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Designed in
Korea
1 Year of
Warranty
Ideal for
Audiophiles
Best Suited for
Portable Use
Ideal for
Commuting
Cirrus Logic CS43198
Dual DAC Chip
Pair with Laptop via
USB-C to USB-A adapter
2 Vrms
Power Output
Metal
Build
Super Lightweight
Design
Designed to complement Astell&Kern's series of Digital Audio Players, the PEE51 lets you enjoy the dynamic and lifelike high-definition sound on your computer and Android mobile phones without using a high-end sound card. The PEE51 features two Cirrus Logic CS43198 MasterHIFI DACs that support Hi-Res audio playback including native DSD256 and 32bit / 384kHz.
Putting years of experience to best use, Astell&Kern has designed a highly intricate circuit on a small and 6-layered 14 x 41 mm printed circuit board (PCB). Even the micro resistors and tantalum capacitors used in the PEE51 were indigenously developed by Astell&Kern. These are the same capacitors that are used in the A&K DAPs and they optimise audio circuits to minimize fluctuations leading to overall stability and unrivalled sound quality.
The power of CS43198 DACs is combined with an independent analogue amplifier to deliver highly authentic sound reproduction. This allows you to enjoy a dynamic and clear sound that is free of colourisation and distortion just the way artists intend their music to sound. The PEE51 is compact and drives even high impedance headphones easily with an output level of 2 Vrms.
Offering the widely used USB-C connector, the Astell&Kern PEE51 is compatible with almost all the latest Android smartphones, tablets, Windows 10 computers and macOS. You can connect headphones to the PEE51 with a 3.5 mm connector. The PEE51 lets you discover the popular Astell&Kern sound signature using your audio devices. From full-size headsets to true wireless earbuds, you connect a host of headphones that support 3.5mm 3-pole and 4-pole plugs. Kindly note that 4-pole earbuds with inline controller and microphone functions are not supported.
Empowered with a custom 4-core cable for precise sound reproduction, the PEE51 improves disconnect resistance. With reinforced aramid fibre, the PEE51 can resist a tensile force of up to 200 Newton. This thick cable consists of spiralled silver-plated copper wires wrapped around a centre Technora Aramid core to eliminate external noise. This copper wire also helps to deliver clean and rich surround sound. There is unique shielding on these cables that eliminates distortion and noise in digital and analogue signals coming from the playback device.
Featuring the "light and shadow" design, the USB-C DUAL DAC utilises a unique design that has been fundamental to Astell&Kern products. This design consists of a single centerline that crosses from right to left. The ratio of the angles is optimised to ensure that the sharp portions of the four top faces coincide at a single point. Reflection on each side of the design follows the movement of light. The surface is polished to make one-hand use more comfortable. Reflecting on the durability of other Astell&Kern machines, the PEE51 uses robust metal elements.
Considering limitations of hardware, software and the overall system some of the devices might not be able to function perfectly with the Astell&Kern PEE51. iOS devices like iPhones and iPads are not compatible with the PEE51 currently while some Android devices may need changes in settings to work efficiently. If you are using the PEE51 with a computer, the computer will automatically install the required driver. However, a separate installation may be required for high-end audio playback. This extra installation file can be accessed from the Support-Download section of the Astell&Kern global website. Kindly note that to play hi-res audio files like DSD and PCM on your smartphones you will need a separate free / paid application that is compatible with high-definition audio playback.
It is advised to get the volume level checked before connecting headphones to the PEE51 as there are chances of some devices having maximum volume by default. When you are using the PEE51 with an Astell&Kern player as an external D / A converter the volume will be set to the highest, by default. Listening to music on high volumes can damage your listening. Astell&Kern does not recommend using the PEE51 with Astell&Kern players. Firmware updates may be available from time to time to enhance stability and performance. Visit the Support-Download section of the Astell&Kern global site to get more information on updates and to check if any update is available.
