance

Balanced out 2.5mm (1ohm) / PHONES 3.5mm (2ohm)

---

CLOCK SOURCE

Clock Jitter

25ps(Typ)

Reference Clock Jitter

200 Femto Seconds

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BATTERY

Capacity

3,300mAH 3.7V Li-ion Battery

Continuous Playback Time

Up to 10 hours (Standard - MUSIC FLAC, 16-bit/44khz, Volume 75, LCD Off)

Charge Time

About 3 hours (Standard - 9V/1.67A Fast charging)

---

MEMORY

Built-in Memory

128GB [NAND]

256GB [NAND] in Gold

External Memory

microSD (Max 400GB) x 1

---

OS

Supported OS

Windows 7,8,10 (32/64bit)
MAC OS X 10.7 and up

• SP1000M Device x 1
• Standard Black Leather Case x 1
• USB Type-C Cable x 1
• Quick Start Guide x 1
• Warranty Card x 1
• microSD Card Slot Cover x 2
• Protective Film (Front x 2, Back x 2)

From Astell&Kern 
The A&ultima SP1000M leather case has a value that is more than just protecting the device.

The cases have been carefully crafted to complement the SP1000M and accent its perfect high-end style.

The Navy Blue / Navy color leather case is made of Tuscany Belly leather, processed and supplied by the world-famous Walpier Tannery of Italy.

Tuscany Belly leather of Walpier Tannery, the same family brand of Buttero, boasts excellent color with a perfect surface finish, which makes its vegetable-tanned leather highly resistant to scratches. 
The surface of leather is dyed one at a time by leather craftsmen and shows a natural two-tone effect that adds to the sensation of depth in the leather.

 

Established in 1973 in San Miniato, Tuscany, Walpier Tannery has been in business for three generations and has a long tradition of making leather products based on vegetable tanning process. 
The tannery handles 100% cow hair leathers imported from France and is a member of Vera Pelle, Italy’s association of vegetable-based leather tanners.

The traditional vegetable tanning technology of Tuscany Belly has been handed down father to son for centuries in the Tuscany region. 
The tanning process usually takes 40 days by putting raw leather with natural tanning extracted from a variety of trees in a drum. 
This is a processing method only practiced by Italian tanners of the world.

Leather products that undergo the vegetable-based tanning process show the owner’s lifestyle vividly and make the products their own as it takes a long time to break in depending on the owner’s way of handling.

The Elephant Gray case is crafted with Maine leather, a product of Tempesti, honoring its Italian heritage of fine craftsmanship.

In 1995, Tempesti developed the vegetable Maine leather tanning process to produce a variety of luxuriously beautiful colors, marking an industry revolution. 
More than 50 different colors including pastels set apart Maine leather-accented products from the rest.

Tempesti, which laid the foundation of VERA PELLE, the association of Italian vegetable tanning, has been producing natural leather for four generations since 1945. Leather has been produced in Tuscany since the Etruscans settled in the area in the 8th century B.C., and for the past 3,000 years, Tempesti has honored that tradition by making the finest leather in rich colors.

Rawhide is carefully selected from farms that comply with strict animal and environment protection standards implemented by Northern European countries such as France, Sweden, Denmark, and Belgium, which are the world’s top markets for rawhide.

Our Take 
Coolest looking headphone amp ever made? Easily. We are huge, huge fans of the L1000 not just because the Dual AK4490 DAC sounds beautiful, but mostly because we can't keep our hands off of that volume wheel. Momma Mia, that thing is dope. Set this beauty on your desk, connect any kinda headphone you have, plug in some speakers, and bam...you're living the high life. File this one under "Sleeper Hit of the Year."

From Astell&Kern
Step up to a new world, ACRO L1000

• Dual High-End AK4490 DACs Built-in 
• PCM playback up to 32bit/384kHz, Native DSD 256 playback supported 
• Support for various audio output options for Hi-Fi Audiophiles 
• 15W Audio Output per Channel for Stereo Speakers 
• Filters for Different Audio Preferences (Bass-boost, High-Gain) 
• Optimal design for both usability and sound playback

Astell&Kern introduces a new sub-brand of desktop audio products called ACRO. Astell&Kern has taken their expertise in designing best-selling, world-class portable audio devices and put that knowledge in to the first desktop audio product, the ACRO L1000. The ACRO L1000 is the first Desktop Headphone Amplifier from Astell&Kern.

Dual High-End AK4490 DACs Built-in
The ACRO L1000 features two AK4490 DAC chips, the same proven performance DACs found in the popular and successful Astell&Kern AK380 players. The Dual DACs deliver proven consistent and high performance digital music playback. With the Dual DAC configuration, the ACRO L1000 delivers superb resolution and rich spatial sound. 

