Astell&Kern - AK XB10

Portable Bluetooth DAC & Amp

Sale price₹ 1,999 Regular priceMRP: ₹ 14,999
Discontinued
This product is permanently discontinued by the manufacturer and continues to live on in Headphone Zone's Museum.

Unfortunately, even if we desire to, we won't be able to resurrect this product. The Museum is where we pay our respects to end-of-life, old, archived, but not forgotten products. This page was made with a lot of love and will live on for posterity. What to say, we're sentimental people. 😔

While this product is gone forever, here are others we recommend

Customer Reviews

Based on 1030 reviews
62%
(639)
20%
(205)
9%
(89)
4%
(45)
5%
(52)
S
Shameer Mohamed (Kumbakonam)
Good...but .....read my review please ':)

Update : I like to mention a serious issue about this product, it's bluetooth range is very poor like you if u r in a 100 sq feet room, if u move out more than 4 to 6 foots
It's lost the signal

Go 4 bundle offer then only it's worth for the money u pay

First of all thanks to headphone zone team , they doing excellent service for Indian audiophiles

Though am not an audiophile, Beginner

Speakers we can't enjoy anytime , but earphones/headphones is a personal thing
My first perfect purchase was audio technica m40x , that's 2017 from Flipkart at that time I don't know about HPZ guys
And just 2 months back bought Fiio FD1 from Amazon

I was pretty happy with m40x & fiio k1 dac
For all these 4 yrs, somewhat I planned to buy a Bluetooth DAC for convenience, though I strongly believe nothing can't compare with WIRED quality
Amazon , Flipkart search didn't fulfilled my Bluetooth DAC purchase , they just having that fiio btr.u & fiio btr5 one is priced 2300 that reviews said they are very average & btr5 got better reviews but it's 9k , am not ready to invest 9k for BT, cuz I believe BT is convenience only ..
At this time Google intro me about HPZ :)
After entering in to this site, I was just like...OMG...I entered a treasure hunt zone :)
Too many brands , too much options
Bought these Ak xb10 after read users
& expert reviews , which is almost flawless
So I bought these

Iam happy with the sound output...
but but but
they claimed 5 hrs battery life actually it's 3 hrs only if Ur volume is about 75%

And the worst part is for these 3 hrs we have to charge this for 2 full hrs (5v 2A)..phew this is really tough nowadays , cuz we using mobile phones with 5000mah battery charged in 30 mins...am always with my Mi powerbank ,like iPhone users ..lol :)

And the charging port is micro USB, thank God my Jiio WiFi had this :)so using that

Experiencing all these , read lot of reviews ..now I feel I would purchase fiio btr5 or shanling Up4 ..am writing these review after 10 days of my usage

So if Ur priority is BT DAC just spend some more and go 4 fiio btr5 or shanling Up4

Also I like to mention...don't compare WIRED & BT ...this AK xb10 BT sounds just slightly better than Fiio K1 dac ..(it's jus 3k), if anyone priority is quality alone , they should opt for wired.
WIRED IS WIRED ,
That's why
In just 10 days I made another purchase , hopefully I'll receive shanling ua2 by today, HPZ tempting like anything :) will update the review soon for that

Once again thanks HPZ team, and the playlist cards are just amazing, keep rocking our ears :)

P s request : please try to provide us JADE AUDIO products

Hey Shameer, we are pleased to see such a detailed and honest feedback from you. Thank you so much for taking time and sharing it with everyone. It will be of a great help to anyone who is looking to purchase this product. We are also happy to hear that you had a great experience with us. We always strive to make sure our customers have a great listening experience!
Happy listening! :)

A
Aditya Jaiswal (Pune)
This little powerhouse is a beast!

Getting right down to the meat of it, this little device has so much to offer than what just meets the eye.
1. Gorgeous upgrade sound quality ( I use the AK Billie Jeans)
2. Good portability, and it comes with a neat little clip. And the way in which it is designed allows it to stay put in one place despite rough use with NO rattling to speak of
3. It has a "button locking mechanism" neatly integrated with the power button to prevent accidental key activation

These design consideration make this devices' worth seems more than the value asked for.

H
Hemang Halvadia (Mumbai)
Just go for it!

After lots of mixed reviews on YouTube. I still went with the AK XB10 as they were on discount (thanks Headphone Zone) and this was one of my best investment in my audiophile collection.

