Audiophiles and music enthusiasts can anticipate an elevated auditory journey as Astell&Kern, the renowned high-end Korean audio brand, introduces its latest innovation in the form of the UW100 MK II true wireless earphones. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the new iteration embarks on a quest to set a new benchmark in true wireless sound quality.
In an official press release, Astell&Kern emphasizes its commitment to delivering an authentic and unadulterated sound that stays faithful to the original recording. With this ethos in mind, the UW100 MK II strives to achieve this elusive goal by combining cutting-edge technology with precise engineering.
One of the standout features of the UW100 MK II is its embedded 32-bit DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) and full-range balanced armature driver. This combination is designed with the aim to deliver an unparalleled level of precision and detail in the audio playback and should ensure that listeners can savor each note and nuance as intended by the artists.
Astell&Kern continue to prioritize sonic purity over the noise-cancelling trend, opting for passive noise isolation rather than active noise cancellation (ANC). The brand argues that ANC could potentially compromise the audio fidelity, a stance that aligns with its commitment to delivering a faithful and unaltered sound experience. Despite this, the earphones feature an Ambient Mode, allowing users to selectively incorporate external sounds while enjoying their music.
The UW100 MK II also boasts a redesigned acoustic chamber and circuitry, which should improve the overall audio quality but also extend the wireless playtime. Astell&Kern's engineering team has also optimized the internal layout, which should result in a more stable wireless connection, reduced distortion, and minimized excess noise.
Battery life receives a significant boost in this iteration. The earbuds themselves provide an impressive 9.5 hours of continuous playback, and when combined with the reserve charge in the compact charging case, users can enjoy up to 29 hours of their favorite music. The redesigned charging case has been streamlined for portability and convenience, allowing users to gain an hour of playback from a mere 10-minute quick charge.
AptX Adaptive Bluetooth technology takes center stage in the UW100 MK II, which should ensure a seamless and stable connection to Android devices. Bluetooth multipoint support facilitates the simultaneous connection of the earbuds to multiple devices, enabling effortless switching between devices without manual intervention. For Android users, Google Fast Pair simplifies the initial pairing process by swiftly connecting the earbuds to compatible devices.
Astell&Kern also offers a dedicated smartphone app that allows users to tailor their audio experience. The app includes an adjustable 10-band EQ for fine-tuning the sound signature of the earbuds, and it also enables customization of the touch controls and management of the Ambient Mode levels.
Enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the UW100 MK II can mark their calendars, as the earbuds are set to debut in early October 2023. With a suggested retail price of $299 in the US, £269 in the UK, €319 in Europe, and AUS$499 in Australia, Astell&Kern are aiming to position the UW100 MK II earphones in the same league as established contenders such as Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II.
