Astell&Kern PD10 Digital Audio Player and Docking Cradle Ex-Demo

Item code: AKP21 Ex-Demo

The Astell&Kern PD10 introduces next-gen audio innovation with AKM’s new AK4498EX DAC, dual impedance-adaptive amps, and HEXA-Audio Circuitry for pure, immersive sound. Featuring a 6" Full HD display, smart gain matching, fast charging, and a cradle …
£2,499.00
£1,665.83
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New 12 Months warranty 30-day returns
Outside the UK? VAT removed automatically at checkout. Pre-paid duties available for selected destinations.
Qty:

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.

£1,665.83 ex. VAT
Available — built to order, dispatches in 48 Hours
Delivery: Royal Mail Tracked 24 FREE  ·  DPD Next Day from £8.95  ·  DPD Saturday from £12.95
Order before 4pm (Mon–Fri) for same-day dispatch
Our promise: 30-day returns · Free burn-in · Built in our UK workshop · 12 Months warranty · Expert support on every order

Astell&Kern PD10 Digital Audio Player and Docking Cradle Ex-Demo

 

Astell&Kern PD10 redefines portable audio with bold innovation and premium performance. Engineered with a groundbreaking HEXA-Audio Circuitry Structure, it integrates AKM’s latest AK4498EX DACs and dual AK4191EQ digital processors, delivering lifelike sound with precise digital-analog separation. Independent dual audio circuits for balanced and unbalanced outputs provide optimized signal paths, while dual impedance-adaptive amplifiers offer tailored performance for a wide range of headphones and IEMs. The PD10 features Smart Gain Auto Matching, automatically adjusting amplification based on your gear for consistently clean and powerful audio.

With its 6-inch Full HD touchscreen, intuitive UI, and reimagined volume wheel, the PD10 offers a premium experience in both usability and performance. Use it on the go or transform it into a high-end home source via the included docking cradle with XLR balanced outputs. Designed to deliver up to 15 hours of playback and equipped with PD 3.0 fast charging, it’s ready for extended sessions. Complementing the device is an eco-friendly Synt3 case made from recycled materials—offering durability, a snug fit, and easy access to all controls. Experience audio redefined with the Astell&Kern PD10.

 

Key Features

  • Next-Gen Innovation – The PS10 marks a bold new direction for Astell&Kern, introducing a fresh design philosophy and innovative features beyond the existing DAP lineup.
  • HEXA-Audio Circuitry Structure – Inspired by the flagship SP3000, it features a world-first implementation of AKM’s new AK4498EX DAC for superior digital-analog separation.
  • Independent Dual Audio Circuits – Dedicated circuits for balanced and unbalanced outputs ensure optimal sound quality without compromise.
  • Impedance-Adaptive Dual Amplifiers – Two distinct amplifiers cater to different impedance ranges, allowing for precise tuning based on headphones or earphones.
  • Smart Gain Auto Matching – Automatically selects the optimal amplifier mode based on connected headphones, ensuring effortless, high-quality sound.
  • Home Audio Integration – The included docking cradle transforms the PS10 into a high-end home audio source with XLR balanced outputs.
  • 6-Inch Full HD Touchscreen – A large, vibrant 1080x2160 display enhances the user experience.
  • Fast Charging & Long Battery Life – Power Delivery 3.0 support for quick charging and up to 15 hours of continuous playback.

 

Here is what Astell&Kern say about the PD-10

By applying AKM's latest DAC AK4498EX, we have achieved a more natural sound. Adopting a HEXA audio circuit structure, featuring two AK4191EQs for processing digital signals and four of AKM's latest DACs, the AK4498EX, combined with Astell&Kern’s TERATON ALPHA technology, the highest level of sound quality is delivered.

 

Specifications

  • Model: PD10
  • Body Color: Silver
  • Body Material: Stainless Steel
  • Display: 6inch 1080 x 2160 Touch screen
  • Supported Audio Formats: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF
  • Sample rate: PCM : 8kHz ~ 768kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample) DSD : DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo DSD512(1bit, 22.4MHz), Stereo
  • CPU: Octa-core
  • DAC: AKM4191EQ x2 (Dual Modulator) + AKM4498EX x4 (Dual+Dual DAC)
  • Decoding: Support up to 32bit / 768kHz Bit to Bit playback
  • Input: USB Type-C input (for charging & PC & MAC)
  • 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)
  • Bluetooth®: V5.3 (A2DP, AVRCP, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, LDAC, LHDC, SBC, AAC)
  • Dimensions: 2.96 (75.4mm)[W] x 5.88” (149.5mm)[H] x 0.68” (17.3mm)[D]
  • Weight: About 15.34oz (435g)
  • Feature Enhancements: Firmware upgrade supported (OTA: Over-The-Air)

 

About Astell&Kern

Astell&Kern is the ultimate digital music source that brings you Mastering Quality Sound or MQS. Astell means ‘Stars’ in Latin and Kern means ‘Center’ in German. We believe Astell&Kern is the center of music.

