Astell & Kern KANN MAX Digital Audio Player
The KANN MAX is the 4th model in the acclaimed KANN series. Adored by audiophiles all over the world for its performance focused on high output and ultra-clear sound, the KANN MAX achieves a higher power output (15Vrms) than its award-winning predecessor, the KANN ALPHA.
By applying advanced design and audio technology the Astell & Kern KANN MAX, 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, that can be optimally driven without the need for additional amplification
Brand
Country
Category
-
Body Colour
Anthracite Gray
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
Sample Rate
• PCM
8kHz ~ 768kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample)
• DSD Native
DSD64 (1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128 (1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256 (1bit 11.2MHz)
• DSD512(1bit, 22.4MHz) Stereo
Output Level
• [Low] Unbalanced 2Vrms / Balanced 4Vrms (Condition No Load),
• [Mid] Unbalanced 4Vrms / Balanced 8Vrms (Condition No Load),
• [High] Unbalanced 6Vrms / Balanced 12Vrms (Condition No Load),
• [Super] Unbalanced 8Vrms / Balanced 15Vrms (Condition No Load)
CPU
Quad-core
DAC
ESS ES9038Q2M x4 (Quad-DAC)
Decoding
Supports up to 32-bit/768kHz Bit-to-Bit Playback
Input
USB Type-C input (for charging & PC & MAC)
Outputs:
• Unbalanced Out (3.5mm), Optical Out (3.5mm)
• Balanced Out (2.5mm, only 4-pole supported | 4.4m, only 5-pole supported)
Wi-Fi
802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz)
Bluetooth
V5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, LDAC)
Dimensions
2.68-inches (68.3mm)[W] x 4.6-inches (117mm)[H] x 0.92-inches (23.6mm)[D]
Weight
about 10.76oz (305g)
Feature Enhancements
Firmware upgrade supported (OTA)
Audio specifications*
Frequency Response
• ±0.023dB (Condition
20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced / ±0.026dB (Condition
20Hz~20kHz) –
• Balanced±0.035dB (Condition:20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced / ±0.072dB (Condition
20Hz~70kHz) Balanced
S/N
• 114dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced
• 115dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
Crosstalk
• -124dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced
• -135dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
THD+N
• 0.0003% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced
• 0.0004% @ 1kHz, Balanced
IMD SMPTE
• 0.0007% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced
• 0.0007% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Balanced
Output Impedance:
• Unbalanced Out 3.5mm (1ohm)
• Balanced Out 2.5mm (1.6ohm), 4.4mm (1.6ohm)
Clock Jitter
25ps (Typ)
Reference Clock Jitter
70ps
*Audio specifications based on Low Gain.
Storage capacity
Built-in Memory
64GB [NAND]
External Memory
microSD x1 (Max. 1TB)
Battery
Capacity
5,600mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer
Charge Time
about 3.5 hours (9V 1.67A Fast Charging) | 5.5hours (5V 2A General Charging)
Playback Time
about 13 hours (Standard
FLAC, 16bit, 44.1kHz, Unbalanced, Vol.40, LCD Off, LED On, Low Gain)
Supported OS
Windows 7,8,10(32/64bit) MAC OS X 10.
Astell & Kern KANN MAX
Superior quad DAC
The Astell & Kern 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.
Higher output, more compact design
As the power output increases, so does the noise level that adversely effects the audio performance. Through innovative integrated circuit design, Astell & Kern is able to achieve a low noise-level while hitting the new 15Vrms ‘Super’ output setting, and all inside a more compact design.
Drives any type of headphone
The KANN MAX plays files up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and native DSD512, while supporting 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphones 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.
All connectivity options covered
A BT Sink function connects the KANN MAX to an external device, such as a smartphone, via Bluetooth, enabling music to be played back in high-quality on the player. Elsewhere the KANN MAX 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.
Playback power
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 64GB on-board memory that can be expanded up to 1TB 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 15Vrms 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.
Included in the box
1x Astell & Kern KANN MAX player
1x USB-C to USB-A cable (1 metre)
3x screen protectors
1x Quick start guide
