Astell&Kern PD10

The PD10 is an audiophile portable player from Astell&Kern, designed for playing high-resolution music files both on the move and at home. It stands out with a reworked volume wheel and a dedicated docking station supplied with the unit, which allows it to be turned into a fixed source connected to a hi-fi system.

At the heart of the PD10 lies the HEXA audio circuit, also found in the brand's SP3000 model. It combines two AK4491EQ chips and four AK4498EX DACs, with a physical separation between digital signal processing and the analogue stage. This architecture allows for a high output level, up to 4 VRMS unbalanced and 8.3 VRMS balanced, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 128 dB and total harmonic distortion measured at 0.0006% on the balanced output, figures that reflect a signal reproduced with little background noise and great fidelity to the source file. Frequency response extends from 20 Hz to 70 kHz. The PD10 natively plays PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD512, and features a Smart Gain function that detects the impedance of the connected headphones to automatically adjust amplification.

Connectivity includes a USB-C port for charging, use as a DAC and data transfer, a versatile 3.5 mm jack output (headphones, optical or line) and a balanced 4.4 mm jack headphone output. Internal storage of 256 GB is expandable up to 2 TB via micro SD card. Once placed on its dock, the PD10 offers a USB-C input and balanced XLR outputs to active speakers or an amplifier, with volume adjustable from the unit or fixed at line level; an RGB LED indicates the bitrate of the track being played.

This player is aimed at discerning listeners who want a single device for on-the-go headphone listening and for powering a hi-fi system at home thanks to the supplied dock. Its size and weight of 435 g make it better suited to attentive use rather than discreet everyday carrying.