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Astell & Kern introduces the Kann Ultra, touted as the best hi-res audio player, merging superior performance with a 5.5-inch 1,080p touchscreen and top-tier audio output.
This latest Astell & Kern hi-res audio mp3 player promises enhanced performance over its predecessors, attributing its advancement to the “next-generation eight-core processor.” While the specific ARM chip remains unconfirmed, speculations suggest the potential use of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, widely adopted in music players.
This device offers a Triple Output Mode, catering to various sound demands when connected to high-end headphones, intricate IEMs, and external devices. Each port—Headphone Out, Line Out, and Pre-Out—features a distinct amplifier and sound design to ensure the most suitable sound output for each device.
Developed to enhance audio quality at elevated sample rates, the Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology is a highlight. DAR technology excels in upsampling the sound source’s sample rate, surpassing the constraints of the original format to deliver refined sound.
The front hosts a 5.5-inch 1,080p touchscreen, with storage available on 128 GB of flash memory or a microSD card. Its 8,400 mAh battery boasts an impressive eleven-hour music playback duration, with a full USB-C charge taking approximately 3.5 hours.
The Astell & Kern Kann Ultra, a hi-res audio mp3 player, supports Bluetooth 4.2, encompassing Qualcomm aptX HD, Sony LDAC, and LHDC. Its Bluetooth capability permits wireless music streaming from a smartphone to the Kann Ultra, channeling output to wired headphones through the built-in amplifier and DAC.
Astell & Kern Kann Ultra price and availability
The global availability of the Astell & Kern Kann Ultra Hi-Fi music player is imminent. Currently listed on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk, it’s priced at $1,599 and £1,599, marginally exceeding the cost of the Kann Max (approx. $1,000 on B&H Photo and £1,199 on Amazon UK).
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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Astell&Kern KANN Ultra Portable High Resolution Audio Player (Astro Gray) | $1,599.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Equipped with apt-X HD and LDAC Bluetooth codecs for superior wireless music transmission, the digital audio player offers compatibility with 3.5mm, balanced 2.5mm, and 4.4mm connectors. It accommodates four ES9038Q2M DAC, DSD 512, MQA, and numerous high-res formats. The KANN MAX also introduces the innovative BT Sink feature, enabling its use as a Bluetooth receiver. All these functionalities combine with exclusive TERATON ALPHA technology to ensure the utmost sound quality.
