DETAILS
PRODUCT Astell&Kern AK UW100
ORIGIN South Korea
TYPE Bluetooth earbuds
WEIGHT Earbuds: 7g (each) Case: 65g
FEATURES
● Knowles Balanced Armature drivers
● 6-hour battery life (24 hours with charging case)
● Bluetooth 5.2 (AAC; aptX Adaptive)
DISTRIBUTOR Armour Home Electronic Ltd.
WEBSITE astellkern.co.uk
Astell&Kern has a number of wired in-ears and headphones, but it has resolutely avoided the compromises of Bluetooth... until now. The AK UW100 marks the company's debut in the true wireless stereo category and, with a price of just £250, it's also one of its most affordable to date.
The earbuds are housed in a chunky charging case, which has a sharply angular top panel reminiscent of its range of digital audio players. They house a Knowles Balanced Armature driver, which supports Apple's AAC and aptX Adaptive for Android, and there are two microphones in each for phone calls and voice commands.
This story is from the August 2022 edition of Hi-Fi Choice.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2022 edition of Hi-Fi Choice.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Old boys network
As the lineups start to emerge for this summer's festivals, Nigel Williamson investigates where the problem lies for the continuing dearth of female headliners
DESTINATION: LEITH
Welcome to a friendly haven of Californian cool in the creative heart of a former Edinburgh port. Simon Berkovitch samples the sunshine on Leith
Core values
Apple’s revamped HomePod smart speaker off ers attractive sound quality, but its Apple-centric focus remains frustrating for Cliff Joseph
Forty something
Creek Audio is celebrating its big four-o with the release of the new 4040 A integrated. Nick Tate lights the candles and listens in
One for all
German high-ender AVM wants to make top all-in-one performers. David Vivian takes a listen to its all-singing integrated amp
Three for all
The 700 Series receives a helping of tech from the flagship 800 models. Ed Selley sees how the smallest speaker fares
All in one
DAP, DAC, amplifier and streaming device, is there anything A&K’s new Acro can’t do? Cliff Joseph finds out
Wooden wonder
Better known for its speakers, ELAC’s range of electronics now has a new flagship turntable. Ed Selley takes it for a spin
System matching
Why finding the perfect synergy between your chosen integrated amplifier and favourite speakers holds the key to maximising your system’s potential
Game on!
At times the hi-fi and gaming industries might seem like they’re worlds apart, but Cliff Joseph reckons they both share a love of high-quality sound