Astell&Kern AK Cradle
Usage Guide
DAP
Connection Guide
XLR Pair
USB Type C
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Item code: AKA18
Inc. VAT (20%) · Ex. VAT: £332.50 Ex. VAT · Inc. VAT (20%):
Lowest price in the last 30 days:
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If you've seen a better offer for this product, we will endeavour to match it. The competing offer must be on brand-new boxed items, and in stock from another UK Online Authorised Retailer (excluding marketplaces). Price match quotations are valid for 7 days.
SPEAKER CABLES:
A quantity of 2 means you will receive a pair of speaker cables e.g. for your front left and front right speakers. By entering a quantity of 1, you will get a cable for a single speaker e.g. centre speaker and this option also enables you to vary the length (and termination) of your cable for each speaker.
OTHER CABLES:
A quantity of 1 means you will receive a single cable in the case of aerial, satellite, subwoofer, digital coaxial & optical cables and a pair of cables in the case of 2 rca to 2 rca analogue audio cables.
NON-CABLE PRODUCTS:
A quantity of 1 means you will receive 1 of the specified products.
Order before 4pm (Mon–Fri) for same-day dispatch
Astell&Kern AK Cradle
The Astell&Kern AK Cradle elevates your home audio system by turning compatible digital audio players such as the A&ultima SP4000 or PD10 into a powerful, stationary source component. Designed for serious listeners, it offers a blend of advanced connectivity and clean, modern styling shaped around circular geometry. The 50-degree tilt and smooth sliding port system allow effortless placement of your player, while the illuminated Astell&Kern “A” logo displays playback bit-rate in real time for an engaging visual touch. More than a simple charging base, the AK Cradle provides a stable power supply that enables continuous playback during charging.
Its premium Neutrik balanced XLR outputs connect directly to speakers or amplifiers, delivering full high-resolution performance with secure locking connectors for long-term reliability. With support for Roon Ready and Qobuz Connect, plus open-Android compatibility for leading streaming apps, the AK Cradle becomes the central hub of your listening environment. It’s an ideal choice for anyone who wants to integrate a portable Astell&Kern player into a refined home audio setup without compromising convenience or sound quality.
Key Features
- Circle-Inspired Design - Symbolises harmony and expansion from portable to home audio
- Aluminium Build - Durable, premium construction
- 50° Tilt - Ideal viewing and operation angle
- LED “A” Logo - Changes colour with track bit-rate
- Future-Ready - Supports 2025 and upcoming A&K players
Specifications
- Model: AK Cradle (PES11)
- Body Colour: Silver
- Body Material: Aluminum
- Input: USB Type-C (for Charging & Data)
- Output: 3pin XLR (Stereo pair)
- Dimensions: 4.96” (126mm)[W] x 3.82” (97.1mm)[H] x 6.55” (166.4mm)[D]
- Weight: About 19.92oz (565g)
About Astell&Kern
Launched in October 2012, Astell&Kern is the high-end audiophile brand by iriver. The current Astell&Kern line includes the award-winning AK100 II, AK120 II and AK240 high-resolution portable audio players, capable of playing 24-bit/192 kHz Mastering Quality Sound (MQS) files including Native DSD. Astell&Kern’s lineup has recently expanded to include accessories such as the AKR01 and AKR02 In-Ear headphones, and Astell&Kern portable player docking stations.
About Astell&Kern
Korean maker of portable digital audio players, with a catalogue that also covers earphones, headphones and speakers.
Astell&Kern is a Seoul-based company and part of Dreamus, formerly iRiver. Its core product is the digital audio player, a portable unit that holds your music library and drives headphones or earphones directly. The catalogue also includes earphones, headphones, speakers, cases and other accessories for your player.
Read more about Astell&Kern Show less
Players are grouped into named series
A&ultima is the flagship line, with the SP4000 and SP3000 among its models. A&futura includes the SE300 and A&norma includes the SR35. The PD series, which includes the PD20, and the KANN line, which includes the KANN ULTRA, are separate families. Each series sits at a different level of price and specification.
