{"product_id":"astell-kern-pd20","title":"Astell\u0026Kern PD20","description":"\u003ch2\u003eCraft Your Sound – A New Dimension of Personalized High-Fidelity\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the \u003cstrong\u003ePD20\u003c\/strong\u003e, Astell\u0026amp;Kern introduces an entirely new concept in portable high-resolution players. Instead of continuing an existing product line, this model was developed from the ground up under the philosophy \u003cstrong\u003e\"Craft Your Sound.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe PD20 is therefore much more than a classic music player – it understands itself as a \u003cstrong\u003epersonal sound laboratory\u003c\/strong\u003e that precisely adapts music playback to the individual listening habits of its user.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePersonalized Sound through Integrated Hearing Analysis\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the first time, Astell\u0026amp;Kern integrates a \u003cstrong\u003edirect hearing analysis with individual sound calibration\u003c\/strong\u003e into a Digital Audio Player. Developed in collaboration with \u003cstrong\u003eAudiodo\u003c\/strong\u003e, the integrated \u003cem\u003ePersonal Sound System\u003c\/em\u003e analyzes personal hearing characteristics, taking into account the \u003cstrong\u003eleft and right ears separately\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsers perform a guided hearing test directly on the device with the included \u003cstrong\u003eprecision measurement earphones\u003c\/strong\u003e. Based on this, the PD20 creates an \u003cstrong\u003eindividual hearing profile\u003c\/strong\u003e that is precisely tailored to personal perception.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is a \u003cstrong\u003emore balanced, natural, and often more detailed sound image\u003c\/strong\u003e that precisely adapts to one's own hearing ability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSound Master Wheel – Real-time Sound Control\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to automatic sound personalization, the PD20 offers \u003cstrong\u003edirect manual control over the sound balance\u003c\/strong\u003e via the specially developed \u003cstrong\u003eSound Master Wheel\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e160-step EQ fine-tuning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdjustment range from \u003cstrong\u003e–8.0 dB to +8.0 dB\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeparate control for \u003cstrong\u003ebass, mids, and highs\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdjustment \u003cstrong\u003ewithout interrupting playback\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis physical control allows for particularly intuitive and precise fine-tuning of the sound – anytime and in real-time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTriple-AMP Architecture – Three Sound Characteristics to Choose From\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside the PD20 works a newly developed \u003cstrong\u003eTriple-AMP Architecture\u003c\/strong\u003e, which allows for instant switching between three different amplifier characteristics:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass A\u003c\/strong\u003e Warm, dense sound reproduction with particularly smooth, analog texture and minimal distortion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass AB\u003c\/strong\u003e A balanced combination of efficiency and dynamics with precise control and high performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHybrid\u003c\/strong\u003e Combines the sonic smoothness of Class A with the stability and power reserve of Class AB.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cstrong\u003eClass A and Hybrid modes\u003c\/strong\u003e, the amplifier current can also be adjusted in three stages:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh\u003c\/strong\u003e Maximum power reserve for high-impedance headphones, large soundstage, and confident control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMid\u003c\/strong\u003e Balanced blend of sound density, resolution, and natural vocal reproduction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow\u003c\/strong\u003e Optimized for sensitive in-ear monitors with particularly low background noise and high detail resolution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis allows the player to be optimally tuned to a wide range of \u003cstrong\u003eheadphones and IEMs\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuad-DAC Architecture with ESA and Advanced DAR\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe heart of the PD20 is a \u003cstrong\u003etrue Quad-DAC configuration\u003c\/strong\u003e with four \u003cstrong\u003eESS ES9027PRO\u003c\/strong\u003e Digital-to-Analog Converters. By operating multiple DACs in parallel, channel crosstalk is reduced and signal separation is maximized.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition, Astell\u0026amp;Kern's proprietary \u003cstrong\u003eESA technology (Enhanced Signal Alignment)\u003c\/strong\u003e is used. It precisely synchronizes frequency signals and reduces so-called \u003cstrong\u003eGroup Delay effects\u003c\/strong\u003e, leading to higher clarity and more precise spatial imaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso integrated is the second generation of \u003cstrong\u003eAdvanced DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) Technology\u003c\/strong\u003e, first used in the flagship \u003cstrong\u003eAstell\u0026amp;Kern SP4000\u003c\/strong\u003e. In combination with \u003cstrong\u003eVSE (Virtual Sound Extender)\u003c\/strong\u003e, lost overtones are virtually reconstructed and then upscaled – for a more intense listening experience, without distorting the character of the original recording.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAudiosphere – Spatial Sound Beyond Stereo\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the integrated \u003cstrong\u003eAudiosphere technology\u003c\/strong\u003e, the PD20 expands classic stereo playback into a \u003cstrong\u003evirtual three-dimensional sound field\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFour presets are available:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSubtle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBalanced\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImmersive\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEchoic\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis allows for flexible adjustment of the spatial representation to different music styles or content – from intimate recordings to large-scale orchestral or cinematic productions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eConnectivity \u0026amp; Technical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe PD20 offers comprehensive technical features:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e256 GB internal storage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003emicroSD support up to 2 TB\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e6-inch FHD+ display\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDual-Band Wi-Fi (2.4 \/ 5 GHz)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDLNA network function\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSB-C with PD 3.0 fast charging\u003c\/strong\u003e (approx. 3.5 hours charging time)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSB-DAC mode for Mac and Windows\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSB Digital Audio Output\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupported formats:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNative PCM up to 32-bit \/ 768 kHz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNative DSD512\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFurther functions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReplayGain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAK File Drop (wireless data transfer)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eaptX™ HD and LDAC™\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBluetooth Sink Mode\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCustomizable Crossfeed (Shelf Cutoff, Shelf Gain, Mixer Level)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRoon Ready\u003c\/strong\u003e (certification by Roon Labs pending)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSound Lab Control – Studio DNA in Portable Format\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe PD20 follows the concept of \u003cstrong\u003eSound Lab Control\u003c\/strong\u003e, which is based on professional studio hardware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo upper adjustment wheels for \u003cstrong\u003esound and volume control\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeparate \u003cstrong\u003ehardware sliders\u003c\/strong\u003e for AMP mode and current strength\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLED status indicators\u003c\/strong\u003e for bit depth and active operating modes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll controls are designed to provide \u003cstrong\u003edirect access to the sound\u003c\/strong\u003e – precise, transparent, and without detours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the \u003cstrong\u003ePD20\u003c\/strong\u003e, Astell\u0026amp;Kern redefines what a modern Digital Audio Player can achieve. The combination of \u003cstrong\u003eindividual hearing calibration\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eQuad-DAC technology\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eflexible amplifier architecture\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003edirect hardware control\u003c\/strong\u003e sets new standards for portable high-resolution audio playback.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Astell \u0026 Kern","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52831610241290,"sku":null,"price":2050.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0717\/5340\/0586\/files\/astellkern_pd20_01.webp?v=1775561784","url":"https:\/\/hifi.shop\/en\/products\/astell-kern-pd20","provider":"Hifi \u0026 Friends GmbH","version":"1.0","type":"link"}