Astell&Kern PA10 Review

Sound performance

For the purpose of this review, I used the Beyerdynamic DT900 Pro X, the Sennheiser HD660S2, and the lovely FiiO FF3. For the source, I chose the Astell&Kern Kann Max, the FiiO M17, and the new but mighty FiiO M15S. All files were streamed from Spotify for convenience, and Apple Music for Hi-Res source, and my own library via Roon.

Overall Signature

So, how’s Astell’s new headphone amp, and should you get one for your source? Quick answer, if you can plug it, yes. A big yes!

Out of the box, and paired with the little ddHiFi BC44B – I was curious – the Astell&Kern PA10 headphone amplifier already managed to surprise me. Clearly, the Class-A design contributes to its remarkable transparency, delivering music in its purest form, whatever the source. Expensive soundstage, impressive imaging, and superb instrument separation, with a smooth and refined presentation, the PA10 showcased the subtleties and micro-details in each recording.

Paired with ultra-high-end sources like the Astell&Kern CA1000 (yes I still own one) the PA10 demonstrates excellent synergy and compatibility, extracting the best performance from this majestic DAP, exhibiting their full potential and offering a synergistic effect that was nothing short of mesmerizing. When combined with top-tier headphones and IEMs – like the Sennheiser HD800S and its lovely brother, the HD660S2 – the PA10 magnified each instrument and voice with ease, further enhancing the overall musical experience.

Paired with the FiiO M17, the A&K PA10 showcased its ability to handle the most demanding headphones with ease. Truthfully, the M17 outputs more power, and if you really want to push your big planars to the max, the PA10 won’t be able to compete with the embedded amp section. But, that aside, the amp overthrows the DAPs internal circuitry on every level: clean bass, exquisite highs, and amazing vocals, especially when paired through the 4.4mm Pentaconn line-out.

With the Astell&Kern Kann Max, the PA10 fell right in line with its lineage, seamlessly blending with the player. And if the Kann Max was already powerful adding the PA10 enhances the whole experience to new heights. The Kann Max’s spacious soundstage and superb detail retrieval were enhanced by the PA10’s exceptional layering and clean presentation. The combination of these two devices delivered an experience that was both engaging and satisfying, striking a delicate balance between clinical and engaging.

In addition to that, you get one of the widest dynamic ranges I’ve heard on an amplifier in this price range. Even if the FiiO Q7 and Shanling H7 were marvelous devices, if we’re just speaking of the amp section, the Astell&Kern PA10 completely floors them in this regard. It’s truly noteworthy, as it effortlessly handles complex tracks and reveals every nuance in the music, keeping a black background that allowed me to be fully immersed in my music, with no distractions from external noise. Astell said that with the crossover activated some ground noise should appear, but I didn’t hear anything during my entire listening sessions.

In comparison to Astell’s latest player – namely the SP3000 and Kann Max – the PA10 shared a linear and analytical sound signature, but it outshined them with its extraordinary layering and increased resolution – making it the perfect sidekick, as you’d expect. The natural tonality and accurate rendering of both male and female vocals made the PA10 an ideal choice for those seeking a lifelike audio experience that remained faithful to the original recording, yet it never sounds sterile or dull.

Last but not least, the PA10’s ability to drive even the most demanding headphones with ease is remarkable, as it delivers ample power and maintains its exceptional sound quality across a wide range of headphones and IEMs. If you’re plugging a 3.5mm source, the various gain settings allow for fine-tuning of the listening experience, but if you’re using a 4.4mm pentaconn source, all of those settings will be meaningless.

Amazing device!

Tonality

Highs: exquisite. Crisp and precise, the PA10 presentation remains smooth and non-fatiguing, delivering one of the best highs I heard on the FiiO FF3. The amplifier’s Class-A design lends a natural and airy quality to the highs, ensuring that even the most delicate nuances are reproduced faithfully. And with an exceptional extension, the PA10 is an excellent choice for those seeking a transparent/revealing sound signature.

Track : Poly – Thylacine

Mids: top-of-the-line layering and dynamic. Voices have always been good on Astell&Kerns, and the PA10 takes that to new heights. This is especially true with big cans and hybrid IEM, who love its large power reserve, but even paired with classics like the Meze 99 Classics, the A&K delivers superb vocals, almost effortlessly.

Track : Wanderer – Mogli

Lows: majestic. The PA10’s bass performance is clean and controlled, providing a solid foundation for the rest of the spectrum. Clearly, the Class-A design ensures that the bass remains tight and impactful, never becoming bloated or overpowering, whatever the volume, allowing the amp to deliver clean bass while maintaining its exceptional layering and remarkable separation.

Track : Way down we go – Kaleo

Conclusion

Is there still a place for a portable headphone amplifier in 2023? For A&K it seems to be, and the PA10 is a clear statement from the brand.

And if I was sceptical at first – I’m more of a DAC/Amp guy than a DAC+Amp one – I must admit that the brand has succeeded in the feat of convincing me otherwise. 

Sure, it’s more transportable than really nomad. Sure it‘s a complete hindrance with a smartphone and a DAC, even more than a fat DAC/Amp like the Q7 or the H7, but, once you’ve plugged your ears/headphone, and paired your DAP/DAC, everything becomes insignificant, erased by the sound’s prowess of the amp.

A no-brainer, outperforming many, if not every, amp available at the time of writing – in a sub-$1500 budget. Add to that A&K’s renowned built quality, excellent ergonomics, and some nice features like the cross feed selection, and yes, this amp goes directly into my recommendation list, and if you’re out for a TOTL on the cheap, you should definitely try this one first, or at least add it to your list.

Pros :

– amazing sound quality
– great build
– true class-A sound, in 4.4mm and 3.5mm
– lovely volume control

Cons:

– big and not the easiest one to carry around
– gain/current not useable in 4.4mm

Page 1: about Astell&Kern

Page 2: UI, Usage, Bundle

Page 3: Technical specifications

Page 4: Sound performance