The size is really compact.
It has Play pause, volume Up/Down and bluetooth controls on top.
You have 2 buttons for changing track, micro USB for charging and power on/off controls on the side.
It comes with the mounting clip as well.

Im using this with v-Moda Forza metallo which is suggested by Headphone Zone. The combination works extremely well. This pair has become my go to gear for audio listening. I have tried this with other headphones too and the sound is really crisp. The bass is punchy and sound is extremely clear. You also have an option to enable and disable DTC I usually keep this in and yes it does make a difference.

I have had my issues with Headphone Zone but I have to say. Thank you for your recommendation and amazing prising. I would never have bought them blindly on the full prise, but discounts makes experiments possible. And ofcourse your recommendation never fails. Super Happy!!!

Additionally, I also received Genre based Audiophile playlist cards which can be scanned on Spotify which was super awesome.

So glad to know that you love them:) We look forward to serving you again. Happy listening!

M
Manish Arya (New Delhi)
Design and Comfort:
Great
Poor
Sound Quality:
Awesome
Awful
Value for Money:
Bang On!
Not at all
Seems like a waste of money

Looks like a 500 Rs item. Total waste of money. I am using kz zas as my iem. It made no difference to my listening experience. I bot it today.is there any chance of a refund???

Sad to know that the product was not up to your expectation. It is clear from your review how disappointed you are with the output of the Astell & Kern- AK XB10. Unfortunately, this product is not applicable for the 7 Days Easy Exchange.

J
Janarthanan S M (Chennai)
Add BT capability to your favorite wired headphones

Anyone who’s invested in great-sounding wired IEMs or Cans and wants the opportunity to add High-Res streaming capabilities to those cans should take a serious look at AK XB10 Bluetooth DAC and headphone amp.
The AK XB10 comes in the shape of a small disc, measuring just about 2 inches in diameter. The XB 10 is rated for about five hours of actual usage and 300 hours of standby. The five-hour is a disappointment. Battery life is an area I hope A&K can address.
The top of the circular unit sports volume, play/pause, and Bluetooth buttons divided by a slightly elevated protrusion. The protrusion is there to help you orient yourself and feel it in the dark. A provision of “This way up”. On the sides you’ll find 3.5mm unbalanced and 2.5mm balanced headphone outputs, a microUSB charging port, previous/next buttons, power slider, and a lock button.
The AK XB10 is a little genius. When connected to a smartphone, it doubles as a hands-free calling device with noise and echo cancelling. Since most audiophile wired headphones do not have a cable with an inline microphone, this is a very smart addition. If you’re listening to music while a call comes in, the music automatically pauses. When your call is over, the music kicks right back in.
The best part is you don’t need to go looking for a AptX IEMs. This capability is added by the XB 10. It works with AAC as well so if you’re an apple aficionado you’re covered.
The next surprise is that the XB 10 pairs two devices simultaneously and you can swap between the two devices without re-pairing them.
I am extremely pleased with the convenience of this device that I don’t have to ignore my expensive wired IEMs like SE 846 and neither do I miss a Mic for mobile phone usage.

Definitely worth buying.

Why Astell&Kern is Special

🇰🇷

Designed in Korea

Established & Reputed

Trust us, our reputation in the audio world speaks for itself!


This headphone or gear comes from a well-respected brand known for its high-quality audio equipment, so you can be confident in your purchase.


If you see a product marked as “🎖️ Established & Reputed”, it means you're getting a top-tier device from a brand that's earned its stripes in the audio industry.

Revered by Audiophiles

Audiophiles can be really picky and tough to impress and if the audiophile community says something sounds good, you can bet it's great!


This headphone or gear has gained recognition and admiration from audiophiles, who are known for their discerning taste in high-fidelity audio. They appreciate its precision, attention to detail and its ability to deliver an immersive sonic experience.


If you see a product marked as "🙌🏻 Revered by Audiophiles", it means that it meets the highest standards of sound quality and performance, making it a top choice for anyone who values exceptional audio experiences.

🐣

Born in 2004

Why we love this DAC/Amp

Value for Money

Great sound always doesn't have to come with a fancy price tag.


Every once in a while we come across a product that give you a lot more value for the price.


If you see products marked as "🥜 Value For Money" you can be sure you're getting a great bang for your buck.

