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New Astell & Kern AK120 Digital Media Player
$1,299.00 USD
Free 2nd Day Shipping in the U.S.!
*NEW* Astell&Kern AK120 Digital Media Player
The Astell&Kern is the ultimate portable high-fidelity audio system capable of playing Mastering Quality Sound (MQS) from music mastering studios. MQS refers to all of the high resolution digital music recording studio formats up to 24-bit/ 44 – 192kHz. MQS delivers vast amounts of better music experience because MQS delivers 6.5 times of the detailed information in the same track.
The AK120 is equipped with dual microSD card slots and supports up to 192GB of storage space. The AK120 comes with 64GB of high-speed internal flash memory and dual microSD memory card slots capable of supporting up to 64GB of memory in each slot. Store your high-resolution audio with the AK120 today!
4 generations of MQS Albums supported on micro SD cards
The additional memory card slot holds an important point. 24-bit album recordings will soon be released with music files stored in micro SD memory cards. For a mainstream album, LP (vinyl) records would be considered as first generation, second generations are cassette tapes, and Compact Discs (CDs) is the third and current generation. Fourth generation albums are considered as MQS albums that are released in high capacity micro SD memory cards.
Comfortably enjoy two albums at once through the dual memory card slots of the Astell&Kern.
* The Astell&Kern supports MQS high-resolution music stored on microSD cards.
Description
What is the Portable MQS System?
Astell&Kern is the ultimate portable high-fidelity audio system capable of studio Mastering Quality Sound (MQS)
Mastering Quality Sound (MQS) is an acronym of collective lossless & high-resolution audio source formats, typically in 24-bit/44 to 192kHz of bit/sampling rates. Because MQS delivers about 6.5 times more detail than a conventional CD format (16bit/44.1kHz), listeners can enjoy a better and a more realistic sound quality.
24-bit/44 to 192kHz is the music industry norm used in the mastering process during sound production. However, the result of high resolution music files has to be compressed down to 16bit/44.1kHz so it can be stored into a single CD due to the memory storage shortcomings (~700MB). To produce the MP3 format, the high-resolution audio is compressed even further to 128 to 320kbps for the convenience of file size. These compressions remove the enormous amount of the details of the original recording because of memory storage limitations and listeners will never be able to hear the details.
Source frequency analysis comparison
When comparing the frequency of each digital audio format, data loss is even more visible. MP3 formats can only reproduce frequencies up to 16kHz. However, WAV formats sampled in 48kHz can be reproduced up to 22kHz and higher. Frequency rates of MQS files sampled in 44 to 192kHz can be reproduced even further than the WAV format.
The 5 key performance measures of Hi-Fi audio. SACD and DSD format support with the AK120
The AK120 supports playback for high-quality recorded digital audio formats; SACD (Super Audio Compact Disc) and DSD (Direct Stream Digital).
With DSD (Direct Stream Digital), there is no difference in density of the recording, like those found in analog recordings. This results in no distortion of the sound quality.
* The average capacity of a SACD is 4.7GB, about 7 times the size of a normal CD (Compact Disc), and sound quality is improved by 64 times compared to a normal audio CD. Standard CDs has a standard bitrate of 16-bit/44.1kHz. SACD standard bitrate is 1-bit/2.82MHz.
The AK120 MQS Portable System goes beyond the standard Hi-Fi specifications.
The AK120 does not only meet the standards of Hi-Fi audio, but also utilizes two DACs (digital to analog converters), maximizing the dual-mono set up to isolate the left and right audio channels completely separate. In result, it delivers broader dynamic range and wider soundstage, so that you can enjoy even more realistic music.
Equipped with the Wolfson 8740 DAC. Dual DAC, AK120
The AK120 not only meets the standards of Hi-Fi audio, but also utilizes two DACs (digital to analog converters) maximizing the dual-mono set up to completely separate and isolate the left and right audio channels. As a result, the AK120 delivers broader a dynamic range and wider soundstage so that you can enjoy an even more realistic music experience.
Enjoy the great MQS music up to 14 hours, which was made possible by the same ultra-low-power design unveiled with the AK100.
External DAC Support
Use the AK120 as an external DAC through the USB port. With the Astell&Kern AK120, the Wolfson WM8740 chips can also be used as an external DAC through the USB terminal.
Enjoy more lively sound from the music files stored through a variety of sources, including computers and car audio systems.
The optical IN port of the AK120 can also be used as an external DAC.
Features
Astell & Kern AK120 features
-
Meets 100% of Hi-Fi audio specifications
- Equipped with the world’s first portable Wolfson WM8740 24-bit, 192kHz DAC
- Can be used as an external optical DAC
- Touch equalizer (EQ) easily manipulated by the fingertips
- A user interface with an analog feel
A Practical EQ Determines the Change in Frequency Response
With the Astell&Kern and a nice set of headphones, audio enthusiasts will appreciate even more various genres of music. Use the touch interface of the built-in 5-band equalizer to delicately find the tone you desire. In addition, touch the screen to finely adjust the value of each band.
UI with an Integrated Touch Screen and Control Buttons
The AK120 offers very intuitive user experience through a more robust and sensitive touch screen.
The 2.4 inch touchscreen and the integrated hardware control buttons on the right and left side of the AK120 make setup quick and easy.
Now with an updated and intuitive graphic user interface of the AK120, find your favorite tunes quickly even without taking it out of your pocket.
The curved design of the volume wheel guard provides additional protection to the volume wheel.
Combined Graphic User Interface (GUI) and Physical User Interface (PUI)
2.4 Inch Touchscreen
Hardware
Control Buttons
Volume
Control
Wheel
The updated GUI offers faster selection of your large library of music. Setting up the desired equalizer is also easy and is simple as a swipe of your fingers.
The main GUI consists of six (6) key icons to help navigate and play your favorites quickly.
Touching the upper part of the main menu instantly brings you back to the “Now Playing” screen. Access your current playlist in a flash by touching the left side of the “Now Playing” screen. Touching the “Option” icon brings up the other option settings, including the EQ settings.
The dedicated GUI design give easy access of music makes the AK120 a true hi-resolution audio companion.
Now Playing Main Screen
Song
Album
Artist
Genre
MQS
Folder
List
Music list selection settings. Returns to the
Now Playing screen upon selection.
Now Playing
Control music playback on this screen.
List
Lyrics
Option
Option
Choose and set additional options
with music currently playing.
Lyrics
Specifications
Studio Mastering Quality
Sound Specifications
24-bit, 44 - 192kHz
Astell&Kern Specifications
24-bit, 44 - 192kHz
High-quality
Lossless
Compression/Loss
Compression/Loss
MP3 File
320 - 128kbps, 44.1kHz
Standard CD Specifications
16-bit, 44.1kHz
MP3 (128kbps/44.1kHz)
Thank You.
Drew Baird
Moon Audio
Moon Audio
140 Iowa Lane
Suite 204
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