Astell&Kern KANN MAX Digital Audio Player

KANN MAX is the 4th model in the acclaimed KANN series, by Astell&Kern.

Adored by audiophiles all over the world for great performance and focus upon high output and ultra-clear sound, the KANN MAX achieves a higher power output (15 Vrms) than its award-winning predecessor, the KANN ALPHA.

KANN MAX has a new limited edition MUD colourway, 1000 global units only, released early September 2022. Available while stocks last.

By applying advanced design and audio technology, this newfound power is also housed in a more compact and lightweight chassis. The result is an even wider variety of headphones, including sophisticated high impedance models, can be optimally driven without the need for additional amplification.

As power output increases, so does the noise level that adversely effects the audio performance. Through innovative integrated circuit design, Astell&Kern has been able to achieve a low noise-level while hitting the new 15 Vrms ‘Super’ output setting, and all inside a more compact design.

KANN MAX is the first player in the KANN series to be equipped with four ES9038Q2M DACs for a high-output performance. By employing Quad DACs - one DAC can each be fully allocated to four individual amp channels - the depth and realism of the sound source can be expressed to the fullest.

The KANN MAX plays files up to 32 bit / 768 kHz PCM and native DSD512, while supporting 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm headphone connections for accommodating a greater variety of headphones and in-ear monitors (IEM). In order to minimise contact noise from the output jacks, a gold PVD coating method is applied to the headphone connector instead of the typical rings employed by other products. This improves both design and function.

A BT Sink function connects KANN MAX to an external device, such as a smartphone, via Bluetooth, enabling music to be played back in high-quality on the player. KANN MAX also boasts Bluetooth® 5.0, providing greater range and a more stable wireless connection to headphones and, along with support for 24-bit aptX™ HD and LDAC codecs, offers the best possible wireless sound quality. Alongside Wi-Fi support, the KANN MAX features AK File Drop for easier wireless file transfers.

Although smaller in size, all power-related components and the power circuit been developed to achieve 13 hours of continuous playback. The KANN MAX harbours 64 GB on-board memory that can be expanded up to 1 TB via a microSD card slot, meaning users can carry thousands of hi-res albums with them at all times.

Features

• Features 4-step gain level with maximum 15 Vrms output to support a wider variety of headphones without distortion.
• Innovative circuit design with ultra-high output and low noise in an even smaller-sized player.
• Equipped with ESS ES9038Q2M Quad-DAC for exceptionally clear and balanced sound.
• Features proprietary TERATON ALPHA Sound Solution technology.
• Supports playback of high-resolution digital audio files up to 32-bit 768 kHz / Native DSD512.
• Bluetooth 5.0 and 24-bit wireless codec (aptX™ HD, LDAC) support.
• Replay Gain function uniformly adjusts volume playback from sound sources up to 24-bit / 192 kHz.

Specifications

• Body Colour: Anthracite Grey / Mud (Limited Edition)
• Body Material: Aluminium
• Display: 4.1 inch, 720 x 1280 touch screen
• Supported Audio Formats: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF
• PCM Sample Rate: PCM 8 kHz - 768 kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample)
• DSD Native Sample Rate: DSD64 (1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128 (1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256 (1bit 11.2MHz), DSD512(1bit, 22.4MHz) Stereo
• Output Levels:
• [Low] Unbalanced 2 Vrms / Balanced 4 Vrms (Condition No Load)
• [Mid] Unbalanced 4 Vrms / Balanced 8 Vrms (Condition No Load)
• [High] Unbalanced 6 Vrms / Balanced 12 Vrms (Condition No Load)
• [Super] Unbalanced 8 Vrms / Balanced 15 Vrms (Condition No Load)
• CPU: Quad-core
• DAC: ESS ES9038Q2M x4 (Quad-DAC)
• Decoding: Supports up to 32-bit / 768 kHz Bit-to-Bit Playback
• Input: USB Type-C input (for charging, PC + MAC)
• Outputs:
• Unbalanced Out (3.5 mm), Optical Out (3.5 mm)
• Balanced Out (2.5 mm, only 4-pole supported / 4.4 mm, only 5-pole supported)
• Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz)
• Bluetooth: V5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, LDAC)
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 68.3 mm x 117 mm x 23.6 mm
• Weight: 305 g
• Feature Enhancements: Firmware upgrade supported (OTA)
• Built-in Memory: 64 GB [NAND]
• External Memory: microSD x1 (Max. 1 TB)
• Capacity: 5,600 mAh 3.8 V Li-Polymer
• Charge Time: About 3.5 hours (9 V 1.67 A Fast Charging) / 5.5 hours (5 V 2 A General Charging)
• Playback Time: About 13 hours (Standard)
• Supported OS: Windows 7,8,10 (32/64 bit) MAC OS X 10+

Included

• 1x Astell&Kern KANN MAX Digital Audio Player
• 1x USB-C to USB-A Cable (1.00 Metre)
• 3x Screen Protectors
• 1x Quick Start Guide

More Information

• KANN MAX, by Astell&Kern