Personal audio specialist Astell&Kern has unveiled the PD20, a new digital audio player (DAP) able to adapt its sound output to the individual hearing profile of each listener, rather than delivering a single, fixed sound signature.
Designed for music fans who want studio-grade sound on the move, the PD20 has been developed in collaboration with Audiodo, a Swedish hearing-based audio optimisation expert. Together, the companies have created a Personal Sound system which allows users to create a unique listening profile through a built-in hearing test.
Dedicated earphones are supplied with the player to enable accurate measurement. Once completed, the system generates a unique sound signature that adapts playback specifically to the listener’s hearing, rather than relying on generic tuning.
This is supported by a Sound Master Wheel, offering 160-step EQ control across bass, mid and treble bands (–8.0 dB to +8.0 dB), allowing fine real-time tuning without interrupting playback.
The launch follows hot on the heels of the brand’s A&ultima SP4000 Copper flagship music player.
the PD20 has been developed by Astell&Kern in collaboration with Audiodo, a Swedish hearing-based audio optimisation expert…
Hearing analysis meets studio design and hi-res playback
Beyond its hearing-based personalisation, the Astell&Kern PD20 is engineered as a full portable sound lab. It features a Triple AMP architecture, allowing real-time switching between Class A, Class AB and Hybrid amplification modes via a physical slide switch. Each mode offers a distinct sonic character, from the smooth, analogue-like texture of Class A to the efficiency and balance of Class AB, with Hybrid combining elements of both. Current levels can also be adjusted (High, Mid, Low) to optimise performance for everything from high-impedance headphones to sensitive in-ear monitors.
Design-wise, the DAP adopts a studio-inspired layout, with dual top-mounted control wheels separating sound tuning from volume control, physical switches for amplification and current selection, and LED indicators showing track bit-depth and active modes in real time.
Along with a 6-inch FHD+ display, there’s 256GB of internal storage, microSD expansion up to 2TB, dual-band Wi-Fi, DLNA networking, USB-C connectivity, and the ability to function as a USB DAC for Mac and Windows systems. It supports high-resolution formats up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512.
Beneath the lid there’s a Quad-DAC configuration built around the ESS ES9027PRO, with four DACs operating independently to reduce inter-channel interference and improve separation. This is supported by Astell&Kern’s ESA (Enhanced Signal Alignment) technology to minimise distortion and group delay, and Advanced DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) processing, which restores harmonics and applies refined upsampling for more natural high-resolution playback.
The PD20 also incorporates Audiosphere spatial audio, expanding standard stereo into a virtual three-dimensional sound field.
Wireless coverage includes aptX HD, LDAC and Bluetooth DAC mode. USB-PD fast charging enables a full charge in around 3.5 hours.
The Astell&Kern PD20 will be available late March, priced at £1,799 ($1,970).
Ferrum Audio, a high-end Hi-Fi manufacturer from Poland, has launched its range of digital-to-analogue converters, headphone amplifiers and power systems in the UK, bringing a new integrated audio ecosystem to British music fans in search of premium personal and lifestyle sound. The company, operating out of Warsaw, is positioning itself in the increasingly crowded ‘high-end…
High-end Technics turntable performance for less than you might expect. That’s the promise behind the SL-1500CS, a new direct-drive Hi-Fi turntable from the legendary Japanese brand, arriving March 2026. For decades, Technics has been synonymous with direct-drive turntables, from broadcast studios to DJ booths and audiophile listening rooms. Models such as the SL-1200 series helped…
Amazon has launched a new range of Fire TV screens, comprising updated versions of its Fire TV 2 Series, Fire TV 4 Series and flagship Fire TV Omni QLED Series. The new models boast a refreshed industrial design, with improved processing fuelling faster content discovery and generally usability. Taking top billing is the Fire TV…
The Luxe Review 
Personal audio specialist Astell&Kern has unveiled the PD20, a new digital audio player (DAP) able to adapt its sound output to the individual hearing profile of each listener, rather than delivering a single, fixed sound signature.
Designed for music fans who want studio-grade sound on the move, the PD20 has been developed in collaboration with Audiodo, a Swedish hearing-based audio optimisation expert. Together, the companies have created a Personal Sound system which allows users to create a unique listening profile through a built-in hearing test.
Dedicated earphones are supplied with the player to enable accurate measurement. Once completed, the system generates a unique sound signature that adapts playback specifically to the listener’s hearing, rather than relying on generic tuning.
This is supported by a Sound Master Wheel, offering 160-step EQ control across bass, mid and treble bands (–8.0 dB to +8.0 dB), allowing fine real-time tuning without interrupting playback.
The launch follows hot on the heels of the brand’s A&ultima SP4000 Copper flagship music player.
Hearing analysis meets studio design and hi-res playback
Beyond its hearing-based personalisation, the Astell&Kern PD20 is engineered as a full portable sound lab. It features a Triple AMP architecture, allowing real-time switching between Class A, Class AB and Hybrid amplification modes via a physical slide switch. Each mode offers a distinct sonic character, from the smooth, analogue-like texture of Class A to the efficiency and balance of Class AB, with Hybrid combining elements of both. Current levels can also be adjusted (High, Mid, Low) to optimise performance for everything from high-impedance headphones to sensitive in-ear monitors.
Design-wise, the DAP adopts a studio-inspired layout, with dual top-mounted control wheels separating sound tuning from volume control, physical switches for amplification and current selection, and LED indicators showing track bit-depth and active modes in real time.
Along with a 6-inch FHD+ display, there’s 256GB of internal storage, microSD expansion up to 2TB, dual-band Wi-Fi, DLNA networking, USB-C connectivity, and the ability to function as a USB DAC for Mac and Windows systems. It supports high-resolution formats up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512.
Beneath the lid there’s a Quad-DAC configuration built around the ESS ES9027PRO, with four DACs operating independently to reduce inter-channel interference and improve separation. This is supported by Astell&Kern’s ESA (Enhanced Signal Alignment) technology to minimise distortion and group delay, and Advanced DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) processing, which restores harmonics and applies refined upsampling for more natural high-resolution playback.
The PD20 also incorporates Audiosphere spatial audio, expanding standard stereo into a virtual three-dimensional sound field.
Wireless coverage includes aptX HD, LDAC and Bluetooth DAC mode. USB-PD fast charging enables a full charge in around 3.5 hours.
The Astell&Kern PD20 will be available late March, priced at £1,799 ($1,970).
Ferrum Audio debuts premium modular head‑fi desktop music systems in UK
Ferrum Audio, a high-end Hi-Fi manufacturer from Poland, has launched its range of digital-to-analogue converters, headphone amplifiers and power systems in the UK, bringing a new integrated audio ecosystem to British music fans in search of premium personal and lifestyle sound. The company, operating out of Warsaw, is positioning itself in the increasingly crowded ‘high-end…
Technics SL-1500CS hands-on: New direct drive turntable promises audiophile performance for less
High-end Technics turntable performance for less than you might expect. That’s the promise behind the SL-1500CS, a new direct-drive Hi-Fi turntable from the legendary Japanese brand, arriving March 2026. For decades, Technics has been synonymous with direct-drive turntables, from broadcast studios to DJ booths and audiophile listening rooms. Models such as the SL-1200 series helped…
Amazon reheats Fire TV line-up for 2026 with new designs, smarter features, and better pictures
Amazon has launched a new range of Fire TV screens, comprising updated versions of its Fire TV 2 Series, Fire TV 4 Series and flagship Fire TV Omni QLED Series. The new models boast a refreshed industrial design, with improved processing fuelling faster content discovery and generally usability. Taking top billing is the Fire TV…
Share this: