PPF33
INSTRUCTION BOOK
User Guide
CONTENTS
Getting Started
Package Contents
Product Overview
Power Management
Charging
Connections
Firmware Updates
_01
02
03
05
06
07
13
Using the Device
Basic Operations
Home Screen
Notification Bar
Using Open APP Service
AK CONNECT
Listening to Music
Playlist Management
USB DAC Installation
How to Use USB Audio
CD Ripping
Settings
Connecting to Wi-Fi
Using Bluetooth
Equalizer Setup
Miscellaneous
Safety Pre-Cautions
Troubleshooting
Copyright
Certifications
Registered Trademarks
Disclaimers
Specifications
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_02
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18
20
23
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30
33
36
37
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46
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59
User Guide
Package
Contents
Contents may be changed without prior notice to improve the
performance or quality of the product.
PPF33
USB Type-C CablemicroSD Card
Slot Cover
Case & Protective Film: Protect the device and its screen.
microSD Card Slot Cover: The cover is used to protect the
microSD card slot when not in use. It is installed in the
product by default.
USB Type-C Cable: For charging and data transfer.
Quick Start Guide: Basic overview of device functionality.
Warranty Card: Provides warranty details for your device.
Maintain a copy of this card since it may be required for
future technical support requests.
User Guide: The User Guide can be downloaded from the
Astell&Kern website.
[http://www.astellnkern.com Support > Download].
Case &
Protective Film
Quick Start Guide
& Warranty Card
Getting Started 02
User Guide
Product
Overview
The appearance of the product, as well as the printed and
engraved information, may vary depending on the model.
3.5mm Unbalanced Port/
OPTICAL OUT terminal
2.5mm Balanced Port
Previous/
Rewind
Play/Pause
Next/
Fast-Forward
microSD Card Slot
USB Type-C Port
3.5mm Unbalanced Port/ OPTICAL OUT terminal:
- 3.5mm Unbalanced / S/PDIF Port symbol.
For audio output, connect earphones or headphones that
utilize a 3.5mm jack. Music can be played back on an S/PDIF
-capable external device via an optical cable.
Power/
Volume
LCD
Touchscreen
Home
Button
Getting Started
03
User Guide
2.5mm Balanced Port: - 2.5mm Balanced Port symbol.
For audio output, connect earphones or headphones that
utilize a 2.5mm jack.
microSD Card Slot: - microSD Card Slot symbol.
Insert a microSD card to access its files.
Power/Volume: - Power symbol.
Short press - Turns the screen on or off.
Press and hold - Turns the device on or off.
Turn the wheel to adjust the playback output volume level.
LCD Touchscreen: Display screen with touch control features.
Play/Pause: Play or pause the current song.
Previous/Rewind:
Short press - Play the previous song or restart the current
song.
Press and hold - Rewind the current song.
Next/Fast-Forward: Short press - Play the next song.
Press and hold - Fast-forward the
current song.
Home Button: Press to return to the Home Screen.
USB Type-C Port: - DC Power symbol.
For charging and data transfer.
Getting Started
04
User Guide
Power
Management
Powering the Device On/Off
1. Press and hold the [Power] button to turn on the device.
2. While the device is on, press and hold the [Power] button
to shut down the device. A confirmation message will
appear.
3. Press [OK] to turn off the device.
This device has an automatic shutdown feature to save battery
power. The device will turn off if there is no user input during the
period defined in [Menu - Settings - Timer Settings - Auto Power
Off] (See Page 44)
Turning the Screen On/Off
1. While the screen is on, press the [Power] button to turn
off the screen.
2. Press [Power] button again to turn it on.
This device has an automatic timeout feature to save battery power.
The screen will turn off if there is no user input during the period
defined in [Menu - Settings - Timer Settings - Screen Timeout]. (See
Page 44)
Reset Function
1. In case of unexpected device failure or freeze, press and
hold [Power] for 7 seconds to force a shutdown. The device
can then be restarted after the shutdown is complete.
Resetting the device will not affect stored data or time settings. Do
not use the reset function while the product is in use. Doing so may
corrupt the data on the device.
Getting Started
05
User Guide
Charging
Charging via USB Wall Adapter
1. Commercially available 9V 1.67A output adapters may be
used for charging.
Fast charging time: Approx. 2 hours 20 minutes (Fully discharged,
Power-off, 9V 1.67A adapter) / Normal charging: Maximum 5 hours
(Fully discharged, Power-off, 5V 2A adapter)
A fast charger of 9V 1.67A may be used. Using a 12V adapter will not
charge the device and may cause malfunctions.
Getting Started
06
User Guide
Connections
3.5mm Unbalanced Port
1. Connect earphones or headphones to the 3.5mm
unbalanced port.
OR
2.5mm Balanced Port
1.
Connect earphones or headphones to the 2.5mm balanced port.
