Astell&Kern introduces KANN MAX, an ergonomic and high-resolution DAP

KANN MAX is the fourth product in the KANN series, which builds on the advantages of its predecessors with higher output and portability. KANN MAX features ESS ES9038Q2M Quad-DAC along with Astell&Kern's unique audio technology resulting in the best audio performance that you can get from a portable DAP. KANN MAX utilizes TERATON ALPHA and Bit-to-Bit playback technology, highlighting various Astell&Kern's patented and audio design technologies. It comes with Bluetooth connectivity, a Wifi connection, a BT sink, and an AK File drop function that allows you to transfer files wirelessly. It features the newly introduced Replay Gain function that prevents large oscillations in volume between different tracks. The engineers at Astell&Kern have completed the perfect circuit design with an analogue volume controller to offer you a wide dynamic range. To achieve this, the circuit design creates and divides a limited PCB into 12 layers. A gold PVD coating is applied, and it has been made into a thinner size inducing high-power performance and durability.

Equipped with a Quad DAC architecture for high-resolution audio without any distortions

KANN MAX from the KANN series by Astell&Kern features quad ES9038Q2M DAC chips that present a high-resolution performance. The depth and realism of sound can reach their highest potential with the help of these quad DAC chips. This architecture combined with the Astell&Kern’s amplifier circuit technology improves the overall performance. These DACs in combination with a perfect circuit design and an IC configured power supply for each audio block, produce ultra-high-output that results in a thrilling listening experience and sound quality.

FEATURING TERATON ALPHA AND BIT-TO-BIT AUDIO PLAYBACK TECHNOLOGY FOR UNCOMPRESSED SOUND

Astell&Kern KANN MAX is embedded with TERATON ALPHA technology highlighting various Astell&Kern's patented technologies. These technologies have been made possible due to the meticulous hours of sustained research and development and are known to be Astell&Kern's ultimate Sound Solution. With this technology, KANN MAX presents audio playback similar to the original sound that the artist and producer intended. This is achieved by using effective power noise isolation, ergonomic power management, and superior sound amplification with minimal distortion. The KANN MAX also utilizes Astell&Kern's latest Bit-to-Bit playback tech with resolution up to 32bit/768 kHz. The DSD512 playback is native up to 22.4MHz, providing an uncompressed and high-resolution sound quality.

ENJOY HIGH-QUALITY WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY WITH BLUETOOTH, WI-FI AND BT SINK

KANN MAX comes with Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi, BT sink, and AK File drop function, making it easy to connect to various devices. KANN MAX with its Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, offers transmissions at a faster speed and higher range compared to Bluetooth 4.2, thus providing a more stable wireless connection. It supports both LDAC and wireless 24-bit aptX HD protocols, providing high-quality sound to audiophiles even while listening to the music wirelessly. MQA decoding is also supported for the highest-quality listening experience. The BT Sink connects the KANN MAX to an external device via Bluetooth. The KANN MAX features a new AK File Drop function that makes file transfers more convenient. This function allows you to freely transfer files wirelessly through a PC, phone, or FTP program that makes music file management possible with a cableless solution.

FOUR STAGE GAIN AND REPLAY GAIN FEATURE FOR A COHERENT LISTENING EXPERIENCE

KANN MAX utilises the newly introduced Replay Gain that automatically adjusts the loudness of each song to prevent large oscillations of volume between music tracks. The Replay gain feature allows you to enjoy your playlists seamlessly, at a uniform level throughout, giving you a consistent listening experience without any abruptions. The Replay Gain supports sound sources up to 24-bit/192kHz, allowing you to enjoy your music through any source. The KANN MAX takes the uniqueness of the series to another level by providing four stages of gain level and ultra-high output of up to 15Vrms, giving you a perfect listening experience with ample power and clear sound. To utilise this massive output power, the KANN MAX comes equipped with Unbalanced 3.5mm Out, Optical 3.5mm Out, Balanced 2.5mm Out (only 4-pole supported) and 4.4mm Out (only 5-pole supported). With these output ports, you can pair the KANN MAX with various headphones and IEMs without worrying about its driving capability.

OFFERING A MASSIVE 13 HOURS OF PLAYBACK TIME WITH ULTRA-HIGH OUTPUT MODE

KANN MAX can accurately drive even the most power-hungry headphones with high impedance. Despite being compact, Astell&Kern's KANN MAX includes a power circuit that manages to deliver 13 hours of continuous playback. KANN MAX is also equipped with an ultra-high-output mode that does not allow noise distortions to interfere with the audio signal. The engineers at Astell&Kern have managed to elevate the user experience by embedding the latest technologies for uninterupted music listening experience.

EXPERTLY DESIGNED WITH THE UNIQUE ASTELL&KERN AESTHETIC AND GOLD PVD COATED HEADPHONE CONNECTORS

A gold PVD coating is applied to the headphone connector instead of the standard practice of coating the rings to minimize the contact noise from the output jacks. This application improves both the design and the functionality by allowing audio signals to flow without any artefacts. The gold PVD coating is also applied to the finely processed ceramic top shell with the Astell&Kern logo engraved, expressing the harmony inherent in the design. Continuing the identity of the Astell&Kern KANN series, KANN MAX has upgraded to a thinner size and high-power performance. The slimmer shape is highlighted with the hexagonal top line and a hairline treatment on the back embedding the essence of speed and showing confidence in themselves. KANN MAX also features a LED volume wheel which displays various playback information, including volume level and bit-rate of the track currently playing.

The Ultimate Hi-Fi Audio System

The word Astell means Stars in Latin while the word Kern means Centre and together Astell&Kern means the centre of music. Astell&Kern products are the perfect pick for Hi-Fi audio aficionados. Due to the advancement in recording technology, music can be recorded digitally while sounding as true as a live performance. But most of the time, these high-quality recordings are heard in inferior audio formats such as MP3 which compromises with the sound quality. Additionally, the soundstage aspect of the sound is completely lost in the MP3 formats. Therefore Astell&Kern came into existence to address this issue to revive the amazing sound quality for musicians and audio professionals.

The brand has core values such as: High-Resolution studio quality sound in
audio device, Audio quality without compromise, Design & Engineering Excellence, Craftsmanship & High Quality Materials, State of the art Technology and Innovation at every release.

Specialist Hi-Fi Brand in Digital Audio Player Market

Astell&Kern dedicatedly works on providing naturalistic sound without any kind of distortion so that listeners can hear even the minutest details of a song which they would have otherwise missed. Furthermore, Astell&Kern prides itself on using only the absolute best DAC chips from AKM, ESS or Cirrus Logic. Each DAP is unique and crafted to the highest quality standards.

A Popular Choice for Hi-Res Audio

AstellKern believes in playing Hi-Res music matching the quality of the recording. This ability to deliver a sound which is close to the live performance is the highlight of Astell&Kern. This standard of sound quality has been used in audio exhibitions around the world and is appreciated by audio lovers across the world including the USA, China, Japan, UK, France among others.

All Astell&Kern DAPs employ high quality materials from Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Copper, and Brass. Made in South Korea, all their DAPs provide an overwhelming Power Output based on BAL 2Vrms~12Vrms.