Astell & Kern KANN MAX Mud Limited Edition Hi-Res Audio Player

Engineered to Powerful Perfection

The KANN series is a portable player lineup loved by audiophiles all over the world for its performance focused on high output and clear sound. KANN MAX, the fourth product in the KANN series, builds on the advantages of the KANN series with higher output and portability. It provides 4 levels of gain and up to 15Vrms output so that a wide array of headphones can be driven in an optimal state.

By integrating the proven design of the KANN series into a lighter weight and smaller sized player, we have realized both ultra-high output and low noise. KANN MAX features ESS ES9038Q2M Quad-DAC together with Astell&Kern’s unique audio technology to provide the best performance you can feel from a portable DAP.

• 4-step gain level with maximum 15Vrms output
• Perfect circuit design with ultra-high output and low noise in an even smaller sized player
• Equipped with ESS ES9038Q2M Quad-DAC that reproduces clear, exceptional output
• TERATON ALPHA, the epitome of Astell&Kern audio technology
• 32-bit/768kHz, Native DSD512 support
• Bluetooth 5.0 and 24-bit codec (Qualcomm® aptX™ HD , LDAC) support
• ReplayGain that automatically adjusts volume to be consistent across tracks

Ultra-High Output in a Smaller Size Device

KANN MAX takes the identity of the series to the next level to provide a perfect experience with high power and clear sound. It provides 4 stages of gain level and ultra-high output of up to 15Vrms, which was previously only possible with a stationary headphone amplifier.

KANN MAX can perfectly drive even the most sophisticated headphones with high impedance.

KANN MAX offers a smaller size and weight than the KANN APLHA player, which boasted the best portability in the existing KANN series.

Although smaller in size, all power-related components have been analyzed and the power circuit has been redesigned several times to achieve 13 hours of continuous playback.

	KANN MAX	KANN ALPHA	KANN CUBE
Output Level (Super)	Unbalanced 8Vrms, Balanced 15Vrms
Output Level (High)	Unbalanced 6Vrms, Balanced 12Vrms	Unbalanced 6Vrms, Balanced 12Vrms	Unbalanced 6Vrms, Balanced 12Vrms
Output Level (Mid)	Unbalanced 4Vrms, Balanced 8Vrms	Unbalanced 4Vrms, Balanced 8Vrms	Unbalanced 4Vrms, Balanced 8Vrms
Output Level (Low)	Unbalanced 2Vrms, Balanced 4Vrms	Unbalanced 2Vrms, Balanced 4Vrms	Unbalanced 2Vrms, Balanced 4Vrms
Dimensions (WxHxD)	68.3×117 x23.6(mm)	68.3 x 117 x 25(mm)	87.7 x 140 x 31.5(mm)
Weight	about 10.76oz (305g)	about 11.14 oz (about 316g)	about 17.3 oz (493g)
Playback Time	13 hours	14.5 Hours	9 hours

* Based on condition no load, there may be differences depending on the measurement method.

Perfect Circuit Design That Achieves Both Ultra-High Output and Low Noise

As the output increases, so does the noise level.

KANN MAX is equipped with ultra-high output, does not allow any noise and conveys Astell&Kern’s philosophy of delivering the original sound as it should be, without compromise. Together, we have completed the perfect circuit design to achieve this.

KANN MAX applies an analog volume controller to deliver a rich dynamic range without loss. By separately configuring the power supply IC for each Audio Block divided into DAC, Volume, and AMP, KANN MAX is designed to stably supply the power required for each Audio IC. Through this design, the interference ripple noise of the DC-DC power supply (the shaking noise phenomenon that occurs when power is supplied) is removed. Audio noise that can be heard amplified like audio sound in OP AMP is minimized.

Ultra-high output and low noise in the KANN MAX was achieved through different circuit design, including creating and dividing a limited PCB that is the same size as KANN ALPHA into 12 layers and reviewing the physical size of the device applied to the AMP circuit.

Quad-DAC Sound That Reproduces Clear and Overwhelming Sound Output

KANN MAX is the first player in the KANN series to be equipped with four ES9038Q2M DACs for high-output performance.

By applying Quad DACs, one DAC can be fully allocated to one channel, so the depth and realism of the sound source can be expressed to the fullest.

Combined with Astell&Kern’s amplifier circuit technology that naturally and delicately raises the strengths of the DAC, and the perfect decoding ability of the DAC to deliver the original sound as it is, music output is expressed as the original sound without distortion.

Four DACs applied to KANN MAX, a power supply IC configured for each audio block, and a perfect circuit design produce ultra-high output and low noise, providing you with the best performance and sound that the KANN series is known for.

Gold PVD Output Coating

In order to minimize contact noise from the output jacks, a gold PVD coating method is applied to the headphone connector instead of the typical rings used by other products. This improves both design and function.

32-bit/768kHz, Native DSD512 Support

Bit-to-bit playback is available up to 32-bit/768Hz, and DSD playback is native up to 22.4MHz, for uncompressed sound quality, staying true to the artist’s original intention, in high-resolution and with minimal distortion.

