Astell&Kern KANN ULTRA Digital Audio Player

Astell&Kern KANN ULTRA Digital Audio Player

 

The KANN ULTRA by Astell&Kern is a must-have for any serious audiophile. With its focus on ultra-high output and clear sound performance, this 5th generation digital audio player in the KANN series continues to impress users worldwide. Equipped with Triple Output Sound and next-generation Octa-Core processors, this device offers unparalleled sound quality and an optimised UI/UX for a seamless listening experience.

One of the standout features of the KANN ULTRA is its ability to power high-resolution headphones with its four Gain Modes and ES9039MPRO Dual DAC chips. This player also offers a separate Pre/Line Out, allowing for versatility in sound enjoyment with various devices. With a battery life of up to 11 hours, you can enjoy your music on the go without worrying about running out of power.

The Triple Output Mode, featuring separately configured circuit and amplifier designs, sets the KANN ULTRA apart from its competitors. This unique technology allows for optimal sound for each output port, ensuring that your demanding headphones, highly detailed IEMs, and external devices all receive the best sound experience. Furthermore, with a weight of only 390 grams, this device is portable and lightweight without compromising on performance.

Astell&Kern's TERATON ALPHA technology takes the KANN ULTRA to the next level, providing effective power noise removal, efficient power management, and unwavering amplification for a truly authentic audio playback. The integration of the newest ESS flagship DAC, the ES9039MPRO, ensures a richer and more expansive sound that exceeds expectations. Additionally, the Crimson-themed UI/UX allows for easy navigation and quick browsing through your music library.

The KANN ULTRA also offers seven DAC filters, allowing you to create your own sound style and experience. With Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology, this device can upsample the sample rate of your music, providing a refined and full-bodied sound at a higher level. For those who experience ear fatigue, the Crossfeed feature mixes parts of the original signal to create a comfortable and crisp sound experience.

In terms of design, the KANN ULTRA exudes "Forceful Impact" with its over-scaled volume wheel knob and sleek hexagonal columnar body. The volume wheel has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate different usage environments, making it both functional and visually appealing.

In conclusion, the KANN ULTRA is a powerful and versatile device that offers the ultimate sound experience. With its advanced technology, sleek design, and seamless user experience, this audio player is a must-have for any music lover looking to elevate their listening experience. Invest in the KANN ULTRA and immerse yourself in a world of clear, high-resolution sound.

 

Features

• Triple Output Mode Featuring Separately Configured Circuit and Amplifier Designs
• HEADPHONE OUT / PRE-OUT / LINE OUT
• Next-generation Octa-Core processors with significant high-performance improvements
• Supports 4 preset gain settings with ultra-high output up to 16Vrms (Headphone Out)
• Equipped with ES9039MPRO Dual DACs
• Features Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology
• Supports playback up to 32bit/768kHz, Native DSD512
• Features Astell&Kern's unique TERATON ALPHA technology
• Battery 8,400 mAh (up to 11 hours of playback)

 

Triple Output, Triple Sound

KANN ULTRA features a Triple Output Mode that allows you to enjoy Astell&Kern's perfectly prepared sound when connected to demanding headphones, highly detailed IEMs, and external devices. Instead of simply separating the output ports, Astell&Kern's Teraton Alpha technology allows for separate amplifier/sound design for the Headphone Out and Line/Pre-Out ports to provide the optimal sound for each port. Complete your powerful Head-Fi system even on portable devices with the KANN ULTRA with Triple Output.

 

1. HEADPHONE OUT

The port features 4 preset gain settings and ultra-high output of up to 16Vrms. The headphone port is designed to perfectly run demanding headphones with high impedance using only the player with no external AMP.

Gain	Unbalanced (3.5mm)	Balanced (4.4mm)
Low Gain	2Vrms	4Vrms
Mid Gain	4Vrms	8Vrms
High Gain	6Vrms	12Vrms
Super Gain	8Vrms	16Vrms

 

2. PRE-OUT

Select Pre-Out mode on the Pre/Line Out port to output sound to an external amplifier or audio device.

[ Pre-out ]
This mode delivers sound through a specially designed Pre out amplifier, instead of the high-powered Headphone out amp.
Pre-Out functions like a PRE AMP and you can control the volume with the volume wheel.

* No Gain or Voltage settings, maximum output 2Vrms/4Vrms

 

3. LINE OUT

Select Line Out mode on the Pre/Line Out port to output sound that is optimized when connected to external devices.

[ Line out ]
This mode outputs the sound from the DAC directly without going through an amplifier, resulting in the lowest noise level and making it ideal for connecting to external audio devices.
Line Out has a fixed voltage output (4 levels) and no volume control.

* Do not activate the Line Out mode while earphones or headphones are connected to the PRE·LINE OUT port. Doing so may cause permanent hearing loss.

 

TERATON ALPHA, The Essence of A&K Audio Technologies

From an ultra-high output that can run even the most delicate headphones, to the Triple Output design, and the complex amplifier design with minimal noise in a compact portable audio player, this would all not have been possible without AK's Ultimate Sound Solution, TERATON ALPHA. Astell&Kern has taken the TERATON ALPHA to the next level with its know-how in noise reduction at ultra-high power, acquired from its predecessors such as the KANN MAX and the CA1000 series.

