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Enjoy The Sound AK300

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Enjoying music

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’s Single DAC-DAC
DSD-to-PCM Playback
Parametric EQ with 20bands 0.01dB
200 Femto Second VCXO Reference Clock
Exceptional Expandability
DLNA-based AK Connect App
Metal Touch Sensor Home Button

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)

Get Both High Output
and Vivid Sound

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 vs. AK320 vs. AK380

AK300

AK320

AK380

PCM 24bit 192kHz Bit to Bit 24bit 192kHz Bit to Bit 32bit 384kHz Bit to Bit
DSD DSD to PCM
DSD64/128 → PCM 24bit 176kHz DSD to PCM
DSD64/128 → PCM 24bit 176kHz Native DSD Playback
DSD 2.8MHz (DSD 64) / DSD 5.6MHz (DSD 128) / DSD 11.2MHz (DSD 256)
DAC AK4490 x1 (Single DAC)
Balance 3.9Vrms (Condition No Load) AK4490 x2 (Dual DAC) AK4490 x2 (Dual DAC)
PEQ Support Support Support
Femto Clock Support Support Support
USB DAC Max 24bit 96kHz (UAC 1.0) Max 24bit 96kHz (UAC 1.0) Max 32bit 384kHz / DSD 11.2MHz (UAC 2.0)
Built-in Memory 64GB 128GB 256GB

24bit 192kHz bit to bit Playback

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

PEQ (Parametric EQ)

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.

AK300 20-band PEQ and AK100Ⅱ 10-band GEQ Frequency Values DAC Module

What is Parametric Equalization (PEQ*1)?

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.

What is Graphic Equalization (GEQ*2)?

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."

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Equipped With a Femto Clock to Deliver True Original Sound

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).

What is VCXO?

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.

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What is Jitter?

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.

USB DAC

The AK300 supports USB DAC functionality.

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 Download

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

Pressure-sensitive Metal Capacitive Touch

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.

More Expandable Options

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

DESIGN

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.