Astell&Kern Kann Max Portable DAP High Res Audio Player 64GB Brown Mud

The Astell&Kern KANN MAX in Brown Mud 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 that output into a more compact and lightweight aluminium chassis. That means a wider range of headphones — including high-impedance models — can be driven directly, with no additional amplification needed.

• 4-step gain level with maximum 15Vrms output to support a wide variety of headphones without distortion
• Innovative circuit design delivers ultra-high output and low noise in a compact chassis
• ESS ES9038Q2M Quad-DAC for clear, balanced sound
• Proprietary TERATON ALPHA Sound Solution technology
• 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 sources up to 24-bit/192kHz

Higher output, more compact design

Increased power output typically raises noise levels that harm audio performance. Through integrated circuit design, the KANN MAX achieves a low noise floor at the 15Vrms Super output setting, all within a smaller body than its predecessor.

Superior quad DAC

The KANN MAX is the first KANN series player to use four ES9038Q2M DACs. With one DAC fully dedicated to each of the four amplifier channels, the depth and detail of the source material is reproduced more completely.

Drives any type of headphone

The KANN MAX plays files up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and native DSD512, and provides 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs to suit a wide range of headphones and IEMs. To minimise contact noise, the headphone connectors use a gold PVD coating rather than standard plated rings.

All connectivity options covered

A BT Sink function lets the KANN MAX connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth and play back audio through the player's own DAC and amplifier. Bluetooth 5.0 provides a stable wireless connection with extended range, and aptX HD and LDAC support keeps wireless audio at 24-bit quality. Wi-Fi is included, along with AK File Drop for wireless file transfers.

Playback power

The 5,600mAh battery delivers around 13 hours of continuous playback. The 64GB of built-in storage can be expanded up to 1TB via the microSD card slot, so large hi-res music libraries travel easily.