TERATON ALPHA, engineered through continuous research, is Astell&Kern's unique technology that has been designed to produce audio playback that is as close to the original sound through effective power noise removal, efficient power management and unwavering amplification, and a fully converted audio output interface.

 

Upgraded Sound, the Newest ESS Flagship DAC

The KANN ULTRA is designed with dual ES9039MPRO DACs, the newest flagship DAC from ESS, to deliver richer and more expansive sounds that exceed your expectations.

The ES9039MPRO is an updated ES9039PRO model that has a built-in stereo hardware MQA renderer. It has even more advanced modulation than the existing flagship DAC to reduce power consumption, noise and distortions inside the DAC for enhanced audio performance.

Astell&Kern has redesigned the AMP BLOCK to ensure that the clear, high-resolution sound of the ES9039MPRO is clearly expressed through every port of the Triple Output, and each output's characteristics show its own advanced performance.

 

 

Crimson User Interface, A Music-Only Player

KANN ULTRA features a Crimson-themed UI/UX for the first time in the KANN series, making it a "Player for Music" that leaves an impression in the process and experience of listening to music. The Crimson UX/UI is designed so that users can quickly browse music categories and re-discover songs within their music library. We also added an easy album art search function so that users can re-discover the joy of viewing and interacting with music album art whilst listening to their music.

The crimson theme focuses on edge, simplicity, and dark mode keywords. The colour theme of black with red highlights lowers visual fatigue and offers intuitive user experiences, and includes many other improvements to the device’s user-friendliness of streaming app services, artist view, album sorting, and album art search function.

 

Sound Design by DAC Filter

With the KANN ULTRA, you can pick and choose from seven DAC filters to create your own sound style. Design your own sound with the seven DAC filters.

Filter	Description	Impulse Response
Minimum phase (Default)	Low latency, Minimal pre ringing and low passband ripple
Linear Phase Apodizing	Full Image rejection by FS/2 to avoid any aliasing, with smooth roll-off starting before 20k
Linear Phase Fast Roll-Off	Most Common filter with clean suppression and high rejection, best for music with high transients. Provides crisp clean highs
Linear Phase Slow Roll-Off	Low group delay and symmetrical inputs response. Less ringing then Linear phase fast roll off. Punchier bass than LPFR, with clean highs
Minimum Phase Fast Roll-Off	Minimal Pre Ringing, preferred for Imaging and soundstage. No aliasing in frequency domain. Stronger bass than Linear Phase, clean highs
Minimum Phase Slow Roll-Off	Non Symetrical filter designed to minimize pre ringing. Strong punchy bass with good transient attacks
Minimum Phase Slow Roll-Off	Low Dispersion Provides a nice balance of the low latency of Minimum phase filters and the Low Dispersion of Linear Phase filters. Minimal pre-ringing is added to achieve the low dispersion in the audio band

 

Crossfeed

In a headphone environment in which the left and right channels are clearly separated, ear fatigue may increase during prolonged listening. The moment you turn on Crossfeed, the experience of crisp, but comfortable sound begins. Crossfeed mixes parts of the original signal from one channel and sends that signal to the opposite channel with a time difference to center the sound image. Through the use of detailed settings such as Shelf Cutoff, Shelf Gain, and Mixer Level, you can set the level of crossfeed according to your listening preferences.

 

Design

The design concept of KANN ULTRA is "Forceful Impact". The design is an over-scaled volume wheel knob that has been slammed and embedded into the body of the KANN to visually represent its more powerful performance than its predecessor. With the KANN ULTRA, we continued the design identity of the KANN series, which emphasizes the hexagonal columnar body while still keeping it visible. We minimized the visible parting lines and designed the wheel protectors so that the outer edge of the body where the volume wheel sits naturally acts as a protector and improves usability. These elements emphasize the bold mass of the KANN ULTRA, representing primal power through a solid chunk of metal.

We applied decorative parts that connect with the serrated pattern on the volume wheel knob to make the wheel visually larger and maintain a balance with the massive body, while expressing the powerful performance of the KANN ULTRA. Additionally, the hairline spin decoration applied to the rear of the wheel acts as a delicate detail element along with the lettering engraving, showing the volume wheel knob strongly embedded into the BODY.
Due to the increased size, we have redesigned the orientation of the volume wheel to accommodate usage in different environments, such as on the desk, or held in your hand.

