Astell&Kern AK70 MKII Digital Audio Player

Bringing many of the features of high-end Astell&Kern products into an appealing price bracket, the AK70 MKII digital audio player is the company’s first model equipped with a dual DAC for less than a thousand dollars. It features dual well-regarded Cirrus Logic CS4398 DACs. With a substantial power output of 4.0 Vrms from the balanced output, this player can drive a wide range of heavy, hard-to-drive headphones without a problem. This is thanks to Astell&Kern’s latest audio design technology. While maintaining the natural, neutral sound signature the company is known for, this new design creates authentic audio by exceeding previous specs—including SNR, crosstalk, and THD+N—over previous models. The separated channel circuit design offers less noise and interference while adding fidelity and output power, resulting in a larger soundstage and clearer imaging when paired with your favorite headphones or speakers. 

Headfonia  wrote a glowing review of the player, saying, “Just like the original AK70, the new second edition is a winner DAP. Not looking at sound, there isn’t that much difference between these units, so it wouldn’t make any sense stating the AK70ii isn’t awesome anymore. Like I said: what AK does, it does perfectly so. The new AK70ii is still perfectly built, it’s extremely well-functioning, it’s easy to use and take with you on the go, and it’s oh-so beautiful. Sound-wise, the AK70ii is a step up from the original DAP. Once you’re used to the higher level of detail, the better extension, bigger body, and improved layering, it will be very tough going back to the good old AK70.”