This Package Includes
KANN MAX Portable Hi-Fi Music Player with Quad DAC & Bluetooth
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, Astell&Kern has 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.
Features:
- 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 automatically adjusts the 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. 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.
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, they 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.
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 the 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
The latest Bluetooth version provides high sound quality with the convenience of wireless playback to headphones and IEMs. Bluetooth 5.0 features a faster transmission speed, greater range, and a more stable wireless connection when compared to Bluetooth 4.2. Both LDAC and aptX HD are supported to provide audiophiles with the best wireless sound possible.
Wireless Hi-Fi Sound Through BT Sink
The newly introduced 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.
AK File Drop to Enjoy Wireless Transfers
The new AK File Drop function in the KANN MAX makes file 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 that displays various playback information, including volume level and bit rate of the track currently playing.
KANN MAX Tanned Leather Case
The Perfect Fit and Best Grip
The case of KANN MAX is made of high-quality vegetable-tanned leather from Conceria Walpier and Badalassi Carlo. It boasts a high degree of perfection that matches the design of KANN MAX. The case is available in three colors and is wrapped around the entire product, providing excellent protection and the best grip with a perfect fit.
About the Tanneries
Leather from Conceria Walpier
Established in 1973 in San Miniato, Tuscany, Italy, Walpier Tannery has been in business for three generations and has a long tradition of making leather products based on their highly regarded vegetable tanning processes. The tannery uses only 100% rawhide leathers imported from France and is a member of Vera Pelle, Italy’s association of vegetable-based leather tanners. Walpier's vegetable tanning is a traditional leather processing method handed down from father to son for centuries in the Tuscany region. The tanning process usually takes 40 days and is a process only practiced by Italian tanners around the world. In addition, leather products that undergo the vegetable-based tanning process continue to gradually tan over time according to the user's care, usage, style, etc., showing the user's lifestyle and making the product completely unique.
Leather from Badalassi Carlo
Badalassi Carlo, a tannery founded by Carlo Badalassi, a professor at a leather school in the Santa Croce region, has been producing leather for more than 40 years by integrating the traditional vegetable leather processing method developed in Tuscany with his unique theory and technology. Vegetable leather processing is an eco-friendly leather manufacturing method that takes a long time to complete by tanning leather only with tannins extracted from plants. The leathers of Badalassi Carlo use the vacchetta technique that was developed in Tuscany and then processed using vegetable oil for tanning. The company pursues high quality by creating products using small-batch, handcrafted traditional techniques rather than mass production. The tannery is highly regarded and preferred by famous manufacturers around the world who value the quality of leather produced.
About the Leather
Khaki Brown Leather Case - Mud Leather
The Khaki Brown case of KANN MAX uses Walpier vegetable-tanned leather. This is Astell&Kern’s first-time use of Mud leather, a leather product that contains a unique beauty with a strong yet soft feel. Mud leather is processed using raw hides from northern France that have narrow pores and excellent quality. This high-quality, full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather undergoes minimal artificial post-processing which produces a beautiful, natural luster while maintaining some of the original and natural markings. Since Mud is milled leather, the original grain is well preserved and remains true to its natural embossed texture. Although it is a very tough and durable leather, it has a unique feature of having a soft, smooth feel that is achieved by applying a light paraffin wax one time prior to milling.
Black Leather Case - Buttero Leather
Buttero leather is leather made by milling the leather to make it soft and natural on the surface. Buttero leather, like other leather used by Walpier, is manufactured from the finest French hides, so the texture is dense, and the surface is smooth. Due to Walpier’s highly regarded method of vegetable tanning, the Buttero leather boasts excellent color with a perfect surface finish and is highly resistant to scratches. This allows manufacturers to utilize the original texture of the leather without the problems normally associated with other vegetable processing.
Bluish Green Leather Case - Minerva Leather
Minerva leather, unlike Minerva Box, is a plain, un-milled leather that looks matte at first, but as it gets used, the color deepens and the luster increases, so you can see and feel the change over time. Minerva is a vegetable-tanned leather made using the unique Vacchetta method from Tuscany. At first, the leather looks matte with a lack of sheen, but over time it adds a natural luster and deepens the color. This is because there is no artificial coating on the leather surface, so the gloss rises naturally from the oil contained in the leather itself as it is used. As with other vegetable-tanned leathers, Minerva is especially beautiful with time.