The Dual-DAC implementation is re-designed to perform at its best efficiency with the new AMP circuit design in the L1000. This new design allows the ACRO L1000 to deliver master-quality sound with minimal distortion.

PCM playback up to 32bit/384kHz, Native DSD 256 playback supported
The L1000 plays back bit-to-bit high-resolution PCM digital audio up to 32bits. A 32-bit CPU has also been added for the most accurate processing of digital audio playback, without compromising audio quality. As a result, the ACRO L1000 can reproduce up to 32bit/384kHz PCM as originally recorded, with no down-sampling. The L1000 also supports native DSD playback up to 11.2MHz, without conversion.

- The maximum audio output would be limited based on the output capacity of your source device.

Support for various audio output options for Hi-Fi Audiophiles
The ACRO L1000 provides multiple audio output options to fit your needs. 

It can be connected to a universal 3.5mm/6.3mm jack, or to a headphone or earphone with a 2.5mm/4-pole XLR balanced jack. Unlike other headphone amplifiers, the ACRO L1000 features speaker binding posts offering a maximum audio output of up to 15W per channel at 4 ohms.

Easy Connection to Computers and other Digital Music Sources
The ACRO L1000 can be connected to your PC or MAC via Micro USB cable.

Using an Astell&Kern portable player as a source device will give you more powerful audio experience with your L1000.

- When connecting with a PC or a MAC, you may be required to download a USB DAC driver for your OS.
Sound output will be available through ‘Audio-Output’ option in your sound settings.
- An OTG USB cable is not included in the package.
- Please check the capability of Astell&Kern portable players before using it as a source device: 
The L1000 will be compatible with: AK380, AK320, AK300, KANN, AK70, AK70 MKⅡ, or SP1000

Material of Construction	Aluminum
DAC	2 x AKM AK4490
Inputs	Windows / Mac: USB micro-B
Output	Headphones: Unbalanced: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Unbalanced: 1/4" / 6.35 mm Balanced: 0.10" / 2.50 mm (only 4-pole supported); 4-pin balanced XLR Speaker: 2 x binding posts (L/R)
Sample Rate	PCM: 8 to 384 kHz (8-/16-/24-/32-bits per Sample) DSD Native (Stereo): DSD64 (1-bit 2.8 MHz) DSD128 (1-bit 5.6 MHz) DSD256 (1-bit 11.2 MHz)
Output Level	Unbalanced: 6 Vrms, no load Balance: 8.5 Vrms, no load
Audio Performance	Headphones / Earphones Frequency Response (Unbalanced and Balanced): ±0.064 dB (Condition: 20 Hz to 20 kHz) ±0.73 dB (Condition: 10 Hz to 70 kHz) Signal to Noise Ratio: 115 dB at 1 kHz, unbalanced / 116 dB at 1 kHz, balanced Crosstalk: 108 dB at 1 kHz, unbalanced / 138 dB at 1 kHz, balanced THD+N: 0.003% at 1 kHz, unbalanced / 0.001% at 1 kHz, balanced Speakers Output: 2 x 15 W  (4 Ohms) Frequency Response: ±0.32 dB (Condition: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 4 Ohms, 1 kHz, 10% THD) Signal to Noise Ratio: 95 dB (Condition: 4 Ohms, 1 kHz, 10% THD) Crosstalk: 110 dB (Condition: 4 Ohms, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
Dimensions (W × H × D)	4.44 x 6.29 x 4.43" / 112.78 x 159.77 x 112.52 mm
Weight	2.0 lb / 0.9 kg

 

• Astell&Kern ACRO L1000 Desktop Headphone Amplifier and DAC
• Power Cord
• Power Adapter
• Micro-USB Cable
• Limited 1-Year Warranty

Our Take 
Sweet Baby Moses! You've never seen a beefy boy quite like the KANN CUBE. When we first set our eyes on this juggernaut, our mouth dropped in awe of its magnificence. If you're looking for massive power with brilliant sound quality, look no further that this. Just don't expect to fit it in your skinny jeans any time soon.

From Astell&Kern 
KANN CUBE is the second model of the KANN line, which focuses on high fidelity with powerful output and low noise. The newly designed powerful amplifier and audio circuitry have been strategically implemented to offer a very low noise floor, even with its massive power output, making it an Audio Powerhouse capable of driving the most power-hungry headphones.

• Three Audio Output Modes
• Up to 12V of PowerDual ESS ES9038PRO DACs, designed for Pro Audio Equipment
• 5-pin Mini XLR Output for Even Less Noise
• Quad-Core CPU5.0" 720x1280 HD Touchscreen
• 32bit/384kHz, Native DSD256 Support
• Open APP Support for Music Streaming

Introducing the Astell&Kern KANN CUBE, which achieves a more powerful output and lower noise than ever before.

