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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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).
Marshall expands Hendrix Collection with psychedelic headphones, speaker and amplifier
Sixty years after Jimi Hendrix first plugged into a Marshall amplifier, the partnership is being celebrated with three newly reimagined pieces of audio and guitar gear. Marshall has expanded its Marshall x Hendrix Anniversary Collection with limited-edition versions of its Major V headphones, Emberton III portable speaker and hand-built JMH Studio amplifier. Each product has…
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German luxury technology brand Loewe has opened a new concept store at Harrods, placing its TVs, audio products and coffee machines inside one of London’s most prestigious retail destinations. The landgrab marks another step in the German brand’s international expansion, and its wider ambition to establish itself as a global luxury lifestyle technology business. Located…
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