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Astell&Kern AK XB10 Extreme Bluetooth aptX HD DAC Headphone Amp

✓ 2 Year Warranty included
✓ Authorised UK Dealer
✓ FREE Royal Mail Postage
High-quality Bluetooth, AK XB10 We added high sound quality to the wireless freedom! Now it's possible to use aptX™ HD, the latest Bluetooth codec of Qualcomm to receive 24bit high-quality data wirelessly, and it's designed to faithfully play back the transmitted high-quality data using Astell&Kern's own sound technology.
Regular Price £149.00
On Sale Price £99.99
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The utmost in Bluetooth listening pleasure: AK XB10

 

 

High-quality Bluetooth, AK XB10

We added high sound quality to the wireless freedom!

Now it's possible to use aptX™ HD, the latest Bluetooth codec of Qualcomm to receive 24bit high-quality data wirelessly, and it's designed to faithfully play back the transmitted high-quality data using Astell&Kern's own sound technology.

 

 

Music via Bluetooth without compromise

The AK XB10 delivers a distinctive difference in sound from conventional Bluetooth products. The moment you hear it, you wonder "Does this sound really come from Bluetooth?"

Astell&Kern's outstanding technologies are throughout aptX™ HD to support 24bit/48kHz Bluetooth performance, along with DAC and AMP, essential components of fine audio.

 

Qualcomm® aptX™ HD

While the AK XB10 is a device that wirelessly transmits audio data from smartphones via Bluetooth, it is quite different from conventional Bluetooth devices, in that it supports the aptX™ HD Bluetooth codec.

Just as the display resolutions of televisions evolved from standard to high-definition to 4K ultra-HD for sharper image quality, we are now in the era in which Bluetooth now supports 24-bit audio resolution. 24-bit HD audio that was simply not possible with previous Bluetooth technologies can now be fully enjoyed with aptX™ HD.

Typically used in professional broadcasting, the original aptX™ audio codec is widely used for 16-bit near-CD quality sound. The benefits of the aptX™ codec include superior compression, low computational cost, and low transmission delay.

Launched in early 2016, the next-generation aptX™ HD codec is capable of transmitting up to 24-bit/48 kHz audio that is faithful to the original audio file.

* Devices connected to the AK XB10 must support the aptX™ and aptX™ HD codecs for 24bit audio playback.

 

SBC vs. aptX™ vs. aptX™ HD

 

 

Bluetooth codecs can be easily compared to data packet efficiency. Comparing data packet capacity in a Bluetooth transmission to passengers on a bus, the SBC codec is only capable of seating one passenger per bus. The aptX™ codec can seat three passengers, while the aptX™ HD codec can seat five.

Just like having the ability to fit more people on one bus, the aptX™ HD is far more efficient than other audio codecs.  More information and data can be transmitted if lesser data is lost in a given transmission.

 

 

Perfect Sound

The AK XB10 is equipped with a Hi-Fi DAC capable of reproducing high-quality sound up to 24-bit/192 kHz. Its analog amplifier was tuned using Astell&Kern's own sound technologies to complete the package.

A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) converts digital data into analog signals in a digital media player (DMP). The AK XB10 is equipped with a dedicated DAC for the best digital-to-analog signal conversion that significantly improves Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).

While a typical analog amplifier simply amplifies and outputs low level audio signals, the Astell&Kern amplifier in the AK XB10 is different.

Rather than simply amplifying the audio signal, the amplifier was designed with a "driving" concept to amplify weak signals and power difficult to drive high impedance headphones. A strong signal is required to drive headphones with a high impedance. The AK XB10’s analog amplifier is more than capable of handling the task.

For example: when comparing the amplifier to a camera, using the zoom function to enlarge small objects in a viewfinder is much like how a common amplifier performs. However, the AK XB10’s amplifier is similar to the way a pan focus function clearly focuses blurry images.

Simply put, the Astell&Kern amplifier focuses on the weak signal.

 

 

Dual Audio Output

"Oh, no! My earphones aren't compatible!"
Have you ever seen a tiny headphone jack where ordinary earphones cannot be plugged?

This is known as a 2.5 mm "sub-mini" audio connector. It's also known as a balanced connector. Modes of transmitting an analog signal can be divided into balanced and unbalanced. An unbalanced connection typically consists of a signal (L + R) and the ground. The ground is supposed to prevent external noise, but noise can still be introduced to the signal and can affect transmitted signals that causes variations and noise in sound.

The balanced connection was developed to reduce ground noise as the signal is transmitted. This connection adds a reverse phase signal (L + R) to an unbalanced signal (L + R) to diminish the noise.

The balanced connection has several advantages compared to an unbalanced connection. The same noise (common-mode noise) that occurs in a signal + reverse-phase signal can be eliminated and output is increased since two separate signals are transmitted.

Thus, it is only natural that we include a 2.5mm jack on the AK XB10 for audio enthusiasts. Enjoy a deeper level of sound through the AK XB10's balanced 2.5mm output.

 

iOS & Android Compatible

The AK XB10 is compatible with all iOS and Android devices.

The AK XB10 supports the SBC, aptX™, and aptX™ HD codecs for Android devices and the AAC codec for iOS.
Forget about device compatibility issues, turn on your smartphone’s Bluetooth, and connect the AK XB10.

You can also connect any laptop/notebook that supports Bluetooth.
You will be transported to a new world of sound the moment the AK XB10 is connected to your smartphone.

 

Handsfree Function

When you receive a call while listening to music with the AK XB10, should you turn off the Bluetooth function before answering?
Should you unplug your earphones from the AK XB10 and connect them to your phone?

NO! Of course not! 
For the ultimate in convenience, the AK XB10 supports voice calls and features a built-in microphone so that you can receive calls when using earphones without a microphone.

