Description
Astell & Kern AK PA10 Portable Headphone Amplifier
The First Class-A Portable AMP by Astell&Kern
Astell&Kern has been researching and developing AMP technology to deliver the pure original sound of audio. AK PA10 is the first AK model to introduce a Class-A AMP based on Astell&Kern’s know-how in AMP circuit design technology, and it offers the natural and spacious analog sound of Class-A AMP enhanced further with our proprietary TERATON ALPHA technology.
Enjoy the pure analog sound of Astell&Kern with AK PA10’s Current / Gain / Crossfeed options for digital audio players and source devices.
- Application of Class-A AMP
- Class-A Current Control (High / Mid / Low)
- Gain Control (High Gain / Low Gain)
- 4.4mm True Balanced input/output support
- 3.5mm Unbalanced input/output support
- Hardware crossfeed support
- Unique SLOPE design of Astell&Kern
- Up to 12 hrs of play time
- Power and Battery Indicator
- C-Type USB charger
- TERATON ALPHA
TERATON ALPHA, The Essence of A&K Audio Technologies
Great headphone AMPs generate true and pure sound reproduction, when not only a stable output is realized but also each and every part from power, noise, signal transition, circuit structures, etc., are carefully designed and implemented.
AK PA10 is small enough to be portable but operates seamlessly with a wide variety of headphones and IEMs, and is enhanced with the addition of TERATON ALPHA technology which is an AK Ultimate Sound Solution allowing for playback of ultra-high quality sound without any distortion.
TERATON ALPHA, engineered through many years of endless research, is Astell&Kern’s unique technology that has been designed to produce audio playback that is as close to the original sound through effective power noise removal, efficient power management and unwavering amplification, and a fully converted audio output interface.
AK PA10 was developed as the sound solution of TERATON ALPHA, creating pure and intensive analog sounds.
Distortion-free Analog Sound of Class-A AMP
Class-A AMPs offer the best linear output, providing soft, warm, and natural sounds by amplifying signals without distortions or defect. This characteristic makes it the most sought-after amplification method by music lovers, though it is considered impossible for portable audio devices as it requires high power consumption and design that is difficult to be realized for small devices.
AK PA10 integrates an Class-A AMP based on the unique circuit design technology of Astell&Kern, offering signature analog sounds.
With a unique circuit design from Astell&Kern that reduces power consumption and increases output while removing noise, AK PA10 is specifically designed to deliver the amazing sounds of an Class-A AMP anywhere and at any time.
AK PA10, the first portable Class-A AMP of Astell&Kern is here so that you can enjoy analog sounds through your portable devices.
Class-A Current Control – Intense and Spatial Sound of Analog AMP
Headphone AMPs are not just designed to get the output required to operate headphones. AK PA10 controls current to suit different headphones and IEMs reproducing a more intensive and spatial sound.
AK PA10 offers a three-stage control of Class-A AMP current, emphasizing the characteristic of Class-A AMP relative to the current value and creating a more intense sound. Also, we addressed the concern of battery drain due to power consumption, the major reason why Class-A AMPs are not sued used for portable devices, by controlling the current value.
You can create sounds that suit the characteristics of headphones and IEMs through the three-stage current control option. We hope you enjoy the textured and spatial sounds that AK PA10’s Class-A AMP can create.
* [Low] Default / [Mid] +50mA / [High] +100mA
Vivid Sound Output of Gain Control
Sufficient AMP output is required to extract all the subtle nuances in music when played back through varying headphones and IEMs.
When connected to the balanced input, AK PA10 can support up to 6.2 Vrms output at high gain. Choose the gain level that offers the best sound of the headphone and IEM that you use to enjoy crystal-clear sounds. AK PA10 brings out the full potential that your audio device has to offer.
* [Low Gain] Unbalanced 2.1Vrms / Balanced 4.2Vrms (Condition No Load)
* [High Gain] Unbalanced 3.1Vrms / Balanced 6.2Vrms (Condition No Load)
4.4mm In/Out True Balanced Circuit Design
Most portable headphone AMPs switch 3.5mm Unbalanced signals to 4.4mm Balanced signals or do not support a 4.4mm Balanced connection at all. Such input/output combinations limit users from using the pure balanced output of the source device resulting in loss of signal during the transition process. Rare for a portable Class-A AMP, AK PA10 supports 4.4mm True Balanced input/output for high output and vivid audio. It also supports 3.5mm unbalanced input/output ports so that you can use it with a wider variety of devices.
* Output is available for the same size as the input terminal. (Ports cannot be mixed for use e.g., 3.5→4.4 / 4.4→3.5)
AK Analog Sound Anywhere and at Any Time
AK PA10 comes with a built-in 4,200 mAh battery for 12 hours of continuous playback time without needing to connect it to a power source. Enjoy the analog sound of Astell&Kern anywhere and at any time with AK PA10 which offers great portability and class leading playtime.
Play Time
3.5mm Unbalanced
- Low~12 Hours
- Mid~10.5 Hours
- High~9.5 Hours
4.4mm Balanced
- Low~9 Hours
- Mid~8 Hours
- High~7.5 Hours
* Test Condition : Input 1Vrms, PA10 Volume 1 O’ Clock Position, Low Gain standard
* The proposed continuous play time is based on the company’s test result and it may vary by user setup and input/output setups.
