Inheriting Sound
The primary goal of Astell and 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.
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.
PEQ (Parametric EQ)
A parametric equalizer (PEQ) was implemented in the AK380 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) to 20-band, +/-0.1 dB to more precisely adjust the frequency and gain (dB) as well as more accurately specifying the frequency range via Q value adjustments.
What is Parametric Equalization (PEQ)?
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)?
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 and Kern implemented a voltage-controlled crystal oscillator (VCXO) high-precision clock with a reference jitter value of 200 femto seconds. 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 AK320 is able to create a more accurate frequency value and make fine jitter corrections. As a result, the AK320 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 Dual-DAC is able to deliver richer audio of outstanding soundstage and resolution well beyond the limits of a built-in sound card.
AK Connect App
Astell and Kern has further enhanced DLNA functionality via the AK Connect app. Wireless networking DLNA (version 1.0) connects to a NAS or PC, and is easily controlled with a smartphone or tablet through AK Connect. Source files on a PC or NAS can be freely transferred and streamed without the hassle of turning on the computer and physically connecting with a cable. If on the same access point (AP) network, music files on a PC or NAS can be played back via DLNA.
DMP (Digital Media Player)
Finds a list of content on a media server for selection and playback.
DMC (Digital Media Controller)
Finds a list of content on a media server and establishes a connection to a playback-capable device (renderer). By default, a DMC establishes a connection between a media server and media renderer and controls content playback-related operations.
DMS (Digital Media Server = Network Server)
Actually stores the media content to be shared. When connected to a network, the DMS transmits/distributes the media content for other devices to stream or download.
DMR (Digital Media Renderer = Network Player)
Connects to a media server via media controller for content playback.
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.
Product Features:
- AK4490's Dual-DAC
- DSD-to-PCM Playback
- Parametric EQ with 20bands 0.1dB
- 200 Femto Second VCXO Reference Clock
- Exceptional Expandability
- DLNA-based AK Connect App
- Metal Touch Sensor Home Button
Product Specifications:
- PCM: 24bit 192kHz Bit to Bit
- DSD: DSD to PCM, DSD64/128PCM - 24bit 176kHz
- DAC: AK4490 x2 (Dual DAC)
- PEQ: Support
- Femto Clock: Support
- USB DAC: Max 24bit 96kHz (UAC 1.0)
- Built-in Memory: 128GB
