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Astell & Kern AK500N Instruction Book

Desktop network audio player
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AK500N
INSTRUCTION BOOK
User Guide

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Summary of Contents for Astell & Kern AK500N

  • Page 1 AK500N INSTRUCTION BOOK User Guide...

  • Page 2: Before Use

    C ON TE N TS Using the Device Before Use Miscellaneous Saftey precautions Basic operation Managing Files Trouble shooting Remark Notification bar MQS streaming Copyright Product Overview Music list screen Purchasing music in the store Certiications Product specification Music playback screen Using USB DAC function Gracenote Package contents...
  • Page 3 SAFTEY Please check [Safety Instructions] before using the device for a safety use. PRECAU- Descriptions : TIONS Instructions are divided into “Warning” and “Caution”, and the meanings are explained in the following. Warning indicates a serious danger. Caution indicates a hazard. Explanations of Symbols Indicates “Forbidden”...
  • Page 4 Pay attention not to apply force or press on the part of the cable is connected, if the cable is connected to the connection port. - You can break the sound terminal products. Do not disconnect the USB cable during data transfer. Use a USB port at the rear of the PC USB cable connection.
  • Page 5 POWER CODE AND PLUG Warning Do not plug or unplug with wet hands. Plug the power plug into a 110~220V(50~60Hz) AC outlet. If there is dust on the power plug pins or mounting surface, please remove the power plug, and then remove the dust.
  • Page 6 INSTALLATION Warning To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the product to rain or moisture. Do not let the product contact with water, and do not place objects with liquids, such as vases, on the product. Do not place or use the product on following.
  • Page 7 - If static electricity is generated when connecting a USB device, a playback can run abnormally. In this case, disconnect the USB device and then re-connect. - A copyrighted track (WMA-DRM* tracks) cannot be played on this product. * DRM (Digital Rights Management): several technical methods that are used to control or limit the use of digital media contents.

  • Page 8: Disc Handling

    Remark Cleaning the Device To ensure the best performance from this device, you must keep discs and equipment clean. - Disconnect the power cord before cleaning. - Wipe the stain with a soft cloth. If there are a lot of stains on the device, wipe clean with a dry cloth, after wiping with a damp cloth in water.
  • Page 9 Product The AK500N is the first stationary network audio product from Astell&Kern that truly combines advanced digital technology with analog sound. Overview Perfect Extractor How are you enjoying your precious CD collection? Are you still listening to your music one CD at a time? Import your CD collection into the AK500N with the one click.

  • Page 10: Advanced Network

    Although the AK500N is stationary audio devise, it was designed to use a built-in battery for noise isolation. The AK500N physically blocks noise generated in the AC power supply to prevent sound degradation at all levels. Music playback on the AK500N is achieved with battery-only operation, creating a truly Pure Sound.
  • Page 11 Four BAY SSD The AK500N features multi-level cell (MLC) SSD rather than a triple-level cell (TLC) SSD for increased durability and reliability. The vibration noise generated by conventional HDDs has been eliminated completely. Save and load large amounts of data even faster than traditional HDDs through the superior speed and stability of SSDs.
  • Page 12 Product Display 7”WVGA(1280x800) Touch Display Cirrus Logic CS4398 x2 (Dual DAC) specifica- Storage SSD 1TB/2TB/4TB(RAID 0,5) tion Digital _Out AES/EBUx1, BNCx1, Coaxialx1, Opticalx1 _Input AES/EBUx1, BNCx1, Coaxialx1, Opticalx1 Analog _Fixed & Variable Out Balanced (L/R) x2, RCA (L/R) x2 Fixed output level 3V(RCA, Balanced) Variable output level 7.5V(RCA) / 10V(Balanced)

  • Page 13: Power Code

    Antenna: It is an antenna for wireless network connection. Please tighten it on the [ANT] terminal of the back of the product. T Wrench: Use when combine or spate the body and stand of AK500N. Quick Start Guide: A manual of basic methods of using the product.

  • Page 14: Name Of Each Part

    Name of Appearance of the product and the printing, Touch LCD Displays the screen, and you can stamping contents may vary depending on a model. touch the screen to operate. each part CD Insertion Push the CD to insert. Power LED Displays the Power On/Off status.
  • Page 15 Digital Out BNC Output Port Connect a BNC output cable to the port to output to digital. Optical Output Port Connect an optical cable to the port to output to digital. Coaxial Output Port Connect a coaxial cable to the port to output to digital.
  • Page 16 Fixed Fixed RCA Port Connect RCA cable to the port to Analog Out output to digital. Fixed Balanced Connect Balanced cable to the port to Port output to analog. Variable Variable Connect Balanced cable to the port to Analog Out Balanced Port output to analog.

