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Authorized dealers for Astell & Kern AK T1p

  • 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)
  • Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
  • American Sound — in-store — Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada (website)
  • Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
  • Anquan — online and in-store — Glika Nera, Greece (website)
  • Area Hifi — online and in-store — L'Eixample, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
  • 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)

and 69 more verified dealers

Astell & Kern AK T1p #1
Astell & Kern AK T1p variant 1

Astell & Kern AK T1p

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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.

View at Astell & Kern
Specifications7 reviews & sources

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87/100
Rating for AK T1p

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.

WATT RECOMMENDS

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What Reviewers Are Saying

"I have to tell you, nothing I had in the house under double the $1199 price could exceed the performance!"

— Positive Feedback

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

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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.
Balanced Headphone Output

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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Authorized dealers for Astell & Kern AK T1p

  • 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)
  • Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
  • American Sound — in-store — Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada (website)
  • Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
  • Anquan — online and in-store — Glika Nera, Greece (website)
  • Area Hifi — online and in-store — L'Eixample, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
  • 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)

and 69 more verified dealers

Addicted to Audio logo
Advanced MP3 Players logo
ALAIN CHOUKROUN logo
Alpha High End logo
American Sound logo
Analogue Seduction logo
Anquan logo
Area Hifi logo
Audio 46 logo
Audio Advice logo