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Choose the Astell & Kern SR35 for maximum portability or a 2.5mm balanced headphone connection. Choose the PD5 if you want more output headroom, switchable Quad/Octa DAC operation, a larger stated microSD limit, and the manufacturer’s longer advertised playback figure. The PD5 is the more capable design on paper, but its extra hardware is useful only if your headphones, listening habits, and carrying preferences benefit from it.
What Hi-Fi’s review published October 7, 2026, judged the PD5 a clear step up from the SR35 after its listening period. That is an editorial listening opinion, not a controlled measurement or a guarantee that every system will sound better.
The short answer
The decision is less about a universally “better” player than about which compromises fit your setup. The SR35 is the compact choice: it is smaller, lighter, and the only model here with a 2.5mm balanced output. The PD5 is physically larger but adds switchable Quad/Octa DAC operation, higher listed output levels, Bluetooth 5.3, and a higher stated microSD capacity ceiling.
Both players have 64GB of internal storage, 3.5mm unbalanced output, 4.4mm balanced output, and microSD expansion. If your headphones use 2.5mm balanced, the SR35 is the straightforward choice unless you replace or re-terminate the cable. If you use power-hungry headphones or want more output margin, the PD5’s ratings are the more attractive starting point. Those ratings describe electrical capability, not guaranteed sound quality.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
PD5 vs. SR35 specifications at a glance
| Specification | Astell & Kern PD5 | Astell & Kern SR35 | Practical significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 69.7 × 119.7 × 16.1 mm | 64 × 108.3 × 16.1 mm | The SR35 takes less room in a pocket or small bag. |
| Weight | About 198 g | About 184 g | The SR35 is the lighter carry. |
| DAC configuration | Eight CS43198 DACs; switchable Quad and Octa modes | Four CS43198 DACs; Quad DAC operation | The PD5 offers a newer, selectable architecture; chip count alone does not prove an audible advantage. |
| Maximum listed output | Quad mode: 3 Vrms unbalanced / 6 Vrms balanced; Octa mode: 4 Vrms / 8 Vrms, no-load condition | Normal gain: 2.1 Vrms unbalanced / 4 Vrms balanced; high gain: 3.1 Vrms / 6 Vrms, no-load condition | More voltage headroom can help some headphones, but output figures are not a sound-quality ranking. |
| Headphone outputs | 3.5 mm unbalanced and 4.4 mm balanced | 3.5 mm unbalanced, 2.5 mm balanced, and 4.4 mm balanced | Only the SR35 accepts a 2.5mm balanced plug directly. |
| Internal storage | 64GB | 64GB | Neither has an advantage before adding a memory card. |
| Maximum listed microSD capacity | Up to 1.5TB | Up to 1TB | The PD5 leaves more stated room for a very large offline library. |
| Advertised playback | Up to 28 hours | About 20 hours under the manufacturer’s stated test setup | These are manufacturer claims with different disclosed conditions, not a controlled head-to-head result. |
| Bluetooth | Version 5.3; aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC, SBC, and AAC listed | Version 5.0; aptX HD and LDAC listed | Codec support matters only when it matches the transmitting device and your actual wireless use. |
The dimensions, weights, DAC details, output ratings, storage limits, battery claims, and wireless specifications above come from the respective official Astell & Kern product pages.
Portability: the SR35 wins the pocket test
Why the SR35 is easier to carry
The SR35 has the smaller footprint and lower weight. That difference is modest on paper, but it becomes noticeable when the player shares a pocket with a phone, keys, or a headphone case. Its slimmer outline is also easier to handle one-handed while walking or commuting.
Choose the SR35 when your player will travel every day, spend long periods in a jacket pocket, or accompany lightweight in-ear monitors. The smaller chassis does not reduce the storage or basic output options that most portable listeners use: you still get 3.5mm, 4.4mm, 64GB of built-in space, and card expansion.
What the PD5’s larger body buys you
The PD5 occupies more space and weighs more, but that physical penalty houses its additional DAC configuration and higher output capability. It is better suited to a bag, desk, or dedicated listening setup than to the smallest possible pocket loadout. If you already carry a case, dongle, or amplifier, the difference may be unimportant; if you want a barely noticeable player, it matters.
