Astell&Kern
South Korean maker of high-resolution portable players, launched in 2012 as a specialist arm of iriver. Astell & Kern effectively created the modern premium DAP category and still set the reference for it.
About Astell&Kern
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The company that made the high-end portable player a category
When Astell & Kern launched the AK100 in 2012, portable high-resolution audio barely existed as a product category. Phones were replacing dedicated players, and the idea of spending serious money on something that only played music looked like a step backwards. The company making that bet was iriver, the Korean firm whose MP3 players had been among the few genuine rivals to the iPod before smartphones took that market away. Rather than compete with phones, iriver went where phones could not follow and launched Astell & Kern as a separate brand in Seoul. The category they opened is now well established and Astell & Kern still define its upper end.
What separates them from a phone is not just the DAC. It is the analogue stage after it, the isolation between the digital and analogue sections, and a power supply designed for audio rather than for a screen and a modem. Astell & Kern group this work under the name Teraton Alpha, their own audio platform covering power delivery, noise removal and amplification. It is difficult to do in a device that fits in a pocket, and it is the reason the price ladder goes as high as it does.
The industrial design is deliberately unusual, with angled cases and volume wheels that have become the brand's signature. Not to everyone's taste, and the company has never pretended otherwise.
Astell & Kern also make earphones, portable amplifiers and USB dongle DACs, so the line covers everything from a phone accessory to a reference player.
Browse by Range
Astell & Kern name their player families by prefix. A&norma is the accessible line, A&futura the middle, A&ultima the reference. KANN is the high-power line for demanding headphones, and ACRO covers the desktop units.
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£1,915.83Ex. VATThe Astell&Kern SP3000M Digital Audio Player offers exceptional sound quality in a compact design. Featuring HEXA audio circuitry, four AK4499EX DACs, and TERATON ALPHA technology, it provides lag-free, crystal-clear audio with 130dB SNR. Powered by a Snapdragon 6125 Octa-core processor and 8GB memory, the SP3000M ensures fast performance. Designed with a premium leather case and VU Meter GUI, it’s the ultimate portable Hi-Fi audio player for audiophiles on the go.
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£332.50Ex. VATThe Astell&Kern AK HC5 Portable USB DAC delivers flagship-grade sound in a compact form, featuring AKM’s AK4499EX DAC, High Driving Mode, advanced noise suppression, and balanced output for high-resolution listening on phones, tablets, computers, and consoles.
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£124.17Ex. VAT
If you're looking for a lightweight, hi-fi quality USB DAC that is easy to use and provides a consistently clear and noise-free sound, the Astell&Kern AK HC3 is an excellent choice. Its ES9219MQ Dual DAC delivers ultra-high sound quality and its dual shielded cable minimises noise interference.
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£1,915.83Ex. VATThe Astell&Kern ACRO CA1000T Transportable Headphone Amplifier is the perfect choice for audiophiles looking for the highest quality sound in a compact and portable form factor. This device is equipped with a powerful ES9039MPRO Dual-DAC and headphone amplifier, 4 levels of gain, a dual-tube applied Triple Amp System, and a host of connectivity options to easily connect it to external audio devices.
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£457.50Ex. VATIf you are an audiophile looking for a product that will deliver an amazing sound experience, the Astell&Kern AK PA10 is the perfect choice for you. This Class-A amplifier offers an incredibly natural and spacious analog sound, enhanced further with Astell&Kern’s TERATON ALPHA technology.
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£915.83Ex. VATThe AK ZERO2's are a great choice for anyone looking for high-quality in-ear monitor earphones. With four different types of drivers and an ultra-refined cross-over network design, these earphones offer the highest sound quality available.
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£165.83Ex. VATWith its portable Bluetooth DAC/AMP, the AK HB1 offers the best performance without the hassle of cables. This device effortlessly delivers high-quality audio and Hi-Fi streaming services, giving you the freedom to experience music like never before. Equipped with the ESS ES9281AC PRO DAC, separate DAC and AMP, and a powerful built-in amplifier, the AK HB1 provides a premium Hi-Fi experience.
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£182.50Ex. VATWith dual output options of 3.5mm and 4.4mm, the AK HC4 is compatible with a wide range of IEMs and headphones, making it a versatile choice for different listening preferences. The AKM AK4493S DAC ensures true Hi-Fi sound, bringing the level of audio excellence that is synonymous with Astell&Kern's digital audio players to this USB DAC. Additionally, the inclusion of Digital Audio Remaster technology further elevates the listening experience, ensuring every detail of the music is captured and delivered to the listener.
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SALE£26.62 £37.50Ex. VAT ✓ Save £10.88Introducing the Astell&Kern HB1 Carry Case with Carabiner – a seamless fusion of style and functionality designed for your dynamic lifestyle. Meticulously crafted to snugly fit the HB1, this case provides reliable protection against scratches and bumps.
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£2,249.17Ex. VATThe Astell&Kern SP3000M Copper-Nickel edition enhances premium audio with a refined alloy that enhances sound depth and durability. Featuring an advanced HEXA audio circuit with dual AK4191EQ and four AK4499EX DACs, it achieves a 130dB SNR for crystal-clear sound. Enjoy seamless streaming via Open App Service and AK Connect, while Crossfeed ensures comfortable listening. Combining high-fidelity performance with an elegant, corrosion-resistant design, the SP3000M delivers an immersive experience. -
£2,082.50Ex. VATThe 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 for home audio use, the PD10 blends convenience with performance. An eco-certified Synt3 case offers durable, sustainable protection with refined style. -
£665.83Ex. VATThe Ultrasone Virtuoso AKE09 offers audiophiles a powerful blend of clarity, depth, and musical expression. Evolved from the Signature MASTER MKII, it delivers precise, emotionally rich audio designed for serious listening.
