ASTELL&KERN KANN ULTRA

High resolution DAP digital player with integrated headphone amplifier. Supported audio formats: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE (Normal, High, Fast), AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA. Sampling frequency: PCM: 8kHz-768kHz (8/16/24/32 bits per sample), DSD64 (1bit 2.8 MHz), Stereo DSD128 (1bit 5.6 MHz), Stereo DSD256 (1bit 11.2 MHz) , DSD512 (1bit 22.4MHz) Stereo. Octa-Core CPU. Dual ESS ES9039MPRO 32bit/768kHz DAC converters. Separate Next Generation Amp amplifiers and Teraton Alpha technology. Inputs: USB type C (for PC & MAC charging and data transfer). Unbalanced 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm headphone output selectable on four values and up to 8Vrms/16Vrms. Crossfeed technology. Outputs: Line out and Pre-Out both unbalanced 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm. Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz). Bluetooth: V5.3 (A2DP, AVRCP, aptX HD, LDAC). High definition TFT LCD 5.5" 1920x1080 touchscreen display with new Crimson UI/UX graphic interface. WiFi with DLNA streaming via AK Connect App. AK File Drop for wireless data transfer. Supports Roon ARC. 128GB expandable internal memory with micro SD up to 1TB. Internal battery: 8400mAh 3.8V lithium polymer. Supported operating systems: Windows 7,8,10 (32/64 bit), OSX 10.7 or higher. Aluminum chassis in Anthracite Gray finish (Astro Gray Dimensions: 82x140x24 mm. Weight: 390gr.

Other characteristics

KANN ULTRA: Power the sound

The KANN Series is appreciated by audiophiles around the world for its performance, focused on high output voltage, without ever compromising sonic precision.

KANN ULTRA, the fifth product of the KANN Series, renews its success by offering an even more powerful output than any other Astell&Kern player, as well as three different outputs based on use, a processor and user interface optimized to make it even more engaging the performance of this new DAP.

With four gain modes, which reach up to 16 Vrms output, a sound at the level of traditional Hi-End components, a double ES9039MPRO DAC, KANN ULTRA is able to perfectly drive the majority of current high-resolution headphones on the market . Furthermore, the separate Pre/Line output allows enthusiasts to enjoy its sound qualities with various devices and HiFi systems.

Salient features

Triple output mode with separately configured circuitry and amplifiers

Headphones output / Pre-Out / Line output

High performance new generation Octa-Core processor

4 different gain settings with high output voltage up to 16Vrms (headphone output)

Dual ESS Saber ES9039MPRO DACs

Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology used

Playback up to 32bit/768kHz and native DSD512

Proprietary technology TERATON ALPHA by Astell&Kern

8,400 mAh battery (up to 11 hours of playback)

Triple output, triple sound

KANN ULTRA is equipped with three completely separate outputs, so as to allow the usability of the sound both through headphones and connected to a HiFI system or external devices. Instead of simply separating the outputs, Astell&Kern's proprietary Teraton Alpha technology allows you to design separate and dedicated amplification stages for the headphone output, pre-out output and line output, in order to characterize each output with the right sound.

1. Headphone output

This output has 4 gain settings, up to the maximum level of 16 Vrms. It was designed to perfectly drive even the most demanding high impedance headphones, without the use of dedicated external amplifiers.

2. Pre-Output

This output can be connected directly to amplified speakers or to a HiFi power amplifier. Through this output you can control the volume with the volume knob of the KANN ULTRA.

3. Line output

This output is direct and does not pass through the KANN ULTRA's volume control, so it is comparable to an output from a generic HiFi audio source. This output has a fixed voltage that can be set to 4 different levels.

TERATON ALPHA, the essence of A&K audio technology

It would not have been possible to have an output capable of driving the most demanding headphones, or the most sensitive IEMs (in-ear monitors), as well as a triple output with dedicated, low-noise amplifiers, in an extremely compact DAP like the KANN ULTRA, without the innovative TERATON ALPHA audio technology.

TERATON ALPHA technology is the result of intense research, and is an Astell&Kern prerogative, designed for audio reproduction as similar as possible to the original sound thanks to effective noise reduction, more efficient power management and at a constant amplification.

Enhanced sound, the latest top-of-the-line ESS DAC

The digital/analog conversion stage of the KANN ULTRA uses a dual ES9039MPRO DAC, the latest top of the range Saber ESS, for a rich and extended sound that exceeds all expectations for a DAP player.

