Astell&Kern

The History of Astell & Kern: Pioneers in High-Resolution Audio

Astell & Kern, a prominent name in the high-resolution audio industry, has a fascinating history that spans a decade of innovation, technological advancements, and a relentless pursuit of delivering the ultimate listening experience to audiophiles worldwide. In this brief history, we will explore the origins, milestones, and continual growth of this remarkable company.

Origins and Early Days (2012-2014)

Astell & Kern's story began in 2012 when the South Korean company iRiver, a pioneer in the digital audio player (DAP) market, decided to launch a new luxury brand focused on high-resolution audio. With the combination of the words "Astell," meaning "star" and "Kern," meaning "centre," Astell & Kern was born, symbolizing the company's mission to be at the centre of the music universe.

Their first product, the AK100, quickly gained the attention of audiophiles for its ability to handle high-resolution audio files and deliver exceptional sound quality. The success of the AK100 led to the release of the AK120 in 2013, which further solidified the brand's reputation for high-quality devices.

Expansion and Milestones (2014-2017)

In 2014, Astell & Kern made waves in the industry with the introduction of the AK240, a ground-breaking DAP that featured a dual DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) design and native DSD playback. This flagship model elevated the brand to new heights and demonstrated their commitment to pushing the boundaries of audio technology.

In 2015, the company released the AK Jr, an entry-level high-resolution audio player that made their technology more accessible to a broader audience. The same year, they also launched the AK380, another flagship model that showcased advanced features such as a parametric equalizer, dual AKM DACs, and a 32-bit/384kHz bit-to-bit playback.

Astell & Kern continued to innovate and expand their product range, releasing the KANN series in 2017, which offered a powerful built-in headphone amplifier and an expandable memory capacity. This series catered to those who needed more power to drive their high-quality headphones and emphasized the brand's versatility.

Recent Developments and Future (2018-Present)

The company's relentless pursuit of innovation continued in recent years with the launch of the A&ultima series, featuring the SP1000, SP2000, and SE200 models. These devices boast cutting-edge technology, including multiple DAC configurations, high-resolution touchscreens, and an enhanced user experience.

In 2020, Astell & Kern released the SA700, a DAP that celebrated the company's rich heritage by incorporating design elements from their original AK120 model while still offering the latest in high-resolution audio technology.

As Astell & Kern marches into the future, they remain committed to their core values of innovation, quality, and delivering the ultimate listening experience to their customers. With a decade of accomplishments and a growing list of ground-breaking products, the company continues to solidify its position as a leader in the high-resolution audio industry.

 For More Info Contact:

For more information on the ranges of Astell and Kern Products or If you have any questions or queries or would like to have a demonstration and listen to your favorite vinyl and your favorite tracks in our demonstration rooms, please get in touch with our team of experts on 02476 631707 or 02476 525200 or use our Contact Form. We would love to hear from you.

Explore the HiFix Blog: Your Ultimate Guide to Hi-Fi Excellence
Welcome to the HiFix Blog, the home of Hi-Fi excellence, where you can discover a wealth of information on everything related to high-quality audio systems. Our blog covers a broad range of topics, from essential components and product reviews to tips and tricks for improving your audio experience. Whether you're a seasoned audiophile or a newcomer to the world of Hi-Fi, our blog offers valuable insights and expert advice to help you make the most of your audio setup.