Astell & Kern (A&K) has announced the PD20, a portable music player that claims to be the first digital audio player to create a sound signature uniquely tailored to the user's hearing. A&K collaborated with Audiodo to create the PD20. The designers also incorporated modern DAC chips and other technology into the PD20.
According to the manufacturer, the new PD20's sound can be highly tailored to the listener's hearing, optimizing the individual music experience. This unique capability is achieved through a “Personal Sound” system that analyzes individual hearing characteristics and independently compensates for the left and right ears to create a customized listening profile, developed in collaboration with Audiodo, a global leader in audio solutions.
The individual profile is created using the included in-ear eartips, enabling precise hearing measurements through a simple hearing test. The result is a sound profile that has been exclusively optimized. Further sound customization is possible with the “Sound Master Wheel,” which offers 160-step EQ control from –8.0 dB to +8.0 dB for bass, midrange, and high frequencies, enabling precise real-time audio refinement without interrupting playback.
The PD20 has an aluminum housing with a 6-inch FHD+ display on the front.
The internal components are of high quality, as is usual for this price point. For example, the A&K PD20 features an ESS ES9027PRO Quad DAC configuration, where four DAC chips operate independently to minimize interference and provide better signal separation, according to the manufacturer. This also means the PD20 supports native playback of hi-res PCM music up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512. The process for achieving Roon Ready certification has begun, but testing reportedly still needs to be completed by Roon Labs.
The new player benefits from A&K's ESA (Enhanced Signal Alignment) technology to reduce group delay by precisely aligning frequency signals. All of this is aimed at minimizing distortion and further improving sound quality.
Al&K's ‘Digital Audio Remaster' technology, which first appeared in the flagship SP4000 player (also available in a copper version ), delivers a more natural and refined sound, according to the designers, while also offering a choice of Audiosphere spatial audio options.
The PD20 has 256 GB of storage. A microSD card up to 2 TB can be inserted. The promised playtime on a full battery is approximately 14 hours. Furthermore, the new A&K DAP features a triple amplifier architecture, enabling real-time switching between Class A, Class AB, and hybrid amplification modes.
Of course, there's also Bluetooth connectivity with support for hi-res aptX HD and LDAC codecs, and Wi-Fi connectivity, providing wireless capabilities. Physical outputs include USB-C for digital audio, charging your PD20, or using it as an external DAC for your laptop or computer. Two jacks are available for analog headphones.
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