ASTELL & KERN SE300. Portable player.

The future of analogue sound, SE300

Astell&Kern's A&futura is a product line that represents Astell&Kern's relentless innovation efforts. The Astell&Kern SE300, the fourth model in the A&futura range, is a premium digital audio player that inherits this identity and expands the scope of sound with a completely new implemented technology.

A&futura SE300 is equipped with an ultra-refined R-2R DAC, dual Class A/AB amplifiers born with our patented TERATON ALPHA technology and, for the first time, an optimised FPGA technology developed in-house. With these unrivalled components, it offers the true Astell&Kern sound philosophy and technology.

Immerse yourself in the true analogue sound produced by the SE300 portable player with Class-A AMP and R-2R DAC technologies, for the first time in an Astell&Kern player.

Features:

24-bit R-2R DAC completely made up of discrete elements.

Equipped with 96 ultra-precision 0.01% resistors and TCR10

New Dual AMP mode (Class A/AB)

Option for OS / NOS modes

Optimised and self-developed FPGA technology implemented

New user interface/UX theme Crimson

Supports Bluetooth 5.0 and Hi-Fi Wireless

24-bit R-2R DAC made entirely of discrete components

To ensure that the A&futura SE300 audio player best reproduces analogue sounds, we set out to combine the DAC and AMP sections for the first time during the initial design phase.

The Astell&Kern SE300 portable player comes with an R-2R DAC, instead of a Delta-Sigma DAC that is more commonly used in other audio players. R-2R DAC, also known as Ladder DAC, as it arranges the resistors in a ladder-like fashion, delivers natural but dynamic high-fidelity sounds, but is extremely technical and difficult to execute, as it requires refined and complex resistor units and is hard to manage.

However, despite these technical challenges, after several years of development and much trial and error, we have managed to overcome this and create a new analogue sound. In the process, we meticulously selected each and every one of the 96 ultra-precision resistors and finalised our R-2R DAC technology.

The SE300 portable player brings us one step closer to getting analogue sound from a digital source and is the result of Astell&Kern's long journey with uncompromising craftsmanship to find the ultimate sound solution.

Realisation of 24-bit decoding with R-2R DACs

The R-2R DAC inside the SE300 arranges 48 pairs (23xR and 25x2R) of 96 ultra-precision resistors to create analogue signals and, in turn, realise true 24-bit Hi-Fi decoding.

Ultra-precision resistor design, the key to Hi-Fi sound

Adding accurate current value with resistors that have the smallest error ranges is key to creating Hi-Fi sound with an R-2R DAC. To realise this, Astell&Kern inspected each specifically selected ultra-precision resistor with an error range of 0.01% to complete the design of the SE300.

Specifications of the ultra-precision TCR10

To create distortion-free Hi-Fi sound within such an extreme precision design, we analysed and pre-conceived any potential impact that temperature changes may cause. The SE300 comes with special specifications.

*TCR10 to minimise changes in the range of 0.01% resistance error.

*TCR10: 10 ppm/°C low temperature coefficient of resistance.

Compatible with class A/AB dual AMP mode.

The Astell&Kern SE300 comes with a Dual AMP mode. Class A amplification that creates low distortion and natural sounds and Class AB amplification that reproduces dynamic sounds with high efficiency so users can choose between the two amplifiers according to their listening preferences and the genre of music they are playing.

Experience the true sounds that only Astell&Kern can deliver with the SE300 that comes with an R-2R DAC and dual Class A/AB amplifiers born from Astell&Kern's unique patented designs that reduce power consumption while improving output and eliminating noise.

Class A AMP Mode

Class A AMP is an analogue amplifier that delivers the best linear output, amplifying signals without distortion or signal loss and providing smooth, warm and natural sounds. The refined analogue signal created directly by the R-2R DAC reproduces a sound closer to the original analogue audio through the powerful and organic Class A AMP.

Class AB AMP mode

Class AB AMP is an analogue amplifier that delivers a powerful output with the added benefit of high efficiency. This presents crisp, dynamic sounds with less harmonic distortion.

2-step gain mode for the perfect Hi-Fi experience

For perfect use of sensitive IEM in-ear monitor headphones and difficult-to-drive headphones, a device must provide an adequate output, according to the specifications of the connected device.

The Astell&Kern SE300 supports a 2-step gain level mode to create the perfect match for a wide range of headphones and in-ear monitor IEM headphones, while maintaining optimal sound output.

The 2-step gain setting with "Normal" and "High Gain" modes can generate high current output to create powerful sound and excellent driver control.

With up to 6 Vrms of balanced connections, driving high impedance headphones has never been easier.

TERATON ALPHA, la esencia de Astell&Kern Audio Technologies

It would not have been possible to combine the exquisitely designed R-2R DAC with ultra-precision resistors and Class A AMP, which was considered impossible to miniaturise, without TERATON ALPHA's innovative audio technology. The SE300 portable player is an innovative audio player that is applied with current and temperature control of TERATON ALPHA technology and an optimised FPGA design.

TERATON ALPHA, designed through endless research, is Astell & Kern's unique technology that has been engineered to produce audio reproduction as close to the original sound as possible through effective elimination of power noise, efficient power management and unwavering amplification, and a fully converted audio output interface.

The circuit structures of R2R DAC and Dual A/AB AMP that are first applied in the SE300 are completed with TERATON ALPHA's sound solution, creating the purest form of sounds and music.

