ASTELL&KERN AK UW100 SPECSPrice: $299Colors: BlackBattery life (rated): 6 hours, 24 hours (with charging case)Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2Water resistance: NoSize: Not statedWeight: 0.24 ounces (per bud); 2.2 ounces (charging case)Astell&Kern is a reputation that’s acquainted amongst hardcore audiophiles. The South Korea-based model has put out a few of the fanciest and best-sounding hi-fi transportable audio gamers ever made. The firm’s line of digital-to-analogue converters (DACs) and in-ear screens are additionally thought of high tier by critics and trade specialists.Recently launching their first-ever wi-fi earbuds, the AK UW100, expectations are excessive for this mannequin to be one of many class’s best audio choices. They are, after which some.Proprietary applied sciences, highly effective drivers, and present Bluetooth codecs give these buds sufficient sonic firepower to outperform all different opponents. A recent design boasting responsive controls and respectable noise discount capabilities add to their aptitude. Not all the things hits the mark, however any criticisms you’ve will probably be forgotten as soon as the music begins enjoying. Here is our full rundown of the Astell&Kern AK UW100.Astell&Kern AK UW100 value and availability The Astell&Kern AK UW100 earbuds are dear at $299, however keep in mind that this can be a fraction of what the corporate sells their hi-fi transportable music gamers for. Not to say the buds are extra reasonably priced than different audiophile-grade rivals just like the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ($399) and Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EQ ($380). If you’re in search of one thing cheaper with robust audio efficiency, the Sony WF-1000XM4 ($279) and Beats Fit Pro ($199) are worthy options.You should buy the AK UW100 in Black or Gunmetal Grey completely by means of Astell&Kern. In the field comes a wi-fi charging case, USB-C charging cable, 5 pairs of different-sized ear suggestions, a fast begin information, and a guaranty card.Be certain to bookmark our headphone offers web page for the newest gross sales.Astell&Kern AK UW100 design and comfortAesthetically, the AK UW100 earbuds preserve the distinctive and high-end look of the corporate’s music gamers, from the darkish colorway to the signature pentagon-shaped detailing on the entrance. This provides them an avant-garde look that only a few fashions might pull off. Build high quality is sturdy, which is spectacular for buds with out an IP score. They will survive scuffs, scratches, and exhausting drops to the concrete, however are susceptible to extreme moisture and dust.(Image credit score: Alex Bracetti/Future)Astell&Kern’s charging case is simply as enticing because the buds. The giant design isn’t one thing you may toss into tight pockets, however extra so a journey bag. It additionally suggestions the size at 2.2 ounces, but it’s a lighter carry than a few of the bigger circumstances on the market (Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, Beats Powerbeats Pro). Adding to their aptitude are a debossed emblem and a pointed pentagon design on high. (Image credit score: Alex Bracetti/Future)You could also be questioning whether or not the AK UW100’s cumbersome design results in consolation and match points. Answer: sure and no. Wearing the buds for a number of hours every day was superb. Fatigue would set in after prolonged stretches (2.5 hours straight) and the thick cavity progressively utilized strain to the concha the longer I wore the buds.(Image credit score: Alex Bracetti/Future)Adjust the buds correctly to determine an optimum match that types a decent seal and retains them locked in. Five completely different units of suggestions come within the field to accommodate listeners with completely different ear sizes.Astell&Kern AK UW100 controls and digital assistantAstell&Kern obtained inventive with the controls. Input gestures are customary, consisting of single, double, and triple faucets and a 3-second-long press. The listing of media controls is what stands out essentially the most. All of the necessities are accounted for similar to playback, name administration, digital help, and listening mode activation. However, you additionally get preprogrammed quantity controls and the choice to allow completely different ambient listening ranges.The contact sensors are a few of the most responsive I’ve examined on a pair of wi-fi earbuds and instantly register faucets to execute supposed instructions. They additionally register swipes in the event you select to make that your enter choice.(Image credit score: Alex Bracetti/Future)Not all the things runs easily. The ambient mode degree perform doesn’t work as supposed. Rather than cycle by means of the 4 completely different settings, it turns the characteristic on or off. Lag is one other subject and solely happens with on-ear detection; it takes about 2 seconds for auto-pause to happen.Google Assistant, Siri, and Bixby are all supported for voice instructions, due to an intelligible dual-mic array that picks up phrases with precision. Even in rowdy settings, all three AI bots stepped as much as the duty and responded shortly to verbalized inquiries.Astell&Kern AK UW100 audio qualityMany wi-fi earbuds makers push for low energy consumption DACs to get essentially the most battery life out of their fashions, however that always compromises audio high quality. Astell&Kern determined to go for it, putting in the Asahi Kasei AKM AK4332 32-bit DAC into these buds, which brings collectively the amplifier and audio circuit know-how discovered of their digital audio gamers. Combine that with Knowles Balanced Armature Drivers and aptX Adaptive codec assist and also you get phenomenally correct hi-fi sound with minimal transmission delay.The deep home vibes on Miami Horror’s “Cellophane (So Cruel) – Syre Remix” put the AK UW100’s frequency vary on full show. I believed the high-pitched synths and whispery, echo-layered vocals have been reproduced beautifully and blended properly over the bass-powered beat. Mariah Carey’s “Honey” had me appreciating manufacturing particulars I by no means gave a lot consideration to up to now. Those finger snaps and two-key melody originally sounded so crisp. Then the bouncy bassline and staccato piano line took over — each delivered with such liveliness.