T.H.E. Show Newport Beach 2015 Report
The Home Entertainment Show 2015
Astell&Kern AK380, AK500N And Maria Callas Box Set

  Astell&Kern had two location at T.H.E. Show Newport 2015. One was within the Headphonium and here we have their room within one of the upper floor hotel rooms. Naturally they were showcasing their newest product, the AK380 (see Enjoy the Music.com's  review here) plus the upcoming AK500N MQS network audio player. By now most of you know the AK380 ($3500) is an amazing 32-bit/384kHz and DSD battery powered portable media player. It's class0leading sound quality really impresses me. Am looking forward to reviewing the entire ecosystem with CD ripper and external amplifier units.

Astell&Kern's AK500N is a network audio player with optional NAS storage ($12,000 for basic setup and $20,000 all in with amp and stand). It has a built-in CD ripper and of course handles everything from MP3 to 32-bit/384kHz plus DSD digitized audio. The touchscreen is 7" WXGA (1280 x 800) and is very intuitive to use. Astell&Kern continues to produce products i lust for time and again.

Of course it is music that makes all desire these devices, and so Astell&Kern also offers music collection including those from Blue Note and here we have their recently released Maria Callas MQS remastered complete studio recordings (1949 - 1969) box set ($1200). This collection consists of 39 individual MicroSD cards that have high-resolution 24-bit/192kHz FLAC files of Maria Callas' music. It also includes a wonderfully illustrated and written commemorative hardback book too.

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