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The Astell & Kern PD5 is a portable digital audio player with eight Cirrus Logic DACs that can operate in Quad-DAC or Octa-DAC mode. It has 64GB of built-in storage, a microSD slot, 3.5mm unbalanced and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs, and wireless connectivity. Its advertised battery life—up to 28 hours—applies only to a specific Quad-DAC test condition, not Octa-DAC playback.
What is the Astell & Kern PD5?
The PD5 is a dedicated portable digital audio player (DAP) for playing music from local storage and wireless sources. Astell & Kern’s official UK product page lists eight Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs, a 4.1-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, and two headphone outputs. Its aluminum body measures 69.7 × 119.7 × 16.1mm and weighs about 198g, according to the manufacturer.
The player offers two DAC operating modes: Quad-DAC and Octa-DAC. Astell & Kern describes Quad-DAC as the more power-efficient mode; Octa-DAC engages all eight DACs. The specifications establish the modes and their stated output levels, but do not establish that using more DACs necessarily sounds better.
What are the PD5’s specifications?
| Specification | Astell & Kern listing |
|---|---|
| DACs and modes | 8 × Cirrus Logic CS43198; Quad-DAC and Octa-DAC |
| Internal storage | 64GB |
| Expansion | One microSD slot; up to 1.5TB |
| Headphone outputs | 3.5mm unbalanced; 4.4mm balanced, five-pole only |
| Display | 4.1-inch touchscreen; 720 × 1280 |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4GHz and 5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Battery | 4,000mAh |
| Dimensions and weight | 69.7 × 119.7 × 16.1mm; about 198g |
How long does the PD5 battery last?
Astell & Kern specifies up to 28 hours in Quad-DAC mode under these conditions: FLAC at 16-bit/44.1kHz, volume 50, and the LCD off. This is a manufacturer figure, not an independent battery test. The manufacturer does not state an equivalent runtime for Octa-DAC mode, so the 28-hour figure should not be applied to it. Astell & Kern lists charging at about 2.5 hours with PD 3.0.
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Does the PD5 have a balanced headphone output?
Yes. The PD5 has a 4.4mm balanced output as well as a 3.5mm unbalanced output. Astell & Kern specifies support for five-pole 4.4mm connections only. Its no-load output levels are:
| Mode | 3.5mm unbalanced | 4.4mm balanced |
|---|---|---|
| Quad-DAC | 3Vrms | 6Vrms |
| Octa-DAC | 4Vrms | 8Vrms |
These are manufacturer-specified no-load levels, not a guarantee of how the player will perform with every headphone. Check your headphone’s connector and requirements before choosing a cable or adapter.
Rank #2
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- Dual AKM AK4492ECB DAC chips and quad-core CPU for outstanding response and performance
- Intuitive user interface and 4.1 inch display touchscreen to create the best viewing experience
- 128GB of internal memory and 1 microSD card slot (up to 1TB card support); USB Type-C support for charging and data transfer; up to 8.5 hours of music playback
- WiFi and Bluetooth aptX HD for wireless streaming including Open App Streaming for online/offline on select apps such as Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, Amazon Music, etc.
What audio formats and wireless features does it support?
Local music files
The manufacturer lists WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, and DSF support. Its specifications list PCM playback up to 384kHz and native DSD up to DSD256.
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The PD5’s listed Bluetooth codecs are aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC, SBC, and AAC. Its Wi-Fi supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. Astell & Kern also lists Roon Ready and Qobuz Connect integrations on the product page.
Rank #3
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- Supported Audio Formats: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE(Normal, High, Fast), AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF
- Body Material: Aluminum
- Display: 3.1" WQVGA (240 x 400) Touchscreen
Those named integrations do not confirm that every music-service app is available on the player in every region. What Hi-Fi?’s 4 August 2026 launch coverage described support for services beyond the then-confirmed details as uncertain; examples it raised were assumptions, not confirmed compatibility. Check the current app or service support for your region before buying if a particular streaming service is essential.
Can you expand the PD5’s storage?