(Image credit score: Alex Bracetti/Future)These buds additionally carry an intimate presence to orchestral recordings, as exemplary on Jazz classics like Herbie Hancock’s “Maiden Voyage.” Crisp cymbals, delicate double bass, and energetic horns resonated so nicely that it felt just like the legend was performing reside in my TV room.Cinematic soundtracks like Inception immersed me deeper into the soundstage. Tracks like “Old Souls” sound extremely atmospheric and depth-filled like what you’d hear from Apple’s Spatial Audio characteristic, however not as multidimensional (head monitoring makes a distinction).(Image credit score: Regan Coule/Future)Astell&Kern’s sound profile is already distinctive, however in the event you really feel it wants tweaking, there’s an Equalizer characteristic accessible within the AK TWS app. You can’t manually modify frequencies just like the EQ on different fashions, however there are 4 selectable modes — Bass Emphasis, High Emphasis, Vocal Emphasis, and Game Mode — with the bulk being well-engineered for highlighting particular frequencies and content material. You can go both approach with Bass or High Emphasis on instrumental-heavy tracks, relying in your choice, and Vocal Emphasis elevates the mid-range on ballads. Very little time was spent enjoying cellular video games, however I can say that Game Mode barely decreased latency when streaming movies.Astell&Kern AK UW100 noise isolation and clear listeningThese high-priced wi-fi earbuds don’t include lively noise cancellation (ANC). The purpose for that’s Astell&Kern consider ANC isn’t “important to attain each diminished ambient noises and elevated musical focus.” So, the corporate targeted on creating an ergonomic design that reduces exterior sounds bodily, a way that’s reasonably efficient on the AK UW100.(Image credit score: Alex Bracetti/Future)Low-frequency sounds are neutralized extraordinarily nicely. I couldn’t hear any of the tumbling noises coming from the laundry room, nor any landscaping work across the neighborhood. The buds may also put a muzzle on most mid-frequency seems like canine barks, loud TVs, and neighborly chatter. High-frequency sounds are what are likely to enter the soundscape. My cat’s incessant meowing was audible, nevertheless it didn’t pull me away from my work. My toddler’s starvation cries have been distracting, in addition to ambulance sirens and whistles. Astell&Kern did embrace a four-setting Ambient Mode that’s terrific for growing environmental consciousness. Level 1 provides you a way of issues transpiring round you, whereas Level 4 opens the mics extra to listen to conversations and incidental sounds clearer. It got here in helpful once I wanted to speak with the missus about child duties with out eradicating the buds. I additionally used the characteristic loads outdoors, maintaining tabs on oncoming visitors when strolling with the infant.Astell&Kern AK UW100 app and particular optionsAll personalization options are discovered within the AK TWS app (iOS (opens in new tab), Android). Outside of Ambient Mode, Equalizer, and Tap Settings, there’s little or no else to digest. Battery degree indicators for every bud, firmware updates, and a speech language setting are what stay.(Image credit score: Alex Bracetti/Future)I want there have been extra extras to toy with. If Astell&Kern ever resolve so as to add options sooner or later, my suggestions are as follows: Apple Music/Spotify integration, customizable EQ with extra presets, Soundscape mode, and one thing fundamental like a music participant or quantity slider.The AK UW100 earbuds have a hidden characteristic that isn’t shared in advertisements or the product web page and that’s a battery life overlay that hides within the notifications bar. It’s a pleasant shortcut to see how a lot juice you’ve got obtained left with out coming into the app.Astell&Kern AK UW100 battery life and charging caseSeeing non-ANC wi-fi earbuds carry a max playtime of 6 hours is disappointing. High quantity and particular options lower it to five hours. Then once more, that is comprehensible contemplating the horsepower this mannequin harnesses. At least you’re getting extra listening time than the AirPods Pro (4.5 to five hours).(Image credit score: Alex Bracetti/Future)The charging case holds as much as 24 hours, putting it in the identical firm because the AirPods Pro charging case. Four further costs are ample for per week’s value of listening for many customers. A ten-minute fast cost generates 1 hour of use, and wi-fi charging comes as a part of the package deal.Astell&Kern AK UW100 name high quality and connectivityAccording to Astell&Kern, it employed acoustic echo-cancellation and noise-suppression applied sciences to make sure name stability on the AK UW100. The mics have been unbelievable at selecting up vocals. They additionally picked up each little sound round me, which individuals on the alternative finish might hear clearly. In addition, my spouse talked about muffling a number of occasions throughout chats that occurred each indoors and open air.(Image credit score: Alex Bracetti/Future)Bluetooth 5.2 operates at a excessive degree. Range extends as much as 45 toes (13 meters). The preliminary pairing course of is a ache to cope with, however when you get previous it, the buds mechanically pair to acknowledged units. One-tap Google Fast Pair would have been a candy addition, however I received’t maintain this omission in opposition to the AK UW100. Multipoint know-how (pair to 2 units concurrently) is flawless. The characteristic made switching from my Pixel 6 Pro to MacBook Pro seamless, prioritizing audio on the latter, whereas nonetheless permitting me to take calls on the previous when needed.Astell&Kern AK UW100: Bottom line The AK UW100 are dear, however in comparison with Astell&Kern’s different merchandise, which carry a mean MSRP of $1,000, they need to be thought of a steal for audiophiles that need first-class audio in true wi-fi type. These buds are additionally beautiful, aware of instructions, and supply strong noise isolation.A excessive value doesn’t assure perfection. Battery life and name high quality are two areas the place the AK UW100 might have carried out higher. The lack of ANC is one other disadvantage which may persuade you to have a look at options.If not, then know that the AK UW100 are a tempting funding for music lovers who need category-leading sound and have the Benjamins to spend.
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