Dongles Master Race
Astell & Kern don’t need any introductions anymore in digital world audio. The company from Korea has been shocking the world with their high-end design coupled with high end sound with premium build time and time again. They are owned by Iriver Korea, which is one of the first MP3 player that provides CD quality sound from a portable device since 2000’s and decided to venture into high-end audiophile portable audio in 2013 with the legendary AK100 which I have previously owned. Having highly praised for their sound quality and build quality, they have come a long way since that days and now currently renowned as the kings of portables audiophile’s player. In the advancements in technology where things are getting smaller and more efficient, they have decided to take a plunge into the world of USB C dongles and releases the Astell & Kern PEE51 with a friendlier price while retaining their legendary performance and staying true with Astell & Kern’s classic design along with their impeccable build quality. I will be reviewing the PEE51 dongle today with high expectations but with an open mind as the market is very well saturated with high end dongles. Can they hit the ball out of the park? Let’s find out.
Before we start, here is the specifications of the Astell & Kern PEE51;
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
- S/N: 118dB
- THD + N: 0.0004% Unbalanced
- Output Impedance: 2-Ohms
- DAC: Cirrus Logic CS43198 x2
- Sample Rate: PCM up to 32bit.384kHz, DSD64 (1bit, 2.8mHz) Native, Stereo, DSD128 (1bit, 5.6mHz), Stereo/DSD256 (1bit, 11.2mHz), Stereo
- Input: USB Type-C
- Output: 3.5mm Headphone
- Dimensions: 17 x 50 x 10.3 mm
- Weight: About 25g
Where to buy?
The Astell & Kern PEE51 can be purchased with Red Ape Headphones store at www.redape.my or at this link in Shopee :
Shopee Red Ape – Headphone Store
LET’s GO
Packaging & Accessories
The PEE51 comes with a simple small paper box that is minimalistic. Inside we will find the unit itself and some manuals and warranty information and sadly no USB-to-USB C adapter for laptop or PC usage but newer models of laptops and PC does come with a USB C ports so that is kind of okay with me. It also does not come with a pouch or bag for carrying around which is kind of a disappointing but I do have my own case for my dongle.
Design
Typical of the high end “edgy” solid design that Astell & Kern is known for, I must say that I really love the design and construction of this PEE51 and made me reminiscing of the edgy design of AK240. Housing a pair of CS43198 and a high-quality amplifier module into a small package with full DSD support is awesome. MQA is sadly not supported by this device which is a let-down for MQA lovers. The unit really does feel super solid in hand and has a serious weight for a dongle. Side by side with my other dongles made my them feel kind of cheap looking. The 4 core twisted cables on the PEE51 are thick and robust also soft and pliable enough. It’s a 5stars design and build for me and the price is justifiable for me.
It is marketed as a plug and play on Windows, Mac and Android devices. Connection with my android and windows has no glitch and no drivers needed with this PEE51. 4 pole 3.5mm is playable but the inline microphone does not work with this dongle. I don’t have apple products to use with this dongle but Astell& Kern has not stated IOS support for this PEE51. When connected, there is a white light indication on the dongle that’s shows that it is working fine.
Also, worth noting that the PEE51 does gets warm after 15 minutes of playing. It is slightly warm but not hot by any means and it does drain your smartphone’s battery by a little but not in a big margin.
Gears Used for Comparisons
- Fiio M11pro
- Fiio Q5 with AM3D module
- Jcally JA04 ALC5686
- Ibasso DC03
- Trasam Q1
- Beyerdynamics Xelento
- JVC HA-FW01
- Moondrop A8
- Intime Kira
- Toneking TO600
- Blur DaBass custom earbuds
Song list
- Norah Jones – Run away with me
- Scorpions with philharmoniker orchestra – Wind of change
- Headstrong – Tears
- Chicane – Halycon
- Rage Against The Machines – Killing in the name
- The White Stripes – Seven nation army
Soundstage
PEE51 soundstage is more like an intimate sound for me. It does have wideness and depth but not mind boggling. For the size, it is acceptable and does provides a realness and natural soundstage. On my earbuds, the soundstage still retains the wideness and depth while providing extra intimacy in listening experience.
Separation and Timbre
Separation and timbre are sublime with this dongle and can rival full-sized DAC amps like my Fiio Q5 with AM3D module. Every single note is superbly represented and can be easily identified in my listening experience which is great for those classical music and complicated tracks. Every track that I played with the PEE51 is truly satisfying int terms of the timbre it provides and it surpasses all my other dongles by a mile. Very well done indeed!
Tone and Presentation
The PEE51 really does possess the house sound of Astell & Kern. It is clear, detailed, slightly bright and super clean sound that drives with authority. It really does remind me of the AK240 sound that is released some while ago and, in my opinion, it surpasses the AK100 sound from my memory. The cleanliness of the sound is really something to be awed coming from such a small device. I would not recommend for those seeking for a warm and laidback sound as the PEE51 is bright and very fast paced in their presentation.
Drivability
The driving power of the PEE51 is rather good for the size. Using my 600ohm Toneking TO600, it can be driven just right with ample power n loudness. It has a better driving power than my Ibasso DC03 and does have a slightly more volume. But it does not suffice for power hungry headphones such as my Beyerdynamics T1 and it does struggles to drive it. But it is an ultra-portable device meant for on-the-go devices and it does drives even 600ohms earbuds which is still a win for me.