OR
Connecting to Balanced Audio Device
1. Connect to an external audio device by using the 3.5mm
unbalanced port and 2.5mm balanced port.
Unbalanced
Port (Ground)
Balanced Port (LR)
Getting Started
07
User Guide
Connecting S/PDIF OUT
1. Listen to music through an external device by connecting
the S/PDIF-IN-compatible external device using the optical
cable and operating the product. Turn on the output format
conversion function in [Menu-Settings-S/PDIF Conversion],
to convert to the format that is set when S/PDIF connection
is made and output.
At S/PDIF OUT, the DSD format is converted to PCM and played back.
PCM can select output bit rate (16/24bit) and sample rate
(48/96/192kHz).
The volume will be fixed at the maximum level.
The output format of connected external devices may differ so refer
to the specifications of each device.
Getting Started
08
User Guide
Connecting to Computer
1. Turn on the device and your computer.
2.
Use the USB Type-C cable to connect the device to a computer
in accordance with settings in [Menu - Settings - USB Mode].
[Default] Media Device (USB Drive): Transfer files from a
computer to the device.
DAC Input: Listen to music on a connected computer
through the device. (See Page 37)
Mac users need to download and install Android File Transfer from
the Astell&Kern website. [http://www.astellnkern.com > Support >
Download]
For an optimal connection, quit any unnecessary programs before
connecting the device to the computer.
Do not use cables other than the USB Type-C cable provided with the
device. Doing so may cause malfunctions.
Use USB 2.0 only on Mac.
Type-C-to-Type-C cable is recommended when connecting with a
MAC that supports Type-C port.
Getting Started
09
User Guide
Copy Files (Folders) to the Device
1. To copy files/folders from your computer, select the desired
files/folders and drag & drop them into the device folder.
Ensure the USB Type-C cable is properly connected.
Turning off the device, computer or disconnecting the USB Type-C
cable while copying or moving files/folders may corrupt files or
device memory.
File transfer speeds may be affected by the computer and/or the OS
environment.
Getting Started
10
User Guide
Delete Files (or Folders) from the Device
1. Select the file/folder to delete, right-click the mouse, and
then select [Delete].
2. Select [Yes] in the [Confirm File/Folder Deletion] window
to delete the selected files/folders.
Disconnecting from the Computer
1. Disconnect the USB Type-C cable after the transfer between
the device and computer is complete.
Disconnecting the device from the computer during a file transfer
may corrupt data on the device.
Getting Started
11
User Guide
Insert/Remove a microSD Card
1. Refer to the diagram and gently
insert a microSD card into the
microSD card slot.
2. To safely remove a microSD card,
on the Home Screen, select
[Safely remove SD card] from the
Notification Bar or select
[Unmount SD card] from
[Menu - Settings - System
Information].
3. Gently press the microSD card in
to unlock and release it from the
slot.
Recommended microSD Cards
SAMSUNG
Maximum Capacity: 512GB
Notes on Inserting a microSD Card
Do not force the microSD card into the slot. Doing so may cause
malfunction of the product and damage to the card.
Do not repeatedly insert/remove the microSD card.
If not inserted properly, the microSD card may cause product
malfunctions and may become lodged in the product.
Notes on Removing a microSD Card
Be sure to safely remove the microSD card from the device.
Not following the proper procedure may corrupt data and cause
serious damage to the both the card and device.
Do not remove the microSD card during use. Doing so may cause
malfunction, delete data and damage the microSD card.
Getting Started
12
User Guide
Notes on Using a microSD Card
If the microSD card is not recognized or functions improperly,
format the card, preferably in the FAT32 system.
Using cards other than the recommended microSD card types
may cause malfunctions.
A microSD card is not included in the product package. Please
purchase separately.
Firmware
Updates
Wi-Fi Update / OTA (Over-the-Air)
1. Connect to a wireless network.
2. If a new firmware update is available, the screen will
display a Firmware Update Guide window.
3. Select [Update].
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the
firmware update.
For Wi-Fi connections, see Page 46.
The firmware update may not start if the battery level is too low.
(A minimum battery level of 20% is required.)
Do not disconnect from the wireless network while downloading the
update file. Doing so may cause data corruption and/or damage to
the system.
If an error occurs or the notice in the Notification Bar disappears
during an update, download the firmware update again through
[Menu - Settings - Update - System].
Moving to another screen during a file download will cancel the
download.
Getting Started
13
User Guide
Basic
Operations
LCD Touchscreen
1. This device features an LCD touchscreen that allows you
to perform operations by touch.
Use the touchscreen to access various features on the
device.
To prevent damage to the screen, do not use a sharp object or
excessive force.
