Discover the Astell & Kern PD20 portable audio player for audiophiles. Features a four-channel DAC, lossless playback, and personalized hearing check for high-quality sound.
© Astell & Kern
Astell & Kern has unveiled the PD20 portable audio player, targeting audiophiles who demand high-quality sound. The new device features a four-channel DAC and supports lossless playback of DSD512 and PCM formats up to 768 kHz. It is compatible with both balanced and unbalanced headphones and can handle local files as well as streaming services, including Tidal.
The PD20's standout feature is its built-in hearing check function, developed in collaboration with Audiodo. This system analyzes the user's hearing characteristics and automatically adjusts audio parameters based on the results, creating a personalized profile. The manufacturer positions this solution as a way to achieve the most accurate and comfortable sound for each owner.
In terms of specifications, the PD20 inherits technologies from the brand's flagship models. It boasts a frequency range from 20 Hz to 70 kHz with a deviation of ±0.020 dB, a signal-to-noise ratio of 127 dB, and a total harmonic distortion of 0.0004% when using balanced connections. A three-mode amplifier operates in Class A, Class AB, and hybrid modes with three-stage current adjustment. Additional settings include an equalizer, amplifier adjustments, and spatial sound effects.
The player is equipped with a 6-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 2160x1080 pixels, along with physical switches and controls. It offers 256 GB of built-in storage, expandable via a microSD card up to 2 TB. Sales of the A&K PD20 will begin in March 2026, priced at $1,970 in the United States and $1,800 in other markets.