Today, original music performances can be captured in digital almost exactly as they were performed due to new, advanced recording technology currently available. However, these high quality recordings are mainly listened to through inferior sound formats, such as MP3 or through streaming services. With the debut of the MP3 format, music lovers sacrificed sound quality for the convenience of being able to carry their music collection wherever they went. Because the MP3 format heavily compresses files for the sake of convenience, the vocals and instruments you hear are only an inferior version of the original. The soundstage and the ambience of the original performance often disappears when listening to compressed MP3 music. After pondering these issues, Astell&Kern was our solution to poor sound quality for the sake of portability, and our way in reviving the original sound quality of music, MQS, for music artists, recording engineers, and professionals.

Astell&Kern's pursuit is to provide natural and original sound without distortion. It showcases the presence of the original recording with miniscule details you may not have noticed from other music systems, while playing back high-resolution music bit by bit, exactly as it was recorded. The ability to play back the exact recording of any live performance is what Astell&Kern is known for.

The power of true sound from Astell&Kern can now be experienced and has been part of many famous audio exhibitions around the world. Astell&Kern is now admired by music lovers from many countries, including the USA, China, Japan, UK, France, and many more around the world.

 

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.

Shop all Astell&Kern →

Specifications

  • Model: PD10
  • Body Color: Silver
  • Body Material: Stainless Steel
  • Display: 6inch 1080 x 2160 Touch screen
  • Supported Audio Formats: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF
  • Sample rate: PCM : 8kHz ~ 768kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample) DSD : DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo DSD512(1bit, 22.4MHz), Stereo
  • CPU: Octa-core
  • DAC: AKM4191EQ x2 (Dual Modulator) + AKM4498EX x4 (Dual+Dual DAC)
  • Decoding: Support up to 32bit / 768kHz Bit to Bit playback
  • Input: USB Type-C input (for charging & PC & MAC)
  • 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)
  • Bluetooth®: V5.3 (A2DP, AVRCP, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, LDAC, LHDC, SBC, AAC)
  • Dimensions: 2.96 (75.4mm)[W] x 5.88” (149.5mm)[H] x 0.68” (17.3mm)[D]
  • Weight: About 15.34oz (435g)
  • Feature Enhancements: Firmware upgrade supported (OTA: Over-The-Air)

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 PD10 Digital Audio Player and Docking Cradle Ex-Demo

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Frequently Asked Questions

Start with power (cables & distribution), then upgrade signal cabling, support (Hi-Fi Racks) and isolation accessories. These incremental changes can unlock more from your existing gear. Once you have the basic essentials, then you can look at further upgrades, such as fuses, cartridges, better isolation and more!
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It is usually best to address obvious issues first, such as unstable equipment placement or poor isolation, before adding more specialised accessories. Call (0208 905 1555) or Email (sales@futureshop.co.uk) one of our consultants to identify an ideal upgrade path for your system.
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A high-quality hi-fi system is built around a few core elements working together. At its heart is a source, such as a streamer, turntable, CD player, or digital audio player, which provides the music. This signal is then shaped and boosted by amplification, which may include an integrated amplifier, headphone amplifier, or phono stage depending on the system. The sound is delivered through speakers or headphones, which have a major influence on the overall character of what you hear. Supporting components also play an important role. DACs improve digital playback quality, cartridges and phono stages are vital for vinyl, and hi-fi racks, speaker stands, and isolation products help equipment perform consistently. A balanced system does not rely on one standout component, but on how well everything works together.
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Isolation and support products can make a clearly audible difference, especially in resolving systems. Vibrations from floors, speakers, and even airborne sound can interfere with sensitive components like turntables, DACs, and amplifiers. Proper speaker stands help speakers perform as intended by improving stability, positioning, and bass control. Hi-fi racks and isolation platforms reduce unwanted resonance, helping systems sound cleaner, more focused, and more consistent. While these products may not change the sound as dramatically as speakers or cartridges, they often unlock performance that is already there but being masked by vibration or poor placement.
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That depends on the starting point of the system. If the fundamentals are weak, such as entry-level speakers, poor setup, or missing core components, starting with the basics usually brings the biggest gains. A well-matched foundation allows later upgrades to shine. If the system is already balanced, upgrading individual components can be very effective. Improvements such as a better cartridge, DAC, phono stage, or isolation can refine detail, clarity, and realism. The most rewarding upgrades tend to be those that address the system’s weakest link rather than focusing on one category alone.
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In many systems, the biggest improvement comes from upgrading speakers or headphones, as these shape the sound more than any other component. For vinyl systems, the cartridge and phono stage are often the most influential upgrades. In digital systems, a higher-quality DAC or streamer can significantly improve clarity and timing. Beyond electronics, addressing setup, isolation, and support is often overlooked but highly effective. Improving speaker positioning, adding proper stands, or isolating sensitive equipment can deliver noticeable gains without changing core components. The best first upgrade is usually the one that removes the most obvious limitation in the current system.
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There are lots of components and tweaks that can offer a lift in performance, however, our current favourite is the UK 13A mains fuse from your wall socket to your distribution block or amplifier. This is an often overlooked component in most systems but the improvements far outweigh it's size and cost.
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Astell&Kern PD10 Digital Audio Player and Docking Cradle Ex-Demo

We are interested in your opinion of this product. let us and other customers know how you feel by filling in the comment field below. Your review will appear in this section within 3 working days.

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