# Audio Enhancement HiFi Players The Astell&Kern Kann Cube Upscales Music without an Amplifier By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2019-04-27 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/astellkern-kann-cube References: [gearpatrol](https://gearpatrol.com/2019/04/26/astellkern-kann-cube/) & [astellnkern](https://www.astellnkern.com/eng/content/shop/features.asp?mcg=CG110000&mpos=0&scg=CG210210&spos=3&tcg=&tpos=0&gcode=SC35560) The Astell&Kern Kann Cube HiFi player is a [portable audiophile solution](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-music-player1) that aims to deliver exceptional feedback for consumers who are on the hunt for the best way to enjoy their favorite audio out of the house. Priced at $1,499, the unit works without the need for a separate amplifier and can be used with your choice of headphone to upscale music to the perfect level. The quad-core processor is accompanied by two eight-channel [ESS](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/highquality-audio-amplifier) Sabre ES9038PRO DACs that have been placed in a dual-mono configuration. The Astell&Kern Kann Cube HiFi player features 128GB of storage space and a battery pack that can be charged quickly via USB-C to provide nine hours of playback. Positioned for a May launch, the device can also be used for downloading offline music from [Spotify](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/connectivedigital-audio-player), Amazon Music, Deezer and more. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 19% | Activity: 29% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Portable Audiophile Solutions:** The Astell&Kern Kann Cube HiFi player offers a portable solution for audiophiles to enjoy high-quality audio on the go. - **Amplifier-free Hifi Players:** The Astell&Kern Kann Cube HiFi player eliminates the need for a separate amplifier, streamlining the audio playback process. - **Music Upscaling Technology:** The Astell&Kern Kann Cube HiFi player upscales music to deliver the perfect audio level for an enhanced listening experience. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Portable Audio:** The portable audio industry can explore the market for high-end HiFi players that offer exceptional audio quality on the go. - **Headphones:** Headphone manufacturers can incorporate amplification features in their products to cater to the growing demand for amplifier-free HiFi players. - **Music Streaming Services:** Music streaming platforms can collaborate with HiFi player manufacturers to optimize music quality and provide an elevated listening experience to their subscribers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Active Audiophile Music Players](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/astellkern-p1.md) - [Cutting-Edge Headphone Amps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/astell-kern.md) - [High-Quality Audio Amplifiers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/highquality-audio-amplifier.md) - [Docking-Friendly Digital Music Players](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/astellkern-pd10.md) - [Copper-Constructed Hi-Res Players](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/astellkern-aultima-sp4000.md) - [Compact Audio Amplifiers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fiio-snowsky-tiny.md) - [Connective Digital Audio Players](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/connectivedigital-audio-player.md) - [High-End Portable Music Players](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-music-player1.md) - [Luxe Portable Headphone Amplifiers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fiio-q15-dac-and-headphone-amplifier.md)