Return to the Home Screen
1. Press [ ] at any time to return to the Home Screen.
Home Screen
Using the Device
14
User Guide
From the Home Screen, swipe your finger to the left, right,
up or down from any edge of the touchscreen to access display
menus. Each side of the Home Screen will activate a different
display menu.
Main Menu
1. From the left edge of the touchscreen, swipe your finger
right to display the Main Menu.
Music files extracted using the AK CD-Ripper accessory that are
stored in the Ripping folder of the internal memory will be displayed
in the CD library menu.
Using the Device
15
User Guide
Notification Bar
1. From the top edge of the touchscreen, swipe your finger
down to display the Notification Bar.
View Current Playlist
1. From the right edge of the touchscreen, swipe your finger
left to display the Now Playing menu.
Using the Device
16
User Guide
View Play History
1. From the bottom edge of the touchscreen, swipe your
finger up to display the Play History menu.
Moving Up/Down on a List
1. Scroll through a list by dragging your finger up or down.
Using the Device
17
User Guide
Home
Screen
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Menu
Details
Song Progress
Recent Menu
List
Add to Playlist
Title
Artist/Album
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10
11
12
13
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15
16
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19
Displays the Main Menu.
Displays current song information.
Indicates song duration.
Go to the last displayed menu list.
Add the current song to a playlist.
Song title information.
File name is displayed when the title
is unavailable.
Displays the artist and album info.
Using the Device
18
User Guide
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
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19
Previous/
Rewind
Playlist
Format
Information
Album Cover
Now Playing
Song Count
Playback
Progress Bar
Song Duration
Shuffle Mode
Repeat Mode
Play/Pause
Next/FF
Back button
Short press: Play the previous
song or restart the current song.
Press and hold: Rewind the current song.
Display current playlist.
Displays the bit rate and sampling
frequency data.
Displays album cover of current song.
Tap image to view the song lyrics.
Displays the current song number playing/
total number of songs in Now Playing.
Shows the current track playback
progress. Drag the Playback Progress
Bar to move to the desired track time.
Indicates the song’s total duration.
Press to switch from elapsed time
to remaining time.
Press [ ] to set track sequence for
playback.
: Shuffle mode on.
: Shuffle mode off.
Press [ ] to set the Repeat mode.
: Repeat entire playlist.
: Repeat current track.
: Repeat mode off.
Play or pause the current song.
Short press: Play the next song.
Press and hold: Fast-forward the
current song.
Press the floating back button to
return to a previous menu/screen.
Using the Device
19
User Guide
Notification
Bar
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11
12
13
Using the Device
20
User Guide
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
EQ
Computer
Connection
Mode
USB Audio
CD Ripping
AK CONNECT
Line-out
Gapless Playback
Wheel Lock
Press [ ] to turn Wi-Fi on/off.
Press [ ] to turn Bluetooth on/
off.
Press [ ] to turn the EQ on/
off. The most recent EQ settings
are applied by default.
Select the mode to use when
connected to a computer.
: Listen to music on a
connected computer
through the device.
[Default] : Enables transfer
of media files.
After connecting the device to a
portable USB DAC, press [ ] to
connect or disconnect the device.
Turn CD ripping function on/off.
Press [ ] to turn AK Connect
on/off.
Press [ ] to turn line-out on/
off.
Press [ ] to turn Gapless
Playback on/off.
Press [ ] to turn Wheel lock
on/off. When turned on, the
volume wheel will be disabled
when the screen is locked.
Using the Device
21
User Guide
10
Settings
Press [ ] to display the
full settings menu.
11
Brightness
Use the adjustment bar to
control the display brightness.
12
Notifications
Display
13
Clear Notifications
Long-press an icon [ / / / / ] to navigate to the
corresponding full settings menu screen.
Device notifications are
displayed in this area.
Clear notifications.
Using the Device
22
User Guide
Using
Open APP
Service
The Open APP Service enables the user to install specific
APK music streaming apps to the device. Copy the desired
APK into the Open Service folder of the product and install
the relevant App in the Menu-Service of the product.
The source of the app you are trying to install is unknown. Be aware that
if the app is installed, the device may be damaged and personal data
compromised. Depending on the APP, some functions may not work.
If you install an app from an unknown source, despite this warning, the
company is not responsible for any damages to the device and data
resulting from the app’s installation, and downloading and installing
such apps may limit the scope of after-sales services provided under the
manufacturer warranty.
Using the Device
23
User Guide
AK
CONNECT
Access and play back music files stored on a computer, NAS
drive or AK Device on the same network, as well as output
sound through compatible speakers with AK Connect.
AK Connect is available on your AK device and also available as an app
for your smartphone or tablet via Apple’s App store or Google Play Store.
MQS Streaming Server for your Computer
1.
In order for your computer to be visible by AK Connect, on your
computer, visit the Astell&Kern website and download the
MQS Streaming Server installer that corresponds to your operating
system. [http://www.astellnkern.com > Support > Download].
Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
2.
3. Check the User Guide within the program for detailed
information on using the MQS Streaming Server.
Please refer to the following computer minimum system requirements.
Minimum Computer Requirements
OS: Windows 7/8/10 (32 & 64-bit)
Mac Requirements
OS X 10.7 (Lion) or later
Using AK Connect to Link Music Libraries/Speakers
1. Turn on the music library device
and/or speaker and AK player.
To access the music library on
your computer, you must also
open and run the MQS streaming
serveron your computer.
2. Connect all devices to the same
Wi-Fi network.
3. Turn on the AK CONNECT feature
by pressing and holding [ ] in the
Notification Bar or selecting [Menu Settings-AK CONNECT].
Press [AK CONNECT] on the Main Menu.
4.
Using the Device
24
User Guide
5. A list of libraries / speakers that
are on the same network with the
AK player will be displayed.
6. Select a library / speaker to
connect.
7. After selecting a library / speaker,
select a category from the menu
to display the corresponding music
list.
For Wi-Fi connections, see Page 46.
Using the Device
25
User Guide
Streaming Music from Your Library
1. Select a category from the library
menu to see your list of music.
2. Select a song to begin streaming.
Downloading Music from Your Library
1. Select a category from the library
menu to see your list of music.
2. Press [ ] button at the upper right corner of the music list.
3. Select the desired music and
press [ ] to initiate the
download.
A message on the Notification
Bar will indicate when the
download is complete.
Depending on network conditions, song loading may be slow and
streaming may stutter.
Performing other operations on the linked computer may cause
slower response time.
If you stream and download at the same time, it may slow the
device’s response time depending on the speed of the Wi-Fi network
or server.
To stop a download in progress, tap the notification in the Notification
Bar to go to the download screen. Then, select the items to pause or
delete.
Using the Device
26
User Guide
AK Connect Usage Examples
Case 1
LIBRARY SPEAKER
AK T1PPF33
Case 2
AK500N
LIBRARY REMOTE SPEAKER
Using the Device
AK T1PPF33
27
User Guide
Case 3
PPF33
REMOTE & LIBRARY
AK500N
SPEAKER
Case 4
AK500N
LIBRARY SPEAKER
REMOTE
Using the Device
AK T1PPF33
28
User Guide
Case 5
PPF33
LIBRARY
AK500N
LIBRARY
or
AK Connect APP
REMOTE
AK T1
SPEAKER
Using the Device
29
User Guide
Listening
to Music
Selecting Music
1. Select a category from the Main Menu to display the
corresponding music list.
2. Select a song from the list to begin playback.
Select [Folder] to search music by folder.
Continuous Playing Time: Approx. 8 hours (Music: FLAC,16bit,
44.1kHz, Unbalanced, Volume 80, EQ Off, LCD Off)
Supported Formats: PCM [8~768kHz(8/16/24/32bit)]
DSD [2.8/5.6/11.2/22.4Mhz]
Listening to Music
To search, press [ ] on the menu list and enter the title.
The search result will be displayed.
At the top of the Play History menu, press [ / ] to
sort the music list in order of most recently played/most
played.
After selecting the [MQS] category, press [ / ] at the
top to sort the music list in order of high quality /
alphabetical order.
In the [MQS] category, the MQS tab shows MQA files and PCM
files of 24 bits or more, and the DSD tab shows DSD files.
MQS: MQA [44.1-384kHz(16/24bit)]
MQS: PCM [8~768kHz(8/16/24/32bit)]
DSD: DSD [2.8/5.6/11.2/22.4Mhz]
Select the [Folder] category to check the internal / external
memory capacity and number of files / folders, and copy /
move music.
Press [ ] on the music list to add all music to the
current playlist.
Using the Device
30
User Guide
Press [ ] on top of the music list to view the options:
: Select / deselect entire list
: Add the selected list at the top / bottom / after the
current song of Now Playing
: Add selected list to a playlist
: Delete selected list
: Exit
Turn the [Volume] wheel to adjust the volume.
Press [ ] during playback to pause and [ ] to resume
playback.
Press [ / ] during playback for the previous/next track.
Press and hold [ / ] to rewind/fast-forward the track.
Drag the indicator on the Playback Progress Bar to a desired
location of a track during playback.
Press the album art on the Home Screen to display the
song lyrics.
Press the [ ] to go to Home Screen.
Press [ ] at the top of the menu list to hide the menu list.
After selecting [ALBUM] or [CD LIBRARY] category, press
[ / / ] at the top to sort by different viewing options.
Using the Device
31
User Guide
Playlist Screen
1
2
Previous
1
Playlist
2
Edit mode
3
Play All
4
3
4
Return to the previous screen.
Display the current playlist.
Display the editing options for the music list.
Play all songs in the current list.
Using the Device
32
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