Ideal for Beginners

Lost in the Audio Maze? Let Us Guide Your Beginner Audiophile Journey!


If you are a newcomer in the audio world, this headphone or gear is a stepping stone for those overwhelmed by the plethora of options available.


If you see a product marked with “🌱 Ideal for Beginners," it indicates that this device is perfect for starting your audiophile journey.

Incredibly Popular

Some things deserve all the attention.


This headphone or gear is a crowd favourite, winning over fans everywhere with its undeniable audio quality.


If you see products marked as “🥇 Incredibly Popular”, you’re opting for a tried-and-true choice that’s loved by many, ensuring you're getting something that’s proven to be awesome and widely acclaimed.

Our Team's Favourite

Cause after all, we are audiophiles first!


This headphone or gear has won the hearts of our team, standing out as a top pick among our gurus.


If you see products marked as “💙 Our Team’s Favourite”, you're choosing a product that’s been tested, loved, and enthusiastically recommended by our team, giving you confidence that it’s a standout choice!

For Audiophiles On-the-Go

Are you an audiophile looking to carry your music with you wherever you go?


This headphone or gear is portable and is designed to deliver top-notch audio quality on the move, ensuring your favourite tracks sound their best no matter where you are.


If you see a product marked "🛺 For Audiophiles On-the-Go", it means this product is perfectly portable, turning every journey into a musical adventure with studio-quality sound!

Battery Life

No need to be connected to the power socket with these devices.


This headphone or gear promises long-lasting battery performance, ensuring your device keeps up with your adventures without missing a beat.


If you see products marked as “⏳ Battery Life”, be rest assured that you'll enjoy extended usage time, whether it's for uninterrupted music playback, extended gaming sessions, or all-day productivity, keeping you powered up throughout your day.

Battery Capacity

Power that keeps your music going.


This headphone or gear has ample battery capacity, promising you plenty of juice to power through your day with gusto.


If you see products marked as “🔋 Battery Capacity”, rejoice in the knowledge that your device is equipped with a robust battery, providing you with extended usage time and reducing the frequency of recharges, so you can focus on your favourite tracks.

Why it Sounds Amazing

DAC Chip

Know the secret to your pristine audio.


This headphone or gear reveals the secret sauce behind superior audio quality, highlighting the presence of a high-performance DAC chip for pristine sound reproduction.


If you see products marked as “⚙️ DAC Chip”, expect to experience your music with unparalleled clarity, detail, and fidelity, ensuring that every note and nuance is faithfully reproduced for your listening pleasure.

Power Output

When you need that juice to get the best out of your products.


This headphone or gear packs a punch, revealing the product's impressive power output capabilities, ensuring it can handle even the most demanding products with ease.


If you see products marked as “🚀 Power Output”, you're in for a treat with robust performance for driving high-fidelity products without breaking a sweat.

Balanced Output

Upgrading from single-ended to balanced can be the easiest way to improve your sound.


This DAC, Amp or Hi-Res player offers a balanced output, ensuring pristine audio quality with minimised interference and enhanced clarity for your listening pleasure.


If you see a product marked as "⚖️ Balanced Output”, get ready for a symphony of crystal-clear tunes, free from any unwanted noise drama!

For an Audiophile looking to listen to music on the go with the convenience of their mobile phones, this is a priceless DAC. For me, the 2.5mm balanced output connectivity, makes this an audiophile essential that is a must-have in your collection.
RAGHAV SOMANI

About RAGHAV SOMANI

Raghav Somani is the Founder & CEO of Headphone Zone. An avid audiophile and musician since 2008, his choice of headphones include STAX Electrostats, Audeze LCD 3, and for music on the go, the JH Audio Roxanne + Astell&Kern SP1000 is never too far away. On his playlist, you'll find A.R. Rahman, Michael Jackson, and the Eagles.

A DEDICATED DAC/AMP THAT OFFERS DUAL AUDIO OUTPUTS

The XB10 features a dedicated DAC that has been tuned using Astell&Kern's latest technologies. The amplifier drives just about any headphone while amplifying even the minutest of details. A standard-sized 3.5mm jack provides connectivity to maximum devices. The 2.5mm jack, on the other hand, is for those audio enthusiasts who are looking to enjoy a deeper level of sound. It eliminates ground noise and provides a balanced connection resulting in increased output.

