( 01 / 01 )Astell&Kern AK10HiFi yourSmartphone

Premium Portable Hi-Fi DAC for Smartphones
The Astell&Kern AK10 is a high-quality portable DAC designed to significantly enhance the audio performance of your smartphone and digital devices. Compatible with iPhone 5, 5th Gen iPod Touch, and Samsung Galaxy series smartphones, it delivers a wider soundstage and clearer sound through its built-in Astell&Kern analog amplifier.
Key Features
- Portable DAC compatible with iPhone 5, iPod Touch 5, Samsung Galaxy S3, S4, Note2, and Note3
- Built-in Astell&Kern analog amplifier for enhanced sound clarity and wider soundstage
- Equipped with Wolfson WM8740 high-performance 24-bit/96kHz stereo DAC
- Direct playback control buttons (play, next/previous track) for connected devices
- Analog-style volume wheel inspired by vinyl turntables for precise volume adjustment
- USB DAC functionality for superior sound from PC and Mac digital music libraries
- Compact and lightweight design (2.2 inches, 1.8 oz) with leather case and carrying options
Hi-Fi Audio Performance
THD + Noise (Distortion)
The AK10 achieves an ultra-low distortion signal rate of 0.008% (1kHz 0dB, no load), ensuring clean and accurate audio reproduction.
Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR)
With a high signal-to-noise ratio of 110dB (1kHz 0dB, no load), the AK10 delivers clear and noise-free sound.
Crosstalk
The AK10 offers excellent channel isolation with a crosstalk specification of -106dB (1kHz 0dB, no load), enhancing stereo separation.
Frequency Response
Frequency response ranges from +0.02 to -0.02 dB (1kHz 0dB, no load), providing clear sound from bass to treble.
Wolfson WM8740 DAC
The AK10 features the world-renowned Wolfson WM8740 DAC, used in high-end audio equipment such as LINN and ARCAM. This DAC ensures the highest signal-to-noise ratio and lowest total harmonic distortion for true Hi-Fi audio quality.
Specifications
- DAC: Wolfson WM8740
- CPU: Cypress
- Audio Resolution: 24-bit/96kHz
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 110dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N): 0.008%
- Crosstalk: -106dB
- Frequency Response: +0.02 to -0.02 dB
- Dimensions: 2.2 inches (compact size)
- Weight: 1.8 oz
USB DAC Functionality
Use the AK10 as a USB DAC to enhance the sound quality of your digital music library on PC or Mac. The Wolfson WM8740 DAC delivers richer sound with a wider soundstage when connected via USB.
Direct Control Over Connected Devices
The AK10 features dedicated buttons for play, next, and previous track, allowing direct control of audio playback on connected devices.
Playback control is fully compatible with iOS devices and Mac OS computers. Compatibility with Windows and Android devices may vary depending on the software and device used.
Analog Style Volume Wheel
Inspired by vinyl turntables, the AK10’s analog-style volume wheel offers precise and clean volume control. Volume steps include 135 for iPhone 5, 230 for Mac computers, synchronised with system master volume on Windows (up to 230 steps), and direct adjustment on Android devices.
Portable Design with Leather Case
The AK10’s compact size and lightweight design make it ideal for on-the-go use. It comes with a leather case featuring straps and a lanyard for versatile carrying options.
