Product Description
Extreme POWER, KANN CUBE
KANN CUBE is the second model from the KANN line, which focuses on high fidelity with powerful output and low noise. This player is designed to offer a very low noise floor, even with its massive power output.
Introducing the Astell&Kern KANN CUBE, which achieves more powerful output and lower noise.
- High performance, low-noise amp makes KANN Cube an Absolute Audio Powerhouse
- Dual ES9038PRO DACs, the current flagship SABRE DAC chips from ESS designed for Pro Audio Equipment
- 5-pin Mini XLR output for even less noise
- 32bit/384kHz, Native DSD256 support
The Absolute Audio Powerhouse
KANN CUBE offers 3 different power output options of High / Mid / Low, which can drive any headphone with unprecedented power never seen before in any portable device - 12Vrms for Balanced output and 6Vrms for Unbalanced output.
To provide a natural and neutral audio experience with minimal distortion, a newly designed OP Amp and Volume IC manages power optimally and efficiently.
A comparison of outputs of KANN CUBE vs. KANN vs. AK380+AMP
ESS ES9038PRO SABRE Dual DAC
KANN CUBE uses two 8-channel DACs, the ES9038PRO, one for the left and one for the right channel. As each DAC chip sends out 8 channels of audio signal through the Astell&Kern Analog AMP Block, you experience unlimited sound stage and the full depth of the original performance.
The ESS SABRE PRO series of Digital-to-Analog Converters (DAC) is targeted for premium audiophile and professional recording studio equipment. The SABRE PRO series sets a new benchmark in high-end audio by offering the industry's highest dynamic range (DNR) with impressively low levels of total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) in a 32-bit, 8-channel DAC. All PRO SABRE DACs feature ESS's patented 32-bit HyperStream DAC technology which delivers outstanding sound quality and industry leading performance.
ESS has two major lines of DAC chips – the 'SABER PRO' for audiophile systems and 'SABER HIFI' for mobile devices, such as the LG V10, V20, V30 smartphones or low-priced DAPs. The SABER PRO DACs are seldomly used for DAPs and are primarily used with Pro-Audio systems or traditional Hi-Fi products. The ES9038PRO is the latest DAC from ESS and the SABER PRO line. KANN CUBE is the first DAP device to adopt the SABER PRO DACs in a dual DAC configuration, dedicating 8-channels for the left and 8-channels for the right side.
5-pin Mini XLR output for even less noise
KANN CUBE offers a 5-pin mini XLR connector for the first time in an Astell&Kern player. Thanks to the even lower noise floor and higher audio output through the XLR connection, you can enjoy pure, clear audio playback.
It offers easier connection to your home audio systems and active speakers with balanced connections.
KANN CUBE + 5-pin Mini XLR to 3-pin XLR Cable Application Diagram
Cable PIN Map
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the original master recording.
The master MQA file is fully authenticated and is small enough to stream or download. Visit mqa.co.uk for more information.
Astell&Kern KANN CUBE includes MQA technology, which enables you to play back MQA audio files and streams,
delivering the sound of the original master recording.
The MQA logo is a trade mark of MQA Limited. © MQA Limited 2018
DESIGN
The isolated sides of the rectangles on KANN CUBE are not simply for looks.
They emphasize the role of the device by placing the player's functions in the correct place for a more intuitive interface and better usability, while also providing a sense of aesthetic stability.
The pursuit of connectivity and consistency of form and function is at the core of Astell&Kern's design philosophy.
Combining Astell&Kern's player performance with the high-powered AMP, KANN Cube can produce the most powerful performance in the Astell&Kern player lineup and is designed to deliver a heavy and solid impression.