High-resolution files are supported across the range
Astell&Kern lists playback of 24-bit files at sample rates from 44.1kHz to 192kHz, and supports MQS, its Mastering Quality Sound label. If you want to play DSD or sample rates beyond that, check the specification of the model you are considering before you buy.
Earphones, speakers and cases sit alongside the players
Astell&Kern also makes earphones, headphones, speakers and accessories, including cases. It has worked with VOLK Audio on the STELLA in-ear monitors. If you are buying a player, the catalogue lets you choose the earphones and the case from the same maker.
Why we stock Astell&Kern
We had DACs but nothing portable, so we went looking. Astell&Kern do one thing and have done it longer than almost anyone, with a range that runs from a first serious player up to real money. If you have invested in in-ear monitors and are still feeding them from a phone, this is the gap they fill.
Specifications
- Model: AK Cradle (PES11)
- Body Colour: Silver
- Body Material: Aluminum
- Input: USB Type-C (for Charging & Data)
- Output: 3pin XLR (Stereo pair)
- Dimensions: 4.96” (126mm)[W] x 3.82” (97.1mm)[H] x 6.55” (166.4mm)[D]
- Weight: About 19.92oz (565g)
We use Royal Mail 1st Class services for our Standard Delivery.
Orders received before 4.30 pm Monday to Friday are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. This does not apply to custom-length cables and speaker cables as these require a longer timescale to terminate. This also excludes all cables selected for the burn-in service. Please note, we do not process orders on national holidays in the UK. Over 98% of our orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays.
Standard delivery is usually within 2 working days, although 98% of all orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays. In extreme cases, such as delivery to the Highlands and Islands, this may take 3 days.
All items are fully insured and come with an invoice from Future Shop. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD Local or DHL for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order subject to stock availability. For international orders, we use FedEx or DHL services where customers have selected this option.
Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths may be subject to longer deliver time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
We offer 'Free delivery on orders over £99' subject to the following terms & conditions:
- Applies only to orders with £99 or more of items (including VAT at the UK rate), at Future Shop
- Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK (excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL).
- Applies only to deliveries to addresses within mainland UK and Northern Ireland addresses. Applies only to orders that are to be delivered to a single Mainland UK delivery address.
- You will not be eligible for free delivery on your order if any items are cancelled or returned for a refund, bringing the total order amount below £99. Where items are returned, the refund due will be the cost of the item less any postage costs.
- We reserve the right to change or discontinue 'Free delivery on orders over £99 promotion at any time.
- FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER £99 OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO TRADE CUSTOMERS.
UK Postal & Delivery Charges - FIRST CLASS
Free UK delivery on all orders over £99*
| Weight | Price (FIRST CLASS UK POSTAGE) |
| 0g - 1000g | £3.95 |
| 1000g - 1400g | £4.95 |
| 1400g - 1800g | £5.95 |
| 1800g - 2000g | £6.95 |
| 2000g - 3000g | £8.95 |
* Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK.
Free Delivery for orders over £99 excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL.
Special Delivery UK - Guaranteed Next Working Day
We have 99.9% of the UK covered With Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery. We guarantee delivery to most UK addresses by 1pm the next working day. This includes Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. Some places take longer to deliver to but we still guarantee delivery within three working days by 5.30 PM.
Please note, Royal Mail Special Delivery for next working day may not be possible where non-standard cable lengths are ordered. If this is the case, the item will be shipped via The Royal Mail Special Delivery service as soon as the cable is custom made.
For orders weighing over 2KG, we reserve the right to ship items using Next Day Pre-Noon Courier Services where Royal Mail Special Delivery option has been selected.
Channel Islands & Northern Ireland
We accept orders from all Channel Islands including Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. Unless you select a premium service, Items weighing under 2KG are delivered using our standard UK delivery option above. For items weighing over 2KG, a surcharge may be applied for all deliveries to the Channel Islands as well as Northern Ireland.
European Countries
Deliveries to EU member states are not subject to 20% VAT after December 31st 2020 and therefore the 20% VAT on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.
