Astell&Kern PD20 - Mobile digital Player

Astell&Kern PD20

High-Resolution Audio reimagined – individual, uncompromising, personal

With the PD20, Astell&Kern is breaking new ground in the field of portable high-end players. Instead of simply refining existing concepts, this device was designed from the ground up according to the philosophy of "Craft Your Sound." The result is not an ordinary digital audio player, but a portable sound laboratory for discerning listeners who want to not only enjoy music, but actively shape it.

Integrated hearing analysis – sound as individual as your hearing

The PD20 is the world's first DAP with a fully integrated hearing test for personalized sound calibration. Developed in collaboration with Audiodo, the integrated Personal Sound System analyzes individual hearing characteristics – separately for the left and right ear.

Using the included precision measuring headphones, a guided hearing test is performed directly on the device. The PD20 then creates a customized hearing profile that is precisely tailored to your individual hearing perception.

The result: a balanced, natural and often significantly more differentiated sound signature – just as you personally listen to music.

Sound Master Wheel – Fine-tuning with a delicate touch

In addition to automatic personalization, the haptic Sound Master Wheel allows for immediate, precise adjustment of the tonal balance in real time:

• 160-step EQ adjustment
• Control range from -8.0 dB to +8.0 dB
• Separate controls for bass, midrange, and treble.
• Adjustment without interrupting playback

This physical control makes sound tuning not only precise, but also intuitively perceptible.

Triple AMP Architecture – Three amplifier characters, one device

The newly developed Triple AMP architecture enables hardware-based switching between three sound characteristics:

• Class A
  Velvety texture, dense mids, analog warmth and minimal distortion.
• Class AB
  Dynamic control and efficiency with precise impulse response.
• Hybrid
  The organic suppleness of Class A combined with the strength and stability of Class AB.

In Class A and Hybrid modes, the amplifier current can be additionally adjusted in three stages:

• High – maximum power reserves for high-impedance headphones
• Mid – balanced sound for long, fatigue-free listening
• Low – optimized for sensitive IEMs with minimized background noise

This flexibility guarantees optimal synergy with a wide range of sophisticated headphones.

Quad-DAC with ESA and Advanced DAR

Inside, the renowned ESS ES9027PRO operates in a true quad DAC configuration. Four independent converters minimize channel crosstalk and maximize signal separation for exceptionally precise spatial imaging.

The proprietary ESA (Enhanced Signal Alignment) technology optimizes frequency tuning to reduce group delays, thereby increasing clarity and spatial precision.

The second generation of Advanced DAR (Digital Audio Remaster), first used in the flagship Astell&Kern SP4000, reconstructs lost harmonics using VSE (Virtual Sound Extender) before high-quality upsampling. The result: increased detail and musical authenticity while preserving the integrity of the recording.

Audiosphere – Experience spatiality anew

With Audiosphere, the PD20 expands the classic stereo image into a virtual 3D sound field. Four presets are available:

• Subtle
• Balanced
• Immersive
• Echoic

Whether large orchestral works or cinematic soundscapes – the stage can be individually adapted and intensified.

Connectivity & technical equipment

• 256 GB internal storage
• microSD support up to 2 TB
• 6' FHD+ Display
• Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 / 5 GHz)
• DLNA
• USB-C with PD 3.0 fast charging (approx. 3.5 hours)
• USB DAC function for Mac & Windows
• Digital USB audio output

Supported formats:

• PCM up to 32-bit / 768 kHz
• Native DSD512
• Other features: ReplayGain, AK File Drop, aptX™ HD, LDAC™, Bluetooth Sink Mode, adjustable crossfeed and Roon Ready capability (certification pending).

Sound Lab Control – Studio DNA on the go

• The operating concept is based on professional studio technology:
• Two controls located at the top for sound adjustment and volume.
• Dedicated hardware slide switches for AMP mode and current.
• LED indicators for bit depth and active operating modes
• Each control element stands for precision, transparency and immediate interaction with the sound.

The PD20 redefines the digital audio player. By combining integrated hearing analysis, uncompromising quad DAC architecture, variable amplifier section, and direct hardware control, it creates a portable high-end system that adapts not only to music – but to you.

Astell&Kern PD20 – Technical Data

• Model: PD20
• Case: Aluminum, silver
• Display: 6-inch touchscreen, 2160 × 1080 pixels
• CPU: Octa-core
• DAC: ESS ES9027PRO ×4 (Quad DAC)
• Storage: 256 GB internal, microSD up to 2 TB
• Battery: 5,770 mAh, Li-Polymer, charging time approx. 4 hours (PD3.0), playback time approx. 14 hours (FLAC 16bit/44.1 kHz, Vol.50, Class AB, display off)
• Audio:
  Supported formats: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF
  
  PCM: 8kHz – 768kHz (8/16/24/32bit)
  
  DSD Native: DSD64/128/256/512 Stereo
  
  Output level: Unbalanced 5 Vrms ¦ Balanced 10 Vrms
  
  Frequency response: ±0.005 dB (20 Hz-20 kHz) unbalanced ¦ ±0.010 dB balanced
  
  S/N: 124 dB Unbalanced ¦ 127 dB Balanced
  
  THD+N: 0.0003% Unbalanced ¦ 0.0004% Balanced
  
  Output impedance: 0.7 O Unbalanced (3.5 mm) ¦ 1.7 O Balanced (4.4 mm)

Connections & Connectivity:

• USB-C (charging, PC, Mac), USB-DAC
• Unbalanced output 3.5 mm, Balanced output 4.4 mm (5-pin), Optical output 3.5 mm
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 / 5 GHz)
• Bluetooth 5.3 (A2DP, AVRCP, aptX™ HD, LDAC, LHDC, SBC, AAC)
• Dimensions & Weight: 77.5 × 155.7 × 17.3 mm, approx. 313 g
• Operating temperature: 0–40 °C
• Firmware: OTA update possible
• Supported operating systems: Windows 8/10/11 (32/64 bit), Mac OS X 10.7+