The Bass (Low)
The lows that the PEE51 provides is snappy and fast paced with a sharp thump on it. It does not provide a “sub-woofer” bass experience but rather a clean and sharp bass onto it. Unlike those THX amped bass which is linear and warm with good amount, the bass is really fast and sharp with excellent details and air. It is certainly not bass head oriented but a purist bass from my perspective that will impress you with its cleanliness the bass provides. The bass does not sound bloated and muddy by any means and does have a slight warmness and richness into it.
The Mids
If you are a fan of smooth and neutral kind of mids, you are in a treat as this PEE51, again, provides a clean and pure mids. Vocals seem right in place and not in your face, thus providing a realistic and natural representation without any colour added. I personally would like a thick and slightly forward mids but the mids portrayed here is rather pleasant to listen to as it is exciting and full of energy while retaining a high-resolution audio with minimal colouration. A purist delights.
The Highs
I am a treble head kind of person and I am loving the treble that this small little dongle provides. It is sparkly and crunchy in its nature while not being harsh and sibilant. The highs are full of air and it is so clear that it conveys a lively sound into my music. For sensitive IEMs I do not experience any hiss or buzz as the impedance is low, 2ohm on paper. The attack on treble is lively and pack with energetic vibes. In my long run listening, it does not create fatigues and it is rather enjoyable for me but for those treble sensitive listeners, it might create some fatigue in the long run as the highs is sharp and forward sounding. The treble on this PEE51 really does retains the house sound of Astell & Kern which is clean, energetic and fast which I really love.
Comparisons
VS M11PRO
The venerable M11pro possesses a pair or THX amp inside of it. Side by side, the PEE51 was quite good and being on par in terms of details and clarity with the M11pro but losing out on smoothness and the impactful bass of the M11pro. PEE51 has a better high extension and a brighter sound than the M11pro. I was questioned a lot by my friend about comparing the PEE51 with the new THX Onyx dongle but sadly I haven’t tried it but I would say that the approach of THX sound signature is different than the sound PEE51 provides. PEE51 has a bright and impactful signature while THX amps tend to be more smooth, warm and neutral, so I hope that this helps. Overall, the performance and quality of the PEE51 is rather spectacular and able to provide to some degree of performance with a full pledge DAP.
VS Ibasso DC03
The Ibasso DC03 is a dual CS43131 dongle that is half the price of the PEE51 but PEE51 does has a slightly higher end of Cirrus Logic chips, the CS43198. Side by side without a doubt the PEE51 boast a better build quality than the DC03, being more solidly built but also looks more beautiful in their design. In terms of sound quality, the PEE51 trumps DC03 in terms of driving power, smoothness and the sound dynamics it produces. DC03 sounded kind of harsh especially in the treble region but the PEE51 sounded smoother but still retaining a sense of strong and airy treble. Also, worth noting that the PEE51 sounds fuller and more intimate than the DC03. Is it worth the extra cost? Yes indeed!
VS Fiio Q5 with AM3d THX module
Fiio Q5 houses a set of AKM4490 DAC chips and It sound warmer and fuller sounding versus the PEE51. If you are a fan of brighter sound, PEE51 is your choice as it has a brighter and better treble extension than the Q5. The Q5 does has a better and bigger soundstage but given the size and retail price is negligible, also not to mentioned the Q5 does has balanced output, thus providing better driving power. I do prefer PEE51 in portability as its does not need a battery to run it and the small size of course.
IEM synergy
Beyerdynamics Xelento – Sublime! Bass tightens and feels less bloaty. Better dynamics in the mids and increased clarity while extending the highs making it airier. One of my favourite pairing for Xelentos.
Intime Kira – Kira already has a forward treble, so with PEE51 the highs do get hot at times and fatigue might set in faster. Mids becomes clearer and bass more pronounced. Overall, not my favourite pairing but unique in a way as it provides more dynamics and power.
Moondrop A8 – Another good synergy. Treble in the A8 more forward, mids smoother and the bass tightens. A8 need more power and the PEE51 satisfies it’s needs. Soundstage is clearer and micro details is more noticeable.
JVC HA-FW01 – Fairly good. The bass tightens up but losses some impact and rumble. The mids slightly more forward and treble sounds clearer. Soundstage widens and has a wider feel into it and it sounded more forward than usual.
Who Is It For?
Astell & Kern PEE51 is for music enthusiast that wants an ultra-portable DAC amp for their smartphones or windows devices without sacrificing quality in sound. The build is solid and feels slightly heavy in hand, thus giving a more premium vibe into it. It certainly provides ample power for any IEMs in the market except for Tin P1 planar only and able to give out Astell & Kern sound signature in a small and affordable package.
Final words
I am impressed and enjoyed my time with this small dongle. Even though it is Astell & Kern cheapest and most affordable item, they did not skip on the build, design and most importantly staying true to their house sound. Being powerful but also boasting a super clean sound is wonderful for audio enthusiast that wanted an ultra-portable unit on-the-go. The only downside is it is slightly heavy, edges is a tad bit sharp, it runs warm and no MQA support, but other than that, it is a wonderful product by Astell & Kern.
I give this product a solid 4.5/5 stars.
(4.5 / 5)