Absolute Audio Powerhouse

KANN CUBE offers 3 different power output options of High / Mid / Low, which can drive any headphone with unprecedented power never seen before in any portable device - 12Vrms for Balanced output and 6Vrms for Unbalanced output. To provide a natural and neutral audio experience with minimal distortion, a newly designed OP Amp and Volume IC manages power optimally and efficiently.

5-pin Mini XLR Output for Even Less Noise

KANN CUBE offers a 5-pin mini XLR connector for the first time in an Astell&Kern player. Thanks to the even lower noise floor and higher audio output through the XLR connection, you can enjoy pure, clear audio playback. It offers easier connection to your home audio systems and active speakers with balanced connections.

Enhanced Audio Processing Power with Quad-core CPU

Some may think that only sound matters in Hi-Fi systems. While it does matter greatly, there are other factors that influence your immersive music experience as well. KANN CUBE is designed to remove any distracting elements, including noise, distortion and unintuitive user interface.

The Quad-core CPU gives you even more processing power for your digital music and a lot faster, natural UI experience. Get lost in your music without distractions.

Ultimate Sound Quality

The latest ESS ES9038PRO dual-DAC design and the upgraded CPU in the KANN CUBE allows for accurate playback of native 32bit/384kHz audio with no compromise on sound quality. The music is played back, bit-for-bit, just as the artist and engineer intended for it to be heard.

KANN CUBE also supports native bit-to-bit DSD playback up to 11.2MHz for the best sound possible. 

32-Bit Bit-to-Bit Playback by KANN CUBE  32-Bit Playback by Other Players

DAC

2 X ESS ES9038PRO SABRE 32-Bit

Audio Resolution

PCM: 8 ~ 384 KHz / 32-Bit
DSDNative: 2.8 MHz / 1-Bit
DSD128: 5.6 MHz / 1-Bit
DSD256: 11.2 MHz / 1-Bit

Frequency Response

20 Hz To 20 KHz ±0.027 DB (Unbalanced Headphone Out)
20 Hz To 20 KHz ±0.025 DB (Balanced Headphone Out)
10 Hz To 70 KHz ±0.07 DB (Unbalanced Headphone Out)
10 Hz To 70 KHz ±0.087 DB (Balanced Headphone Out)
20 Hz To 20 KHz ±0.025 DB (Balanced XLR Out)
10 Hz To 70 KHz ±0.032 DB (Balanced XLR Out)

Impedance

1.2 Ohms (Unbalanced Headphone Out)
1.6 Ohms (Balanced Headphone Out)

Gain Settings

High1
Normal
Low1

Volume Control

Analog

THD + N

0.0004% At 1 KHz (Unbalanced Headphone Out)
0.0005% At 1 KHz (Balanced Headphone Out)
0.0004% At 1 KHz (Balanced XLR Out)

Maximum Output Voltage

12 Vrms

Signal To Noise Ratio

117 DB (Balanced Headphone Out)
117 DB (Unbalanced Headphone Out)
128 DB (Balanced XLR Out)

Clock Jitter

250 Fs

Crosstalk

129 DB At 1 KHz (Unbalanced Headphone Out)
136 DB At 1 KHz (Balanced Headphone Out)
146 DB At 1 KHz (Balanced XLR Out)

Internal Storage Capacity

128 GB

Flash Media Slot

1 X MicroSDXC

Display

5" LCD (1280 X 720 Resolution)

Operation Method

Physical Buttons
Touchscreen
Volume Wheel

Formats Supported

WAV
FLAC
WMA
MP3
OGG
APE
AAC
ALAC
AIFF
DFF
DSF
And MQA (Support Scheduled)

Wireless

Bluetooth 4.2
Bluetooth AVRCP
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)

Bluetooth Codecs

AptX HD

Connections

1 X 1/8" / 3.5 Mm Stereo Headphone
1 X 2.5 Mm Balanced Headphone
1 X 5-Pin Mini XLR Output

Battery

1x Built-In Rechargeable Lithium-Polymer Battery 7400 MAh
Providing Up To 9 Hours Per Charge For Audio Playback

Charging Time

Quick Charge: 4 Hours
Full Charge: 5.5 Hours

System Requirements

Windows 7, 8, 10
Mac OS X 10.7

Water Resistance

None

Dimensions (W X H X D)

3.5 X 5.5 X 1.2" / 87.7 X 140.0 X 31.5 Mm

Weight

1.08 Lb / 493 G

• KANN CUBE
• USB Type-C Cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Card
• microSD Card Slot Cover x 2
• Protective Film (Front x 2, Back x 2)