Astell&Kern Audio Technology Forms the TERATON ALPHA Sound Solution

AK ULTIMATE SOUND SOLUTION, TERATON ALPHA

TERATON ALPHA is AK’s Ultimate Sound Solution to produce audio playback that is close to the original sound through the audio output interface by use of effective power noise removal, efficient power management and amplification with minimal distortion.

TERATON ALPHA features Astell&Kern’s patented technologies, which are the result of tens of thousands of hours of continuous research and development to produce sound close to the original sound the artist and producer intended.

Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 and Support for Wireless 24-bit aptX™-HD, LDAC Codecs

Bluetooth 5.0 features faster transmission speed and greater range compared to Bluetooth 4.2, therefore providing a more stable wireless connection. Both LDAC and aptX™ HD is supported to provide audiophiles with high-quality sound even when listening wirelessly.

Wireless Hi-Fi Sound Through BT Sink

The BT Sink function connects the KANN MAX to an external device via Bluetooth, similar to connecting a smartphone with a BT speaker. Music from an external device, such as a smartphone can now be played back in high-quality on the KANN MAX using the BT Sink function.

ReplayGain Automatically and Uniformly Adjusts Playback Volume

ReplayGain, which adjusts sound sources with different volumes to an identical level, has been applied. Now, enjoy your own playlists seamlessly through the ReplayGain feature on KANN MAX.

* ReplayGain supports up to 24bit/192 kHz sound sources.

AK File Drop to enjoy wireless transfers

The new AK File Drop function in the KANN MAX makes files transfers easier and more convenient.

Using AK File Drop, you can freely transfer files wirelessly through a PC, smartphone, or FTP program located on the same network. Music file management is now possible with a cableless, wireless solution.

Real-Time Information Confirmed by Light

KANN MAX features a LED volume wheel which displays various playback information, including volume level and bit-rate of the track currently playing.

* LED can be turned on or off according to user setting.

General Specifications

• Model 

  KANN MAX

• Body Color 

  Mud

• Body Material 

  Aluminum

• Display 

  4.1-inch 720 x 1280 touch screen

• Supported Audio Formats 

  WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA

• Sample Rate 

  PCM : 8kHz ~ 768kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample) DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), DSD512(1bit, 22.4MHz) Stereo

• Output Level 
  [Low] Unbalanced 2Vrms / Balanced 4Vrms (Condition No Load), [Mid] Unbalanced 4Vrms / Balanced 8Vrms (Condition No Load), [High] Unbalanced 6Vrms / Balanced 12Vrms (Condition No Load), [Super] Unbalanced 8Vrms / Balanced 15Vrms (Condition No Load)

• CPU 

  Quad-core

• DAC 

  ESS ES9038Q2M x4 (Quad-DAC)

• Decoding 

  Support up to 32-bit/768kHz Bit-to-Bit Playback

• Input 

  USB Type-C input (for charging & PC & MAC)

• Outputs 

  Unbalanced Out (3.5mm), Optical Out (3.5mm) Balanced Out (2.5mm, only 4-pole supported | 4.4m, only 5-pole supported)

• Wi-Fi 

  802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz)

• Bluetooth 

  V5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, LDAC)

• Dimensions 

  2.68″(68.3mm)[W] x 4.6″(117mm)[H] x 0.92″(23.6mm)[D]

• Weight 

  about 10.76oz (305g)

• Feature Enhancements 

  Firmware upgrade supported (OTA)

• Operating Temperature 

  0℃ ~ + 40℃ (32℉~ 104℉)

Audio Performance

• Frequency Response 

  ±0.023dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced │ ±0.026dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced ±0.035dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced │ ±0.072dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced

• S/N 

  114dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 115dB @ 1kHz, Balanced

• Crosstalk 

  -124dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ -135dB @ 1kHz, Balanced

• THD+N 

  0.0003% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 0.0004% @ 1kHz, Balanced

• IMD SMPTE 

  0.0007% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced │ 0.0007% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Balanced

• Output Impedance 

  Unbalanced Out 3.5mm (1ohm) │ Balanced Out 2.5mm (1.6ohm), 4.4mm (1.6ohm)

Clock Source

• Clock Jitter 

  25ps (Typ)

• Reference Clock Jitter 

  70ps

Battery

• Capacity 

  5,600mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer

• Charge Time 

  about 3.5 hours (9V 1.67A Fast Charging) | 5.5hours (5V 2A General Charging)

• Playback Time 

  about 13 hours (Standard: FLAC, 16bit, 44.1kHz, Unbalanced, Vol.40, LCD Off, LED On, Low Gain)

Memory

• Built-in Memory 

  64GB [NAND]

• External Memory 

  microSD x1 (Max. 1TB)

OS

• Supported OS 

  Windows 7,8,10(32/64bit) MAC OS X 10.7

Etc.

•  

  – Audio was NOT muted during the measurement. – The image/specification may be changed without notice to improve product performance and quality.