Astell & Kern AK300 is rated
out of
5 by
1.
Astell & Kern AK300
Portable High Resolution Audio Player
£99.95
SAVE£29
Enjoy the finest high resolution audio at home or on the move, with the Astell & Kern AK300.
High Resolution sound - the highest ever for music on the go
High Resolution Audio files take music to the next level. High Resolution Audio provides music files in 24 bit/96kHz or 24 bit/192kHz formats. Digital music files at this level provide a much more detailed and smoother sound than typical CD (16 bit/44.1kHz) files. The difference between HD (High Definition) music and typical MP3/AAC compressed music files is even greater. HD music offers a deeper and wider sound stage, more precise imaging and, above all, a far greater sense of realism.
A wide choice of music already available
There are many HD Audio recordings already available to download online and you may already have started a collection on your computer or NAS drive. Where the AK300 really scores is being able to take those recordings with you - in the highest quality possible. The AK300 supports a wide range of file formats, including WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE (Normal, High, Fast), AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF and DSF.
DSD support by conversion
In addition to the above formats, the AK300 also supports DSD64 and DSD128. Originally designed for SACD players, DSD (Direct Stream Digital) encoded music files offer the same detailed, transparent sound as other HD file formats. The AK300 uses a powerful processor to convert DSD signals to PCM, offering a sample rate of up to 176 kHz PCM for superb resolution.
AK Connect app and DLNA
Astell & Kern has further enhanced the AK300 via the AK Connect app. Wireless networking DLNA (version 1.0) connects to a NAS or PC, and is easily controlled with a smartphone or tablet through AK Connect. Music files on a PC or NAS can be freely transferred and streamed without the hassle of turning on the computer and physically connecting with a cable. If you're on the same access point (AP) network, music files on a PC or NAS can be played back via DLNA.
USB DAC functionality
Thanks to its USB interface, the AK300 can also be used as a USB DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor) for your PC or Mac. Connecting via USB bypasses the computer's soundcard, giving you the benefit of the AK300's high quality DAC for superior sound quality. You can either stream your favourite music services or access your computer's stored music files. The output can then be forwarded to your headphones or home hi-fi system.
64GB internal memory with support for 192GB
With 64GB of internal memory, the AK300 can store about 625 MQS (24bit/96kHz, 4 minute-long, 90MB) songs on its flash memory. With the addition of an optional 128GB microSD card, this storage space triples to a very competitive 192GB.
Metal case and larger screen
Already renowned for their build quality, the AK300 is better than ever and a true class-leader at its price. The 'midnight black' aluminium case features a touch sensitive 'home' button - just like the high-end AK380. The 4 inch touchscreen is much bigger than the AK100 this model replaces. This shows artwork at its best and also makes the comprehensive Parametric EQ easy to use.
A peerless portable but equally impressive at home, the Astell & Kern AK300 offers High Resolution heaven.
High Resolution sound - the highest ever for music on the go
High Resolution Audio files take music to the next level. High Resolution Audio provides music files in 24 bit/96kHz or 24 bit/192kHz formats. Digital music files at this level provide a much more detailed and smoother sound than typical CD (16 bit/44.1kHz) files. The difference between HD (High Definition) music and typical MP3/AAC compressed music files is even greater. HD music offers a deeper and wider sound stage, more precise imaging and, above all, a far greater sense of realism.
A wide choice of music already available
There are many HD Audio recordings already available to download online and you may already have started a collection on your computer or NAS drive. Where the AK300 really scores is being able to take those recordings with you - in the highest quality possible. The AK300 supports a wide range of file formats, including WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE (Normal, High, Fast), AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF and DSF.
DSD support by conversion
In addition to the above formats, the AK300 also supports DSD64 and DSD128. Originally designed for SACD players, DSD (Direct Stream Digital) encoded music files offer the same detailed, transparent sound as other HD file formats. The AK300 uses a powerful processor to convert DSD signals to PCM, offering a sample rate of up to 176 kHz PCM for superb resolution.
AK Connect app and DLNA
Astell & Kern has further enhanced the AK300 via the AK Connect app. Wireless networking DLNA (version 1.0) connects to a NAS or PC, and is easily controlled with a smartphone or tablet through AK Connect. Music files on a PC or NAS can be freely transferred and streamed without the hassle of turning on the computer and physically connecting with a cable. If you're on the same access point (AP) network, music files on a PC or NAS can be played back via DLNA.
USB DAC functionality
Thanks to its USB interface, the AK300 can also be used as a USB DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor) for your PC or Mac. Connecting via USB bypasses the computer's soundcard, giving you the benefit of the AK300's high quality DAC for superior sound quality. You can either stream your favourite music services or access your computer's stored music files. The output can then be forwarded to your headphones or home hi-fi system.
64GB internal memory with support for 192GB
With 64GB of internal memory, the AK300 can store about 625 MQS (24bit/96kHz, 4 minute-long, 90MB) songs on its flash memory. With the addition of an optional 128GB microSD card, this storage space triples to a very competitive 192GB.
Metal case and larger screen
Already renowned for their build quality, the AK300 is better than ever and a true class-leader at its price. The 'midnight black' aluminium case features a touch sensitive 'home' button - just like the high-end AK380. The 4 inch touchscreen is much bigger than the AK100 this model replaces. This shows artwork at its best and also makes the comprehensive Parametric EQ easy to use.
A peerless portable but equally impressive at home, the Astell & Kern AK300 offers High Resolution heaven.
Connectivity
Bluetooth
Yes
DLNA Compliant
Yes
USB
Yes
Audio
High Resolution Audio
Yes
Features
Audio Formats
WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF
DAC
Single AKM AK4490
Flash Memory Capacity
64GB
Memory Card Supported
Yes
Energy Consumption
Battery Life
Up to 12
Weight
Weight (KG)
205g
Rated 5 out of
5
by
mikef28 from
Impressive piece of kit!!
Had the sony nw-zx100 player before this which is supposed to be the stripped down version of the z2, but the Astell & Kern AK300 absolutely outclasses it in my opinion. It just sounds more analog & natural to my ears, less fatiguing over long periods too .The only thing that lets it down compared to the sony is its battery life isn't as good, other than that I could not recommend it highly enough!!.
Date published: 2016-10-23
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