Does it matter that the iPod is dead if that’s what we get instead? Astell & Kern’s Kann Max is a high-res portable music player that feels like a big upgrade from the five-star Kann Alpha. The Max packs more power (15V RMS) from a smaller, lighter body than its predecessor.
This means it’s compatible with a wider variety of headphones, including high-impedance ones, without the need for a separate amp. It also has headphone connections for 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm jacks.
The Max is the first Kann player with four built-in ES9038Q2M DACs. Allocating a DAC to each of the four individual amplifier channels, it is claimed, gives the audio more depth and realism, and should, combined with A&K’s amplifier circuit technology, deliver ultra-low distortion. .
The Kann Max supports files up to 32bit/768kHz native PCM and DSD512. And each of the three headphone jacks is coated in gold PVD to minimize contact noise, which A&K says should further improve the sound.
Replay Gain functionality is also integrated. This automatically and evenly adjusts playback volume from sound sources up to 24-bit/192kHz, so you don’t constantly use the volume controls while listening to a playlist.
Astell & Kern’s patented Teraton Alpha sound solution also comes standard. This suppresses power supply noise and provides efficient power consumption and amplification, with the aim of delivering near-original quality audio playback.
You can connect the Max to your smartphone using the BT Sink feature, so you can play tracks in the best quality. Bluetooth 5.0 is also on board, with support for 24-bit aptX HD and LDAC codecs. There’s wi-fi to connect directly to the internet, and AK File Drop makes it easy to transfer files wirelessly – great for sharing tracks between devices.
Battery life of 13 hours is a little less than the 14.5 offered by the Alpha, but still quite impressive considering the smaller size of the new device. The 64GB onboard memory can be expanded up to 1TB using a microSD card.
The Kann Max will retail for £1,199 ($1,300, around AU$2,130) and will be available from mid-June.
It’s not the only new Astell & Kern device…
Astell & Kern and Campfire Audio Pathfinder
Astell & Kern has teamed up with American headphone manufacturer Campfire Audio to create Pathfinder, a pair of in-ear monitors featuring dual-chamber balanced armature (BA) driver technology. The two companies have previously collaborated on the Solaris X headphones.
Because they have a single coil driving two individual diaphragms, Pathfinder headphones are claimed to be more powerful than an equivalent model with a single larger diaphragm; and that extra power, says A&K, results in a warmer, more natural midrange. Campfire Audio’s patented Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber (TAEC) technology takes care of the high frequencies, which is supposed to optimize performance by adjusting the volume of the available space in front of the speaker. It offers a direct passage from the driver to your ear, which is supposed to extend the high frequencies without sibilance or fatigue.
On the bass, there are custom-tuned dual 10mm dynamic drivers. This is an all new design from Campfire Audio, featuring hybrid diaphragms housed in a radially vented 3D printed acoustic chamber. Campfire claims this allows for faster, more powerful low-frequency response without unnecessary pressure or bass bloat. Each driver is vented through a specially designed opening on its face, creating, we’re told, a larger soundstage.
Three cables come standard to cover 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone connections. The crown jewel of the cable is the all-new silver-plated copper Litz cable, whose four conductors arranged side-by-side provide “the most transparent and expansive sounds possible,” according to A&K.
The price? £1899 ($1900, around AU$3370). Pathfinder will go on sale from mid-July.
Astell & Kern AK HC2 Dual DAC Cable
Last but not least is the Astell & Kern AK HC2 Dual DAC cable. It promises to bring a touch of hi-fi magic to iOS and Android devices, as well as Windows and Apple computers, so you can enjoy higher quality music streams in all their glory.
Simply plug it into your device’s USB-C port (or the Lightning port using the included adapter), plug in your headphones, and go.
It’s the successor to the AK HC1 and brings a 4.4mm headphone connection to the party.
Inside are two Cirrus Logic CS43198 MasterHiFi DACs. These are the same DACs that feature in Astell & Kern’s award-winning A&norma range of digital audio players, and support high-resolution files up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256.
They’re joined by an analog amplifier and bespoke capacitors said to optimize the audio circuit, suppress power fluctuations and minimize power consumption.
It also processes the digital signal at a later stage than most DACs, Astell & Kern explains; this, he claims, reduces distortion. Also to reduce noise, the woven cable is wrapped in aluminum foil, while the copper-core wire is coated with tin to prevent corrosion and improve strength and durability.
The HC2 is Roon tested and the volume can be controlled from the dedicated Android app.
It also features the same “shadow and light” design language as Astell & Kern’s other new products.
It will cost £169 ($170, around AU$300) and will be available from mid-June.
AFTER:
Read our guide to best portable music players
Read our Testing the Astell & Kern Kann Cube
Read our FiiO M15 Review