Astell & Kern Launches A&norma; SR35 Player & AK ZERO2 Earphones
Astell & Kern A&norma SR35 player and AK ZERO2 in-ear headphones launched.
Astell&Kern has announced its new A&norma SR35 portable audio player alongside some new AK ZERO2 in-ear headphones.
The A&norma SR35 is the first of Astell & Kern's entry-level models to benefit from the company's New Generation AMP technology, its in-house amplifier that "eliminates noise at a high-power output" already found in the pricier A&ultima and A&futura ranges. We're told that this promises "the clearest possible, distortion-free sound".
The SR35 also boasts an interchangeable Dual/ Quad DAC Mode (Ciruss Logic CS43198 x4 as standard) and a brand-new user interface. You also get 20 hours of continuous playtime while the firm's Teraton Alpha technology provides "balanced dynamics and class-leading resolution throughout listening sessions".
Dual Band Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz) and Roon Ready certification should make streaming buttery smooth, whereas full MQA 8x decoding compatibility remains on the menu for now.
Additionally, there are aesthetic tweaks to the new model through a reimagined user interface alongside a new album artwork search that lets "audio connoisseurs rediscover the joy of the art form."
The styling of the 108.3mm x 64mm x 16.1mm (HxWxD) charcoal grey aluminium body remains singularly Astell & Kern with the bold line at the side of the device apparently symbolising a warrior's sword while the concave surface of the volume crown represents a shield.
AK ZERO2 IEM
Also announced are A&K's upgraded AK Zero earphones, the ZERO2.
These sport an angled aluminium design that houses a high-frequency Planar Dynamic Driver and a pair of Coil Parameter Dual Custom BA Drivers, the latter charged for reproducing full range and mid-to-low range frequencies and "outstanding vocal performance". Finally, a 10mm Dynamic Driver with Piezoelectric Transducer tech rounds things off by, according to A&K, providing a greater tonal range. This all adds up to a claimed 20Hz–30KHz frequency response and 5Ω@1KHz impedance.
Bundled in with the new ZERO2 IEMs is a four-core oxygen-free copper cable to attach to the MMCX connectors and an array of ear-tip options.
Astell & Kern's A&norma SR35 media player is available priced at £799/ €899, while the AK ZERO2 earphones cost £1,099 /€1,199.
Visit Astell & Kern for more information
Jay Garrett
StereoNET’s resident rock star, bass player, and gadget junkie. Jay heads up StereoNET as Editor for the United Kingdom and Europe regions. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.
Posted in: Hi-Fi | Headphones
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