Headphone-Zone-Astell&Kern - AK XB10

STREAM HIGH-RESOLUTION AUDIO WIRELESSLY

The Astell&Kern XB10 is very flexible in terms of connectivity. It supports SBC, aptX™ and aptX™ HD codecs for Android devices and the AAC codec for iOS. Just turn on your smartphone, tablet or laptop's Bluetooth and you're good to go. Qualcomm aptX™ HD technology is capable of transmitting up to 24-bit/48 kHz audio that is faithful to the original audio file.

Headphone-Zone-Astell&Kern - AK XB10
Headphone-Zone-Astell&Kern - AK XB10
Headphone-Zone-Astell&Kern - AK XB10
Headphone-Zone-Astell&Kern - AK XB10

ANSWER OR DECLINE CALLS WITHOUT REACHING FOR YOUR PHONE

The XB10 is a game-changer providing solutions to all your problems. Along with high-quality music, it also lets you answer calls without having to access your phone. Answering/Declining calls just requires the tap of a button while the inbuilt mic makes for crystal-clear calls.

Headphone-Zone-Astell&Kern - AK XB10
Headphone-Zone-Astell&Kern - AK XB10
Headphone-Zone-Astell&Kern - AK XB10
Headphone-Zone-Astell&Kern - AK XB10

ULTRA-POTABLE DESIGN ALLOWING YOU TO CARRY IT ANYWHERE

The XB10's design mimics the appearance of the scattering of light from a star. The surface is split into quadrants for easier operability. It is extremely lightweight and portable. Want to carry your music along? Simply clip the device to your shirt or bag and run along. The clip keeps your hands free and lets you flaunt Astell&Kern's classy light and shadow design.

Headphone-Zone-Astell&Kern - AK XB10
Headphone-Zone-Astell&Kern - AK XB10
Headphone-Zone-Astell&Kern - AK XB10
Headphone-Zone-Astell&Kern - AK XB10
Headphone-Zone-Astell&Kern - AK XB10
1 Year Warranty

Don't sweat it, this Astell&Kern - AK XB10 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.

Luxury Meets Innovation: Difference in Sound Quality

Founded in October 2013 in South Korea, Astell&Kern is a premium audio brand renowned for its commitment to delivering uncompromised hi-res audio experiences. Derived from Greek, where "Astell" means "Stars" and "Kern" means "Core," the brand symbolizes the pursuit of capturing the essence of music—the "original sound." Astell&Kern addresses the decline in audio quality due to inferior formats like MP3, aiming to revive sound integrity for musicians and enthusiasts alike.

Their diverse product range, from audio players to earphones, reflects their dedication to precision and accuracy in sound reproduction. With acclaimed offerings like the Astell&Kern AK XB10 and Astell&Kern Billie Jean, they continue to enrich music and listening experiences globally, delivering soul-touching sound.

Explore Collection
IGN Awards

PRODUCT DESIGN WINNER

Reddot Design
Apr, 2017

Headfonics

PRODUCT DESIGN AWARD

iF Design
Jan, 2017

Trusted Reviews

HEADFONIA
AWARD

Headfonia
Dec, 2016

Audio-Reputation

WIRELESS ACCESSORIES

CES
Nov, 2016

Headfonia

"All things considered, the XB10 is impressive. Connection distances with wireless-loving devices are good. Haptics are good. Battery life is decent."

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Trusted Reviews

"This impressive bite-size Bluetooth amp delivers excellent sound quality, decent battery life and plenty of useful features."

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TechHive

"This little device can transform your favorite wired headphones wireless and capable of high-resolution audio streaming thanks to its aptX HD support."

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Pocket Lint

"If sound quality is something that really matters to you and you only want the very best from your smartphone, the XB10 is an incredibly worthwhile upgrade."

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Digital Trends

“With gorgeous sound in an ultra-portable package, Astell & Kern’s XB10 Bluetooth amp is the best way to make your wired headphones wireless.”

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Audio46

" If you need something to walk around with that is exclusively designed as a Bluetooth device, I can confidently say that you won’t find anything smaller or better in quality than the AK XB10."

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Have a question? Get in touch!

Check out the most common questions our customers ask. Still have questions? Talk to our Headphone Gurus.

Our customer support is available Monday to Saturday: 10am - 7pm.Average answer time: 2-3 hours