{"product_id":"astell-kern-pa10","title":"Astell\u0026Kern PA10","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAstell\u0026amp;Kern PA10 – Portable Class-A Headphone Amplifier\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAstell\u0026amp;Kern PA10\u003c\/strong\u003e is the manufacturer's first portable \u003cstrong\u003eClass-A headphone amplifier\u003c\/strong\u003e, designed to make Astell\u0026amp;Kern's characteristic analog sound signature accessible on the go. By combining classic Class-A amplification, the proprietary \u003cstrong\u003eTERATON ALPHA technology\u003c\/strong\u003e, and flexible control of gain and amplifier current, the PA10 is aimed at discerning listeners who want to complement their mobile player or DAC with a powerful analog amplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite its compact format, the PA10 is designed to confidently drive both sensitive in-ear monitors and more demanding headphones. At the same time, the amplifier remains flexible enough to be used with a wide variety of source devices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eClass-A Amplification for Natural Sound\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClass-A amplifiers have always been considered the benchmark for particularly \u003cstrong\u003elinear and natural sound reproduction\u003c\/strong\u003e. They operate continuously in the active operating range, thus avoiding crossover distortions that can occur with other amplifier classes. The result is a soundstage that many listeners perceive as particularly \u003cstrong\u003esmooth, harmonious, and authentic\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditionally, Class-A circuits are difficult to implement in portable devices due to their high power consumption. With the PA10, Astell\u0026amp;Kern applies its expertise in amplifier design for the first time to a \u003cstrong\u003eportable Class-A headphone amplifier\u003c\/strong\u003e that nevertheless offers practical battery life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTERATON ALPHA – Astell\u0026amp;Kern's Audio Technology\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside, Astell\u0026amp;Kern's proprietary \u003cstrong\u003eTERATON ALPHA technology\u003c\/strong\u003e optimizes various aspects of signal processing. This includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eefficient power supply and power management\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ereduction of mains and circuit noise\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003estable signal amplification\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eoptimized output circuit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe goal of this architecture is to amplify the audio signal as \u003cstrong\u003eunadulterated and detailed\u003c\/strong\u003e as possible, without introducing additional distortion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eClass-A Current Control – Adaptation to Different Headphones\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA special feature of the PA10 is the \u003cstrong\u003ethree-stage control of the Class-A amplifier current\u003c\/strong\u003e. The user can choose between \u003cstrong\u003eLow, Mid, and High\u003c\/strong\u003e to adapt the amplifier's behavior to different headphones and IEMs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis setting not only affects the power output but also the character of the Class-A amplification, allowing for finer tuning between \u003cstrong\u003edynamics, spatiality, and power consumption\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGain Control for Optimal Performance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to current control, the PA10 features a \u003cstrong\u003egain switch (Low \/ High)\u003c\/strong\u003e. This allows the amplifier to be used with both very sensitive in-ear monitors and power-hungry headphones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen using the balanced input, the PA10 achieves an output voltage of \u003cstrong\u003eup to 6.2 Vrms\u003c\/strong\u003e, enabling powerful and controlled reproduction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTrue Balanced Design with 4.4 mm Connection\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany portable amplifiers internally convert an unbalanced signal into a balanced signal. The \u003cstrong\u003ePA10\u003c\/strong\u003e takes a different approach and offers \u003cstrong\u003etrue balanced signal routing via 4.4 mm input and output\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis keeps the signal completely balanced throughout processing, which \u003cstrong\u003eminimizes signal loss and enables higher output power\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditionally, \u003cstrong\u003e3.5 mm inputs and outputs\u003c\/strong\u003e are available for unbalanced connections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHardware Crossfeed for More Natural Listening\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe integrated \u003cstrong\u003ehardware crossfeed\u003c\/strong\u003e mixes a small portion of the left and right channels in a controlled manner. This technique can make the perception of the stereo soundstage feel more natural and reduces the extreme channel separation often found in headphones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDesign and Portability\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe PA10 adopts Astell\u0026amp;Kern's characteristic \u003cstrong\u003eSLOPE design language\u003c\/strong\u003e, which is characterized by striking lines and high-quality craftsmanship. Despite the powerful Class-A circuit, the device remains compact enough for mobile use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe integrated battery allows for a \u003cstrong\u003eplayback time of up to approximately 12 hours\u003c\/strong\u003e, and charging is conveniently done via \u003cstrong\u003eUSB-C\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Astell \u0026 Kern","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52835872178442,"sku":null,"price":629.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0717\/5340\/0586\/files\/AstellKern_PA10_1200x1200-947x947.png?v=1775655171","url":"https:\/\/hifi.shop\/en\/products\/astell-kern-pa10","provider":"Hifi \u0026 Friends GmbH","version":"1.0","type":"link"}