Astell&Kern Launches PD10 Black Edition with Major Updates
PD10 Black Brings SP4000 Features to more DAP Users
Astell&Kern has added a new Black finish to its PD10 Digital Audio Player, giving audiophiles an additional option alongside the existing Silver chassis. Not only is the PD10 available in a new variant, but it now supports the full Android OS and other exciting features!
The PD10 DAP now adopts the same operating system as the flagship SP4000 DAP, allowing users access to the entire Google Play Store. Priced at $2,410, the PD10 Black is available for purchase without the docking cradle, and the PD10 Silver can be purchased with or without the cradle ($2,410 DAP, $2,750 DAP with cradle). PD10 Black models will ship with the full Android OS firmware already installed.
What does this mean for existing PD10 owners? Existing PD10 owners will be prompted to update their device via a firmware update that will install the full Android OS software. For a fraction of the price, audiophiles can reap the benefits of the SP4000 in the PD10's unique form factor.
Check out the full review of the Astell&Kern PD10 DAP!
Astell&Kern PD10 Review: Premium Portable Player Meets Home Hi-Fi
PD10 Updates: What You Need to Know
Astell&Kern has been the leader in DAP innovation for many years. They've been the driving force behind some of the most powerful DAPs in the world and a proponent for real vacuum tubes in audiophile-grade music players. The release of the SP4000 marks a new era for Astell&Kern DAPs, where portable players are for more than just music. The PD10 brought music players to our homes, transforming them into music streamers in two-channel audio systems via the docking cradle.
With the launch of the PD10 Black, Astell&Kern has raised the bar on what this already impressive DAP can do, bringing the once-exclusive features of the SP4000 to this compact, versatile player. These enhancements include:
Full Android Operating System
To support the growing community of audiophiles using music streaming services over personal libraries, the PD10 now offers full Android OS support, unlocking endless possibilities. Astell&Kern DAPs have always run on the Android operating system, but they've lacked some of the features that a full Android OS device supports. With the full Android OS, users can access the entire Google Play Store and install any app, from movies to games, shopping, and more.
4.5 Generation Graphic User Interface
To support the full Android operating system, Astell&Kern has enhanced its UI to the new 4.5 Generation Graphic User Interface (GUI), first seen in the SP4000. This new user interface sports several exciting upgrades while staying true to Astell&Kern's signature Crimson theme. Graphics remain clear, vivid, and intuitive, where users can enjoy hours of use without eye fatigue or frustration.
The main screen includes immersive animations where LP albums appear to slide in and out as you swipe, transforming music selection into this visually engaging, tactile experience. A dedicated app drawer now resides on the PD10's home screen, showcasing the apps that have been downloaded to the device.
Advanced DAR Technology
An exciting addition to the PD10 is one of Astell&Kern's latest technologies, Advanced Digital Audio Remaster (DAR), first introduced in the SP4000. This second-generation technology delivers a more natural, refined sound quality through a two-stage process. Rather than sending the audio file directly to the DAR engine, the PD10 uses VSE (Visual Sound Extender) to virtually restore lost harmonics, enhancing the sound quality at the initial stage.
Then, the advanced DAR engine performs a second-stage upsampling process with greater precision and completeness. This two-step approach allows listeners to enjoy a deeper, more immersive sound that comes closer than ever to the original recording.
[Lossy audio above 16kHz]
[Data restoration through VSE]
[DAR applied after data restoration]
Support for Qobuz Connect
Qobuz users listen up! With the September 2025 firmware update, Qobuz Connect will be officially supported on the PD10. Qobuz has made it easier than ever to enjoy your hi-fi music with full control now available from the Qobuz app. This features offers the ability to control your Hi-Fi music directly from a Qobuz app, switch between devices while your music continues from the exact moment you left off, and control various Qobuz applications with each other. Simply launch Qobuz, press play, and enjoy the highest sound quality and an unmatched listening experience with CD/lossless and Hi-Res quality up to 24-bit/192 kHz—it’s that simple.
Verdict
Ready to take the sonic leap and discover why audiophiles are raving over the PD10 DAP? Whether it's the PD10 Black or Silver edition that's your favorite, you'll be immersed in a warm, dynamic, and detailed sound quality that rivals TOTL flagship DAPs from competing brands.
The PD10's latest updates unlock a world of possibilities, where you can use it for more than simply music listening. Catch up on the latest sports stats, tune in to your weekly podcast, or send out a few texts on WhatsApp–there are no bounds to what the PD10 can do. With advanced DAR technology, Qobuz Connect support, and Astell&Kern's latest 4.5 generation user interface, the PD10 represents a bold new direction for AK DAPs.
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