THE ASTELL&KERN AK UW100 TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS ARE THE BRAND’S TRUE WIRELESS DEBUT

Astell&Kern has launched its debut set of true wireless earbuds, the Astell&Kern AK UW100 true wireless earbuds.

The AK UW100’s sonic credentials are endorsed by a dedicated high-performance 32-bit DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter), support for the latest high-quality wireless connectivity options aptX™ Adaptive and Bluetooth 5.2, alongside ultra-detailed Knowles Balanced Armature drivers.

The Astell&Kern AK UW100 True Wireless Earbuds

DEDICATED DAC

In many true wireless headphones, the DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter) is integrated into the Bluetooth chipset, with its fundamental physical limitations focused on lower power consumption rather than improving sound quality. With its separate and dedicated AK4332, 32-bit high-performance DAC, working in tandem with Astell&Kern’s proprietary AMP technology employed in its DAPs (Digital Audio Players), the AK UW100 is designed for a  more accurate and dynamic audio performance.

Astell&Kern AK UW100 True Wireless Earbuds and case

KNOWLES BALANCED ARMATURE DRIVERS

Typically used in more premium IEMs the AK UW100 features Knowles Balanced Armature drivers, chosen over the more common dynamic driver type for its detailed performance.

LATEST WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY

The next-gen, high-quality aptX™ Adaptive codec is supported, adjusting the bit rate according to the wireless environment it is operating to reduce latency issues (it supports up to 24-bit audio at a bit rate of 420kps). Support for the latest Bluetooth 5.2 provides greater range and a more stable wireless connection when streaming from a compatible device such as an Astell&Kern portable digital audio player, smartphone, tablet or laptop.

Anyone using a smartphone running Qualcomm True Wireless Stereo Plus will enjoy a more robust connection between both earbuds and the compatible device, seamless pairing between both earbuds and reduced power consumption.

Astell&Kern AK UW100 True Wireless Earbuds are their first true wireless

THE ASTELL&KERN AK UW100 TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS PASSIVE NOISE ISOLATION

With an ergonomic and lightweight earbud design, the Astell&Kern AK UW100 True Wireless Earbuds offer passive noise isolation (PNI) to enable a truly immersive experience when listening to music in noisy environments. Unlike generic Active Noise Cancellation which concentrates on blocking out low-frequency noise, PNI efficiently minimises unwanted ambient noise in the mid and high range.

If the user wants to hear outside sounds, just a single tap of the left earbud will activate the ambient mode, with the ability to easily switch between the four ambient levels using the earbud’s touch controls or via the app.

INTUITIVE TOUCH CONTROLS

For easy control on the move, the AK UW100 sports responsive touch controls for commands such as play, pause, skip track, volume adjustment, activating Ambient mode, answering calls and enabling voice assistant from a compatible device. A proprietary iOS and Android app also allows users to customise touch controls, ambient levels and various EQ settings.

THE ASTELL&KERN AK UW100 TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS BATTERY LIFE

With the earbuds claiming six hours of battery life and a further 18 hours via the case (24 hours in total) users can enjoy music all day. With the convenience of wireless charging supported, the AK UW100 charging case also features fast charging, with a 10-minute charge providing an hour of playback.

A dual mic set-up integrates a Voice Communication Package (VCP) from voice application specialist Alango, to provide clear voice call quality. Based on special Acoustic Echo-Canceller and Noise-Suppressor technologies, these wireless earbuds effectively reduce noise in a variety of settings and environments, always ensuring call stability.

SIGNATURE DESIGN

Sporting an angular, almost Art Deco motif with a pentagon shape to fit snugly in the ear, the Astell&Kern AK UW100 True Wireless Earbuds continue Astell&Kern’s signature and recognisable ‘light and shadow’ design language.

The Astell&Kern AK UW100 True Wireless Earbuds have an Art Deco design

THE ASTELL&KERN AK UW100 TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

Alongside the charging case, the AK UW100 comes supplied with a choice of five different sized silicone ear tips (XS, S, M, L, XL) and a USB-C charging cable.

The Astell&Kern AK UW100 is priced at £249 / $260 / €299 and will be available from April 2022

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Driver type: Knowles Balanced Armature

DAC: AKM AK4332ECB

Bluetooth Version: 5.2

Bluetooth Codec: SBC, AAC, aptX™ Adaptive

Bluetooth Profile: HFP, A2DP, AVRCP

Sound Pressure Level (SPL): 94dB (1m@1kHz)

Earbud Control: Capacitive Touch

Sensor: Proximity Sensor

Microphone: 2-mic /per earbud

Playback Time: Approx.6hrs (Total 24hrs)

USB: C Type for charging

Wireless Charging: Yes (third party wireless charging accessory required)

Control App: Android and iOS version

Firmware Upgrade: OTA (Over-The-Air)

Weight: Earbuds: approx. 7g Charging Case: approx. 65g

HiFi Pig Says: The first True Wireless earbuds from A&K have some very premium features like their Knowles Balanced Armature drivers.

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