ES9039MPRO is the update of the famous ES9039PRO, with all the previously external stereo MQA decoding hardware integrated on board. It features even more advanced modulation than the previous DAC, to reduce both power consumption, noise and distortions internal to the DAC and improve overall audio performance.

Astell&Kern has redesigned AMP BLOCK to ensure that the ES9039MPRO's high-resolution sound is shared clearly through each of the triple outputs.

Digital Audio Remaster technology, for a sound more relevant to the original

KANN ULTRA features Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology, developed to deliver refined sound at higher sampling rates.

DAR technology was developed to increase the sampling rate of the reproduced sound source and overcome the limitations of the source format.

The high sampling rate allows for more refined playback and delivers a delicate, analog-like original sound, helping you enjoy the richness of the original sound of subtle differences in nuances and full-bodied sounds at high listening levels.

Crossfeed, speaker effect when listening with headphones

Listening through headphones can sometimes feel unrealistic, as the left and right channels are clearly separated and can cause listening fatigue, especially in prolonged sessions. The moment the Crossfeed circuit is activated, the sound improves and becomes more intelligible and comfortable. Crossfeed mixes parts of one channel's original signal, sending it to the opposite channel with a time difference to centrally focus the sound image. Through the use of detailed settings such as Shelf Cutoff, Shelf Gain and Mixer Level, you can set the crossfeed level to suit your listening preferences.

New experience, new user interface

Astell&Kern KANN ULTRA comes with a redesigned Crimson UI/UX themed user interface, transforming it into a "real music player", allowing users to personalize and make their music listening experience unique.

The new UI/UX was designed so that users can quickly browse music categories and rediscover songs in their library.

A simple album art search feature has also been added, so users can rediscover the joy of viewing and interacting with music album art while listening to their music.

The Crimson theme focuses on edges, simplicity, and dark mode keywords. The black color theme with red highlights reduces eye strain and offers an intuitive user experience, while many other improvements have been made to the ease of use of the device regarding the app service, artist display, Album sorting and album search function.

Real-time information confirmed by light

Behind the KANN ULTRA's sleek volume knob is an LED light that visually represents the output power and bit resolution of the song being played.

Design

The design of the KANN ULTRA is centered on the oversized volume knob that seems embedded in the main aluminum body, to better visually represent its improved performance, in terms of power, compared to its predecessor. The shape of the chassis remains the classic of the KANN Series, which emphasizes the very essential line of hexagonal shape.

Technical features

Color: Titanium Silver (Astro Gray)

Chassis: Aluminum

Display: 5.5inch HD (1080 x 1920) TFT LCD touch screen

Audio formats: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA

Freq. sampling:

PCM: 8kHz ~ 768kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample)

Native DSD: up to DSD512(1bit 22.4MHz), Stereo

Exit:

(Normal) Unbalanced 2Vrms / Balanced 4Vrms (no load)

(Mid) Unbalanced 4Vrms / Balanced 8Vrms (no load)

(High) Unbalanced 6Vrms / Balanced 12Vrms (no load)

(Super High) Unbalanced 8Vrms / Balanced 16Vrms (no load)

CPU: Octa-core

DAC: ES9039MPRO x 2

Decoding: Supports up to 32bit/768kHz

Input: USB Type C for charging & data transfer (PC & MAC)

Outputs: Headphone (3.5mm)-optical output / Balanced (5 pole)

Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)

Bluetooth: V5.3 (A2DP, AVRCP, aptXtm HD, LDAC, LHDC)

Dimensions (WxHxD): 82.4x141.1x24.4mm

Weight: approximately 390gr

Updates: Firmware upgrades (OTA)

Headphone Freq Saving: ±0.006dB unbalanced / ±0.004dB balanced (20Hz~20kHz)

Signal/Noise: 115dB @ 1kHz unbalanced, 119dB @ 1kHz balanced

Crosstalk: -134dB @ 1kHz unbalanced, -140dB @ 1kHz balanced

THD+N: 0.006% @ 1kHz, unbalanced / 0.006% @ 1kHz, balanced

IMD SMPTE: 0.0006% 800Hz 10kHz(4:1) unbalanced & balanced

Output impedance: Balanced out 4.4mm (1.3ohm) / headphone 3.5mm (1ohm)

Battery: 8400mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer Battery

Autonomy: approximately 11 hours

Charging: 3.5 hr (PD 3.0 Charger)

Memory: Internal 128GB, external microSD (Max 1TB) x1

Support systems: Windows 8,10,11 (32/64bit), MAC OS