{"product_id":"astell-kern-kann-ultra-digital-audio-player","title":"Astell\u0026Kern KANN Ultra Digital Audio Player","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Astell\u0026amp;Kern KANN ULTRA is the fifth KANN player and the most powerful Astell\u0026amp;Kern player yet. Four gain levels reach 16Vrms balanced, desktop hi-fi level output that drives many of today’s headphones with no external amplifier. Two ESS ES9039MPRO DACs feed Astell\u0026amp;Kern’s Triple Output design, with separate headphone, pre and line outputs, and it is the first KANN with an octa-core processor, Digital Audio Remaster and the Crimson interface, with an 8,400mAh battery for about 11 hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/AKKANNULTRA_1000x837_0374a7c7-4d90-4ec5-9a8e-7c01bddb903e.jpg?v=1767202148\" alt=\"Astell\u0026amp;Kern KANN ULTRA driving full-size headphones\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTriple Output, triple sound\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstead of simply separating the sockets, TERATON ALPHA gives the headphone output and the pre\/line output their own amplifier and sound design, so each suits its job: demanding headphones, detailed IEMs or external equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeadphone out\u003c\/strong\u003e (3.5mm, with S\/PDIF optical, and 4.4mm balanced): four gain levels up to 16Vrms, to run demanding high-impedance headphones from the player alone.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePre out\u003c\/strong\u003e: a dedicated pre-amplifier rather than the high-power headphone amp, with the volume wheel controlling the level, for an external amplifier or audio device (up to 2Vrms \/ 4Vrms, no gain settings).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLine out\u003c\/strong\u003e: the DAC’s output directly, with no amplifier, for the lowest noise into external equipment, at a fixed level (four settings) with no volume control. Never switch Line Out on with headphones plugged into the pre\/line socket: it could permanently damage your hearing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/astell-kern-kann-ultra-digital-audio-player-photo-triple-output.jpg?v=1791403384\" alt=\"Triple Output: headphone, pre and line outputs of the Astell\u0026amp;Kern KANN ULTRA\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFour gains, up to 16Vrms\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo match every IEM and headphone, the output port handles more current at each gain level, and separate balanced and unbalanced amplifiers optimise the current and lower the noise. Compared with the high-output KANN CUBE, the KANN ULTRA has the same output, a larger 5.5-inch screen and a better grip, and is much lighter at 390g (KANN CUBE: 493g).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGain\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnbalanced 3.5mm · balanced 4.4mm (no load)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLow\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2Vrms · 4Vrms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMid\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4Vrms · 8Vrms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHigh\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6Vrms · 12Vrms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSuper\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8Vrms · 16Vrms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/astell-kern-kann-ultra-digital-audio-player-photo-outputs.jpg?v=1791403389\" alt=\"Headphone and pre\/line outputs of the Astell\u0026amp;Kern KANN ULTRA\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTERATON ALPHA and ES9039MPRO\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUltra-high output, Triple Output and a complex, low-noise amplifier in a portable player depend on TERATON ALPHA, now refined with what Astell\u0026amp;Kern learned about noise at very high power from the KANN MAX and CA1000: effective power-noise removal, efficient power management, unwavering amplification and a fully converted output interface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe two ES9039MPRO DACs are ESS’s newest flagship, an update of the ES9039PRO with a built-in stereo hardware MQA renderer and more advanced modulation that cuts power consumption, noise and distortion, for a richer, more expansive sound. Astell\u0026amp;Kern redesigned the amplifier block so every Triple Output port shows the DACs at their best.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/astell-kern-kann-ultra-digital-audio-player-photo-dual-dac.jpg?v=1791403393\" alt=\"Dual ESS ES9039MPRO DACs in the Astell\u0026amp;Kern KANN ULTRA\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/astell-kern-kann-ultra-digital-audio-player-photo-block-diagram.jpg?v=1791403398\" alt=\"Audio block diagram of the Astell\u0026amp;Kern KANN ULTRA\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOcta-core, shielded audio\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first KANN with a next-generation octa-core processor runs faster and makes the fourth-generation interface flow more smoothly. The audio circuit is physically separated from the processor area, with its CPU, memory and wireless parts, and has its own shield can to keep their heat and noise away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/astell-kern-kann-ultra-digital-audio-player-photo-octa-core.jpg?v=1791403404\" alt=\"Octa-core processor module of the Astell\u0026amp;Kern KANN ULTRA\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCrimson interface and sound tools\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Crimson interface, new to the KANN series, makes it a player for music: browse categories quickly, rediscover songs and search album art, in black with red highlights that reduce visual fatigue, with improved streaming app services, artist view and album sorting. The Roon ARC app is supported through Open Service, for remote access to your whole personal library with rich metadata.