TokyoMay 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Naoyuki Kurita; hereinafter “AKM”) will exhibit for the first time the operational amplifier[1] “AK491x” series, developed for high-quality audio products, at the international audio exhibition HIGH END Vienna 2026, held in Vienna, Austria, from Thursday, June 4, 2026~ to Sunday, June 7. AKM’s booth is located at Hall X2, Booth E07 (Austria Center Vienna).
The AK491x series is an operational amplifier designed for high-end audio products. Based on the original sound quality design philosophy accumulated in DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter)[2] technology, AKM has created the “VELVET SOUND™” brand and extended this brand concept to the analog output stage[3]. The product lineup includes the single-channel “AK4911” and the dual-channel “AK4912”.
Product photo of the “AK491x” operational amplifier
In recent years, with the emergence of high-performance DACs such as the AK4499EX, it has become possible to convert digital audio sources into analog signals extremely close to the original sound. However, the selection of operational amplifiers capable of fully leveraging this performance has been limited.
The AK491x series achieves an ultra-low noise density (0.96nV/√Hz) that significantly suppresses noise mixed into the signal, while also delivering exceptionally low and superior THD+N characteristics ( -150dB at 1kHz), a key indicator of audio distortion. This provides high sound quality performance that has been difficult to achieve with conventional operational amplifiers. Furthermore, with a high output drive capability of ±100mA, it maintains excellent sound quality characteristics even under demanding load conditions, such as multi-signal synthesis (e.g., 8-channel current summing) in DAC applications.
Evaluation by Seiko Nakamoto, Lead Expert, High-Quality Audio Product Development, Asahi Kasei Microdevices
“The development of the AK491x series focuses not only on specifications but also on the ‘listening experience.’ By achieving a high-level fusion of clarity and transparency in sound details, natural spatial extension, and a sense of core power, we strive to deliver a realistic and immersive sound experience. We believe that balancing excellent measurement performance with musical expressiveness is the value that future operational amplifiers should offer. We cordially invite you to visit our exhibition, experience the difference through actual listening, and personally explore the world of sound that embodies our concept of ‘As if you were there,’ along with our brand philosophy and solutions.”
In addition to introducing the AK491x series, the exhibition will also feature demonstrations of sound field correction technology for home audio. Technical explanations and listening sessions led by AKM engineers and audio masters will be held at Booth E07 by prior appointment.
Sample shipments of the AK491x series have already begun, and mass production is scheduled to start in early 2027.
Demonstration board for headphones
For more information on the AK491x series, please visit the following website:
https://www.akm.com/cn/zh-cn/products/audio/
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[1] Operational amplifier: An electronic component used to amplify audio signals, a key part that significantly impacts sound quality and musical expression. |
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[2] DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter): A circuit or product that converts digital data (audio source) into analog signals that humans can hear. |
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[3] Analog output stage: A circuit that processes the audio signal converted by the DAC and passes it to the driver circuit. In audio equipment, it is an important factor determining the fundamental sound performance. |