LED battery status indication
PA10 displays remaining battery and battery charge status through its status LED.
[ Power On ] Turned on (Color changes according to the recharge status) White (70% or more) / Yellow (69%-30%) / Red (30% or less)
[ Charging ] Blue lights flashing (Regardless of power on/off) → Blue lights comes in when the charging is completed
Crossfeed Effect Completed by Hardware Circuit Design
As headphones isolate the left/right channels this can cause increased fatigue to a users ears during extended listening periods, and it offers limited spatial sound by comparison when listening to the same music from speakers.
Crossfeed mixes some of the signals from one channel and sends them to the opposite channel with a slight delay, creating a more central and natural sound, recreating sounds similar to that of listening via a speaker system, subsequently reducing listening fatigue.
AK PA10’s Crossfeed function is implemented exclusively by hardware circuit design, not by digital software, offering a more seamless and sophisticated crossfeed effect without degrading the original sound.
Turn on Crossfeed to experience the vivid, authentic and effortless sound this feature has to offer.
Perfect Circuit Design of High Output and Low Noise
Amplifying small signals to get greater outputs inevitably drives the noise level up. However, AK PA10 introduces a high output design for the perfect operation of hard to drive headphones, using delicate current control, and a perfect circuit design that is the embodiment of the philosophy of Astell&Kern which continuously aims to deliver pure and refined audio without any noise.
AK PA10 incorporates our signature analog volume control that seamlessly delivers the sounds of the Class-A AMP. It also has a separate power supply IC per audio block that is divided into crossfeed, volume, AMP, etc., so that it can comfortably supply the optimal power required for each audio IC. This design eliminates the interfering ripple noise (rippling noise that occurs when power is turned on) of DC-DC power, thereby minimizing audio noises that may be amplified along with the audio.
In addition to this, our proprietary shield can technology is applied so that noises and electromagnetic waves do not affect the audio block and the design that physically separates unbalanced and balanced circuits completes the high-output and low-noise audio.
DESIGN
Slope is the design concept of AK PA10.
The exterior design shows the identity of Astell&Kern and is designed with an image that portrays powerful performance and a great ergonomic fit in the hand. The processed octagonal pillar-shaped aluminum main body is adorned with a diagonally sloping surface. The character side presents the design identity of Astell&Kern and prevents slipping of the device. The uni-body design that finishes the fit at the rubber pad is attached to the player allowing for a seamless design that does not reveal the parting lines to the player.
The delicately processed volume wheel is one unit that is recessed in the body of the product and the control part and volume identification part are separate. This prevents users from unintentionally operating the volume wheel and allows for visually checking the current output level whilst simultaneously controlling the volume. The rubber pad on the front allows the audio player and AK PA10 to stay together without movement and vibration when they are bound together with the supplied rubber bands. Additionally, we added a 3D textured pattern that is inspired by the logo of Astell&Kern for a touch of luxury.
The side switches are indicators to let users know the setting of each function intuitively whilst adding to the overall robust and distinctive industrial design of the AK PA10.
Specifications
General
- Model AK PA10
- Body Color Graphite Gray
- Body Material Aluminum & Silicone
- Analog Inputs Unbalanced 3.5mm / Balanced 4.4mm
- Headphone Outputs Unbalanced 3.5mm / Balanced 4.4mm
- Input Max Level Unbalanced 2Vrms / Balanced 4Vrms
-
Output Level
[Low Gain] Unbalanced 2.1Vrms / Balanced 4.2Vrms (Condition No Load),
[High Gain] Unbalanced 3.1Vrms / Balanced 6.2Vrms (Condition No Load) - Dimensions 2.87″(73mm)[W] x 5.51″(140mm)[H] x 0.91″(23.3mm)[D]
- Weight about 11.46oz (325g)
- Charging Port USB C Type
- Operating Temperature 0℃ ~ + 40℃ (32℉~ 104℉)
Audio Performance
-
Frequency Response
[Low Gain] ±0.2dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced / ±0.2dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced
[High Gain] ±0.06dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced / ±0.06dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced -
S/N
[Low Gain] 111dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 115dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
[High Gain] 114dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 117dB @ 1kHz, Balanced -
THD+N
[Low Gain] 0.0045% @1kHz, Unbalanced / 0.0015% @1kHz, Balanced
[High Gain] 0.0027% @1kHz, Unbalanced / 0.0013% @1kHz, Balanced -
Crosstalk
[Low Gain] -83dB @ 1kHz Unbalanced / -110dB @ 1kHz Balanced
[High Gain] -83dB @ 1kHz Unbalanced / -110dB @ 1kHz Balanced - Output Impedance 3.5mm (1.1ohm) / 4.4mm(1.3ohm)
Battery
- Capacity 4,200mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer
- Charge Time About 3hours (Standard – 9V / 1.67A Fast Charging) | About 4hours (Standard – 5V / 2A General Charging)
- Playback Time about 12hours (Unbalanced / Input – 1Vrms / Low Gain / Volume 30%)
Etc.
- Recommended Headphone Impedance : 16~300Ω
- Audio was NOT muted during the measurement.
- The image/specification may be changed without notice to improve product performance and quality.
