Astell&Kern PD5 Digital Audio
Player To
Astell&Kern launches PD5 DAP for Hong Kong AV Show
The PD5 is a portable digital audio player positioned as the successor to the A&norma SR35. It uses eight Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs with switchable Quad-DAC and Octa-DAC modes. Public demonstrations are planned for Hong Kong, Shenzhen and CanJam SoCal in August 2026.
Georg S. Kuklick
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Astell&Kern has announced the PD5 digital audio player for its public debut at the 2026 Hong Kong AV Show. The portable player succeeds the A&norma SR35 and uses eight Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs. It is rated for up to 28 hours of continuous playback in Quad-DAC mode.
The DAC architecture can operate in Quad-DAC or Octa-DAC modes. The PD5 supports up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM playback and native DSD256. It also includes EnviroTune ambient-noise analysis.
The player runs a full Android operating system on an octa-core processor. Wireless support includes dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3. The Bluetooth codec list includes Qualcomm aptX HD, LDAC and LHDC. PD 3.0 fast charging is also supported.
The PD5 has an aluminium body and will appear first at the 2026 Hong Kong AV Show, where Astell&Kern is participating from 7 August to 9 August 2026. Further demonstrations are scheduled for the Shenzhen International Audio Show from 14 August to 16 August 2026 and CanJam SoCal 2026 from 29 August to 30 August 2026.
Key specifications
Product category | Digital audio player (DAP) |
|---|---|
Chassis material | Aluminium body/chassis |
DAC chips | Eight Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs |
DAC operating modes | Switchable Quad-DAC and Octa-DAC modes |
Battery life | Up to 28 hours continuous playback in Quad-DAC mode |
Charging | PD 3.0 fast charging; approximately 2.5-hour quoted recharge time |
PCM support | Up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM |
DSD support | Native DSD256 |
Processor | Octa-core processor |
Operating system | Full Android operating system |
Wi-Fi | Dual-band Wi-Fi |
Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 |
Predecessor: Astell&Kern A&norma SR35 — $800 before VAT / 949,000 won including 10% VAT on Astell&Kern's official SR35 page
Rung above: Astell&Kern PD20 — $1,970 suggested retail price
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