It is now possible to use the aptX™ HD codec, Qualcomm's latest Bluetooth codec for receiving high quality 24-bit data wirelessly, and is designed to faithfully reproduce high quality transmitted data using Astell & Kern's proprietary sound technology.
The AK XB 10 offers a distinct difference in sound from conventional Bluetooth products. The moment you hear it, you ask yourself "Is this sound really coming from Bluetooth?"
Astell & Kern's outstanding technologies are found throughout the aptX™ HD codec to achieve 24-bit / 48 kHz Bluetooth quality, along with a DAC and AMP, essential components of high-fidelity audio.
While the AK XB10 is a device that streams audio data wirelessly from smartphones via Bluetooth, it is quite different from conventional Bluetooth devices in that it supports the aptX™ HD Bluetooth codec.
Just as TV screen resolutions evolved from standard to high definition to 4K ultra-HD for sharper picture quality, we are now in the era where Bluetooth now supports 24-bit audio resolution.
The 24-bit HD audio that simply wasn't possible with previous Bluetooth technologies can now be fully enjoyed with the aptX™ HD codec.
Typically used in professional broadcasting, the original aptX™ audio codec is widely used to transmit 16-bit audio in CD-like quality.
The benefits of the aptX™ codec include superior compression, low CPU consumption and low transmission delay.
Launched in early 2016, the next-generation aptX™ HD codec is capable of transmitting up to 24-bit / 48 kHz audio true to the original audio file.
* Devices connected to the AK XB10 must support the aptX™ and aptX™ HD codecs for 24-bit audio playback.
As a result, the compression ratio used by the aptX HD codec is 1/4 compared to 1/20 of the previous SBC codec. It also achieves a data rate of 576 kbps compared to 328 kbps for the SBC codec.
Bluetooth codecs can be easily compared with the efficiency of data packets.
When comparing the data packet capacity in a Bluetooth transmission to passengers on a bus, the SBC codec can only accommodate one passenger per bus. The aptX™ codec can accommodate three passengers, while the aptX™ HD codec can accommodate five.
As well as being able to accommodate more people on a bus, aptX™ HD is much more efficient than other audio codecs. More information and data can be transmitted if less data is lost in a given transmission.
The AK XB10 is equipped with a high-fidelity DAC capable of reproducing high quality sound up to 24 bit / 192 kHz. Its analogue amplifier has been tuned using Astell & Kern's own sound technologies to complete the package.
A digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) converts digital data into analogue signals in a digital media player (DMP).
The AK XB10 is equipped with a dedicated DAC for the best digital-to-analogue signal conversion that significantly improves signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and total harmonic distortion (THD).
While a typical analogue amplifier simply amplifies and outputs low-level audio signals, the Astell & Kern amplifier in the AK XB10 is different.
Instead of simply amplifying the audio signal, the amplifier was designed with a "drive" concept to amplify weak signals and power difficult-to-drive high-impedance headphones.
If a strong signal is required to drive high impedance headphones. The AK XB10's analogue amplifier is more than capable of the task.
This is known as a 2.5 mm "submini" audio connector. It is also known as a balanced connector. The transmission modes of an analogue signal can be divided into balanced and unbalanced. An unbalanced connection generally consists of a signal (L + R) and ground. The ground is supposed to prevent external noise, but noise can still be introduced into the signal and can affect the transmitted signals causing variations and noise in the sound.
The balanced connection has been developed to reduce ground noise while transmitting the signal. This connection adds a reverse phase (L + R) signal to an unbalanced (L + R) signal to reduce noise.
The balanced connection has several advantages over an unbalanced connection. The same noise (common mode noise) that occurs in a signal + a reverse phase signal can be eliminated and the output is increased since two separate signals are transmitted.
Therefore, it is only natural that we include a balanced 2.5mm submini connector in the AK XB10 for audio enthusiasts. Enjoy a deeper sound level through the balanced 2.5 mm output of the Astell & Kern XB10.
The Astell & Kern XB10 is compatible with all iOS and Android devices.
The AK XB10 supports the SBC, aptX™ and aptX™ HD codecs for Android devices and the AAC codec for iOS. Forget about device compatibility issues, turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and connect the Astell&Kern XB-10.
You can also connect any Bluetooth-enabled laptop or desktop computer.
For the ultimate in convenience, the Astell&Kern XB-10 supports voice calls and has a built-in microphone so you can receive calls when using headsets without a microphone.
Press the button once to receive a call while connected via Bluetooth and press and hold the button to reject a call. A piece of cake.
The design of the Astell & Kern XB10 was inspired by Astell & Kern's main design motif of light and shadow.
With this design concept, the AK XB10 was designed to mimic the appearance of the light scattering of a star (astell in Greek means star).
The top surface of the AK XB10 is divided into quadrants, allowing for easy operation with just a touch of the hand. It may look simple, but the AK XB10 was produced only after careful consideration of both design and ease of use.
When you want to enjoy your music but don't want to be tied down, simply mount the clip on the AK XB10 and attach it to your shirt or bag. This simple clip further enhances portability and keeps your hands free.
Features:
- Allows SBC,AAC,aptX and aptX HD bluetooth wireless linking.
- Audio Outputs: Balanced 2.5mm minijack and unbalanced 3.5mm minijack.
- Output level: Balanced 2.5 mm jack: 1.8 Vrms and unbalanced 3.5 mm: 0.9 Vrms.
- Average Bluetooth signal range up to 10 metres.
- Rechargeable 350 mAh 3.7 V lithium polymer battery.
- Up to 5 hours autonomy for music and phone calls
- Estimated time to fully charge: 2 hours.
- 5 Pin Micro USB for 5V - 2A charging)
- Dimensions: 50 mm (Diameter) x 12,3 mm (Depth)
- Weight: 23 grams.
Offer by exdemo for a single unit, in perfect condition and with full warranty. Check availability