DAC architecture and output power
PD5: switchable Quad and Octa modes
The PD5 uses eight CS43198 DACs and lets you select Quad or Octa operation. The switch gives you a hardware configuration choice rather than a single fixed mode. Its listed no-load output is higher in Octa mode than in Quad mode, with balanced output providing the greatest voltage headroom.
More DAC chips do not automatically produce a perceptible improvement. The audible result depends on the complete analog stage, output impedance, gain structure, headphones, recording, and listening level. Treat the PD5’s architecture as added flexibility and output capability, not as proof that it must sound better.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
SR35: simpler Quad DAC implementation
The SR35 uses four CS43198 DACs in Quad configuration. Its normal- and high-gain settings let you choose between lower and higher output ranges. For efficient in-ear monitors and many portable headphones, that is likely to be sufficient; the relevant question is whether your headphones reach your normal listening level cleanly without running out of volume.
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How to interpret the voltage figures
Vrms is an electrical voltage measurement. A higher rating can provide more headroom for headphones with lower sensitivity or higher impedance, reducing the chance that you will run out of volume before reaching a comfortable level. It does not tell you how loud a particular headphone will play by itself, because sensitivity, impedance, frequency, and the recording’s level also matter.
The published figures are specified under no-load conditions. Real headphones draw current and present complex loads, so do not assume the exact maximum will be available in every use. Also avoid comparing a balanced rating directly with an unbalanced rating as though they were equivalent connections.
Headphone connectors: check your cable before buying
Shared connections
Both players provide a 3.5mm unbalanced output and a 4.4mm balanced output. Those two plugs cover many current headphone and in-ear-monitor cables, so owners of either player can usually connect without an adapter.
The SR35’s 2.5mm advantage
The SR35 adds a 2.5mm balanced jack. If your existing cable terminates in 2.5mm balanced, this is the only model in the comparison that accepts it directly. The PD5 does not include that socket; you would need a compatible replacement cable or an appropriate adapter, and an adapter must preserve the correct balanced wiring.
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Do not insert a 2.5mm balanced plug into a 3.5mm socket with a passive mechanical adapter. Balanced and unbalanced wiring are different, and an incorrect adapter can short channels or damage the output stage. Confirm the plug type and wiring with the cable manufacturer before connecting it.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Storage for an offline music library
Each player provides 64GB of internal storage, so the practical difference appears when you add a microSD card. The PD5 has the higher stated capacity ceiling, while the SR35’s listed limit is lower but still large enough for many lossless libraries.
Capacity needs vary dramatically with format. A library of compressed files may fit comfortably on internal storage; a collection of high-resolution albums, DSD files, or multiple copies of large concert recordings can consume card space quickly. If you plan to keep your entire library offline, estimate the size of the files you actually own rather than relying on album counts.
MicroSD buying checklist
- Verify the card’s capacity against the player’s stated limit: up to 1.5TB for PD5 or up to 1TB for SR35.
- Use a reputable card and buy from an authorized source to reduce counterfeit-card risk.
- Format the card in the player or according to the current device instructions before copying music.
- Keep a second copy of irreplaceable music on a computer or backup drive; the card is not a backup.
- Allow time for the player to rescan a large library after insertion or major file changes.
Battery claims: do not treat 28 hours and 20 hours as a lab comparison
Astell & Kern advertises up to 28 hours for the PD5. The SR35 specification lists about 20 hours under a defined setup: FLAC at 16-bit/44.1kHz, normal gain, unbalanced output, volume 50, display off, and dual-DAC mode.
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The available PD5 specification does not disclose matching test conditions in the same detail. Different file resolutions, gain, output type, screen use, wireless radios, volume, and DAC mode can materially change runtime. Therefore, the honest conclusion is that the manufacturers publish different battery claims, not that the PD5 has been proven to last exactly eight hours longer in comparable use.
What to expect in real use
Screen-on browsing, high gain, balanced output, high-resolution files, Bluetooth transmission, and frequent library scans all consume more power than the SR35’s stated test setup. Conversely, local CD-quality files, a dark screen, lower volume, and wired unbalanced listening may approach the published conditions more closely. Use the figures for planning rather than as a guarantee for a particular travel day.
