Astell & Kern AK320 – máy nghe nhạc cao cấp

Inheriting Sound

• The primary goal of Astell & Kern has always been to deliver the original sound, and we believed that the AK380 did just that.
• We wanted even more people to experience the AK320 and its ability to deliver the original sound as intended.
• AK4490’s Dual-DAC, DSD-to-PCM Playback, Parametric EQ with 20bands 0.1dB, 200 Femto Second VCXO Reference Clock, Exceptional Expandability, DLNA-based AK Connect App and Metal Touch Sensor Home Button

AK320 vs. AK380

24bit 192kHz bit to bit Playback

• AK320 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.
32bit Playback by the AK320 

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 for calculating 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, ±0.1 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.

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.” 

Equipped With a Femto Clock to Deliver True Original Sound

• The AK320 supports USB DAC functionality.
• The AK320 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 Dual-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 AK320 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. 

AK Connect App

• Astell & Kern has further enhanced DLNA functionality 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.
• Source 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 on the same access point (AP) network, music files on a PC or NAS can be played back via DLNA.

(Digital Media Player)

DMP Finds a list of content on a media server for selection and playback.

DMC (Digital Media Controller)

Finds a list of content on a media server and establishes a connection to a playback-capable device (renderer). By default, a DMC establishes a connection between a media server and media renderer and controls content playback-related operations.

DMS (Digital Media Server = Network Server)

Actually stores the media content to be shared. When connected to a network, the DMS transmits/distributes the media content for other devices to stream or download.

DMR (Digital Media Renderer = Network Player)

Connects to a media server via media controller for content playback. 

Pressure-sensitive Metal Capacitive Touch

• The AK320 features the same metal touch interface as the AK380.
• The Metal Touch functions as a home key and interfaces
• with the device via pressure-sensitive touches.

More Expandable Options

• The AK320 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.

<p