Astell&Kern has launched the KANN CUBE, the second model in the KANN performance line.

The KANN series of portable high-resolution audio players is equipped with a more powerful, built-in headphone amplifier, which provides high power output that allows KANN players to drive headphones without the need for a separate amplifier.  Users can select between low, mid and high gain modes to provide the power required to drive your particular headphones.  Power output on KANN CUBE is almost twice the output via balanced connection than the previous generation KANN (12Vrms vs. 7Vrms).

ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DACs

Although KANN CUBE has a much higher power output than previous Astell&Kern models, the player features a new amplifier design that produces a low noise floor. KANN CUBE features two 8-channel ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DACs in a dual-mono configuration.

MQA

For connection to 2-channel home systems, KANN CUBE features a 5-pin Mini XLR connector.  KANN CUBE has 128GB internal memory and a microSD card slot for additional storage.  With a 7,400mA battery, KANN CUBE can play back music for about 9 hours on a single charge.  With USB-C and fast charge support, users can fully charge KANN CUBE in half the time as standard chargers.  KANN CUBE supports up to 32-bit/384 kHz PCM and DSD256 playback natively and features a 5-inch high definition screen. KANN CUBE supports MQA (subject to final testing and certification), and with a full decoder built in, can unfold all the way to the original resolution of the file.  MQA playback is supported both via downloaded MQA audio files and through the Tidal app, allowing users to stream high resolution audio via Tidal Masters.

Spotify, Tidal And Qobuz

Astell&Kern’s latest user interface and support for Open App service is included in KANN CUBE, which adds Android APK support, allowing users to install additional music streaming services to their player by simply copying and installing the corresponding APK file for the music service they wish to add.  Services supported include Amazon Music, Spotify, Tidal, SoundCloud, Qobuz, SiriusXM, Tune-In, myTuner, Bandcamp and Deezer (supported streaming services varies by country).  Offline content for supported apps can be stored in either internal or external player memory so you can listen to your favourite music streaming service tracks on the go.

KANN CUBE features a high-strength aluminium body, with a rectangular shape and will be released at the end of May 2019 for $1,499.

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