Astell & Kern

High-res audio has higher needs, and while an amp can help make the most of that high-def sound, a media player that blends it all might be the best bet yet. It'll just cost you.

If you have a desire for uninterrupted audio, the Astell & Kern SR25 could deliver just that, be it wired, wireless, or streaming high-res.

Astell's A&norma SR25 takes on a slightly different approach to hi-res media players, with an angle on pricing and design that might leave OCD people turning their head.

You might balk at having to pay $400 for a pair of wireless earphones, but how would you feel if a wired pair hit over $5K?

Taking the equivalent of vinyl and studio masters to go needs a little more grunt and something specialised, and for that, Astell & Kern has some choices.

Expensive high-resolution media players are just that -- expensive -- but for the first time, luxury sound manufacturer Astell & Kern is hitting a price point we rarely see.