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Astell & Kern AK320
Inheriting Sound
The primary goal of Astell&Kern has always been to deliver the original sound, and we believed that the AK380 did just that. We wanted even more people to experience the AK320 and its ability to deliver the original sound as intended.
- AK4490’s Dual-DAC
- DSD-to-PCM Playback
- Parametric EQ with 20bands 0.01dB
- 200 Femto Second VCXO Reference Clock
- Exceptional Expandability
- DLNA-based AK Connect App
- Metal Touch Sensor Home Button
24bit 192kHz bit to bit Playback
AK320 is capable of bit-to-bit playback up to 24bit, 192kHz.
32bit audio is downsampled using a sample-rate converter (SRC). In addition, DSD 64/128 can be played back
via conversion to PCM.
* 32bit, 384kHz is downsampled to 24bit, 192kHz, and 32bit, 352kHz is downsampled to 24bit, 176kHz for
playback.
* DSD 64/128 is converted via DSD-to-PCM to PCM 24bit, 176kHz for playback.
32-bit SRC by the AK320
DSD-to-PCM Conversion by the AK320
PEQ (Parametric EQ)
A parametric equalizer (PEQ*1) was implemented in the AK320 to deliver detailed adjustment of the original
sound, and an audio digital signal processor (DSP) was added to aid in this process.
This frees up CPU cycles previously needed for calculating graphic equalizers (GEQ), allowing more detailed
and accurate calculations via the dedicated DSP.
The audio DSP expands the existing 10-band, ±0.5 dB graphic equalizer (GEQ*2) to 20-band, ±0.01 dB to more
precisely adjust the frequency and gain (dB) as well as more accurately specifying the frequency range via Q
value adjustments.
* The PEQ supports up to 8 kHz - 192 kHz (8/16/24-bit) formats, but DSD and 32-bit audio are not supported.
What is Parametric Equalization (PEQ*1)?
Parametric equalization refers to the ability to increase or decrease the volume within the Q
value range.
A Q value is a frequency range relative to a selected frequency. The frequency range decreases
when the Q value increases and vice versa.
What is Graphic Equalization (GEQ*2)?
Graphic equalization divides the audible frequency register into several registers and increases
or decreases the level of each register with a volume slider to adjust the respective
frequency’s characteristics.
The switches of the volume slider are connected like a graph to visually determine the frequency
characteristics, hence the name "graphic equalizer."
Equipped With a Femto Clock to Deliver True Original Sound
Astell&Kern implemented a voltage-controlled crystal oscillator (VCXO) high-precision clock with a reference jitter value of 200 femto seconds*3. Femto clocks are commonly used in high-end audio systems, and the clock is measured in high-precision femtosecond units(one quadrillionth of a second).
What is VCXO?
A VCXO, or a voltage-controlled crystal oscillator, is a type of crystal oscillation device
that creates oscillation frequencies.
External environmental stimuli, which in this case mean voltage inputs, influence the
frequency value. Adjustments to the voltage input tunes a precise frequency value.
What is Jitter?
Jitter refers to the undesired deviation in time that occurs in a periodic signal. In this
case,
jitter is the error that occurs in the reference clock required to perform the sampling in
digital audio equipment.
By utilizing a femto clock, the AK380 is able to create a more accurate frequency value and
make
fine jitter corrections. As a result, the AK380 faithfully reproduces analog sound closer
than
ever to the original source when transmitting a digital signal as an analog signal.
USB DAC
The AK320 supports USB DAC functionality.
The AK320 can be connected to a PC or Mac via USB for use as a USB DAC that supports PCM/DSD. When playing back music stored on a PC or Mac, the Single-DAC is able to deliver richer audio of outstanding soundstage and resolution well beyond the limits of a built-in sound card.
* When using the AK320 as a USB DAC, its PEQ settings are not applied, and output up to 24bit, 96kHz is
supported.
* DSD 64/128 is converted via DSD-to-PCM for playback. playback.
