High resolution DAP digital player with integrated headphone amplifier. 4.1” touch display with 720X1280 resolution. Supported audio formats: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE (Normal, High, Fast), AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA. Sampling Frequency: PCM: 8kHz-768kHz (8/16/24/32 bits per sample), DSD64 (1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo DSD128 (1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo DSD256 (1bit 11.2MHz) , DSD512 (1bit 22.4MHz) Stereo. Headphone output unbalanced and balanced selectable on four values and up to 8Vrms/15Vrms. Quad DAC converters ESS ES9038Q2M 32bit/768kHz. Inputs: USB type C (for PC & MAC charging and data transfer). Outputs: optical, headphone (3.5mm), 2 balanced outputs (2.5mm-4pole and 4.4mm-5pole). Wifi: 802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz). Bluetooth: V5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP, aptX HD, LDAC). 64GB internal memory expandable with micro SD up to 1TB. Internal battery: 5600mAh 3.8V lithium polymer. Supported operating systems: Windows 7,8,10 (32/64 bit), OSX 10.7 or above. Aluminum chassis.
Dimensions: 68.3x117x23.6mm.
Weight: 305gr.
Astell&Kern's new KANN MAX DAP offers more power output in a more compact chassis.
Astell&Kern, the world leader in portable high-resolution audio devices, introduces the KANN MAX portable digital audio player (DAP), the fourth generation of the KANN family. Highly sought after by audiophiles worldwide for its audio performance supported by high power output, the KANN MAX raises the bar once again, featuring a higher power output (15Vrms) than its predecessor the KANN ALPHA.
Thanks to the audio technology used and the new CNC machining techniques, all this power has been placed in a more compact and lighter chassis. The result is striking and allows this device to be used with an ever-widening variety of headphones, including high-impedance headphones, which can be driven optimally without the need for additional amplification. Music enthusiasts can experience uncompromising sound anytime, anywhere.
Salient features
- 4 levels of gain with 15Vrms maximum output to support a wide range of headphones without distortion.
- Innovative circuit design, with high output and low noise, in an even more compact size player
- ESS ES9038Q2M Quad DAC Converter for exceptionally clear and balanced sound
- Proprietary TERATON ALPHA Sound Solution technology
- Supports playback of high-resolution digital audio files up to 32-bit/768kHz and Native DSD512
- Bluetooth 5.0 and 24-bit wireless codec (aptX™ HD, LDAC)
- Replay Gain function, to equalize the playback volume from audio sources up to 24-bit/192 kHz.
Innovative circuit design = low noise level
As the output power increases, the noise level usually increases which negatively affects the audio performance. Thanks to an innovative design of the integrated circuits, Astell&Kern has managed to maintain a low noise level while achieving a "Super" output power of 15Vrms.
First, an analog volume control is employed, offering a rich dynamic range without any loss. Next, the power supply stage is separate for each audio section (DAC, volume and amplifier) and this separate configuration avoids the noise often caused by DC-DC switching power supplies. The audio noise inherent in audio op amps, which was subsequently amplified, was also reduced by redesigning them from the ground up. Finally, by building a circuit board (PCB) on 12 different layers it was possible to match each audio path with its own mass and physically reduce the dimensions of the DAP, generous in the first Kann model, absolutely portable in this fourth version KANN MAX.
Quad DAC and playback
Astell&Kern KANN MAX is the first player in the KANN Series to be equipped with four ES9038Q2M DACs for world-class audio performance. By using four DACs, suitably assigned to the various amplification channels, the depth, detail and realism of the sound stage are expressed to their maximum quality. In combination, the new amplifier circuit technology from Astell&Kern naturally and transparently enhances and enhances the strengths of the DAC, allowing precise decoding, which contributes to the highest quality sound free from distortion.
The KANN MAX plays up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and native DSD512 files, supports connections for a variety of 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced and unbalanced headphones. To drastically improve contact and minimize noise, the various output jacks have been coated in gold with a PVD spray technique, instead of the usual metal sealing rings normally used by the competition. This improves both design and functionality.
The KANN MAX also offers Replay Gain functionality. This feature automatically and smoothly adjusts the playback volume from sound sources up to 24-bit/192kHz, so playlists can be listened to without having to turn up or adjust the volume for each song.
KANN MAX implements TERATON ALPHA technology
TERATON ALPHA is A&K's latest sonic revolution to reproduce audio as faithfully as possible to the original, through effective power supply noise removal, efficient power consumption, and uncompromising sound amplification.
What makes the Astell&Kern sound different? Many people have similar ideas about what makes sound better; for example they think that the DAC alone determines the sound of the DAP. And so, in the end you will have only the same DAPs, with the same DACs and the same sound quality, for each product. The DAC definitely plays a big part in the quality of a DAP, but it's not the only factor that determines the sound. TERATON ALPHA technology effectively removes power supply noise and provides efficient power consumption and amplification up to the audio output interface stage where digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) occurs - audio technology that Astell&Kern has been continuously developing and perfected over the years.
Connectivity
The BT Sink function connects the KANN MAX to an external device, such as a smartphone, via Bluetooth, allowing you to play music in high quality on the player. The KANN MAX boasts the latest version of Bluetooth® 5.0, which ensures a longer range and a more stable wireless connection to the headphones, and additionally supports aptX™ HD and 24-bit LDAC codecs, offering the best wireless sound quality possible at the moment.
In addition to Wi-Fi support, the KANN MAX features AK File Drop to make wireless file transfers easier. Users can wirelessly transfer files through a PC, smartphone or FTP program located on the same network to make music management even more convenient.
Battery and Memory
Despite the small size, all the electronic components and the power supply stage have been designed to obtain 13 hours of continuous playback. The KANN MAX features 64GB internal memory, expandable up to 1TB via a microSD card slot, meaning users can carry thousands of high-resolution albums with them at all times.
Modern design
The KANN MAX takes up the innovative design of the top models of Astell&Kern, slim profile, emphasized by the hexagonal upper geometry which narrows towards the bottom, and by the "hairline" finish of the rear part which gives the DAP modernity and grandeur.
