Plug the snug AK UW100 earbuds in your ears for great precision sound

Editor’s brief: There are many earbuds out there these days, from yet as many vendors touting similar features and even looks. However, the Astell&Kern UW100 may just stand out on the heap, with good precision sound through its passive noise isolation (PNI) adoption rather than the commonly used active noise cancellation (ANC). If you are a purist, then the AK UW100 presents that plus style. Read more below.

SINGAPORE – The AK UW100 are the first truly wireless earbuds from Astell&Kern, the industry standard bearer for premium high-resolution audio devices. These headphones are built on Astell&Kern’s audio technology expertise to deliver a truly wireless hi-fi-grade sound, remaining true to the company’s philosophy of delivering sound reproduction that is as close to the original as possible.

The ultra-detailed Knowles Balanced Armature drivers and dedicated high-performance 32-bit DAC give the AK UW100 a sterling reputation for audio quality. Bluetooth 5.2 and aptXTM Adaptive wireless technology also lend their support.

Dedicated DAC

The Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) in many truly wireless headphones is an integral part of the Bluetooth chipset, with fundamental physical limitations aimed more at reducing power consumption than at enhancing sound quality. The AK UW100 is designed for a more precise, dynamic, and clear audio experience thanks to its independent and dedicated AK4332, 32-bit high-performance DAC and Astell&Kern’s proprietary AMP technology, both of which can be found in the company’s award-winning DAPs (Digital Audio Players).

The AK UW100’s Knowles Balanced Armature drivers, instead of the more common dynamic driver type, were chosen for their ultra-detailed performance, allowing them to deliver realistic and distortion-free audio across all genres.

Latest wireless technology

The next-generation, high-quality aptXTM Adaptive codec is supported by the AK UW100, enabling it to realise its industry-leading wireless performance by expertly adjusting the bit rate to the wireless environment in which it is operating, thereby reducing latency issues (it supports up to 24-bit audio at a bit rate of 420kbps). Streaming from an Astell&Kern portable digital audio player, smartphone, tablet, or laptop that supports Bluetooth 5.2 enjoys increased range and a more reliable wireless connection.

A stronger connection between the two earbuds and the compatible device, easier pairing between the two earbuds, and lower power consumption are all benefits enjoyed by smartphone users with Qualcomm True Wireless Stereo Plus.

Best in-class passive noise isolation

The AK UW100 provides the best passive noise isolation (PNI) available, allowing for a fully immersive music listening experience even in noisy environments thanks to its ergonomic, lightweight design that was developed through extensive simulations. Unlike standard Active Noise Cancellation, which primarily targets low-frequency noise, PNI effectively reduces noise in the mid- and high-frequency range.

One tap of the left earbud activates ambient mode, allowing the user to hear ambient sounds; the user can then easily toggle between the four ambient levels using the earbud’s touch controls or the app.

Intuitive touch controls

The AK UW100 features responsive touch controls that make it simple to perform common tasks while on the go. These include playing music, pausing it, skipping tracks, adjusting the volume, switching to Ambient mode, taking and making phone calls, and activating voice assistant on a compatible device. Touch controls, ambient levels, and EQ settings can all be personalized via an exclusive iOS and Android app.

Music for 24 hours

You can listen to music all day long thanks to the earbuds’ six-hour battery life and the case’s additional eighteen. The AK UW100 charging case supports wireless charging and is fast charging, allowing for an hour of playback after only 10 minutes of charging time.

Crystal-clear voice calls

A Voice Communication Package (VCP) from voice application specialist Alango is integrated into a dual-microphone setup to ensure high-quality voice calls. These wireless earbuds feature advanced Acoustic Echo-Canceller and Noise-Suppressor technologies, which work together to greatly lessen ambient noise and consistently maintain call quality in a wide range of locations and conditions.

Signature design

The AK UW100 continues Astell&Kern’s recognizable ‘light and shadow’ design language with its angular, almost Art Deco motif and pentagon shape that rests comfortably in the ear. The AK UW100 ships with a USB-C charging cable and a selection of five silicone ear tips in XS, S, M, L, and XL sizes, in addition to a charging case.

Technical Specifications

• Driver type: Knowles Balanced Armature
• DAC: AKM AK4332ECB
• Bluetooth Version: 5.2
• Bluetooth Codec: SBC, AAC, aptX™ Adaptive
• Bluetooth Profile: HFP, A2DP, AVRCP
• Sound Pressure Level (SPL): 94dB (1m@1kHz)
• Earbud Control: Capacitive Touch
• Sensor: Proximity Sensor
• Microphone: 2-mic /per earbud
• Playback Time: Approx. 6hrs (Total 24hrs)
• USB: C Type for charging
• Wireless Charging: Yes (third party wireless charging accessory required)
• Control App: Android and iOS version
• Firmware Upgrade: OTA (Over-The-Air)
• Earbuds weight: Approx. 7g
• Charging Case: Approx. 65g

Pricing & Availability:

The Astell&Kern UW100 true wireless earbuds will be available in Singapore immediately at a retail price of S$399 (including GST), and can be found exclusively at AV One. Please visit https://av1group.com.sg or visit AV One stores at The Adelphi (#01-10) and The Millenia Walk (#01-35) for more details.

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