  • Page 17: Connecting The Power

    Managing Connecting the Power power 1. Connect the adapter and the power cord. 2. Connect the adapter cable to the [Power] on the rear panel, and turn the mounting ring to tighten. 3. Connect the power cord and then press the [Power] button on the product for 2-3 seconds. 4.
  • Page 18 Connec- Earphones/Headphones tions - Connect earphones or headphones to the [BAL], [PHONES] port of the side of the product. - Connect earphones or headphones that support the balance cable to [BAL] port on the side of the product. - You can use various earphones/headphones that fit 2.5Φ, 3.5Φ, 6.5Φ. Do not raise the volume to loud when connecting earphones or headphones.

  • Page 19: Optical Cable

    Available Types of Cable Balanced (XLR) Cable Balanced calbes used in professional audio interfaces have better response capacity than regular cable, and can be transmitted from a long distance. Ground COLD Female Male UnBalanced(RCA) Cable It is the most commonly used basic cable to transmit the audio signal. Optical/Coaxial/BNC Cable Optical cable and coaxial cable(Coaxial/BNC Cable) are the cables that can be used to connect to the digital inputs and outputs.
  • Page 20 Connecting DIGTAL OUT Connecting DIGITAL IN 1. You can connect the product to an external amplifier 1. You can connect the product to an external source device by using AES/EBU, Optical, Coaxial, BNC device by using AES/EBU, Optical, Coaxial, BNC cables to [AES/EBU OUT], [OPT OUT], [COAX OUT], cables to the [AES/EBU IN], [OPT IN], [COAX IN] [BNC OUT] port of the rear panel.
  • Page 21 Connecting Fixed Analog Out Connecting Variable Analog out 1. You can connect ‘Blacned’ and ‘RCA cable’ to an 1. You can connect ‘Balanced’ and ‘RCA cable’ to an external amplifier device from [FIXED ANALOG external amplifier device from [VAIRABLE ALALOG OUT] of the back the product.
  • Page 22 Inserting/Removing CD 1. Refer to the CD label and gently insert into the CD slot. 2. If you select [ ] from the notification bar on the home screen, the CD will be realised. This product does not suport the CD Play function. When you insert the CD, the CD-Ripping fuction will be activated.

  • Page 23: Inserting/Removing The Microsd Card

    Inserting/Removing the MicroSD Card Recommended MicroSD card 1. Place the microSD card in the slot like the figure Brand: SanDisk, Transcent and press gently. Cautions for inserting the MicroSD card 2. If you choose [Safely Remove SD Card] from the Do not force the SD card.

  • Page 24: Connecting Usb Storage

    Connecting USB Storage 1. Connect the USB storage device to the [USB] port 1. Connect the USB storage device to the [USB-HOST] on the side of the product. port on the back of the product by using a USB cable. Some products that require a separate driver installation or multiple drive generation(multi-card reader), etc.

  • Page 25: Connecting To The Network

    Connecting to a Wireless Network Antenna Connecting to the Network 1. Connect the antenna for the wireless network to 1. Connect the internet connections(ADSL, VDSL, [ANT] port of the product. cable model and wired/wireless router, etc.) to the [ETHERNET] port on the back of the product, or connect to an AP that provides WI-Fi.

  • Page 26: Connecting To A Computer

    Connecting to a Computer Separating with the Computer 1. Connect the [USB] port and a computer by using 1. Check if there is a work in process between the the supplied USB cable for data transfer. product and the computer before disconnecting the USB cable for data transfer.
  • Page 27 Copying a File(Folder) to the Product Deleting a File(Folder) of the Product 1. If you select the files/folders to copy from a computer, 1. Select files/folders to delete and click the right drag and drop(Drop&Drop) to the drive added by mouse key, then select [Delete].
  • Page 28 Upgrading Upgrading the Firmware of the Product 1. Connect the product to a wired or wireless network. firmware 2. When the new firmware is verified, the firmware update instruction appears. 3. Select [Update], and select the item you want to update. 4.

  • Page 29: Basic Setting

    [Next]. 3. The default setting will be completed if you click [Start], and the Feature Guide for using AK500N. 4. You can use the product, if you click [Start] after the function guide is finished. Using the Device...
  • Page 30 Moving to the Previous Screen Setting Sound In/Out 1. Click [ ] while using 1. You can set in the the product to move to notification bar screen or the previous page. [Settings-Sound-Sound In/Out]. If ‘Sound In/Out’ is connected to ‘Digital In(Coax, OPT, AES/EBU, BNC), you can not output the sound Moving Up/Down from the List with ‘Digital Out’.

