### A Thorough Examination of the Activo P1 by Astell & Kern: The Swiss Army Knife for Audiophiles
The **Activo P1** from Astell & Kern serves as a digital audio player (DAP) that seeks to close the divide between premium audio quality and cost-effectiveness. Priced at $430, it brands itself as a “budget” choice within Astell & Kern’s offerings, yet it boasts an array of features that make it an appealing option for audiophiles and music lovers alike. This review will delve into its design, features, audio performance, and areas for enhancement to assist you in determining if it meets your audio requirements.
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### **Design and Construction Quality**
The Activo P1 is a creation of Dreamus, the parent brand of both iRiver and Astell & Kern. Its aesthetic leans more towards iRiver’s style, embodying a compact and ergonomic structure. The chassis is mainly aluminum, featuring white polycarbonate details at the top and bottom, which contributes to a robust yet lightweight impression. The construction quality is outstanding, showcasing durability and elegance.
A notable design element is the presence of physical buttons for both volume adjustment and playback control. These buttons enable music management without activating the screen, a thoughtful convenience for users on the move. However, the device does have considerable bezels surrounding its 4.1-inch 720p touchscreen, which might seem outdated in today’s trend of bezel-free designs.
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### **Noteworthy Features**
The Activo P1 is loaded with functionalities that cater to diverse audio playback needs:
#### **Audio Formats and Playback**
– Compatible with a broad array of audio formats, including WAV, FLAC, ALAC, MP3, DSD (up to DSD256), and MQA.
– Provides PCM playback capabilities up to 32-bit/384kHz, ensuring high-resolution audio quality.
#### **Connectivity**
– **Wired Outputs:** Offers both a 3.5mm unbalanced and a 4.4mm balanced output for versatile headphone compatibility.
– **Wireless Options:** Features Bluetooth 5.3, accommodating high-quality codecs like aptX HD, LDAC, and LHDC.
– **USB-C DAC Functionality:** Can function as a USB or Bluetooth DAC for your computer or smartphone.
#### **Storage**
– Includes 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD cards up to 1.5TB, which allows you to transport a substantial music collection.
#### **Parametric Equalizer**
– Equipped with a 20-band parametric equalizer with Q-factor adjustments, enabling precise sound tailoring according to your preferences.
#### **Operating System**
– Operates on a streamlined version of Android, providing access to the Google Play Store for downloading music streaming applications such as Tidal and Amazon Music.
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### **Audio Performance**
The Activo P1 is driven by a dual ESS SABRE ES9219Q DAC arrangement, enhanced by Astell & Kern’s Teraton Alpha audio technology. This results in a sound signature that is both engaging and sophisticated.
#### **Sound Quality**
– **Bass:** Well-defined and controlled, delivering enough punch to please bass aficionados. Tracks such as Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE.” illustrate its capacity to manage deep bass without distortion.
– **Mids:** Vocals and instruments in the midrange are distinct and well-separated, providing a natural and immersive listening experience.
– **Highs:** The treble is smooth and non-fatiguing, steering clear of the harshness that some analytical DACs can produce.
#### **Playback Scenarios**
– The device shines with high-resolution audio, whether streamed through Tidal or played locally from FLAC and DSD files.
– Its 4.4mm balanced output significantly enhances soundstage and detail when paired with compatible headphones.
#### **Headphone Compatibility**
Although the Activo P1 performs exceptionally well with most headphones and IEMs, its power output might falter with more demanding designs such as planar magnetic headphones. Volume levels often need to be adjusted to 80-90% for optimal output, even with sensitive IEMs.
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### **Battery Life**
The Activo P1 is fitted with a 2,700mAh battery, delivering up to 20 hours of uninterrupted playback under ideal conditions. In practical use, which includes streaming and elevated volume levels, the battery life tends to hover around 7-8 hours. The device supports PD 3.0 fast charging, allowing it to charge from 0 to 85% in approximately an hour.
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### **Advantages and Disadvantages**
#### **Advantages**
– **Diverse Playback:** Supports a wide range of audio formats and playback situations.
– **Construction Quality:** Impressive materials and ergonomic design.
– **Balanced Output:** 4.4mm balanced output for superior audio performance.
– **Parametric Equalizer:** Facilitates detailed sound customization.
– **Wireless