 

Specification

• Model: KANN ULTRA
• Body Color: Astro Gray
• Body Material: Aluminum
• Display: 5.5inch HD 1080 x 1920 touch screen
• Supported Audio Formats: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA
• 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), Stereo / DSD512(1bit 22.4MHz), Stereo
• Output Level
  • HEADPHONE OUT
    
    • [Low Gain] Unbalanced 2Vrms │ Balanced 4Vrms (Condition No Load)
    • [Mid Gain]Unbalanced 4Vrms │ Balanced 8Vrms (Condition No Load)
    • [High Gain]Unbalanced 6Vrms │ Balanced 12Vrms (Condition No Load)
    • [Super Gain]Unbalanced 8Vrms │ Balanced 16Vrms (Condition No Load)
  • - PRE · LINE OUT
    
    • Unbalanced 2Vrms │ Balanced 4Vrms (Condition No Load)
• CPU: Octa-core
• DAC: ES9039MPRO x2
• Decoding: Support up to 32bit/768kHz Bit-to-Bit Playback
• Input: USB Type-C input (for charging & PC & MAC)
• Outputs
  • - HEADPHONE OUT
    
    • 3.5mm(Unbalanced Out, Optical Out), 4.4mm (Balanced Out, only 5-pole supported)
  • - PRE · LINE OUT
    
    • 3.5mm(Unbalanced Out), 4.4mm (Balanced Out, only 5-pole supported)
• Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)
• Bluetooth: V4.2 (A2DP, AVRCP, Qualcomm® aptX™-HD, LDAC, LHDC)
• Dimensions: 3.24” (82.4mm)[W] x 5.55” (141.1mm)[H] x 0.96” (24.4mm)[D]
• Weight: About 13.75oz (390g)
• Feature Enhancements: Firmware upgrade supported (OTA)
• Operating Temperature: 0℃ ~ + 40℃ (32℉~ 104℉)
• Frequency Response
  • "HEADPHONE OUT
    
    • ±0.006dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced │ ±0.004dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced
    • ±0.016dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced │ ±0.020dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced
  • PRE OUT
    
    • ±0.022dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced │ ±0.023dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced
    • ±0.023dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced │ ±0.023dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced
  • LINE OUT
    
    • ±0.002dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced │ ±0.002dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced
    • ±0.007dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced │ ±0.006dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced"
• S/N
  • HEADPHONE OUT
    
    • 115dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 119dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
  • PRE OUT
    
    • 110dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 126dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
  • LINE OUT
    
    • 110dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 125dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
• Crosstalk
  • HEADPHONE OUT
    
    • 134dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 140dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
  • PRE OUT
    
    • 128dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 128dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
  • LINE OUT
    
    • 129dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 121dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
• THD+N
  • HEADPHONE OUT
    
    • 0.0004% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 0.0004% @ 1kHz, Balanced
  • PRE OUT
    
    • 0.0012% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 0.0005% @ 1kHz, Balanced
  • LINE OUT
    
    • 0.0013% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 0.0005% @ 1kHz, Balanced
• IMD SMPTE
  • HEADPHONE OUT
    
    • 0.0006% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced │0.0006% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Balanced
  • PRE OUT
    
    • 0.0006% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced │0.0006% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Balanced
  • LINE OUT
    
    • 0.0006% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced │0.0006% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Balanced
• Output Impedance
  • HEADPHONE OUT
    
    • Unbalanced Out 3.5mm (1ohm) │ Balanced Out 4.4mm (1.3ohm)
  • PRE OUT
    
    • Unbalanced Out 3.5mm (3.5ohm) │ Balanced Out 4.4mm (5.7ohm)
  • LINE OUT
    
    • Unbalanced Out 3.5mm (6.5ohm) │ Balanced Out 4.4mm (10.7ohm)
• Clock Jitter: 25pS (Typ)
• Reference Clock Jitter: 200 Femto Seconds
• Built-in Memory: 128GB [NAND]
• External Memory: microSD x1 (Max. 1TB)
• Battery Capacity: 8,400mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer
• Charge Time: about 3.5hours (PD 3.0 Charger)
• Playback Time: about 11hours (Standard: FLAC, 16bit, 44.1kHz, Vol.50, LCD Off, Low Gain)
• Supported OS: Windows 8,10,11 (32/64bit) MAC OS X 10.7

 

About Astell&Kern

Astell&Kern is the ultimate digital music source that brings you Mastering Quality Sound or MQS. Astell means ‘Stars’ in Latin and Kern means ‘Center’ in German. We believe Astell&Kern is the center of music.

Today, original music performances can be captured in digital almost exactly as they were performed due to new, advanced recording technology currently available. However, these high quality recordings are mainly listened to through inferior sound formats, such as MP3 or through streaming services. With the debut of the MP3 format, music lovers sacrificed sound quality for the convenience of being able to carry their music collection wherever they went. Because the MP3 format heavily compresses files for the sake of convenience, the vocals and instruments you hear are only an inferior version of the original. The soundstage and the ambience of the original performance often disappears when listening to compressed MP3 music. After pondering these issues, Astell&Kern was our solution to poor sound quality for the sake of portability, and our way in reviving the original sound quality of music, MQS, for music artists, recording engineers, and professionals.

Astell&Kern's pursuit is to provide natural and original sound without distortion. It showcases the presence of the original recording with miniscule details you may not have noticed from other music systems, while playing back high-resolution music bit by bit, exactly as it was recorded. The ability to play back the exact recording of any live performance is what Astell&Kern is known for.

The power of true sound from Astell&Kern can now be experienced and has been part of many famous audio exhibitions around the world. Astell&Kern is now admired by music lovers from many countries, including the USA, China, Japan, UK, France, and many more around the world.