Astell&Kern PA10 is a powerful, pocket-sized headphone amp

Even top-tier headphones and IEMs can be handled by Class A amplification.

Astell&Kern, a South Korean award-winning audio brand, has announced the release of its new PA10 Class-A headphone amplifier for those looking for the best sound while on the go. The new portable amplifier, which incorporates Astell&Kern's own TERATON ALPHA sonic technology, is intended to deliver a more natural, spacious, and distortion-free analog sound to liable headphones.

The PA10 is Astell&Kern's first portable Class-A amplifier, designed to extract all the subtle nuances in high-resolution music when played back through headphones or IEMs. According to Astell&Kern, the overall sound is warm, detailed, and refined as a result of the company's expertise in amplifier circuit design technology, which reduces power consumption while increasing output and eliminating distortions or defects.

TERATON ALPHA technology from Astell&Kern is designed to produce audio playback that is as close to the original recording as possible by effectively removing power noise and delivering unwavering amplification.

Despite its small size, the AK PA10 has Pentaconn 4.4mm True Balanced input/output, and its crossfeed function is controlled by an electronic circuit rather than digital software. According to Astell&Kern, this results in a more seamless and sophisticated crossfeed effect while not degrading the original sound.

The PA10, like all Astell&Kern products, has an angular and industrial exterior design that, thanks to its strong aluminum body, fits well in the user's hand.

So you have a great pair of headphones, but your crappy smartphone can't provide enough power to drive them properly? To give your tunes a boost, you'll need a dedicated amplifier, which Korean audio experts Astell&Kern are happy to provide. The new Astell&Kern PA10 is a pocket-sized Class-A amplifier that can outperform some high-end portable media players.

The PA10 employs A&K's proprietary Teraton Alpha audio processing for "natural, spacious, and distortion-free analog sound" regardless of the cans plugged into it. There are two 3.5mm input and output ports, as well as two 4.4mm ports that can provide a balanced sound for compatible headphones.

Crossfeed is handled entirely by onboard circuitry rather than software, so it should have no effect on the sound. The analog amplifier can also produce low and high-gain audio without introducing unwanted signal noise into the mix.

The player retains A&K's signature styling, with an aluminum construction and angular body that closely matches the firm's range of high-end portable media players. OK, you'll need roomy trouser pockets to stash it, but at 325g, it's a lot more portable than a desktop amp, and the over-engineered current, gain, and crossfeed switches on the side look the part. There's also an oversized volume dial at the top and a grippy geometric pattern on the back.

The built-in battery should last about 12 hours of continuous playback (less if you use balanced outputs or crank the volume to eardrum-splitting levels), and it takes about an hour to fully recharge its 4200mAh via USB-C.

Connoisseurs of music can order a PA10 right now from the Astell&Kern website. Prices begin at £549/$550.