TechAudioAstell&Kern creates portable hi-fi players with high styleThe South Korean brand has a range of eccentric devices that excel in audio reproductionWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechAudioAstell&Kern creates portable hi-fi players with high styleThe South Korean brand has a range of eccentric devices that excel in audio reproductionWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
The South Korean brand has a range of eccentric devices that excel in audio reproduction
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Astell&Kern)
(Image credit: Astell&Kern)
Astell&Kern arrived fully formed. The South Korea-based audio specialists have been making weighty, faceted pocket players since 2012. Just as the rest of the world ditched the standalone MP3 players in favour of their smartphones, Astell&Kern doubled down on audio quality and material solidity, setting out its stall as a company that does things differently. For a start, A&K players eschew the lossy MP3 format in favour of hi-res audio files, accompanying this with ultra-solid build quality players to emphasise the importance of a pure amplification chain and the authenticity of lossless music.
(Image credit: Astell&Kern)
(Image credit: Astell&Kern)
The company offers a wide and slightly confusing range of digital audio players, from the five models in the A&ultima series, the four different players in the A&futura collection, the faceted surfaces of the three A&norma players and the hefty KANN series, a collection of tank-like devices that’ll play any format you throw at it.
(Image credit: Astell&Kern)
(Image credit: Astell&Kern)
We’re venturing deep into audiophile territory here, so if the thought of paying big money for what you might think are imperceptible gains in sonic purity doesn’t appeal, then A&K probably isn’t for you. The company’s basic Aux cable retails at around $99, which is at the upper limit of what such things should cost, even if you’re paying for the very best materials.
(Image credit: Astell&Kern)
(Image credit: Astell&Kern)
As well as these high-end components, connections, and cables, each product has a rock-like appearance that looks like it has been hewn from a solid mass. A&K tends to favour metals like stainless steel, aluminium, and copper, with contrasting textures and surfaces adding to the otherworldly, sci-fi feel of its products. The tech can also be eccentric. The SP2000T, for example, is a digital audio player incorporating a vacuum tube amp, promising the ultimate in vintage warmth, while the tilted screens and angled cases might not be to everyone’s taste.
(Image credit: Astell&Kern)
(Image credit: Astell&Kern)
Astell&Kern’s latest accessory is the ACRO CA1000, a desktop player that’s compact enough to be portable, with an 8,400mAh battery for up to ten hours of playback. The player’s 4.1” touchscreen folds up for easy viewing, and there are multiple outputs as well as. support for Bluetooth and wireless, as well as proprietary tech like ReplayGain which automatically matches track volume.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
(Image credit: Astell&Kern)
(Image credit: Astell&Kern)
The Astell&Kern ACRO CA1000 is available for £1,999
Find out more atwww.astellkern.co.uk.
This article is part ofThe T3 Edit, a collaboration between T3 and Wallpaper* which explores the very best blends of design, craft, and technology. Wallpaper* magazine is the world’s leading authority on contemporary design and The T3 Edit is your essential guide to what’s new and what’s next.
This article is part ofThe T3 Edit, a collaboration between T3 and Wallpaper* which explores the very best blends of design, craft, and technology. Wallpaper* magazine is the world’s leading authority on contemporary design and The T3 Edit is your essential guide to what’s new and what’s next.
This article is part ofThe T3 Edit, a collaboration between T3 and Wallpaper* which explores the very best blends of design, craft, and technology. Wallpaper* magazine is the world’s leading authority on contemporary design and The T3 Edit is your essential guide to what’s new and what’s next.
This article is part ofThe T3 Edit, a collaboration between T3 and Wallpaper* which explores the very best blends of design, craft, and technology. Wallpaper* magazine is the world’s leading authority on contemporary design and The T3 Edit is your essential guide to what’s new and what’s next.
This article is part ofThe T3 Edit, a collaboration between T3 and Wallpaper* which explores the very best blends of design, craft, and technology. Wallpaper* magazine is the world’s leading authority on contemporary design and The T3 Edit is your essential guide to what’s new and what’s next.
This article is part ofThe T3 Edit, a collaboration between T3 and Wallpaper* which explores the very best blends of design, craft, and technology. Wallpaper* magazine is the world’s leading authority on contemporary design and The T3 Edit is your essential guide to what’s new and what’s next.
The new Aston Martin Vantage Roadster is drop-top perfectionHave we already found the most beautiful car of 2025?
Have we already found the most beautiful car of 2025?
SwitchBot launches world’s first multitasking household robot – here are 5 features I didn’t expectWhat exactly is a multitasking household robot, you might ask?
What exactly is a multitasking household robot, you might ask?
Corsair HS80 Max Wireless review: a solid mid-tier gaming headsetA capable audio option for the price you’re paying
A capable audio option for the price you’re paying
Logitech C920 Pro HD review: a solid and affordable webcam upgradeThe Logitech C920 Pro HD has plenty to offer shoppers on a budget
The Logitech C920 Pro HD has plenty to offer shoppers on a budget
Microsoft’s 5-star Surface with keyboard is Best Buy’s killer dealBest buy it at Best Buy!
Best buy it at Best Buy!
Sonos' premium soundbar just hit its lowest-ever price in 5-star dealTop-tier sound doesn’t have to cost top dollar
Top-tier sound doesn’t have to cost top dollar
Huge 75in Sony TV is now cheaper than ever in Amazon’s Black Friday saleYou can now get a top-quality TV for less, with 100s of dollars off this set
You can now get a top-quality TV for less, with 100s of dollars off this set
Improve your Wi-Fi with 5-star Netgear kit – now cheaper than everThis is one of the most powerful home Wi-Fi setups you can have – and it has hit a new low price on Amazon
This is one of the most powerful home Wi-Fi setups you can have – and it has hit a new low price on Amazon
Samsung’s fan-favorite earbuds are cheaper than ever on Amazon right nowThe Galaxy Buds FE bring with them a superb listening experience at a low price – and that price just got even lower
The Galaxy Buds FE bring with them a superb listening experience at a low price – and that price just got even lower
Insta360 Link 2 review: a dream webcam for power usersA long list of features, a neat design, and crystal clear audio and video
A long list of features, a neat design, and crystal clear audio and video