  • Page 31: Connection To A Computer

    Notifica- The Notification Bar will be displayed if you Display of The content is displayed if there is a drag up and click the notification icon at the tion bar notification notification. The notification will disappear bottom. message if you push the notification information aside. Screen Move the location of the Brightness Adjustment Brightness...
  • Page 32 Automatic Battery Sets the automatic battery charging Charging Set function while playback. Play mode Sets the playback mode. : Plays the music of the list being played in order : Plays the music of the list being played in random order Repeat Sets the repeat mode.
  • Page 33 Music list 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 Progression Displays the state of the progress. screen State Bar If you move the position of the bar, it moves to where you want. Play Time Displays the total duration of the song. Previous Short: Plays the previous song.
  • Page 34 Music List Display a music list of the current position. Press the [ ] next to the desired music to delete a file, add to the play list, or add to the current play list. Sort by List You can select the music list sorting method as ‘ALL/MQS/DSD/Ripping’.

  • Page 35: Music Playback Screen

    Music Lyrics Displays the lyrics. playback Sound Set Displays the sound set(EQ, etc.) screen. screen Gap-less Turns on/off the gab-less. Current Playlist Displays the current playlist. Progression Displays the state of the progress. State Bar If you move the position of the bar, it moves to where you want.

  • Page 36: Listening To Music

    Listening Select Music Listening to Music to music 1. Select a music retrieval method from the menu - Turn the [Volume Wheel] to adjust the volume. located on the left to display the music list for that - Press [ ] to pause, and [ ] to restart during classification.
  • Page 37 Ripping Ripping the CD Automatically Ripping the CD Manually the CD 1. Insert the CD into the CD You can select auto/manual insertion slot of the ripping from [Settings- CD product Ripping- Automatic CD Ripping]. 2. Import the metadata 1. If you insert the CD to the information of the CD insertion slot of the product, that is inserted in the...
  • Page 38 CD, etc. : Tells an error occurred, but CD ripping is completed through error correction. To recall the Grace Note DB data, AK500N has to be connected to the network before ripping. Refer to page 56 for the network connection method.
  • Page 39 Managing Adding the song in the current playlist to the playlist Changing the music order of the current playlist the current 1. Press [ ] next to the 1. Press [ ] next to the playlist song, and select [ ]. song.
  • Page 40 Managing Creating the Playlist Add a playlist to the current playlist the playlist 1. Press [ ] next to the 1. If you select [Playlist] desired playlist from the from the left menu, the playlist, and select [ playlist is displayed. 2.
  • Page 41 Adding music to playlists Deleting a playlist 1. Press [ ] next to the 1. A playlist is displayed, if desired playlist from the you press [Add Song] on playlist, select [ ] and the top of the playlist. press [OK], then the 2.
  • Page 42 Adding a song in the playlist to the current playlist Add a song in the playlist to the playlist 1. Select the desired playlist 1. Select the desired from the playlist, and playlist from the playlist, select [ ] next to the and select [ ] next to song you want to add.

  • Page 43: Searching Files

    Searching files Searching files 1. If you press [ ] on the top right of the playlist, a search bar will be displayed. 2. Select Songs/Albums/Artists you want to search. 3. Type search term in the search input window, and browse the file. Folder Copy Moving Folders Managing...

  • Page 44: Deleting Folders

    Deleting folders Adding to the playlist 1. Select [ ] next to the 1. Select [ ] next to the folder you want to add to folder you want to delete. the playlist. 2. If you press [ ] on the 2.
  • Page 45 Adding to the current playlist Changing a name 1. Select [ ] next to the 1. Select [ ] next to the folder you want to change file you want to add to the name. the current playlist. 2. If you select [ ] on the 2.
  • Page 46 You can play or download the music from a PC on the same network via AK500N in real time. streaming Installing MQS Streaming Server Choosing MQS Streaming Server 1. Download MQS Streaming Server from [Support > 1. Install the MQS streaming Download of http://www.astellnkern.com/]...
  • Page 47 3. You can download relevant applications from Google Play Market and Apple App Store. For the use method of applications, please refer to the help for the application. In order to connect to Network Server and Network Player, AK500N and the product you want to connect must be connected in the same network.
  • Page 48 Purchasing Purchasing music music in 1. Connect AK500N to the network. the store 2. If you press [Store] in the menu, and select ‘Groovers’ from the list appears, the APP will be activated. 3. You can check the using method through the user guide and help in the STORE.
  • Page 49 Using USB DAC function is a function to recognize AK500N via a sound card and listen to sound through the earphone port of AK500N. USB DAC function USB DAC Specifications - Supported USB DAC OS + Windows XP (32bit) / Windows 7 (32bit / 64bit) / Windows 8 (32bit / 64bit) / Mac OS 10.7 (Lion) or later...
  • Page 50 Installing USB DAC 1. Set [Settings-Connecting 5. Press [Browser] to set the USB] as [DAC input]. folder to install the driver, 2. Connect the product and and then press [Install]. a PC by using a USB 6. If the following screen is cable for data transfer.
  • Page 51 Panel>Sound>Playback’ tab, and select [Set as Default Device] on the bottom. You need to complete this step, only if you are using AK500N with USB DAC for the first time. You do not need a separate follow-up to select AK500N for the sound output.

