ASTELL AND KERN AK380 BLUETOOTH MP3 PLAYER USER INSTRUCTION GUIDE

Astell and Kern AK380 Bluetooth MP3 Player User Instruction Guide

Astell and Kern AK380 Bluetooth MP3 Player User Instruction Guide

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Astell and Kern AK380 Bluetooth MP3 Player User Instruction Guide


The Astell and Kern AK380 is a flagship high-resolution digital audio player known for its superior sound quality, robust build, and advanced features. Designed for audiophiles and professionals, it supports multiple audio formats, offers extensive playback options, and comes equipped with Bluetooth connectivity for wireless listening. This guide will help you understand the device’s functions, settings, and operation. Astell&kern ak380 bluetooth mp3 music player user manual






1. Introduction to the AK380




  • High-Resolution Audio Playback: Supports formats including FLAC, WAV, DSD, ALAC, MP3, and more.




  • Dual DAC Configuration: Ensures crystal-clear, balanced sound.




  • Bluetooth Connectivity: Supports high-quality Bluetooth codecs like aptX HD, LDAC, and AAC.




  • User Interface: Features a 4-inch touch display with intuitive menus.




  • Storage: Includes internal memory plus microSD card slot for expandable storage.







2. Device Overview




  • Front Display: 4-inch touch screen for navigation and playback control.




  • Physical Buttons: Power, volume control, play/pause, and back buttons for quick access.




  • Ports:





    • 3.5mm headphone jack (unbalanced output)




    • 2.5mm balanced headphone output




    • USB-C port for charging and data transfer




    • microSD card slot for additional storage






  • Bluetooth Antenna: Built-in for wireless connectivity.







3. Powering On and Off




  • Power On: Press and hold the power button until the screen lights up.




  • Power Off: Press and hold the power button until the shutdown menu appears, then select “Power Off.”




  • Sleep Mode: Press the power button once to put the device into sleep mode for quick wake-up.







4. Loading Music




  • Via USB: Connect the AK380 to your computer using the USB-C cable. The device will mount as an external drive. Drag and drop music files into the appropriate folders.




  • MicroSD Card: Insert a microSD card preloaded with your music files.




  • Supported Formats: FLAC, WAV, ALAC, DSD (DSF/DSDIFF), MP3, AAC, OGG, WMA.







5. Playing Music




  • Library Navigation: Use the touch screen to browse by album, artist, genre, playlist, or folder.




  • Playback Controls: Play, pause, skip, repeat, and shuffle options are available on-screen.




  • EQ Settings: Customize sound with preset equalizers or create your own.




  • Gapless Playback: Ensures smooth transitions between tracks for live or classical music.







6. Bluetooth Connection




  • Enabling Bluetooth:





    • Go to Settings > Bluetooth > Turn On.






  • Pairing a Device:





    • Make sure your Bluetooth headphones or speakers are in pairing mode.




    • On the AK380, scan for devices, select your device from the list, and confirm pairing.






  • Supported Bluetooth Codecs: aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, AAC, SBC for high-quality wireless sound.




  • Connection Management: Manage paired devices, disconnect, or reconnect through the Bluetooth menu.







7. Using the Balanced and Unbalanced Outputs




  • Balanced Output (2.5mm): Provides a higher signal-to-noise ratio, ideal for professional headphones.




  • Unbalanced Output (3.5mm): Standard headphone jack for general use.




  • Switching Outputs: The player automatically switches based on the connected headphone cable.







8. Settings and Customization




  • Display Settings: Adjust brightness, sleep timer, and screen timeout.




  • Sound Settings: Adjust crossfeed, bass boost, and balance.




  • System Settings: Language, date/time, firmware update, and reset options.




  • File Management: Organize playlists and delete unwanted files directly from the device.







9. Firmware Updates




  • Regular firmware updates provide new features and performance improvements.




  • Update Process:





    • Download the latest firmware from Astell and Kern’s official website.




    • Connect the AK380 to your computer via USB and copy the update file to the root directory.




    • Disconnect and reboot the player to initiate the update.









10. Maintenance and Care




  • Use a soft cloth to clean the screen and body.




  • Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures, moisture, or direct sunlight.




  • Keep firmware updated for best performance.




  • Use original or high-quality cables and accessories.







11. Troubleshooting




  • No Sound Output: Check volume level, output settings, and headphone connection.




  • Bluetooth Pairing Issues: Reset Bluetooth on both devices and try pairing again.




  • Battery Drain: Turn off Bluetooth and unused features when not needed.




  • Device Freezing: Perform a soft reset by holding down the power button for 10 seconds.







12. Specifications at a Glance




  • Display: 4.0-inch IPS touch screen (800x480 resolution)




  • DACs: Dual ESS Sabre ES9018K2M




  • Storage: 128GB internal + microSD slot (up to 256GB)




  • Battery Life: Approximately 9-10 hours continuous playback




  • Bluetooth: aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, AAC, SBC




  • Dimensions: 70 x 122 x 19.4 mm




  • Weight: Approx. 265 grams







Conclusion


The Astell and Kern AK380 is a premium digital audio player offering audiophile-grade sound quality combined with user-friendly features and robust wireless connectivity. By mastering its functions through this guide, you can fully enjoy high-resolution music with both wired and wireless headphones, whether at home or on the go.

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