A perfect harmony of engineering and design
With the AK120 2nd Generation, we aimed for the perfect harmony of engineering and design. From beginning to end, we re-examined the PCB layout, the form factor, the materials, and the post-manufacturing process.
Re-examination of the volume wheel’s position.
We relocated the volume wheel to the top to maximize the space for the battery. We also redesigned the volume wheel for further convenience and easier usability even when you holds the product with both hands.
We relocated the volume wheel to the top to maximize the space for the battery. We also redesigned the volume wheel for further convenience and easier usability even when you holds the product with both hands.
Redesign of the volume wheel and guard.
The AK120 2nd Generation’s volume wheel consists of two parts: the head and the root. The head is the knurled part and control the volume wheel by holding it securely. The root is the base of the volume wheel and wrapped in a guard that’s directly connected to the hardware. This division into two parts enhances the usability and stability of the AK120 2nd Generation, while the distinguished parts also provide further protection for external damage.
The AK120 2nd Generation’s volume wheel consists of two parts: the head and the root. The head is the knurled part and control the volume wheel by holding it securely. The root is the base of the volume wheel and wrapped in a guard that’s directly connected to the hardware. This division into two parts enhances the usability and stability of the AK120 2nd Generation, while the distinguished parts also provide further protection for external damage.
Two layers, two meanings
The AK120 2nd Generation’s aluminum body and protector appear like overlapping layers.
For the first layer, we used a luxurious hairline and diamond cut finish for the aluminum body. These two finishing processes add weight to the material while also symbolizing the signature weighty sound provided by Astell&Kern.
The AK120 2nd Generation’s aluminum body and protector appear like overlapping layers.
For the first layer, we used a luxurious hairline and diamond cut finish for the aluminum body. These two finishing processes add weight to the material while also symbolizing the signature weighty sound provided by Astell&Kern.
The second layer acts as the protector and represents the delicacy of sound provided by Astell&Kern. The three delicate lines that are carved into the protector are reminiscent of string instruments.
The AK120 2nd Generation’s design embodies the signature weighty yet delicate sounds of Astell&Kern.
The AK120 2nd Generation’s design embodies the signature weighty yet delicate sounds of Astell&Kern.
The original Astell&Kern’s pattern.
Unlike the previous model, the AK120 2nd Generation uses Astell&Kern’s distinctive pattern on the rear glass. The pattern is designed using Astell&Kern’s “A” logo and adds a unique style to the rear panel of the AK120 2nd Generation.
With this pattern design, you get to see two images. One is an image of a star. The 4 “A”s are the shape of a star. This image is inspired by “center of stars”, the meaning of Astell&Kern. The 4 “A”s emphasizes the luxurious image of the AK120 2nd Generation when illuminated.
Unlike the previous model, the AK120 2nd Generation uses Astell&Kern’s distinctive pattern on the rear glass. The pattern is designed using Astell&Kern’s “A” logo and adds a unique style to the rear panel of the AK120 2nd Generation.
With this pattern design, you get to see two images. One is an image of a star. The 4 “A”s are the shape of a star. This image is inspired by “center of stars”, the meaning of Astell&Kern. The 4 “A”s emphasizes the luxurious image of the AK120 2nd Generation when illuminated.
The second image of the pattern represents a precisely woven chain. Upon Iooking at the patterned design from a distance, the form of the star fades and the delicately woven chain can be seen instead.
We emphasized the craftsmanship and solidity of the AK120 2nd Generation With this pattern design.
We emphasized the craftsmanship and solidity of the AK120 2nd Generation With this pattern design.
In-house Design : Jeongbeom Han, Baekjin Seong
