Astell & Kern KANN ALPHA (Black)

”Listening to hi-res music on the Kann Alpha is a pure joy.” ’What Hi-Fi?’ – 5 Star review.

New, 4.4mm balanced output
New to the KANN is a top quality, 4.4mm, 5-pole balanced output. Alongside the 2.5mm, 4-pole balanced output, this gives wide-ranging compatibility with both headphones and headphone amps. Using a balanced signal between the source and headphones reduces noise and interference and is especially handy on the move. A standard 3.5mm unbalanced socket is also standard.

Three power outputs to suit all types of headphones
Featuring High/Mid/Low outputs, the KANN ALPHA has the power to drive a wider range of headphones than any other standalone player in its class. To get this kind of power, you’d usually need to draft in the help of a dedicated headphones amp; but not with the Kann Alpha. With a maximum 12Vrms output (balanced), even the most power hungry headphones are driven effectively with the Kann Alpha, giving the perfect balance of optimised sound and efficient battery life.

Twin ESS DACs
Renowned as being an industry standard, ESS ES9068AS DACs (Digital to Analogue Convertors) deliver stunning detail and resolution with ultra-low levels of distortion. Better still, the KANN ALPHA uses twin DACs with one for the left channel and one for the right. This improves channel separation, giving an even more accurate and lifelike sound.

Support for native 32/384 and DSD256 files
Improving the sound still further, the KANN ALPHA offers native support for 32bit/384kHz and DSD256 files. Native support means no conversion or compression involved - you simply get to hear every ounce of detail. Combined with the hugely capable DAC, this means sensational dynamic range, low noise and incredible detail from your top quality digital music files.

MQA playback
Compatible with Meridian's MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) technology, the KANN ALPHA offers the choice of using this ingenious system to save on storage space. Although studio master quality, the beauty of MQA is that files are small enough to easily stream and they don't take up so much space – giving the best of both worlds.

Install the music apps you want
Using the improved Open APP service, you can install the music apps you want on the player. These include favourites such as Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Prime Music and TuneIn Internet radio.

Powerful Bluetooth 5.0
For the best connection with your wireless headphones or Bluetooth speaker, the KANN ALPHA uses Bluetooth V5.0. Compatible with aptX, LDAC, A2DP and AVRCP codecs, this Hi-Res portable ensures you get a high-resolution signal to your headphones to match.

Store it all - 64GB internal memory with support for a massive 1TB
With 64GB of internal memory, the KANN ALPHA holds up to around 625 tracks (24bit/96kHz, 4 minute-long, 90MB) songs on its flash memory. With the addition of a 1TB microSD card, the capacity increases to enough for a lifetime’s collection of music.

Compact yet rugged
Just like its bigger brother, the KANN ALPHA stands out from the crowd with its quality feel, aluminium case and rugged good looks. Where the ALPHA scores is in its compact size. Smaller in every dimension, the 15% more compact KANN ALPHA is even more pocket-friendly than its bigger brother is. The 4.1 inch HD display remains a model of clarity.

Make your high quality headphones sing, with the Astell & Kern KANN ALPHA.