Astell & Kern has released the PD5, a portable Hi-Res music player that serves as an upgrade to the renowned SR35 model. The digital-to-analog conversion module now utilizes eight Cirrus Logic CS43198 chips, effectively doubling the conversion power. However, if you need to extend battery life, the player can be switched to a 4-DAC mode, achieving an impressive 28 hours of playback on a single charge. A full charge takes 2.5 hours, thanks to support for the PD 3.0 standard.

The Astell & Kern PD5 supports PCM playback at up to 32-bit/384 kHz resolution, as well as native DSD256 file playback. It is powered by an octa-core processor running an Android-based platform, with major streaming services built-in. The player also features EnviroTune, a function that analyzes ambient noise levels and automatically adjusts sound parameters for a more comfortable listening experience in various environments.

Wireless connectivity options include dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, and support for aptX HD, LDAC, and LHDC codecs for high-resolution audio transmission.