Press the button once to receive a call while connected via Bluetooth and press and hold the button to reject a call. Easy peasy.

More Information
Features

General Specifications

-Model AK XB10
-Body Color Black
-Dimensions 1.97 ”(50 mm) [W] x 1.97 ”(50 mm) [H] x 0.48 ”(12.3 mm) [D]
-Weight 0.81 oz (23 g)
-Bluetooth Version Bluetooth 4.1, Class2
-Bluetooth Profile A2DP (multi), AVRCP, HFP, HSP
-Frequency Band 2.4 - 2.4835 GHz ISM Band
-Range Maximum of 10 meters
-Operating Temperature-10°C ~ 45°C (23°F ~ 113°F)

 

 

 

Audio

-Codec SBC, AAC, aptX™, aptX™ HD
-Port 2.5mm Balanced / 3.5mm Unbalanced
-Output Level 2.5mm Balanced : 1.8Vrms / 3.5mm Unbalanced : 0.9

 

 

   

Battery

-Battery Type 350mAh 3.7V lithium polymer rechargeable battery
-Hours of Operation Approximately 5 hours for music playing and phone calls
-Standby Time Up to 300 hours
-Charging Time Approximately 2 hours
-Charging Method Micro USB 5Pin (charging)

 


How will you send my item?

We ship to addresses within the UK using Royal Mail and DPD couriers.

How much does delivery cost?

Standard 2-3 working day delivery is FREE on all orders to mainland UK. Next working day courier service is available on all orders for a small fee of £4.99. On some items this is provided for FREE. 

For orders to UK Non-mainland and International destinations, there will be an additional charge at checkout. Please see below for more information.

How long does delivery take?

Depending on the delivery service you choose, delivery usually takes between 1-3 working days to mainland UK from the moment we despatch your order. Orders to UK non-mainland and international destinations can take longer.

When will you despatch my order?

Orders placed before 3pm are processed and despatched the same day (excluding bank holidays and weekends). Orders placed on weekends will be processed and despatched the following working day.

*Please note that international orders may require extra checks before we are able to despatch your order so timescales may vary.

Can I track my delivery?

Yes - Order tracking is offered as standard on all items, whether they are shipped via DPD or Royal Mail. You will receive your tracking information via email once we have despatched your order. 

UK Non-mainland and International destinations.

Due to the UK leaving the EU, some of our delivery partners have changed the way we ship to international and offshore destinations. This means that for the time being we are unable to ship items to these locations.

We are still accepting orders to these destinations however delivery times and prices are not final. We will confirm via email once we know more from our delivery partner.

Shipping for all items to UK Non-Mainland and International destinations will incur a charge at checkout. This charge is not final and we may need to charge for additional postage if required.

Shipping to international destinations may require further security checks and I.D. may need to be provided by the cardholder. We reserve the right to cancel any orders where you are do not pass our security checks or do not pay for appropriate postage.

Please note that we are unable to ship some items outside the UK. To avoid any disapointment please contact us before making your order.

What do you class as UK Non-mainland?

Rep. Ireland, N. Ireland, Channel Islands, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Wight, Isle of Man and Scottish Highlands. If you are unsure whether your address is classed as UK Non-mainland please feel free to contact us and an advisor will be happy to help.

For any further enquiries with regards to your delivery please contact us on 020 8813 7666 and one of our adviser's will be happy to help.


If you're not happy with your item or you've changed your mind.

Even though we're sure you'll be happy with your purchase, it's important that you are aware of how we deal with returns in the event that you need to send something back.

We understand how inconvenient it can be when you buy a product and aren't 100% satisfied with it. For this reason we have designed our returns policy to prevent any further inconvenience to you in these instances.

Under 14 days

  • You can return your goods for a full refund or exchange as long as you inform us of your intention to return the goods within 14 days of receipt, starting from the day after you receive your goods (Exclusions apply, see below.)

  • All return costs are down to the buyer and it is recommended that you return your items using a trackable method with appropriate insurance (if required).

  • Once we have confirmed your return, please ensure that you return the item within 14 days.

  • If a returns number is provided then please ensure that the parcel has this clearly marked.

  • Items need to be returned in "as new" condition in their original packaging. We don't mind if you open the product to check it, however any used or damaged products will be subject to a 25% handling fee so please take care when opening your items. 

After 14 days

  • We will not offer a refund after 14 days of you receiving your delivery unless your product is faulty. 

Exclusions from our returns policy

As we're sure you'll understand, there are some products that we can't offer returns on due to their nature. These include:

  • Special order items and cables cut from a reel (priced per metre). These items will be clearly identifiable.

  • In-Ear headphones due to health and hygiene reasons.

  • Products that include software which require activation.

 Please note that these exclusions do not apply to items that become faulty.

If your product becomes faulty

We endeavour to get your items to you in fully working order, however in the event that your items do become faulty, please read below on what you should do next.

In a lot of cases with some products, faults can be fixed by performing some basic troubleshooting, so to prevent any further inconvenience to you we advise that you contact our Customer Service team who can guide you through some basic troubleshooting before sending items back.

Under 28 days

  • If your items become faulty within 28 days of delivery you are entitled to a full refund or exchange. Please contact our customer service centre who will provide necessary returns details.

  • Please send the items back with a cover note including a description of the fault and your original order number.

  • Once we have fully tested the item and confirmed the fault, we will process the refund or exchange including cost of carriage back to us (within reason).

  • If during our testing we cannot find a fault, no refund will be given and you will be charged for delivery of the item back to you.

After 28 days

  • After 28 days you will still be able to get your faulty items repaired or replaced within the manufacturers warranty and we will be happy to assist you with this. Please contact our customer service team to find out the best way to get your items repaired or replaced. Please be aware that after 28 days we will not cover you for any carriage costs.