Few brands deliver cutting-edge audio performance in portable devices like Astell & Kern, the South Korean manufacturer with a track record of high-end digital audio players. Its latest release, the Astell & Kern PD10, showcases its award-winning technology with the addition of a versatile docking cradle.

The Astell & Kern PD10 shares many similarities with its other portable digital audio players. Its sleek combination of stainless steel and glass delivers a robust and stylish design with a full HD 6-inch touchscreen display. Eshewing the traditional volume wheel featured on previous models, it instead uses buttons combined with a color-changing LED ring that indicates the bitrate of the currently playing track.

Internal circuit upgrades featured with the Astell & Kern PD10 include the HEXA audio circuit design previously used to power the brand’s flagship SP3000 player. For the analog stages, four brand-new AKM AK4498EX DAC chips separate analog from digital signal processing, enhancing performance across the board.

The most significant addition is the docking cradle, which incorporates a pair of balanced XLR outputs for easy connection to active speakers or through a two-channel home system amplifier. Docked via a USB connection, it transforms the Astell & Kern PD10 into a powerful device for audiophiles to enjoy music how they want to, with support for Wi-Fi, AirPlay, and DLNA and certification for Roon Ready.

The result is a cutting-edge music center with exceptional flexibility that will be highly sought after by discerning music lovers. The Astell & Kern PD10 will sell for $2,499 and be available in May.

In other audio news, check out the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3.