Astell&Kern, renowned for their high-resolution audio players, has just launched the KANN Ultra in Singapore, the newest addition to their esteemed KANN series. This launch, in collaboration with AV One, TK Foto, and Treoo, marks a significant advancement in the realm of portable audio players.
The KANN Series Evolution
The KANN Ultra is the fifth player in the KANN series, known for its ultra-high output. It stands out with its powerful, built-in headphone amplifier capable of driving any headphones, including high-impedance models, without an external amplifier. The player features four levels of gain – low, mid, high, and super – delivering up to 16 Vrms output.
Cutting-Edge Triple Output Mode
KANN Ultra is equipped with a Triple Output Mode for headphones, IEMs, or external devices. It utilizes Astell&Kern’s Teraton Alpha technology for separate amplifier/sound designs for the Headphone Out and Line/Pre-Out ports. The 3.5mm unbalanced and 4.4mm balanced ports are available for both headphones and Pre/Line Outputs.
Output Modes for Every Audiophile
● Headphone Out: Features 4 preset gain settings with up to 16Vrms output, designed for high-impedance headphones.
● Pre-Out: Offers sound through a specially designed Pre-Out amplifier, functioning like a PRE AMP with volume control.
● Line Out: Directly outputs sound from the DAC, ideal for connecting to external audio devices with fixed voltage output.
Enhanced Audio Performance
The KANN ULTRA is powered by the latest flagship DAC, the ESS9039MPRO, in a Dual-DAC configuration, boasting a built-in stereo hardware MQA renderer. It supports native 32bit/768kHz and DSD512 playback, ensuring exceptional audio performance.
Redesigned for Excellence
Astell&Kern has reimagined the AMP BLOCK for the KANN Ultra, ensuring clear sound delivery through every port. The player also features Astell&Kern’s 4th generation UX/UI, focusing on the music listening experience. The Crimson Theme of the UI, designed with usability in mind, reduces eye fatigue and enhances battery efficiency.
Unique Design: “Forceful Impact”
The KANN Ultra’s design concept, “Forceful Impact,” is symbolized by an oversized volume wheel knob, emphasizing its powerful performance. The minimal visible parting lines and the wheel protectors enhance usability, while the hairline spin decoration and lettering engraving on the rear add a touch of elegance.
Advanced Features for the Modern Listener
KANN Ultra boasts several cutting-edge features:
● Digital Audio Remaster Technology (DAR) for refined sound quality.
● Crossfeed settings for a balanced audio experience.
● DAC Filter settings for sound style customization.
● ReplayGain for consistent playback levels.
● BT Sink function for high-quality Bluetooth playback.
● AK File Drop for easy, wireless file transfer.
● A 5.5-inch Full HD touchscreen, 128GB internal memory, microSD support up to 1TB, dual-band Wi-Fi, LDAC™ and aptX™ HD support, and USB-C connectivity.
Pricing and Availability
The KANN Ultra is priced at S$2,499, with high-quality leather cases available separately for S$199. It is immediately available at AV One, TK Foto, and Treoo, setting a new standard in the world of high-resolution audio players.
