Astell&Kern, a name synonymous with top-tier portable hi-fi for the past ten years, whose exquisite and high-end digital audio players (DAPs) are the object of desire for many audiophiles on the go, has just announced its newest creation: the PS10. While not positioned as their absolute top-of-the-line model, the PS10 boasts a distinctive design that bridges the gap between portable convenience and high-fidelity home audio.

What truly sets the PS10 apart is its innovative docking cradle, which effectively turns the DAP into a high-resolution network streamer for your home system. This dual-purpose design means you can experience the PS10 as a premium portable player when you’re out and about, and then effortlessly integrate it into your home hi-fi setup as a central hub. The docking station features XLR balanced outputs for connection to powered speakers or a traditional two-channel system.

When operating as a wireless network streamer at home, the PS10 supports exceptional audio quality, handling files up to 32-bit, 768kHz, and DSD512. It also comes Roon Ready certified. For wireless connectivity, the PS10 includes Bluetooth with support for high-resolution codecs like aptX HD, LHDC, and LDAC, allowing for high-quality streaming to compatible wireless headphones. Additionally, it can act as a Bluetooth DAC, receiving audio from external sources like your smartphone and feeding it to your home system.

Internally, the PS10 is a powerhouse, featuring the HEXA audio circuit design from Astell&Kern’s flagship SP3000. It also incorporates four AKM AK4498EX DACs and two dedicated AK4191EQ chips for digital signal processing. Promising versatility with a wide range of headphones, the PS10 utilizes two separate amplifiers with normal and high gain modes, allowing for precise audio tuning. For those new to high-end audio, a “Smart Gain” feature automatically optimizes settings based on headphone impedance. The PS10 sports a sleek stainless steel and glass construction with a 6-inch touchscreen, notably being Astell&Kern’s first DAP to replace the signature side volume wheel with minimalist side button playback controls.