Astell&Kern - KANN MAX
Quad-DAC Digital Audio PlayerUnfortunately, 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
There are many reviews online, so just high level inputs below, highlighting some aspects. Also these are just perspectives based on my initial & limited experience and subjective perception.
Firstly the Sound: its just out of the world. The sound is best considered as Neutral; the vocals are clear and possibly just highlighted. The clarity is sublime and there are many times when it has given me goosebump listening to a song. The player packs a punch when it comes to Power! While not tiny, the player is easily hand-holdable and its footprint is small. However, irrespective of and despite the size, this player has phenomenal power on an absolute basis. And the sound seems to be as good at all levels also.
Second, the user interface, is a bit simple, possibly outdated and may not be snappy. But that's all right, everything works and is mostly effective to use. It does not have the Google Play Store but you can install many main music apps and ones I've used, like Apple Music, work fine. It may not be as snappy as your phone but it works. No real problems here.
Third, Build Quality, is another top of the charts characteristic of this player. The weight and heft of this small player scream quality. It is small but solid & weighty, in a good way. The quality of the body such as the metal, its finish are all just outstanding. The design is also very unique and looks great from most angles. There are few other electronic devices, not just DAPs, that are built with this level of quality and finish.
Lastly, something that is not easily understood online, is the colour which I took - Mud Brown. As Astell & Kern describe it somewhere, it oozes luxury. Its a not too bright, brown gold. Maybe that describes. It looks gorgeous (also a function of the design of course). The regular colour, anthracite gray, is also great. I have seen it and have an AK 100 II of a similar gray finish - and that too is top class. But this colour, to me at least, is superb and takes it to another level - it screams luxury and uniqueness.
Overall, what a device! I love it.
Many thanks to Headphonezone for getting the Astell & Kern brand to India and for getting the mud brown colour here as well.
Thanks a lot for your detailed and genuine feedback, we're glad that you have such positive thoughts about the product and we'll share your thoughts with the brand as well. It'll also help our fellow customers to make the right choice!
This dap is really good, and Honestly at first the sound was kind of suppressed but now it is like listening to the reality . Honestly except equaliser some extra audio enhancer tool were in my expectations. Try this model with high power headphones and see how it drives. But yes again there are few rooms empty like presets, surround sound feature etc. Thank you headphone zone for this dap and I really expect some good software update in future ( that is to the company).
We really appreciate the genuine feedback, we'll share your thoughts with the brand as well!
Designed in
Korea
Ideal for Audiophiles
Best Suited for Portable Use
Bluetooth with
aptX HD & LDAC
Battery Life
2.5mm & 4.4mm
Balanced Output
ESS ES9038Q2M
Quad DAC Chip
Upto 15Vrms
Power Output
Volume Controls
64 GB
Internal Memory
Battery Capacity of
5600 mAh
DESCRIPTION
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.
SPECS
| MODEL | KANN MAX |
| BODY COLOR | Anthracite Gray |
| BODY MATERIAL | Aluminium |
| DISPLAY | 4.1-inch 720 x 1280 touch screen |
| SUPPORTED AUDIO FORMATS | WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF |
| SAMPLE RATE | PCM : 8kHz ~ 768kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample) DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), DSD512(1bit, 22.4MHz) Stereo |
| OUTPUT LEVEL | [Low] Unbalanced 2Vrms / Balanced 4Vrms (Condition No Load), [Mid] Unbalanced 4Vrms / Balanced 8Vrms (Condition No Load), [High] Unbalanced 6Vrms / Balanced 12Vrms (Condition No Load), [Super] Unbalanced 8Vrms / Balanced 15Vrms (Condition No Load) |
| DAC | ESS ES9038Q2M x4 (Quad-DAC) |
| CPU | Quad-core |
| DECODING | Support up to 32-bit/768kHz Bit-to-Bit Playback |
| INPUT | USB Type-C input (for charging & PC & MAC) |
| OUTPUTS | Unbalanced Out (3.5mm), Optical Out (3.5mm) Balanced Out (2.5mm, only 4-pole supported | 4.4m, only 5-pole supported) |
| WIFI | 802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz) |
| BLUETOOTH | V5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, LDAC) |
| DIMENSIONS | 2.68"(68.3mm)[W] x 4.6"(117mm)[H] x 0.92"(23.6mm)[D] |
| WEIGHT | about 10.76oz (305g) |
| FEATURE ENHANCEMENT | Firmware upgrade supported (OTA) |
| OPERATING TEMPERATURE | 0℃ ~ + 40℃ (32℉~ 104℉) |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | ±0.023dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced │ ±0.026dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced ±0.035dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced │ ±0.072dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced |
| SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO | 114dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced 115dB @ 1kHz, Balanced |
| CROSSTALK | -124dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced -135dB @ 1kHz, Balanced |
| THD+N | 0.0003% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced 0.0004% @ 1kHz, Balanced |
| IMD SAMPTE | 0.0007% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced 0.0007% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Balanced |
| OUTPUT IMEDANCE | Unbalanced Out 3.5mm (1ohm) Balanced Out 2.5mm (1.6ohm), 4.4mm (1.6ohm) |
| CLOCK JITTER | 25ps (Typ) |
| REFRENCE CLOCK JITTER | 70ps |
| CAPACITY | 5,600mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer |
| CONTINUOUS PLAYBACK | about 13 hours (Standard: FLAC, 16bit, 44.1kHz, Unbalanced, Vol.40, LCD Off, LED On, Low Gain) |
| CHARGE TIME | about 3.5 hours (9V 1.67A Fast Charging) | 5.5hours (5V 2A General Charging) |
| BUILT IN MEMORY | 64GB [NAND] |
| EXTERNAL MEMORY | microSD x1 (Max. 1TB) |
| SUPPORTED OS | Windows 7,8,10(32/64bit) MAC OS X 10.7 |
| BOX CONTENTS | 1. Astell&Kern KANN MAX Digital Audio Player |
| 2. 1x USB-C to USB-A cable (1 metre) | |
| 3. 3x screen protectors | |
| 4. 1x Quick start guide |
User Manual | KANN MAX
Quad-DAC Digital Audio Player
|
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.