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/astell-kern-kann-ultra-digital-audio-player-photo-ui.jpg?v=1791403409\" alt=\"Astell\u0026amp;Kern KANN ULTRA Crimson interface\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeven DAC filters\u003c\/strong\u003e let you shape the sound:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMinimum Phase (default)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow latency, minimal pre-ringing, low passband ripple\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLinear Phase Apodizing\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull image rejection by FS\/2 to avoid aliasing, smooth roll-off starting before 20kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLinear Phase Fast Roll-Off\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe most common filter: clean suppression, high rejection, crisp highs, for high-transient music\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLinear Phase Slow Roll-Off\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow group delay, less ringing than fast roll-off, punchier bass with clean highs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMinimum Phase Fast Roll-Off\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimal pre-ringing for imaging and soundstage, stronger bass than linear phase\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMinimum Phase Slow Roll-Off\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAsymmetric, minimal pre-ringing, strong punchy bass with good attack\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMinimum Phase Slow Roll-Off Low Dispersion\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBalances the low latency of minimum phase with the low dispersion of linear phase\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital Audio Remaster (DAR)\u003c\/strong\u003e upsamples beyond the source format for more refined, analogue-like playback: in PCM mode, 44.1kHz-family files play at 352.8kHz and 48kHz-family at 384kHz; in DSD mode, PCM below 96kHz plays as DSD128, above 96kHz as DSD256, and DSD below DSD256 as DSD256. \u003cstrong\u003eCrossfeed\u003c\/strong\u003e sends part of each channel to the other with a small delay to centre the image like speakers, with adjustable Shelf Cutoff, Shelf Gain and Mixer Level, for less fatigue on long sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEveryday features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNative DSD512 and 32-bit\/768kHz\u003c\/strong\u003e bit-to-bit playback, plus MQA.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLED volume wheel\u003c\/strong\u003e shows the volume or the bit depth of the track, and can be switched off.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBluetooth 5.3\u003c\/strong\u003e with LDAC, LHDC and aptX HD, and \u003cstrong\u003eBT Sink\u003c\/strong\u003e to play music from your phone through the KANN ULTRA.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAK File Drop\u003c\/strong\u003e wireless transfers and \u003cstrong\u003eReplayGain\u003c\/strong\u003e (up to 24-bit\/192kHz).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual-band Wi-Fi\u003c\/strong\u003e (2.4\/5GHz) for streaming.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDesign: Forceful Impact\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe design concept is “Forceful Impact”: an over-scaled volume wheel that looks slammed into the hexagonal KANN body. Visible parting lines are minimised and the edge of the body around the wheel acts as its protector, emphasising a solid chunk of metal. Decorative parts continue the wheel’s serrated pattern to make it look bigger, a hairline spin finish and engraving sit behind it, and the wheel’s orientation was redesigned for use on a desk or in the hand. The aluminium body is Astro Gray.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/astell-kern-kann-ultra-digital-audio-player-photo-wheel.jpg?v=1791403414\" alt=\"Over-scaled volume wheel of the Astell\u0026amp;Kern KANN ULTRA\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/AKKANNULTRA_1000x856_79ebe731-27b2-4af4-a7f1-acd2c2618d32.jpg?v=1767202155\" alt=\"Astell\u0026amp;Kern KANN ULTRA on a desk with headphones\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDAC\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 × ESS ES9039MPRO · octa-core CPU\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFormats\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA · PCM 8kHz–768kHz (up to 32-bit) · native DSD64–DSD512\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHeadphone out\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.5mm unbalanced (and optical) · 4.4mm balanced (5-pole) · up to 8 \/ 16Vrms · 1Ω \/ 1.3Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePre\/line out\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.5mm unbalanced · 4.4mm balanced (5-pole) · 2 \/ 4Vrms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFrequency response\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeadphone ±0.006dB unbalanced · ±0.004dB balanced (20Hz–20kHz)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eS\/N\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeadphone 115 \/ 119dB · pre 110 \/ 126dB · line 110 \/ 125dB (unbalanced \/ balanced, 1kHz)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTHD+N\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeadphone 0.0004% · pre 0.0012% \/ 0.0005% · line 0.0013% \/ 0.0005% · IMD SMPTE 0.0006%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eClock jitter\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e25ps typical · reference clock 200 femtoseconds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWireless\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWi-Fi 802.11 a\/b\/g\/n\/ac (2.4\/5GHz) · Bluetooth 5.3 (A2DP, AVRCP, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eScreen and storage\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.5-inch 1080 × 1920 touch · 128GB · microSD up to 1TB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBattery\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8,400mAh · about 11 hours · charge about 3.5 hours (PD 3.0)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSize and weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e82.4 × 141.1 × 24.4mm (W × H × D) · about 390g · aluminium, Astro Gray\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGood to know\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB-C charges the player and connects it to a Windows 8\/10\/11 or Mac computer. Firmware updates over the air.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe 4.4mm sockets accept 5-pole plugs only. There is no 2.5mm balanced output.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the box: KANN ULTRA, USB-C to USB-C cable, three screen protectors, quick start guide and warranty card.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompare with the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/astell-kern-kann-max-digital-audio-player\"\u003eAstell\u0026amp;Kern KANN MAX\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Astell \u0026 Kern","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57117259235715,"sku":"AKKANNULTRA","price":1599.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/img_proxy_f84a3bb4-7594-4599-ba14-86c811436793.jpg?v=1767202176","url":"https:\/\/www.advancedmp3players.co.uk\/products\/astell-kern-kann-ultra-digital-audio-player","provider":"amp3","version":"1.0","type":"link"}