The AK Connect and AK Connect HD apps Download
The AK Connect and AK Connect HD apps are available for download from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
Pressure-sensitive Metal Capacitive Touch
The AK320 features the same metal touch interface as the AK380. The Metal Touch functions as a home key and interfaces with the device via pressure-sensitive touches.
More Expandable Options
The AK320 can be expanded to a variety of devices through the micro-USB and balanced audio out ports located
at the bottom of the product.
It can be connected with the AMP as well as professional high-impedance headphones for high output and USB
for data transfer and charging. It can also be connected to the Cradle for balanced audio functionality as
well as the CD-RIPPER to conveniently rip audio CDs.
The AK320's First Accessory AMP
The AK320’s Bedrock Cradle
Perfect Extractor CD-RIPPER
WATT RECOMMENDS
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Professional Reviews 91/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
90/100
Build Quality
94/100
Features Usability
93/100
Value for Money
88/100
The AK320 delivers a fluid, natural presentation that keeps detail, attack and decay vividly intact. PortaFi highlights its fast, textured bass, spacious layered imaging and mature treble, while the dual-DAC design, balanced output and polished aluminum build add serious portable luxury. It is a particularly compelling match for discerning IEM listeners seeking musical clarity and engaging dynamics.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Fluid yet natural sound combines clear note definition with an engaging, lively character.
Fast, textured bass, detailed treble, and a wide, well-layered soundstage.
Premium aluminum construction feels exceptionally solid and carefully finished.
Especially strong synergy with high-quality IEMs, supported by balanced output and low output impedance.
&
Cons
Modest output power limits its suitability for demanding full-size headphones without an external amplifier.
Battery life of roughly seven hours is short for a premium portable player.
Playback support is limited to 24-bit/192kHz rather than higher-resolution 32-bit formats.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 90/100
Review coverage is emphatically positive about a clear, detailed and unusually fluid presentation, with energetic delivery and strong spatial separation. The principal qualification is that reviewers focus on IEMs and selected premium headphones rather than providing direct evidence about background noise across highly sensitive loads.
Transparency Resolution
93/100
PortaFi describes notes as clearly outlined rather than blurred, with a very detailed presentation despite the smooth transitions between them. Bass is said to be textured and well layered, while treble has convincing detail, attack and decay; the other review also praises a wide, well-separated stage.
Tonal Balance Musicality
94/100
The AK320 is repeatedly characterized as natural, engaging and musical rather than sterile. One reviewer calls its sound fluid or liquid, with enough coloration to be appealing but less coloration than a sibling model, and praises its lively, fun character.
Dynamics
90/100
Reviewers describe the sound as lively, energetic, involving and effective, with well-handled attacks and decays. Bass is considered fast, although one review notes a very slight mid-bass emphasis and somewhat rolled-off sub-bass.
Noise Floor
82/100
The supplied reviews do not directly discuss hiss, hum, or background silence with sensitive earphones. One reviewer says it works perfectly with IEMs, but that is not a specific report on residual noise.
Headphone Compatibility
91/100
PortaFi considers the AK320 primarily an IEM player and says it works perfectly with them. The Russian review also calls it broadly genre- and model-friendly and reports excellent results with top-tier headphones, while the low 1-ohm balanced and 2-ohm single-ended output impedances support those use cases.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
94/100
PortaFi calls the construction perfect, describing a solid feel, aluminum body, bevelled edges and carefully finished textures. The second review likewise praises the aluminum rear panel, unusual geometry and polished overall execution.
Features Usability
93/100
This is a well-equipped portable player with dual DACs, 3.5 mm single-ended and 2.5 mm balanced outputs, optical output, touchscreen operation, internal storage and microSD expansion. Reviewers also cite Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, streaming-service support and DAC functionality, while the supplied specifications confirm wide format support and OTA firmware updates.
Value for Money
88/100
At roughly $1,600 to $1,799, the AK320 is clearly a premium purchase. PortaFi nevertheless calls it one of the best players available, and the other review says its sound surpasses nearly everything then on the market, making the premium seem justified for listeners seeking its particular performance.
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