Astell&Kern has just announced their new KANN Alpha digital audio player. The Alpha is the 3rd release in the KANN lineup which features powerful output and plentiful input/output connectivity. For the first time an Astell&Kern player has a 4.4mm balanced output in addition to their standard 2.5mm balanced and 3.5mm unbalanced headphone outputs. Audiophiles and Head-Fiers have been requesting a 4.4mm jack for years. It's clear the connector is here to stay so Astell&Kern was wise to include one in this new player.
The output level is also up to 12Vrms, which is a lot for a portable player. We're really interested to see how this player performs with medium to hard-to-drive planar-magnetic headphones with 4.4mm balanced cables. Though we don't have the dimensions just yet, the KANN Alpha is also more compact than the previously released KANN Cube.
HeadAmp will begin accepting pre-orders for the KANN Alpha on Monday, 9/21 with shipping to begin Monday, 10/19. The price will be $1,099. If you're reading this in the future, we're talking about 2020, the pandemic year.
Visit our KANN Alpha page today to add your name to the list. You'll receive an email notification once pre-orders are live, or just check back on 9/21.