| MODEL | KANN MAX |
| BODY COLOR | Anthracite Gray |
| BODY MATERIAL | Aluminium |
| DISPLAY | 4.1-inch 720 x 1280 touch screen |
| SUPPORTED AUDIO FORMATS | WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF |
| SAMPLE RATE | PCM : 8kHz ~ 768kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample) DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), DSD512(1bit, 22.4MHz) Stereo |
| OUTPUT LEVEL | [Low] Unbalanced 2Vrms / Balanced 4Vrms (Condition No Load), [Mid] Unbalanced 4Vrms / Balanced 8Vrms (Condition No Load), [High] Unbalanced 6Vrms / Balanced 12Vrms (Condition No Load), [Super] Unbalanced 8Vrms / Balanced 15Vrms (Condition No Load) |
| DAC | ESS ES9038Q2M x4 (Quad-DAC) |
| CPU | Quad-core |
| DECODING | Support up to 32-bit/768kHz Bit-to-Bit Playback |
| INPUT | USB Type-C input (for charging & PC & MAC) |
| OUTPUTS | Unbalanced Out (3.5mm), Optical Out (3.5mm) Balanced Out (2.5mm, only 4-pole supported | 4.4m, only 5-pole supported) |
| WIFI | 802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz) |
| BLUETOOTH | V5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, LDAC) |
| DIMENSIONS | 2.68"(68.3mm)[W] x 4.6"(117mm)[H] x 0.92"(23.6mm)[D] |
| WEIGHT | about 10.76oz (305g) |
| FEATURE ENHANCEMENT | Firmware upgrade supported (OTA) |
| OPERATING TEMPERATURE | 0℃ ~ + 40℃ (32℉~ 104℉) |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | ±0.023dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced │ ±0.026dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced ±0.035dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced │ ±0.072dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced |
| SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO | 114dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced 115dB @ 1kHz, Balanced |
| CROSSTALK | -124dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced -135dB @ 1kHz, Balanced |
| THD+N | 0.0003% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced 0.0004% @ 1kHz, Balanced |
| IMD SAMPTE | 0.0007% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced 0.0007% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Balanced |
| OUTPUT IMEDANCE | Unbalanced Out 3.5mm (1ohm) Balanced Out 2.5mm (1.6ohm), 4.4mm (1.6ohm) |
| CLOCK JITTER | 25ps (Typ) |
| REFRENCE CLOCK JITTER | 70ps |
| CAPACITY | 5,600mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer |
| CONTINUOUS PLAYBACK | about 13 hours (Standard: FLAC, 16bit, 44.1kHz, Unbalanced, Vol.40, LCD Off, LED On, Low Gain) |
| CHARGE TIME | about 3.5 hours (9V 1.67A Fast Charging) | 5.5hours (5V 2A General Charging) |
| BUILT IN MEMORY | 64GB [NAND] |
| EXTERNAL MEMORY | microSD x1 (Max. 1TB) |
| SUPPORTED OS | Windows 7,8,10(32/64bit) MAC OS X 10.7 |
| BOX CONTENTS | 1. Astell&Kern KANN MAX Digital Audio Player |
| 2. 1x USB-C to USB-A cable (1 metre) | |
| 3. 3x screen protectors | |
| 4. 1x Quick start guide |
|
User Manual | KANN MAX
Quad-DAC Digital Audio Player
|
Don't sweat it, this
Astell&Kern - KANN MAX 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.
Award Winner
reddot
May, 2022
Silver Award
Major HiFi
June, 2022
"The MAX doesn’t only sound good (typical AK style), it also is beautiful, well built and very easy to use. It also has a nice number of features and personalization, as well as streaming possibilities."
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"After using the KANN MAX for many hours, I feel confident saying that this is the best the KANN series has to offer so far. The MAX hosts a fantastic sound signature, with a pure reference quality that is hard to beat."
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"It's actually a little surprising how powerful the KANN Max is when you look at the size of the DAP. Aesthetically, it’s exactly what you would expect from Astell&Kern – sharp edges, futuristic looking, and sleek design."
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"KANN Max is a clear step forward in the evolution of Astell&Kern’s KANN series, and one of the best, most versatile DAPs in its price range. The build and sound quality alone could be worth the price of admission."
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"The Astell&Kern KANN MAX replaces one of the best performing DAPs on the market with better industrial design, more power, and all of the features that made the Alpha a genuine bargain for those who wanted a road warrior."
Read MoreHave a question? Get in touch!
Check out the most common questions our customers ask. Still have questions? Talk to our Headphone Gurus.
What is the warranty on the Astell&Kern KANN MAX?
What is the battery life on the Astell&Kern KANN MAX?
What is the Bluetooth version on the Astell&Kern KANN MAX?
Does the Astell&Kern KANN MAX come with any Balanced Output?
How many DAC Chips does the Astell&Kern KANN MAX come with?
Does the Astell&Kern KANN MAX support MQA?
What is the storage capacity on Astell&Kern KANN MAX?