Astell & Kern AK T1p
The AK T1p pairs class-leading detail with a poised, neutral balance, bringing focused imaging, lifelike vocals and full-range dynamics to portable or desktop listening. Robert H. Levi found its Tesla drivers exceptionally clear, efficient and comfortable, with dramatic bass and extended treble that make demanding jazz and classical recordings feel vividly composed.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
92/100
Comfort Fit
92/100
Build Quality
50/100
Features Usability
87/100
Value for Money
88/100
Pros
Exceptional clarity, detail retrieval and neutral tonal balance.
Focused imaging, lifelike midrange presence, dramatic bass and extended treble.
Excellent long-session comfort and efficient 32-ohm driveability for portable players.
Cons
The small 2.5 mm balanced connectors were criticized as limiting the use of thicker, higher-end cable wire.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
The available review finds the AK T1p unusually accomplished across the range: neutral in balance, highly revealing, full-range and dynamically convincing. Its strongest reported traits are exceptional clarity and detail, vivid midrange imagery, extended treble and focused imaging.
Bass
93/100
Robert H. Levi describes the bass as “dramatic” and “heart-stopping,” suggesting both substantial impact and convincing musical scale. The review presents it as part of a full-range, lifelike presentation rather than as exaggerated low-end quantity.
Midrange
92/100
The review calls out “life-like midrange images” and later praises vocal texture. This points to a clear, natural and communicative vocal band with strong textural presence.
Treble
93/100
Treble is described as “super-extended,” with no cited glare, harshness or fatigue. The reviewer also heard a neutral overall balance, supporting the impression of open, refined high frequencies rather than simply boosted brightness.
Resolution Detail
94/100
Detail retrieval is the most emphatically praised area: the T1p is called “class-leading in revelation of detail,” while its definition is described as spellbinding. The reviewer also notes greater clarity and audible textural and tonal changes.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
The review specifically reports more focused imaging and superior vocal textures, along with linear continuity through the frequency range. It says less about the size or depth of the stage, but image focus appears to be a clear strength.
Dynamics
91/100
The T1p is described as strongly dynamic and convincingly full-range. The reviewer’s “dramatic” bass comment further suggests that musical climaxes carry satisfying impact.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Comfort Fit
92/100
The sole reviewer calls the AK T1p “comfortable to the max,” an especially positive report for a 360 g circumaural design. Further accounts of long-session wear, clamp and heat are not available here.
Build Quality
50/100
The supplied review does not offer meaningful comments on materials, durability, fit and finish, or the long-term reliability of the headphone's moving parts. Its construction quality therefore remains largely undocumented in the available evidence.
Features Usability
87/100
The AK T1p includes detachable 2.5 mm balanced and 3.5 mm single-ended cables, plus a 6.35 mm adapter, making it straightforward to use with portable players and conventional headphone outputs. Its 32-ohm impedance also suits the portable-player use described in the review.
Value for Money
88/100
At $1,199, this is a premium closed-back headphone, but the reviewer considers its performance formidable evidence of superiority at that entry fee. The praise for class-leading detail and strong all-round sound supports a justified-premium view, although direct comparison with rival models is limited.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
Specifications
- Model
- AK T1p
- Transducer type
- Dynamic
- Operating principle
- Closed
- Frequency response
- 5 – 50,000 Hz
- Impedance
- 32 Ω
- Nominal sound pressure level
- 102 dB
- Sound Coupling to the ear
- Circumaural
- THD+N
- 0.05%
- Power handling capacity
- 300 mW
- Max. sound pressure level
- 126 dB
- Weight Without Cable
- 360 g
- Cable
- 2.5mm 4-pole balanced cable / 3.5mm 3-pole standard cable / 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter (detachable, OCC 7N copper conductors, textile braided)
- Specification
- - Audio was NOT muted during the measurement. - The image/specification may be changed without notice to improve product performance and quality.
