Astell&Kern Kann Max Portable DAP High Res Audio Player 64GB Anthracite Grey

The Astell&Kern KANN MAX in Anthracite Grey is a portable hi-res audio player with four ESS ES9038Q2M DACs and up to 15Vrms balanced output, powerful enough to drive demanding high-impedance headphones without an extra amplifier. It has 64GB of storage, expandable up to 1TB by microSD.

Key specifications

• DAC: ESS ES9038Q2M x4 (quad-DAC)
• Output: 4-step gain, up to 8Vrms unbalanced and 15Vrms balanced (Super gain, no load)
• Playback: PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, native DSD512
• Outputs: 3.5mm unbalanced (with optical), 2.5mm and 4.4mm balanced
• Display: 4.1-inch, 720 x 1280 touchscreen
• Storage: 64GB built in, plus microSD up to 1TB
• Wireless: Wi-Fi (2.4GHz), Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD and LDAC
• Battery: 5,600mAh, about 13 hours playback
• Body: aluminium, about 305g

Astell&Kern KANN MAX: maximum power

The KANN MAX is the fourth model in the KANN series. It achieves a higher power output (15Vrms) than its predecessor, the KANN ALPHA, while fitting into a more compact and lightweight aluminium chassis. That power means a wider range of headphones — including high-impedance models — can be driven without additional amplification.

• 4-step gain with maximum 15Vrms output to support a wider variety of headphones without distortion
• Innovative circuit design delivers ultra-high output and low noise in a compact body
• ESS ES9038Q2M quad-DAC for clear, balanced sound
• Proprietary TERATON ALPHA Sound Solution technology
• Supports playback up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and native DSD512
• Bluetooth 5.0 with 24-bit wireless codec support: aptX HD and LDAC
• Replay Gain function adjusts volume uniformly from sound sources up to 24-bit/192kHz

Higher output, more compact design

As output power increases, so does noise — which harms audio performance. Through innovative integrated circuit design, Astell&Kern achieves a low noise floor at the 15Vrms Super output setting, all within a more compact chassis than previous KANN models.

Superior quad DAC

The KANN MAX is the first KANN series player to use four ES9038Q2M DACs. With quad DACs, each of the four individual amp channels gets its own dedicated DAC, allowing the depth and realism of the source material to be expressed fully.

Drives any type of headphone

The KANN MAX plays files up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and native DSD512, with 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs to accommodate a wide range of headphones and in-ear monitors (IEMs). To minimise contact noise, a gold PVD coating is applied to the headphone connectors rather than the standard ring method used elsewhere.

All connectivity options covered

Bluetooth 5.0 provides greater range and a more stable wireless connection to headphones. With aptX HD and LDAC codec support, wireless audio quality is as high as the connection allows. A BT Sink function lets the KANN MAX connect to an external device such as a smartphone via Bluetooth, so music plays back through the player at high quality. Wi-Fi support and AK File Drop make wireless file transfers straightforward.

Playback power

Despite its compact size, the power circuit is engineered for 13 hours of continuous playback from the 5,600mAh battery. The 64GB of built-in storage expands up to 1TB via a microSD card slot, so thousands of hi-res albums can travel with you.