Astell&Kern XB10

The aptX™ HD codec, Qualcomm's latest Bluetooth codec, can now be used to receive high-quality 24-bit data wirelessly, and is designed to faithfully reproduce high-quality transmitted data using Astell's proprietary sound technology. Kern.
The AK XB 10 offers a distinctive sound difference from conventional Bluetooth products. The moment you hear it, you wonder "Is this sound really coming from Bluetooth?"

Astell & Kern's outstanding technologies are found throughout the aptX™ HD codec to achieve 24-bit/48 kHz Bluetooth quality, along with a DAC and AMP, essential high-fidelity audio components.

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

Just as TV screen resolutions evolved from standard to high definition to 4K ultra-HD for sharper picture quality, we are now in the era where 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 the aptX™ HD codec.

Typically used in professional broadcasting, the original aptX™ audio codec is widely used to transmit CD-like quality 16-bit sound.

The benefits of the aptX™ codec include superior compression, low CPU consumption and low transmission delay.

Released in early 2016, the next-generation aptX™ HD codec is capable of streaming audio up to 24-bit/48kHz true to the original audio file.

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

The result is that the compression ratio used by the aptX HD codec is 1/4 compared to 1/20 for the previous SBC codec. It also achieves a data transmission speed of 576 kbps compared to 328 kbps for the SBC codec.

Bluetooth codecs can be easily compared to the efficiency of data packets.

When comparing the capacity of data packets in a Bluetooth transmission to passengers on a bus, the SBC codec can only accommodate one passenger per bus. The aptX™ codec seats three passengers, while the aptX™ HD codec seats five.

As well as having the ability to accommodate more people on a bus, aptX™ HD is much more efficient than other audio codecs. More information and data can be transmitted if less data is lost in a given transmission.

The AK Its analog amplifier has been tuned using Astell & Kern's own sound technologies to complete the package.

A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) converts digital data into analog signals on a digital media player (DMP).

The AK

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

Instead of simply amplifying the audio signal, the amplifier was designed with a "driving" concept to amplify weak signals and hard-to-drive high-impedance headphone power.

If a strong signal is required to drive headphones with high impedance. The AK XB10's analog amplifier is more than capable of the task.

This is known as a 2.5mm "submini" audio jack. It is also known as a balanced connector. The transmission modes of an analog signal can be divided into balanced and unbalanced. An unbalanced connection usually consists of a signal (L + R) and ground. The ground is supposed to prevent external noise, but noise can still enter the signal and can affect the transmitted signals causing variations and noise in the sound.

The balanced connection has been developed to reduce ground noise while transmitting the signal. This connection adds a reverse phase signal (L + R) to an unbalanced signal (L + R) to decrease noise.

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

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

The Astell & Kern XB10 is compatible with all iOS and Android devices.

The AK XB10 supports SBC, aptX™ and aptX™ HD codecs for Android devices and AAC codec for iOS. Forget about device compatibility issues, turn on your smartphone's Bluetooth and connect the Astell&Kern XB-10.

You can also connect any laptop or desktop computer that supports Bluetooth.

For the ultimate in convenience, the Astell&Kern XB-10 supports voice calling and features a built-in microphone so you can take calls when using headphones without a microphone.

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

The design of the Astell & Kern XB10 was inspired by Astell & Kern's main design motif of light and shadow.

Using this design concept, the AK XB10 was designed to mimic the appearance of light scattering from a star (astell is Greek for star).

The top surface of the AK XB10 is divided into quadrants, allowing easy operation with just a touch of the hand. It may seem simple, but the AK XB10 was produced only after careful consideration of both design and ease of use.

When you want to enjoy your music but don't want to be tied down, simply mount the clip on the AK XB10 and clip it to your shirt or bag. This simple clip further enhances portability and keeps your hands free.

Characteristics:

• Allows wireless link via Bluetooth SBC, AAC, aptX and aptX HD.
  
• Audio outputs: Balanced 2.5mm Minijack and unbalanced 3.5mm Minijack.
  
• Output level: Connector 2.5 mm balanced: 1.8 Vrms and 3.5 mm unbalanced: 0.9 Vrms.
  
• Average range of the Bluetooth signal up to 10 meters.
  
• 350mAh 3.7V rechargeable lithium polymer battery.
  
• Autonomy of up to 5 hours for music and phone calls
  
• Estimated time for full charge: 2 hours.
  
• 5 Pin Micro USB for charging 5V - 2A)
  
• Measurements: 50 mm (Diameter) x 12.3 mm (Depth)
  
• Weight: 23 grams.

Offer by exdemo for a single unit, in perfect condition and with full warranty. Check availability