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Astell & Kern KANN CUBE
Extreme POWER, KANN CUBE
KANN CUBE is the second model from the KANN line, which focuses on high fidelity with powerful output and
low noise. This player is designed to offer a very low noise floor, even with its massive power output.
Introducing the Astell&Kern KANN CUBE, which achieves more powerful output and lower noise.
- High performance, low-noise amp makes KANN Cube an Absolute Audio Powerhouse
- Dual ES9038PRO DACs, the current flagship SABRE DAC chips from ESS designed for Pro Audio Equipment
- 5-pin Mini XLR output for even less noise
- 32bit/384kHz, Native DSD256 support
ESS ES9038PRO SABRE Dual DAC
KANN CUBE uses two 8-channel DACs, the ES9038PRO, one for the left and one for the right channel. As each DAC chip sends out 8 channels of audio signal through the Astell&Kern Analog AMP Block, you experience unlimited sound stage and the full depth of the original performance.
The ESS SABRE PRO series of Digital-to-Analog Converters (DAC) is targeted for premium audiophile and professional recording studio equipment. The SABRE PRO series sets a new benchmark in high-end audio by offering the industry's highest dynamic range (DNR) with impressively low levels of total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) in a 32-bit, 8-channel DAC. All PRO SABRE DACs feature ESS's patented 32-bit HyperStream DAC technology which delivers outstanding sound quality and industry leading performance.
ESS has two major lines of DAC chips – the 'SABER PRO' for audiophile systems and 'SABER HIFI' for mobile devices, such as the LG V10, V20, V30 smartphones or low-priced DAPs. The SABER PRO DACs are seldomly used for DAPs and are primarily used with Pro-Audio systems or traditional Hi-Fi products. The ES9038PRO is the latest DAC from ESS and the SABER PRO line. KANN CUBE is the first DAP device to adopt the SABER PRO DACs in a dual DAC configuration, dedicating 8-channels for the left and 8-channels for the right side.
5-pin Mini XLR output for even less noise
KANN CUBE offers a 5-pin mini XLR connector for the first time in an Astell&Kern player. Thanks to the
even lower noise floor and higher audio output through the XLR connection, you can enjoy pure, clear audio
playback.
It offers easier connection to your home audio systems and active speakers with balanced
connections.
DESIGN
The isolated sides of the rectangles on KANN CUBE are not simply for looks.
They emphasize the role of the device by placing the player's functions in the correct place for a more
intuitive interface and better usability, while also providing a sense of aesthetic stability.
The pursuit of connectivity and consistency of form and function is at the core of Astell&Kern's design philosophy.
Combining Astell&Kern's player performance with the high-powered AMP, KANN Cube can
produce the most powerful performance in the Astell&Kern player lineup and is designed
to deliver a heavy and solid impression.
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Professional Reviews 91/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
92/100
Build Quality
94/100
Features Usability
89/100
Value for Money
86/100
Built for powerful drive and clean resolution, the KANN CUBE sounds muscular yet controlled, with authoritative bass, a spacious midrange, and sharp technical precision. What Hi-Fi? and Audiophilepure also praise its rugged build, wide format support, and versatility as both a portable player and home source.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Delivers a muscular, balanced, detailed sound with strong drive and clear separation.
Offers excellent resolution and very low THD+N, with highly accurate, unsweetened playback.
Provides flexible connectivity and use cases, including balanced outputs, MQA support, and easy integration into a home system.
Built like a tank, with a solid, brick-like chassis that feels extremely robust.
&
Cons
Its presentation is less subtle and refined than Astell & Kern’s pricier siblings, especially at the top end.
The industrial design includes sharp corners and pointed edges, which may not suit everyone.
Lacks user-selectable digital filter options.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
Reviewers consistently describe the KANN CUBE as powerful, engaging, and very clean-sounding, with a presentation that stays controlled rather than soft or overly warm. It is praised for its ability to lay out music clearly and drive headphones with authority, though one reviewer notes it is not the most subtle or finely nuanced performer compared with A&K’s more expensive siblings.
Tonal Balance Musicality
90/100
What Hi-Fi calls it an 'engaging listen' with an attentive midrange, deep bass, and airy top end, and says it handles music in a lively, compelling way. Audiophilepure describes it as accurate and unsweetened, with 'what you hear is what’s on the recording,' which suggests a fairly direct, honest tonal character rather than a romantic one.
Resolution Detail
93/100
The reviews repeatedly point to strong detail retrieval and clarity. What Hi-Fi says the Cube is 'cleaner, tighter and more precise' and notes that A&K’s more expensive SP1000M is more compelling in finesse and 'conveying intricacies,' implying the Cube still resolves a great deal, even if it is not the very last word in refinement.
Digital Performance
92/100
Audiophilepure highlights 'impressively low THD+N numbers' and 'excellent linearity characteristics,' while also noting there are no user-selectable digital filters. The reviewer’s comments about low noise, flat response, and accurate reconstruction support a strong sense of digital cleanliness and technical competence.
FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 89/100
The KANN CUBE gets credit for broad functionality and flexible use in both portable and home setups. Reviewers mention balanced and unbalanced outputs, variable output levels, Bluetooth aptX HD, large internal storage, microSD expansion, MQA support, and easy integration with hi-fi systems or wireless speakers; they say less about the day-to-day software experience itself.
Streaming Software
86/100
The supplied reviews say little about the interface or software in detail. They do show that the player can stream hi-res Tidal Masters and fit into a networked home system, but there is not much direct commentary on app quality, navigation, stability, or usability beyond that.
Features Connectivity
95/100
Connectivity is a clear strength. Reviewers specifically mention 2.5mm balanced and 3.5mm unbalanced outputs, use as a source into a system, aptX HD Bluetooth, MQA support, built-in 128GB storage, and microSD expansion to 1TB; the ability to work both as a portable player and a home source is emphasized.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
94/100
The reviews are very positive about the physical construction. What Hi-Fi calls it 'almost indestructible' and a 'solid, brick-like body,' which fits the heavy, rugged impression the player makes in use. There is little criticism of fit, finish, or robustness in the supplied reviews.
Value for Money
86/100
At $1,499, the KANN CUBE sits in premium territory, and the reviews treat that as a serious but understandable ask rather than a bargain. There is no strong praise for value, but the comments also do not frame it as overpriced or poor value; instead, the price seems justified by its power, features, and construction.
Reviews
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