Astell&Kern PD10 DAP with Docking Cradle - Coming Soon

[luke gtr]

Whilst the M17 may have the power, i would love to see the expansion as well.
The I/O of the ca1000t is a nice start.
But, would be equally as nice to see a 4pin xlr headphone socket on the base station.
Honestly, i really like the I/O of my fiio r7.
I do agree that, although the PD10 isn't cheap, for its price it is comparable to their current mid tier players and extra for the dock.

 

[Tabikinoya Cephas]

I have heard the pd 10 and my brief impression is that the sound is clean with very dark background.
I listened to it using the moses. On high gain, the bass sounds light. Hmm not sure is it because of the lack of power to drive or is it the tuning of the dap.

I am tempted to buy it as the sound is clean and the sound pops out from the dark background. Its not really that warm. I am hesitating between this or sp3km(cn)

 

[vikinguy]

With products like the iBasso DX340 and Shanling M8t outperforming AK DAPs at half the price I wonder if AK may rethink their business model a bit. Probably not as they do make gorgeous DAPs and they have the "premium" market sown up. But give the M8t a listen next to the SP3000t or the DX340 next to the SP3000/m and it's impossible to buy the AK daps.

I am looking quite forward to hearing the PD10 with the AKM4498ex!

I love the look of it sans the volume wheel too.

 

[subguy812]

With products like the iBasso DX340 and Shanling M8t outperforming AK DAPs at half the price I wonder if AK may rethink their business model a bit. Probably not as they do make gorgeous DAPs and they have the "premium" market sown up. But give the M8t a listen next to the SP3000t or the DX340 next to the SP3000/m and it's impossible to buy the AK daps.

I am looking quite forward to hearing the PD10 with the AKM4498ex!

I love the look of it sans the volume wheel too.

I have one coming and I will bet it will fill a different niche for me than my beloved M8T. We will see if there is room for two in the stable.

 

[vikinguy]

I have one coming and I will bet it will fill a different niche for me than my beloved M8T. We will see if there is room for two in the stable.

I can’t wait to hear your impressions! Hopefully I’ll get to play with one today!

 

[luke gtr]

With products like the iBasso DX340 and Shanling M8t outperforming AK DAPs at half the price I wonder if AK may rethink their business model a bit. Probably not as they do make gorgeous DAPs and they have the "premium" market sown up. But give the M8t a listen next to the SP3000t or the DX340 next to the SP3000/m and it's impossible to buy the AK daps.

I am looking quite forward to hearing the PD10 with the AKM4498ex!

I love the look of it sans the volume wheel too.

Dx340 is more than i paid for my sp3000.
And when I compared the dx320 to my sp2000t, it was much of a muchness.

 

[vikinguy]

Dx340 is more than i paid for my sp3000.
And when I compared the dx320 to my sp2000t, it was much of a muchness.

Haha!! Huh?


I just got the PD10 in office! Impressions shortly!

It’s gorgeous!

It sounds fabulous. Very much an easy tonality to love. The lush yet nicely detailed mids make for a rarified experience with AME Radioso! Whew! Well done AK!​

​

@JasonNYC​

You may have an issue with the case and the dock. You can't dock it with the case on and the case is very difficult to get off given the soft supple nature of it. (nicest case DAP case I've ever seen)

It's not easy at all to take the case off in order to make use the dock.

 

[luke gtr]

Haha!! Huh?

You said they out perform at half the price.
Yet, my sp300 was cheaper than both the dx340 OR the m8t

 

[vikinguy]

You said they out perform at half the price.
Yet, my sp300 was cheaper than both the dx340 OR the m8t

Yeah, I meant retail price.

 

[subguy812]

You said they out perform at half the price.
Yet, my sp300 was cheaper than both the dx340 OR the m8t

Huh...the SP3000 is much more expensive than the Shanling M8T

 

[subguy812]

I am charging now...but wanted to post some unboxing photos. It is a hell of a package. I will post some sound thoughts later.

 

[123peter]

subguy812 Congratulations on your purchase.​

It looks like Astell & Kern DAPs, great.
Please write your impressions and comparisons of previous A&K models, are the keys short-throw or long-throw?

PS. How to live after so many years with a knob in A&K DAPs - now without?

 

[subguy812]

subguy812 Congratulations on your purchase.​

It looks like Astell & Kern DAPs, great.
Please write your impressions and comparisons of previous A&K models, are the keys short-throw or long-throw?

PS. How to live after so many years with a knob in A&K DAPs - now without?

I have always been an A&K fan. Classy build quality and I am a fan of the sound. I have always wished their TOTL DAPs had a bit more driving authority, but they always work for me and the gear I own.

It is interesting because I have had a lovefest with the Shanling M8T since I have had it. It pairs so beautifully with everything I own.

I haven't had a chance to listen to the PD10 yet, except for a couple of minutes. It is strange to have volume buttons, but I like it.

 

[mungster]

Huh...the SP3000 is much more expensive than the Shanling M8T

Yep

 

[luke gtr]

And yet, when I purchased it new from an authorised seller, was cheaper.
Yes it was on special, but you can find deals on the A&K, not the shanling.