While succeeding the state-of-the-art DAC and scalability as applied to the AK380 and AK320, the latest model has improved accessibility by being priced at a reasonable level.
AK4490
(Single DAC)
DSD-to-PCM play
Parametric EQ
200fs VCXO
Reference Clock
AK Connect App
Metal Touch Sensor
Home button
Metal Body
(Aluminum)
AMP
(Compatible)
Cradle
(Compatible)
CD-RIPPER
(Support)
Traditional audio has suffered from noise and distortion as power output is increased.
Astell&Kern’s advanced audio design and signal management technologies used in the A&ultima
SP1000 brings more power output with less noise and minimal distortion.
Independent DACs for the left and right audio channels provide a wider soundstage and better
stereo separation. Each AK4497EQ DAC provides rich and vivid audio reproduction, allowing
the listener to enjoy the sound as it was meant to be heard.
AK300 is capable of bit-to-bit playback up to 24bit, 192kHz. 32bit audio is downsampled using a sample-rate
converter (SRC).
In addition, DSD 64/128 can be played back via conversion to PCM.
* 32bit, 384kHz is downsampled to 24bit, 192kHz, and 32bit, 352kHz is downsampled to 24bit, 176kHz for
playback.
* DSD 64/128 is converted via DSD-to-PCM to PCM 24bit, 176kHz for playback.
32-bit SRC by the AK300
DSD-to-PCM Conversion by the AK300
A parametric equalizer (PEQ*1) was implemented in the AK380 to deliver detailed adjustment of
the original sound, and an audio digital signal processor (DSP) was added to aid in this
process.
This frees up CPU cycles previously needed forcalculating graphic equalizers (GEQ), allowing
more detailed and accurate calculations via the dedicated DSP.
The audio DSP expands the existing 10-band, ±0.5 dB graphic equalizer (GEQ*2) to 20-band, ±0.01
dB to more precisely adjust the frequency and gain (dB) as well as more accurately specifying
the frequency range via Q value adjustments.
* The PEQ supports up to 8 kHz - 192 kHz (8/16/24-bit) formats, but DSD and 32-bit audio
are not supported.
Parametric equalization refers to the ability to increase or decrease the volume within the Q
value range.
A Q value is a frequency range relative to a selected frequency. The frequency range decreases
when the Q value increases and vice versa.
Graphic equalization divides the audible frequency register into several registers and increases
or decreases the level of each register with a volume slider to adjust the respective
frequency’s characteristics.
The switches of the volume slider are connected like a graph to visually determine the frequency
characteristics, hence the name "graphic equalizer."
Astell&Kern implemented a voltage-controlled crystal oscillator (VCXO) high-precision clock with a reference jitter value of 200 femto seconds*3. Femto clocks are commonly used in high-end audio systems, and the clock is measured in high-precision femtosecond units(one quadrillionth of a second).
A VCXO, or a voltage-controlled crystal oscillator, is a type of crystal oscillation device
that creates oscillation frequencies.
External environmental stimuli, which in this case mean voltage inputs, influence the
frequency value. Adjustments to the voltage input tunes a precise frequency value.
Jitter refers to the undesired deviation in time that occurs in a periodic signal. In this
case,
jitter is the error that occurs in the reference clock required to perform the sampling in
digital audio equipment.
By utilizing a femto clock, the AK380 is able to create a more accurate frequency value and
make
fine jitter corrections. As a result, the AK380 faithfully reproduces analog sound closer
than
ever to the original source when transmitting a digital signal as an analog signal.
The AK300 can be connected to a PC or Mac via USB for use as a USB DAC that supports PCM/DSD. When playing back music stored on a PC or Mac, the Single-DAC is able to deliver richer audio of outstanding soundstage and resolution well beyond the limits of a built-in sound card.
* When using the AK300 as a USB DAC, its PEQ settings are not applied, and output up to 24bit, 96kHz is
supported.
* DSD 64/128 is converted via DSD-to-PCM for playback. playback.
AK300 Native USB DAC
The AK Connect and AK Connect HD apps are available for download from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
Google Play Store Apple App Store
[Phone] AK Connect
[Tablet] AK Connect HD
The AK300 features the same metal touch interface as the AK380 and AK320. The Metal Touch functions as a home key and interfaces with the device via pressure-sensitive touches.
The AK300 can be expanded to a variety of devices through the micro-USB and balanced audio out ports
located
at the bottom of the product.
It can be connected with the AMP as well as professional high-impedance headphones for high output and
USB
for data transfer and charging.
It can also be connected to the Cradle for balanced audio functionality as well as the CD-RIPPER to
conveniently rip audio CDs.
The AK300's First Accessory
AMP
True Recording
Recorder
The AK300’s Bedrock
Cradle
Perfect Extractor
CD-RIPPER
The purity of a shadow as it reflects no light
The AK300 is the embodiment of purity and timelessness of music. Its design was inspired by the
AK380, our flagship portable music player, continuing the ”light and shadow” motif found in the
entire Astell&Kern product line.
The AK380's design was inspired by 'light' and 'shadow'.
While the design of the AK240 captured as a moment in time of light and shadow,
the AK380 is designed to express the change of time with more angles on its
body. You will notice the different angles of surface design as you view the
AK380.
The AK240 captured a moment in time at which light had ceased to move, while the AK380
expressed the perpetuity of moving light. Now, the AK300 represents the purity of a shadow
as it reflects no light. The essence of a shadow without being split by light was captured
in a restrained yet immaculate shape, and this exemplifies the purity of the original studio
sound that only Astell&Kern can deliver.
The volume knob was placed in the back to make it protrude so that it would be easier for
the user to control with one hand. The front side of the knob is shaped like the wavelength
of the sound, which is a representation of the melody and beauty of Astell&Kern that
allows the user to catch smallest vibration between sounds.
The knurling patterns on the knob’s side succeeds the design identity of Astell&Kern audio products while offering high-end feel and smooth usability.