Wireless codec differences
The PD5 lists Bluetooth 5.3 and support for aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC, SBC, and AAC. The SR35 lists Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD and LDAC. The newer Bluetooth version and longer codec list give the PD5 broader stated compatibility, but a codec is useful only when the source device, operating system, and receiving equipment support the same option.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
For a wired-first listener, these differences may never affect a purchase. For someone who regularly sends audio to wireless headphones or a speaker, check the codec actually negotiated by your phone or computer. A device advertising a codec does not force the connection to use it, and Bluetooth settings can fall back to another codec when conditions or device support require it.
Sound quality: separate specifications from listening judgment
What Hi-Fi’s October 7, 2026 review reports using several wired headphones and describes the PD5 as a clear step up from the SR35. That is useful context for buyers who value the publication’s listening methodology, but it remains a subjective editorial assessment. It was not presented as a controlled, independently replicated measurement that predicts every listener’s result.
The official specifications establish the players’ architecture, outputs, storage, wireless support, and battery claims. They do not establish that one will sound better with every headphone. Differences in headphone sensitivity, cable termination, gain, volume matching, recordings, and personal preference can outweigh a component-count comparison.
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Choose the SR35 when portability is the priority
The SR35 is the sensible pick for commuters, travelers, and anyone who wants the smaller player. Its lower weight reduces the burden of carrying a dedicated music device, while the shared 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs preserve the most common connection choices.
Choose the SR35 when you own 2.5mm balanced headphones
If your preferred cable already ends in 2.5mm balanced and you do not want to buy another cable, the SR35 avoids an additional expense and compatibility question. This is a concrete connector advantage rather than a claim about sound quality.
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The PD5’s higher listed output options provide more headroom for headphones that need voltage. Check your headphone’s impedance and sensitivity, then consider whether your current source already reaches your normal level with margin. If it does, extra output may not improve your experience.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Choose the PD5 for a very large local library
The higher stated microSD ceiling gives the PD5 more room for a large offline collection. That advantage matters only if your library exceeds what a smaller card can hold; both players begin with the same internal capacity.
Choose the PD5 if its wireless codec list matches your system
Listeners who use LHDC, AAC, or newer Bluetooth equipment may prefer the PD5’s broader listed codec support. Confirm support on both sides of the wireless link before treating the list as a benefit.
A practical buying and setup checklist
- Identify your headphone plug. Write down whether you use 3.5mm unbalanced, 2.5mm balanced, or 4.4mm balanced. A 2.5mm requirement points to the SR35 unless you change cables.
- Check power requirements. Look up your headphones’ impedance and sensitivity. If your current source struggles to reach comfortable volume, the PD5’s higher listed output is the more relevant specification.
- Estimate your library. Add the actual file sizes of your lossless and high-resolution music, then choose a card within the player’s stated capacity limit.
- Decide how you carry the player. For a pocket-first setup, favor the smaller SR35. For bag or desk use, the PD5’s larger chassis may be an acceptable trade.
- Match wireless codecs. Check the codec support of the transmitter and receiver you will use, not just the player’s specification sheet.
- Set realistic battery expectations. Treat the published runtimes as manufacturer claims under particular or incompletely disclosed conditions. Plan charging around your use of balanced output, high gain, screen time, and Bluetooth.
- Update and verify before a trip. Confirm current firmware, card compatibility, library indexing behavior, and retailer return terms at the time of purchase, because these details can change.
Important limitations before you buy
Current street prices, regional stock, retailer policies, firmware changes, supported streaming applications, long-term reliability, and independently controlled comparative measurements are not established here. Those details can change by country and over time, so verify them on the current manufacturer page or with the retailer serving your region.
The battery figures are not directly comparable test results, and the PD5’s higher DAC count and output rating should not be presented as universal proof of superior sound. The What Hi-Fi verdict is a review opinion, not a guarantee for every headphone and listener.
Final recommendation
For most buyers, start with the connector and portability decision. Buy the SR35 if you want the smaller, lighter player or need 2.5mm balanced output. Buy the PD5 if you will use its greater output headroom, switchable Quad/Octa architecture, broader listed Bluetooth codec support, or larger stated microSD limit—and you are comfortable carrying the larger device.
If neither player’s distinctive advantage applies to your setup, the SR35’s compact form makes it the safer practical choice. If your headphones are demanding or your library and wireless requirements are unusually ambitious, the PD5’s additional capability gives it the stronger case.
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.
