The Kann series of Hi-Fi players from the Korean brand Astell & Kern has its admirers, despite the rather large size of the devices. Three generations of these players have shown that even a portable device can have enough power to unplug high-impedance headphones, which previously could only be used with stationary amplifiers .
Astell & Kern Kann Max provides a maximum power of up to 15 V RMS in a more compact body than in the previous version.
Max is the first Kann player with four ES9038Q2M DACs. It is claimed that the DAC assignment for each individual amplification channel gives the sound more depth and realism, which in combination with other Astell & Kern technologies should ensure unsurpassed sound quality and low distortion.
Kann Max supports files up to 32 bit / 768 kHz PCM and natively supports DSD 512. The current file format is traditionally signaled by the colorful backlight of the volume control wheel.
The new Kann is equipped with three headphone outputs of 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm, so you can connect both compact IEMs and full-size monitors demanding extra amplification without unnecessary adapters. Each of the connectors has a PVD gold coating to reduce contact noise.
Teraton Alpha Sound Solution eliminates noise from the power source and provides efficient energy savings.
Don’t forget about wireless features. There is Bluetooth 5.0 with support for aptX HD and LDAC codecs and BT Sink function, which allows you to control playback from a smartphone. And Wi-Fi for use with streaming services, software updates, and AK File Drop.
The autonomy of the Kann Max is up to 13 hours. Built-in 64 GB memory, memory cards up to 1 TB are supported.
