Astell & Kern PD5: portable hi-res player with eight DACs for $1049

Astell & Kern has launched the PD5 portable hi-res music player as a successor to the A&norma SR35. It packs eight Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs, supports PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and native DSD256, offers 64GB storage expandable to 1.5TB and up to 28 hours of playback. Price has risen to £899 / $1049 / AU$1399.

• Eight Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs with Quad and Octa modes, up to 28 and 15 hours of playback
• Supports PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and native DSD256, 64GB storage plus microSD up to 1.5TB
• Bluetooth with aptX HD, LDAC and LHDC, 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm outputs, USB-C
• Price increased from £799 / $799 / AU$1299 to £899 / $1049 / AU$1399