In recent months, Astell&Kern has expanded their product line with other categories. Previously, I reviewed their first wireless speaker, the ACRO BE100. Here, I am reviewing their first true wireless earbuds, the AK UW100, which retails at S399 in Singapore.
Even without visible branding (except for the discreet “A” logo), it is easy to tell that this an A&K product, thanks to the iconic prismatic design. What’s very interesting is that the AK UW100 is rather unique – I have not seen any resemblance from other competitor models. I must say A&K is trying to be original, though I feel they should pick a few tips from the incumbents.
First, the build of the charging case and the earbuds are plastic that does not feel very dense. Second, the charging case and the earbuds are relatively large for true wireless design in 2022. The design and material does not feel like a premium earbuds. Finally, the AK UW100 only supports Ambient mode and not ANC, which is a curious decision but I believe it is due to the prioritisation of delivering better audio performance. Besides, A&K claims that the passive noise isolation is good enough to remove ambient noises, and I kind of agree after testing the UW100.
Its saving grace is the audio hardware and sound quality. The UW100 employs a separate dedicated AK4332 32-bit high-performance DAC, working in tandem with Astell&Kern’s proprietary AMP technology. It also uses the Knowles BA drivers instead of dynamic drivers. The UW100 transmits over Bluetooth 5.2 in aptX Adaptive (also supports SBC and AAC). All these factors contribute to a clearer, more accurate, low-distortion, dynamic audio performance.
Pairing is simple: when wearing the earbuds, press-hold one of the earbuds for 3 seconds and wait for the voice prompt before proceeding to pair with your audio device. The UW100 also supports wireless charging, with its bottom of the case plastered with silicone so that it sits firmly on surfaces.
After connecting the earbuds to the AK TWS smartphone app, and you can access the various settings as well as firmware update. On the app, you can adjust the 4 levels of Ambient mode, select EQ preset, and customise the touch controls, albeit limited options.
The Ambient mode can also be selected from the touch controls by double-tap the let earbud. The different levels allow me to turn up the surrounding sounds higher than normal, where Level 1 is on par with ambient noise. A lot of the earbuds I’ve reviewed in past months have rather tame Ambient sound mode which cannot be adjusted, so the UW100 is a welcoming change.
Through the app, user can select one of the five equalizer settings. The “Default” sound provides a laid-back V-shaped tuning with soft midrange and thin treble and not much air. Switching to “Bass emphasis mode”, the lows instantly pops up and sounds more prominent without too overflowing. In “High emphasis mode”, the mid-treble dynamic range is elevated from the default mode to bring it forward. The upper treble is not boosted and not as transparent as the Sennheiser IE300/600/900. With the “Vocal emphasis mode”, the upper midrange to low treble is elevated while the upper treble is recessed to offer a rounded sound that is less harsh.
Last but not least, the “Game mode” turns out to be my favourite mode on the UW100. This is because the tuning is more flat-neutral, the overall sound is more forward, details are more forthcoming, especially the midrange. The spatial imaging is also wider, so the instruments sound less congested. Overall sound is snappy, not sluggish, enough to pick up good musical details amidst the intense energy. This mode is almost similar to the “High emphasis mode” but the Game mode has a little more bass and midrange.
In terms of call quality, the UW100 does not do any wonders compared to other true wireless. Generally, the mic is not sensitive enough to amplify my voice loudly. In quiet environment, my voice sounds clean, clear, not bass-boosted. Under noisy conditions, the mic struggles to pick up my voice, neither can it counter wind noise.
During calls, the Ambient mode is disabled, and due to the strong passive noise isolation, I feel overly conscious about my speaking volume. Hopefully, future firmware updates can allow user to choose the option.
Verdict
For a new entrant in true wireless earbuds, Astell&Kern produces a promising product with a unique design that no doubt is going to be a signature style for subsequent new releases. The use of a dedicated DAC is also delivering good sound for the discerning listener. The AK UW100 is an attractive product catered to fans of this popular audiophile brand and the industry will be watching it closely for future models which could challenge incumbents in the audio department. It retails in Singpore at S$399 and can be found exclusively at AV One. Visit https://av1group.com.sg, AV One stores at The Adelphi (#01-10) and The Millenia Walk (#01-35) for more details and an audition.