The customer will be liable for the VAT at the local VAT rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee if applicable. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 5 working days
- Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7-10 working days
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Economy - Item are usually delivered within 48 to 72 hours
We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.
Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe
Deliveries outside of the UK are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.
If applicable, the customer will be liable for the taxes at the local tax rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7 to 10 working days
- Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 working days
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability
- Where the actual weight of the package significantly exceeds the shipping cost charged on orders, we may write to you for an additional shipping charge. For larger orders, items may be shipped in multiple packets at our discretion
We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Astell&Kern AK Cradle
The Astell&Kern AK Cradle elevates your home audio system by turning compatible digital audio players such as the A&ultima SP4000 or PD10 into a powerful, stationary source component. Designed for serious listeners, it offers a blend of advanced connectivity and clean, modern styling shaped around circular geometry. The 50-degree tilt and smooth sliding port system allow effortless placement of your player, while the illuminated Astell&Kern “A” logo displays playback bit-rate in real time for an engaging visual touch. More than a simple charging base, the AK Cradle provides a stable power supply that enables continuous playback during charging.
Its premium Neutrik balanced XLR outputs connect directly to speakers or amplifiers, delivering full high-resolution performance with secure locking connectors for long-term reliability. With support for Roon Ready and Qobuz Connect, plus open-Android compatibility for leading streaming apps, the AK Cradle becomes the central hub of your listening environment. It’s an ideal choice for anyone who wants to integrate a portable Astell&Kern player into a refined home audio setup without compromising convenience or sound quality.
Key Features
- Circle-Inspired Design - Symbolises harmony and expansion from portable to home audio
- Aluminium Build - Durable, premium construction
- 50° Tilt - Ideal viewing and operation angle
- LED “A” Logo - Changes colour with track bit-rate
- Future-Ready - Supports 2025 and upcoming A&K players
Specifications
- Model: AK Cradle (PES11)
- Body Colour: Silver
- Body Material: Aluminum
- Input: USB Type-C (for Charging & Data)
- Output: 3pin XLR (Stereo pair)
- Dimensions: 4.96” (126mm)[W] x 3.82” (97.1mm)[H] x 6.55” (166.4mm)[D]
- Weight: About 19.92oz (565g)
About Astell&Kern
Launched in October 2012, Astell&Kern is the high-end audiophile brand by iriver. The current Astell&Kern line includes the award-winning AK100 II, AK120 II and AK240 high-resolution portable audio players, capable of playing 24-bit/192 kHz Mastering Quality Sound (MQS) files including Native DSD. Astell&Kern’s lineup has recently expanded to include accessories such as the AKR01 and AKR02 In-Ear headphones, and Astell&Kern portable player docking stations.
About Astell&Kern
Korean maker of portable digital audio players, with a catalogue that also covers earphones, headphones and speakers.
Astell&Kern is a Seoul-based company and part of Dreamus, formerly iRiver. Its core product is the digital audio player, a portable unit that holds your music library and drives headphones or earphones directly. The catalogue also includes earphones, headphones, speakers, cases and other accessories for your player.
Read more about Astell&Kern Show less
Players are grouped into named series
A&ultima is the flagship line, with the SP4000 and SP3000 among its models. A&futura includes the SE300 and A&norma includes the SR35. The PD series, which includes the PD20, and the KANN line, which includes the KANN ULTRA, are separate families. Each series sits at a different level of price and specification.
High-resolution files are supported across the range
Astell&Kern lists playback of 24-bit files at sample rates from 44.1kHz to 192kHz, and supports MQS, its Mastering Quality Sound label. If you want to play DSD or sample rates beyond that, check the specification of the model you are considering before you buy.
Earphones, speakers and cases sit alongside the players
Astell&Kern also makes earphones, headphones, speakers and accessories, including cases. It has worked with VOLK Audio on the STELLA in-ear monitors. If you are buying a player, the catalogue lets you choose the earphones and the case from the same maker.
