The Korean brand Astell & Kern has established itself as one of the undisputed benchmarks for digital audio players. With the new Astell & Kern PD20, the brand has taken a new step forward by introducing a novel approach: adapting the sound reproduction to the user’s actual hearing. It inaugurates a personalization system based on an integrated hearing test capable of calibrating sound reproduction according to the auditory characteristics of each ear. An approach that opens up a new perspective for headphone listening.
Playback calibrated for the listener
With the PD20, Astell & Kern doesn’t simply offer an evolution of an existing model. The manufacturer has designed an entirely new platform around a simple idea: sound perception differs from one individual to another. To get the best performance with a pair of headphones or earbuds, it’s essential to adapt the sound reproduction to the user’s actual hearing.
To achieve this, the A&K PD20 incorporates an innovative system called Personal Sound, developed in collaboration with the Swedish company Audiodo. This technology performs a guided hearing test directly on the device to analyze the user’s sensitivity to different frequencies. Measurements are taken separately for each ear to take account of any asymmetries in sound perception. Astell & Kern supplies dedicated earbuds to enable measurements to be taken directly from the DAP. Once the test is complete, the device automatically generates a personalized sound profile that compensates for any auditive variations detected.
Note from the expert Audiodo is a Swedish technology company based in Malmö, specializing in sound personalization. Founded in 2016, it develops algorithms capable of adapting audio restitution to each user's actual hearing. Its flagship technology, Personal Sound, is based on a quick hearing test that analyzes each ear's sensitivity to different frequencies, then automatically applies digital compensation to optimize sound clarity and balance. The aim is simple: to take into account the fact that we don't all hear the same frequencies at the same intensity, and to offer a listening experience that is truly adapted to each individual.
Thanks to this Personal Sound technology, the A&K PD20 reproduces music more faithfully according to the user’s actual perception. While some Bluetooth headphones already offer hearing compensation functions, the integration of such a complete system directly into a DAP is a first in this field. It enables users to enjoy a fully personalized listening experience with any headphones or earbuds.
Extensive audio customization
In addition to automatic hearing-based adjustment, the Astell & Kern PD20 also offers a number of tools for fine-tuning the sound signature according to each user’s preferences. To do this, it uses the Sound Master Wheel, a physical wheel that controls a highly precise equalizer. The latter offers over 160 adjustment levels, covering the entire sound spectrum over a range of ± 8 dB. The listener can therefore fine-tune the overall tone without interrupting playback. An approach worthy of professional audio equalizers, where the listener can both benefit from automatic correction and fine-tune the reproduction according to their musical preferences.
Ambitious audio architecture
As always with Astell & Kern, the internal design places the emphasis on digital-to-analog conversion. The PD20 adopts a quadruple DAC based on four ESS ES9027PRO converters, with each DAC operating independently to limit interference and ensure optimum audio channel separation. It supports high-resolution files up to PCM 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512, enabling playback of virtually all the high-definition audio formats available today.
Astell & Kern combines several proprietary technologies designed to optimize the audio signal. ESA (Enhanced Signal Alignment) technology, for example, precisely aligns frequency signals to reduce delays and improve temporal coherence. DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) processing, meanwhile, helps restore certain harmonics lost during compression or digital processing, promising a more natural sound reproduction.
Triple amplification
Taking personalization a step further, the Astell & Kern PD20 also lets you switch between several amplification modes, depending on the headphones used or the sound signature required. The player can operate in class A, AB or hybrid modes, each offering a different sound reproduction. Class A mode favors smoothness and harmonic richness, while class AB favors dynamics and energy efficiency. Hybrid mode, meanwhile, combines some of the advantages of both approaches. On the output side, it features a balanced 4.4mm jack and an unbalanced 3.5mm mini-jack connector. Power can reach up to 10 Vrms, ensuring optimum power supply for any pair of headphones or earbuds.
A connected DAP
Beyond its audiophile ambitions, the A&K PD20 DAP is also a comprehensive device, offering high-quality music playback with the same convenience as a modern smartphone. It boasts 256 GB of internal memory, expandable up to 2 TB via microSD card, enabling you to carry a particularly extensive music library with you. Connectivity is equally comprehensive. The player supports Wi-Fi for access to streaming services, Bluetooth with aptX HD and LDAC codecs, and has a USB DAC mode for use as an external converter for a computer. Its large 6-inch (15cm) Full HD+ touchscreen (2160 x 1080 pixels) ensures comfortable navigation of the music library and compatible streaming services. Everything is housed in a carefully designed aluminum chassis, in keeping with the brand’s trademark industrial aesthetic.
With the new Astell & Kern PD20 portable player, the brand introduces a true conceptual evolution, placing the user’s hearing at the heart of the sound reproduction. With its integrated hearing test, advanced customization and ambitious audio architecture, this new DAP offers a deeply individualized listening experience. The PD20 illustrates Astell & Kern’s determination to transform the digital audio player into a device capable of adapting music to the listener. It will be launched in spring 2026 at a price of around €1,900.
