The AK HB1 promises "outstanding high-resolution sound" from PCs, phones and tablets via a wired USB-C or wireless Bluetooth connection. There is support for native DSD256 and 32-bit/384 kHz playback, as well as MQA, thanks to a renderer function.
Bluetooth isn't necessarily the poor cousin here, either. There is codec support for LDAC (Sony's high-quality codec), aptX HD, AAC and SBC.
As for cabled connectivity, the HB1 offers USB Type-C while 3.5mm (unbalanced) and 4.4 mm (balanced) output connections cater for a range of wired headphones. The Korean company states that the HB1s' amp enables a "commanding 4 Vrms output" via the balanced connection.
Portable gamers rejoice! Many handheld gaming devices only offer UAC 1.0 connections, so HB1 supports UAC 2.0 and UAC 1.0 for cross-platform listening. This should mean that the likes of the PlayStation and Nintendo Switch should enjoy lower latency and better audio for what Astell&Kern promises will be "an immersive gaming experience".
There's even a Car Mode - Simply connect AK HB1 to your vehicle's AUX port, and its power automatically turns on/off based on your vehicle's ignition, allowing you to enjoy audio from your paired devices.
Finally, the AK HB1 has a "high-quality" microphone for clear voice calls. Also, it features the company's Clear Voice Capture technology, blocking out ambient noise while enhancing voice clarity.
A&K KANN ULTRA
The new Kann Ultra is the latest entry in the acclaimed A&K Kann line. Furthermore, it is touted as Astell & Kern's most potent portable player, being the first to feature next-gen Octa-core processors. With new DAR technology and an upgraded internal DAC, the Kann Ultra certainly seems to have the chops on paper to be a formidable DAP.
The Kann Ultra is outfitted with a USB-C input for charging plus 3.5mm (unbalanced and optical) and 4.4mm (balanced) outputs and supports up to 32-bit/768Hz file decoding via an ES9039MPRO chip. The majority of control is via the 5.5-inch HD touchscreen, but there is also that rather lovely dial.
The audio circuitry has been removed from the processors themselves, which, says A&K, reduces heat and noise from the processors and thus improves audio performance. Meanwhile, DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) tech aims to deliver refined sound at higher sample rates, upsampling those rates from the source to "go beyond the limits of the format". Triple Output Mode is also designed to boost the detail and performance of the more demanding headphones out here.
Naturally, A&K's Teraton Alpha tech is also on board, charged with reducing unwanted noise at high power. This unique in-house technology is devised to deliver audio playback as close to the original sound as possible through more "efficient power management, unwavering amplification", and the reduction of unwanted noise.
Both are available now, with the Astell & Kern AK HB1 priced at £259/ €299, while the Astell & Kern Kann Ultra in aluminium Astro Grey costs £1,599/ €1899.
Visit Astell&Kern for more information
Posted in: Headphones
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