Yes. The player has 64GB of internal memory and one microSD slot that supports cards up to 1.5TB, according to Astell & Kern. A card is not listed among the included items, so buyers with a large local music library may need to purchase one separately. Confirm card compatibility before buying.
Rank #4
- Astell&Kern AK500N Network Media Player, AK T5P Beyerdynamics Special Limited Editon Headphones, ProStudio Optical/Coaxial Audio Connection Kit
- The AK500N is the first desktop network audio product from Astell&Kern that truly combines advanced digital technology with analog sound. The AK500N is the culmination of the experience and know-how accumulated from work on the AK series including the AK240. One-click CD-ripping and perfect noise isolation through battery-only operation. PCM to DSD conversion faithful to the original sound and excellent compatibility with a wide range of devices. Easy DLNA-based networking and high-reliability SSD.
- Although the AK500N is desktop audio device, it was designed to use a built-in battery for noise isolation. The AK500N physically blocks noise generated in the AC power supply to prevent sound degradation at all levels. Music playback on the AK500N is achieved with battery-only operation, creating a truly Pure Sound. The SMPS (Switched Mode Power Supply) employed in the AK500N is an outstanding device with a Level 5 efficiency rating. The noise-sensitive power ripple noise* is below 50mVp-p at full load (5A).
- The AK500N features a dedicated DSD chipset for DSD playback and converts PCM file to DSD64 data through audio engine of Astell&Kern. The AK500N converts high-resolution 32 bit/384 kHz WAV PCM and 24 bit/352 kHz FLAC PCM file to DSD64 data without any down-sampling. In Addition, real time PCM file to DSD64 data playback available.
- The AK500N features multi-level cell (MLC) SSD rather than a triple-level cell (TLC) SSD for increased durability and reliability. The vibration noise generated by conventional HDDs has been eliminated completely. Save and load large amounts of data even faster than traditional HDDs through the superior speed and stability of SSDs.
What comes in the PD5 box?
Astell & Kern lists a USB-C to USB-C cable, a TPU case, three screen protectors, a quick start guide, and a warranty card as included items. The brand also lists a separate PD5 Case; that optional accessory is distinct from the TPU case listed in the box.
How much does the PD5 cost?
The Astell & Kern UK storefront displayed a price of £899 and marked the product “Sold out” when checked on 7 October 2026. This is a UK listing observed on that date, not a worldwide price or a guarantee of current availability. Check the manufacturer’s regional product page for the latest price and stock in your market.
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- 【Perfect Lossless Audio】Our HiFi music player boasts advanced ESS Sabre ESS9038Q2M DAC chip, ensuring crystal-clear, lossless audio playback. With a maximum sampling rate of 32-bit/384 kHz, experience unprecedented music quality, supporting all major lossless music formats: FLAC, WAV, WMA, M4A, MP3, and more.
- 【4.4mm/3.5mm Outputs】F35 hi res music player with independent amplification channels, with single-ended 3.5mm, balanced 4.4mm, and 1Vpp coaxial type-C outputs, delivering powerful amplification, wider soundstage, and exquisite detail. The unique ALPS scroll control wheel enables smooth operation, ensuring you get the best listening experience.
- 【Humanized Design】This Bluetooth high resolution MP3 player features a 4.0-inch TFT touch screen (480*800), an integrated aluminum body, and a 5-axis CNC technology alloy chassis, providing a comfortable grip and touch, not to mention durable protection for prolonged durability, offering a rich and premium feel!
- 【Bi-Directional Bluetooth】Upgraded bi-directional 4.2 Bluetooth functionality transforms this Bluetooth MP3 player into a versatile audio hub. It can serve as both a Bluetooth audio source and a professional Bluetooth decoding amplifier. Supports AAC, SBC, and other high-quality lossless transmissions, allowing you to enjoy true HiFi music while running, exercising, or driving!
What should you know about the PD5’s sound claims?
The available product specifications and launch coverage do not establish an independent listening test, laboratory measurement, or owner assessment. Treat claims about sound quality as manufacturer positioning rather than proven comparative results. DAC count and maximum output figures alone are not enough to determine whether a player is the right choice for a particular listener or headphone.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