Manufacturer's Description — Astell & Kern
Beyerdynamic x Astell&kern
Beyerdynamic’s top-of-the line T1 model returns with a new and improved tesla driver and lowered ohm
impedance in collaboration with Astell&Kern. AK T1p provides distinguishing sound and mobile
flexibility in comparison with the AK T5p, the first collaboration closed back headphone between the
two companies but also beyerdynamic’s 600ohm open back T1 headphone. Users can experience
impressive, spacious sound, detachable cables and luxury grade surface finish with Astell&Kern’s
portable players.
An additional 2.5mm balanced cable for Astell&Kern portable audio devices is included with a 3.5 mm
audiophile grade cable. Just like all of beyerdynamic’s headphones, the AK T1p is handmade in
Germany with the greatest attention to detail.
About Beyerdynamic
Established 90 years ago, 1924, in Berlin, Germany by Eugen Beyer, Beyerdynamic is the essence of audio technology. Beyerdynamic is the leading audio equipment worthy of its name that has developed controller-mounted wireless conference system starting with the world’s first dynamic headphone--the DT 48, which is available even today. As the inheritor of the Eugen Beyer brand, Beyerdynamic maintains the leading corporate image, vision and role put in place by the founder. The technological advancements, continuous innovation and the world’s best quality have made Beyerdynamic the undisputed industry-standard and sound technology market leader.
TESLA TECHNOLOGY
The pinnacle of beyerdynamic’s premium class is called”Tesla”. The specially developed Tesla technology is a milestone in the beyerdnamic innovation history. With Tesla, named after the pioneer of the alternating current Nikola Tesla, expert describes the strength of magnetic field that has an impact on a current carrying conductor. For beyerdynamic Tesla means redesigned transducers which are distinguished by their very strong magnetic drive and transparent sound.
Tesla Transducer
Mobile sound experience throughout your home
Until now, those who wished to enjoy the exceptional acoustics of the T 1 would relax in front of
their stereo system with a drink in hand. Despite the powerful Tesla transducers, the flagship from
Heilbronn still required an equally impressive hi-fi or headphone amplifier.
The new AK T1p is a different: Even portable devices, such as the high-resolution players from
Astell & Kern, allow it to demonstrate its full potential.
Thanks to the 32 ohm Tesla technology, the output of the AK T1p when paired with mobile players,
smartphones or tablets is significantly louder than the T 1 with its 600 ohm transducers. It thus
becomes a universal listening device – be it when chilling on the sofa, out on the terrace or even
in bed. Discerning audiophiles and digital natives are now able to carry their high-end systems with
them at all times.
Discerning audiophiles and digital natives are now able to carry their high-end systems with them at
all times.
Ideal for high-resolution playback
With its open design, the AK T1p is particularly capable when it comes to reproducing the full
musical wealth offered by high-resolution audio files. Instruments and voices separate from the
headphones and create a virtual soundstage. No closed headphones can achieve such levels of
transparency and airiness.
Owners of one of Astell & Kern's high-end players can connect the AK T1p directly to the
symmetrical output of their portable device using the supplied cable with its 2.5 mm jack plug.
As a result, the lead has virtually no impact on the sound, thus allowing listeners to enjoy
studio masters with 24-bit resolution or high-res files in DSD format in their full, pure glory
– just as the sound engineer in the studio intended. It goes without saying that a standard 3.5
mm jack cable is supplied for all other players.
Perfection "Made in Germany"
Like all other premium headphones from beyerdynamic, the AK T1p is manufactured entirely by hand in Heilbronn. Featuring Tesla technology of the second generation, it will have audiophile listeners in raptures. Additional attenuation at the heart of the Tesla driver eliminates even the last traces of resonance in the high frequency range. Beyerdynamic has also optimised the geometry of the baffle design and replaced the single-layer baffle material with a more stable, high-tech compound. This reduces the vibration of the material to a minimum, which in turn delivers even clearer sound combined with ultra-precise bass.
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- Addicted to Audio — online and in-store — Epping, Victoria, Australia (website)
- Advanced MP3 Players — online and in-store — Musselburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (website)
- ALAIN CHOUKROUN — online and in-store — Paris, Île-de-France, France (website)
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- Audio 46 — online and in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
- Audio Advice — online and in-store — Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (website)
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