ASTELL&KERN PD10 DIGITAL AUDIO PLAYER LAUNCHES WITH FRESH DESIGN AND FLAGSHIP TECH

The Astell&Kern PD10 Digital Audio Player is a new digital audio player designed for both home and portable use.

With a new look and simplified controls, the PD10 departs from the company’s usual design language, replacing the iconic volume wheel with buttons and offering a more streamlined user experience. A docking cradle is included for desktop use.

ASTELL&KERN PD10 DIGITAL AUDIO PLAYER

The PD10 uses Astell&Kern’s HEXA-audio circuitry, first seen in their flagship SP3000, and is the first player to feature the new AKM AK4498EX DAC. This setup includes four DACs and two digital signal processors, separating the digital and analogue stages completely.

INDEPENDENT AUDIO PATHS FOR BALANCED AND UNBALANCED OUTPUTS

Where many DAPs use shared circuits for balanced and unbalanced outputs, the PD10 has fully independent audio paths. This avoids the signal compromises that come with internal switching, helping maintain audio quality across different headphone connections.

TWO AMPLIFIERS TO SUIT DIFFERENT HEADPHONES

The PD10 includes two amplifiers with different tuning. The Normal Gain amp focuses on clarity and detail, while the High Gain amp is designed for more demanding headphones, providing greater power and impact. This setup gives users the flexibility to choose the best match for their equipment.

SMART GAIN AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTS TO CONNECTED HEADPHONES

The PD10 can detect the impedance of connected headphones and automatically select the appropriate amplifier. Headphones with impedance up to 32 ohms default to Normal Gain, while higher-impedance models switch to High Gain. This helps avoid the need for manual settings adjustments and ensures consistent output levels.

CROSSFEED FEATURE FOR RELAXED LISTENING

For extended listening sessions on headphones, the PD10 includes a crossfeed option. This mixes a small part of one audio channel into the other, creating a more natural soundstage and reducing listener fatigue. The effect is customisable with adjustable parameters.

CRADLE TURNS PD10 INTO A DESKTOP SOURCE

The included cradle allows the PD10 to function as part of a home audio system. It provides charging and a digital input via USB, as well as balanced XLR outputs for connection to powered speakers or amplifiers. Users can choose between fixed or variable output levels via the DAP’s settings.

ASTELL&KERN PD10 TECH SPECS AND CONNECTIVITY

The PD10 supports native playback of high-resolution files up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512. It includes 256GB of internal storage and supports microSD cards up to 2TB. The device also functions as a USB DAC, supports DLNA, AirPlay, and is Roon Ready. Wireless connectivity includes Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX HD, LDAC, and LHDC support, plus dual-band Wi-Fi. A 6-inch Full HD screen, ReplayGain for volume levelling, and AK File Drop for wireless file transfer round out the feature set.

Built from stainless steel and glass, the PD10 is designed for one-handed use with a focus on simplicity. A new button-based control scheme replaces the volume wheel found on previous models, and the layout draws attention to key functions. The visual design echoes a “control tower” aesthetic, with clean lines and material contrast.

ASTELL&KERN PD10 PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

The Astell&Kern PD10, including the docking cradle, will be available from May, with a suggested retail price of £2499 / $2499.

HiFi PiG Says: A very flexible DAP for use both at home and on the go.