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).
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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).
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