Asahi Kaisei Microdevices debuts AK491x series of audio op amps

Asahi Kasei Microdevices has unveiled the AK491x series of premium audio operational amplifiers. These new devices mark a significant expansion of AKM’s analog audio portfolio and will be on display at HIGH END Vienna 2026 from June 4th to 7th at Austria Center Vienna in Hall X2, Booth E07. AKM extends its VELVET SOUND philosophy beyond the DAC and into the analog output stage with the introduction of the AK4911 and AK4912, single- and dual-channel op amps. As DAC performance has continued to evolve, spearheaded by products such as AKM’s AK4499EX, audio designers have found a dearth of op amps that can leverage these aural advances. AKM’s AK491x series delivers upgraded audio performance, with ultra-low noise and distortion characteristics-noise density of 0.96 nV/Hz and THD+N of -150 dB at 1 kHz-that are unachievable with conventional op amps. An ample +/-100 mA output-drive capability enables these new devices to maintain excellent THD+N characteristics even under the most demanding load conditions, such as 8-channel current summing in DAC applications.