Astell&Kern PA10 | Portable Class-A Headphone Amp

Excellent Class A Portable Amp!

I originally bought the PA 10 to compliment my Mojo2. Then I acquired A&K’s SP3000 DAP. I thought the amp would be redundant with it. I was wrong. My headphones are not hard to drive, and the PA10 delivers enhanced sound to either setup. It adds extra richness and depth to the music without coloring it. If I were to add a harder to drive headphone in the future I would have plenty of power. I really like the PA10. My only wish list items would be 1) that it turn off automatically when not receiving a signal, and 2) a better battery charge indicator. My music experience is optimized with the PA10. My entire system is portable which I love. I wouldn’t be without this amp.

Astell&Kern PA10-A Solid Value

A very quality product. Solidly built, not really portable. Drives my full size headphones with authority. There is a noticeable noise floor with sensitve IEMs.

Definitely an upgrade 👍🏻

Initial impressions after listening for the first 3 hours or so, is that the PA10 makes each of my source devices and iems “better.” The sound is rich, full, and powerful without being overpowering. Pairs great with the Hiby RS6 and AK SP2000T. Be aware that when connecting the inputs and outputs need to be the same type (i.e. 4.4mm > 4.4mm balanced or 3.5mm > 3.5mm single ended only) so if you want to listen to it with a balanced cable you will also need a balanced interconnect cable from your source device to the PA10 (which is not included). There is power to spare with this amp so it will drive any iems or headphones that you have with ease. It stays very cool to the touch which I didn’t expect being fully Class A. AK hit a home run with this product and you’ll be pleased if you buy one. The only caveats are it’s not really pocketable when connected to your DAP but simply transportable. Also when paired with an SP2000T the DAP needs to be in op amp mode only to use its line out setting. This has nothing to do with the PA10, but is a consideration if the 2000T is your source. Highly recommend if you want to “upgrade” your mid-tier source to TOTL sound without spending uber money.