| HOUSING MATERIAL | Zinc alloy |
| HOUSING COLOR | Titan |
| DAC | Cirrus Logic CS43198 x 2 |
| SAMPLING FREQUENCY | PCM: Supports up to 32bit / 384kHz / DSD Native: DSD64 (1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128 (1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256 (1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo |
| INPUTS | USB Type-C (for Windows 10, Android Smartphone & Tablet PC, macOS) (Not compatible with iPhones and iPad) |
| OUTPUTS | 3.5mm headphone |
| AC SPARK INSULATION | USB Plug: 17mm [W] x 50mm [H] x 10.3mm [D] / 3.5mm Headphone: 12mm [W] x 20mm [H] x 8.2mm [D] |
| WEIGHT | approx. 25 g |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | ± 0.030 (Condition: 20Hz ~ 20kHz) |
| SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO | 118dB @ 1kHz, unbalanced |
| THD + N | 0.0004% @ 1kHz, unbalanced |
| IMD SMPTE | 0.0003% 800Hz 10kHz (4: 1), unbalanced |
| OUTPUT IMPEDANCE | 2 Ohm |
| OUTPUT VOLTAGE | 2 Vrms |
| BOX CONTENTS | 1. Astell&Kern PEE51 |
Astell&Kern - PEE51
₹ 9,999/- ₹ 10,999/- |
Shanling - UA2
₹ 6,999/- ₹ 8,599/- |
ALO Audio - Pilot
₹ 10,999/- ₹ 12,999/- |
EarMen - Sparrow
₹ 15,999/- ₹ 19,999/- |
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| Ideal For | Smartphone & Desktop | Smartphone | Smartphone & Desktop | Smartphone & Desktop |
| Weight | 25g | 12.6g |  |
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| DAC Chip | Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 | ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M | ESS Sabre 9281CPRO | ESS Sabre ES9281PRO |
| Sample Rate | 32bit/384kHz | 32bit/768kHz | 384kHz | |
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| Outputs | 3.5mm | 2.5mm | 3.5mm | 2.5mm & 3.5mm |
| Digital Inputs | USB Type-C | USB Type-C | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| Output level | 2 Vrms | 125mW@32Ω | |
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| Signal to Noise Ratio | 118dB | 133dB | 130dB | |
| MQA Support | |
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| Expert Verdict |
"That know-how has been put to good use in offering USB-C device owners an affordable, practical way to soup up their smartphone or desktop sound through wired headphones." What HiFi |
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"For the Pilot, ALO selected the ESS Sabre DAC 9281c Pro.This model from ESS allow for power from an mobile phone, small size and a high range of decoding opportunities." Audio Head |
"The Sparrow is an affordable and tiny device which you can carry around with you at all times. Just hook it up to your phone or laptop and be amazed how good it sounds." Headfonia |
Don't sweat it, this Astell&Kern PEE51 comes with a 1 year warranty from Astell&Kern that covers manufacturing defects. All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.
Read more about Astell&Kern's warranty in India.
5 Star Review
What HiFi
May, 2021
"That know-how has been put to good use in offering USB-C device owners an affordable, practical way to soup up their smartphone or desktop sound through wired headphones."
Read More
"Dual DAC Cable ultimately showcases greater refinement in both feel and listening than even its premium competitors, its higher output impedance in particular makes it a far more situational buy."
Read MoreWatch the most popular YouTube reviews for the Astell&Kern - PEE51
If u pair any DAC with Android USB-C port ,the maximum transfer limit is 16bit/48khz..you may need to use players like USB Audio Player pro app for full bandwidth but again this app does not support streaming apps except tidal for now..
Hope this helps in purchasing any DAC specially for android.
Hey, thanks for sharing this honest feedback, we really appreciate it!
The design of the dac looks futuristic and it has got a solid built quality. The sound is crisp and has a lot of details that you miss otherwise. In this era where phones have stopped coming with a 3.5mm headphone jack, this is the best thing you can get to listen to your favourite music. To get the most out of this dac I would suggest not using the usual android driver but instead buy an app called USB Audio Player Pro which integrates tidal and other apps inside it. This give a lot more detail and clarity. You can feel a big difference in terms of sound output, clarity and the wide soundstage.
First things first - Don't expect wonders from this DAC for all your recordings. It can be a pleasure to listen to clean recordings - say Tool's Fear Innoculum. But songs like Rush's Afterimage or Riverside's Panic Room sound terrible - the lower mid range distortion is magnified and you have to spend some serious time tweaking the equalizer settings to suppress the distortion. Using USB Audio Player Pro, the bit perfect mode was disappointing. Basically, almost every album requires some Equalizer tweaks, so you spend way too much time optimizing the settings, as opposed to enjoying the music - which can be frustrating. For comparison purpose: the Sony NW - A105 DAP or the BluSound streamers sound warmer, and more musical. Overall, this is a pretty good DAC as long as play the right kind of music/recording, and are patient with it.
3.5 stars for the audio quality, 0.5 extra for the sturdy build and looks.
HI,
Thank you for the honest feedback & thanks for the awesome ratings. Cheers!
I am not a real audiophile like some others here.
I enjoyed this product immensely.
Read my detailed review at https://www.spinningawheel.com/2021/06/3430-astell-and-kern-pe51.html
Would recommend this to anyone without missing a beat (with this you might not miss a beat!!)
Hey Amitabh, thank you for sharing your review.
Thank you Mr. Varun Dama and the HPZ team for the fantastic recommendation and service. This is an absolute stellar DAC / AMP. I am very happy with this purchase!
Hey Prashant, Thank you so much for the positive feedback! It means a lot to us. We are super happy to hear that you are loving our products and services. We hope to see you again soon. :)
A&K PEE51
We thank you for this lovely review & we are glad you are enjoying it! Keep the music playing.
I did not expect a lot from this DAC, but it is absolutely amazing & must experience for music lovers. Also a good pair of headphones are required to unleash it's full potential. I am using 1more Quad Driver earphones.
I have never experienced such a wonderfully balanced ,clear audio.The product is simply superlative beyond any doubt. Kudos again to the Mighty Headphone Zone.
Hey Sanjay,
Super delighted to hear that you are loving your purchase & thanks for the feedback. Cheers & Welcome to the Club
Excellent DAC, high quality sound when used with full ver of onkyo HF player from any android phone. Very nice details of music. Worth paying a little more for this DAC
Hey Vijayakumar, We're happy to hear this positive feedback. Thanks for sharing it with everyone!
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