Why we stock Astell&Kern
We had DACs but nothing portable, so we went looking. Astell&Kern do one thing and have done it longer than almost anyone, with a range that runs from a first serious player up to real money. If you have invested in in-ear monitors and are still feeding them from a phone, this is the gap they fill.
Specifications
- Model: AK Cradle (PES11)
- Body Colour: Silver
- Body Material: Aluminum
- Input: USB Type-C (for Charging & Data)
- Output: 3pin XLR (Stereo pair)
- Dimensions: 4.96” (126mm)[W] x 3.82” (97.1mm)[H] x 6.55” (166.4mm)[D]
- Weight: About 19.92oz (565g)
We use Royal Mail 1st Class services for our Standard Delivery.
Orders received before 4.30 pm Monday to Friday are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. This does not apply to custom-length cables and speaker cables as these require a longer timescale to terminate. This also excludes all cables selected for the burn-in service. Please note, we do not process orders on national holidays in the UK. Over 98% of our orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays.
Standard delivery is usually within 2 working days, although 98% of all orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays. In extreme cases, such as delivery to the Highlands and Islands, this may take 3 days.
All items are fully insured and come with an invoice from Future Shop. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD Local or DHL for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order subject to stock availability. For international orders, we use FedEx or DHL services where customers have selected this option.
Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths may be subject to longer deliver time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
We offer 'Free delivery on orders over £99' subject to the following terms & conditions:
- Applies only to orders with £99 or more of items (including VAT at the UK rate), at Future Shop
- Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK (excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL).
- Applies only to deliveries to addresses within mainland UK and Northern Ireland addresses. Applies only to orders that are to be delivered to a single Mainland UK delivery address.
- You will not be eligible for free delivery on your order if any items are cancelled or returned for a refund, bringing the total order amount below £99. Where items are returned, the refund due will be the cost of the item less any postage costs.
- We reserve the right to change or discontinue 'Free delivery on orders over £99 promotion at any time.
- FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER £99 OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO TRADE CUSTOMERS.
UK Postal & Delivery Charges - FIRST CLASS
Free UK delivery on all orders over £99*
| Weight | Price (FIRST CLASS UK POSTAGE) |
| 0g - 1000g | £3.95 |
| 1000g - 1400g | £4.95 |
| 1400g - 1800g | £5.95 |
| 1800g - 2000g | £6.95 |
| 2000g - 3000g | £8.95 |
* Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK.
Free Delivery for orders over £99 excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL.
Special Delivery UK - Guaranteed Next Working Day
We have 99.9% of the UK covered With Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery. We guarantee delivery to most UK addresses by 1pm the next working day. This includes Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. Some places take longer to deliver to but we still guarantee delivery within three working days by 5.30 PM.
Please note, Royal Mail Special Delivery for next working day may not be possible where non-standard cable lengths are ordered. If this is the case, the item will be shipped via The Royal Mail Special Delivery service as soon as the cable is custom made.
For orders weighing over 2KG, we reserve the right to ship items using Next Day Pre-Noon Courier Services where Royal Mail Special Delivery option has been selected.
Channel Islands & Northern Ireland
We accept orders from all Channel Islands including Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. Unless you select a premium service, Items weighing under 2KG are delivered using our standard UK delivery option above. For items weighing over 2KG, a surcharge may be applied for all deliveries to the Channel Islands as well as Northern Ireland.
European Countries
Deliveries to EU member states are not subject to 20% VAT after December 31st 2020 and therefore the 20% VAT on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.
The customer will be liable for the VAT at the local VAT rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee if applicable. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 5 working days
- Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7-10 working days
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Economy - Item are usually delivered within 48 to 72 hours
We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.
Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe
Deliveries outside of the UK are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.
If applicable, the customer will be liable for the taxes at the local tax rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7 to 10 working days
- Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 working days
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability
- Where the actual weight of the package significantly exceeds the shipping cost charged on orders, we may write to you for an additional shipping charge. For larger orders, items may be shipped in multiple packets at our discretion
We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.
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Astell&Kern AK Cradle
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