  • Page 52: Bluetooth On/Off

    Using Bluetooth on/off Pairing Bluetooth bluetooth 1. Please refer to the instruction manual of the 1. Select the Bluetooth Bluetooth remote control handset for a pairing. remote control you want to pair from the list you can use. Supported Bluetooth Specifications - Supported profiles: A2DP (Only Bluetooth remote control can be connected.) Do not turn off the power during the Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Page 53 You can manually set your own production environment. Set menu structure may vary depending on the firmware version. Settings Bluetooth 1. Select [AK500N-Settings] on the home screen. Connect of disable the Bluetooth remote control. 2. Set by selecting the desired item.
  • Page 54 Sound Equalizer: Set the equalizer to suit your tastes. Balance Output: Set the left/right balance of the - PRO EQ: Recommend Preset EQ by experts sound output. - USER EQ: Change the height of the equalizer on PCM to DSD: Converts PCM file to DSD64 data, your tastes and turns on/off the playing function.
  • Page 55 - 500N Server : If you turn off the network server, If you charge when battery status is less than 5% AK500N is not found in other product. and the power is completely off, it takes about 3 - Network Server Name : Set the name of the server.

  • Page 56: System Information

    Never turn off the power while factory reset is in progress. Formatting the microSD card will delete all the data Files cannot be transferred from a PC to the AK500N on the memory card. Be sure to backup any important while RAID5 reconstruction is in progress.
  • Page 57 Connecting Connecting to a wireless network Connecting to a wired network to the 1. If you press and hold [ 1. Connect the wired LAN network in the notification bar, or cable to the [ETHERNET] turns on [Settings – on the back of the product. Wireless Network], the 2.
  • Page 58 Setting the Setting the equalizer equalizer 1. Activate the equalizer 4. Set the name of the menu at [Settings – equalizer, and select [OK]. Sound – Equalizer]. 5. Set by changing the 2. Press [PRO EQ] on the height of the equalizer to bottom.
  • Page 59 Reset Equalizer Renaming the equalizer 1. Press [ ] to reset the 1. Press [Rename] on the equalizer. bottom of the equalizer, and type a new name. 2. If you press [OK] after typing a new name of the equalizer, the name of the equalizer will be changed.
  • Page 60 Trouble Check! shooting 1. The device won’t turn on. 6. File will not playback or a specific file causes Please check if the power supply is correctly instability. connected. The Following may occur due to the condition 2. The operation of the product is unstable. of the file: If you press and hold the power button on the side - Playback is unstable or difficult.
  • Page 61 Copyright iriver Limited retains the rights to patents, trademarks, copyright, and other intellectual property rights related to this manual. No contents of this manual may be copied or duplicated in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of iriver Limited. Using or reproducing in whole or part, the contents of this document is subject to penalties.
  • Page 62 (b) For a Class B digital device or peripheral, the instructions furnished the user shall include the following or similar statement, placed in a prominent location in the text of the manual: NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.

  • Page 63: Body-Worn Operation

    Body-Worn operation This device was tested for typical body-worn operations with the back of the portable music player kept 5mm. from the body. To maintain compliance requirements, use only belt-clips, holsters or similar accessories that maintain a 1cm separation distance between the user’s Body and the back of the Portable music player, including the antenna.
  • Page 64 Disclaimers The Manufacturer, importer, and distributor shall not be liable for damages including accidental and personal injury due to the improper use or operation of this product. The information in this user manual was written based on current product specifications. The manufacturer, iriver Limited, is currently adding new comple- mentary features and will continue to apply new technologies in the future.
  • Page 65 Gracenote Servers will terminate if you violate these restrictions. If your license terminates, you agree to cease any and all use of the Gracenote Data, the Gracenote Software, and Gracenote Servers. Gracenote reserves all rights in Gracenote Data, the Gracenote Software, and the Gracenote Servers, including all ownership rights.

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