TERATON ALPHA

AK ULTIMATE SOUND SOLUTION, TERATON ALPHA

TERATON ALPHA is Astell&Kern's ultimate sound solution to produce audio reproduction close to the original sound by using effective power denoising, efficient power consumption and uncompromising amplification through the audio output interface.

What makes Astell&Kern sound different?

Many people have similar ideas about sound. They assume that "it is the DAC that determines the sound in the DAP and, in the end, if you use the same DAC, the sound will be similar for each product".

The DAC plays a large part of the sound signature in a DAP, but it is not the only factor that determines the sound level.

TERATON (teratone), was born based on the technology developed by Astell&Kern. It is a compound word comprising Tera, which stands for 10 trillion + Tone, which stands for the device and Astell&Kern's wide A+ tone.

DAPs can be largely divided into three areas: power, amplifier and interface.

Audio power part

The starting point of Astell&Kern's perfect sound delivery is audio technology that most effectively removes power noise and converts the signal, which is essential for audio power.

Related patent: High fidelity audio device and method for eliminating power noise.

Part of the amplifier

The reason why the same DAC produces different sound signatures is due to differences in AMP design. Astell&Kern's advanced AMP technology features efficient power consumption and powerful amplification that produces the best audio performance without compromise.

Related patent: Audio cabling structure for improved crosstalk.

Part of the audio interface

The audio interface that converts digital signals into analogue and outputs them is made up of technology developed by Astell&Kern and perfected over the years.

The result is a perfect, noise-free sound.

Related patent: audio signal muting device and digital signal conversion, etc.

TERATON ALPHA features Astell&Kern's patented technologies, which are the result of tens of thousands of hours of continuous research and development to produce a sound close to the original sound intended by the artist and producer.

Compatible with OS/NOS optimised FPGA modes

The SE300 portable player comes with Astell&Kern's exclusively developed FPGA and provides optimised OS/NOS modes.

The Astell&Kern SE300 portable player uses an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that we developed ourselves for an optimised design instead of using common commercial semiconductor chipsets, transmitting digital signals to the R-2R DAC through its algorithm. Astell&Kern's FPGA, developed specifically for the SE300, supports the most ideal OS (oversampling) / NOS (no oversampling).

Enjoy the sound styles reproduced by the NOS and OS modes, meticulously designed for the SE300 hardware and software.

NOS (No Oversampling) Mode

In NOS mode, the player reproduces the pure original sound without any digital processing, allowing users to enjoy the true unprocessed sounds decoded by the R-2R DAC itself.

OS (Oversampling) mode

OS mode offers partial digital processing that expands the bandwidth of the original signal to deliver impressive detail, with a wide sense of space that creates crisp, clear sounds.

SE300 AUDIO BLOCK

New experience, new user interface

The Astell&Kern SE300 portable player comes with a redesigned Crimson-themed UI/UX that transforms into a "real music player" for users to deeply connect with their music listening experience.

The new UI/UX is designed to allow users to quickly browse music categories and rediscover songs within their music library.

We also added a simple album art search function so users can rediscover the pleasure of viewing and interacting with music album art while listening to their music.

The crimson theme focuses on the keywords of edge, simplicity and dark mode. The black theme with red highlights reduces visual fatigue and offers intuitive user experiences, and many other improvements were made to the device's usability of the app service, artist view, album sorting and album art search function.

Immerse yourself in the music with the new UI/UX.

Real-time information confirmed by light

Behind the exquisite A&futura SE300 volume wheel is an LED light reminiscent of rising waves. With the LED light radiating from inside the SE300, users can check the bit depth information of the currently playing music or the current AMP mode.

Adoption of 5.46-inch Full HD display

Experience the SE300 more vividly and comfortably with a large 5.46-inch Full HD display.

ReplayGain automatically and evenly adjusts playback volume

ReplayGain is built-in, which adjusts sound sources with different volumes to the same level. Now, enjoy your own playlists seamlessly through the ReplayGain function on SE300.

* ReplayGain supports sound sources up to 24-bit/192 kHz.

Hi-Fi wireless sound via BT Sink

The BT Sink function connects the SE300 to an external device via Bluetooth, similar to connecting a smartphone with a BT speaker. Music from an external device, such as a smartphone, can now be played in high quality on the SE300 using the BT Sink function.

Native DSD256, 32-bit/384 kHz support

Astell&Kern SE300 supports DSD256 and up to 32 bit/384 kHz with Astell&Kern's unrivalled audio technology, allowing you to fully enjoy your favourite music anywhere you want.

AK File Drop for wireless transfer enjoyment

The new AK File Drop feature on the SE300 makes file transfers easier and more convenient. With AK File Drop, you can freely transfer files wirelessly via a PC, smartphone or FTP programme located on the same network. Music file management is now possible with a wireless and cable-free solution.

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated)

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) es una tecnología británica galardonada que ofrece el sonido de la grabación maestra original. El archivo MQA maestro está completamente autenticado y es lo suficientemente pequeño como para transmitirlo o descargarlo. Visite mqa.co.uk para obtener más información.

Astell&Kern SE300 incluye tecnología MQA, que le permite reproducir archivos y transmisiones de audio MQA, brindando el sonido de la grabación maestra original.

El logotipo de MQA es una marca comercial de MQA Limited.

Design of the Astell&Kern A&futura SE300

The design concept of the A&futura SE300 is "Stream".

Like small ripples in the water that become breaking waves, we designed the SE300 with Class A AMP, the ultimate AMP shape, to have a unique identity.

The main body made of aluminium has aerodynamic surfaces that represent the flow of music. Through this, we created a firm yet flexible image. We added intensity by using contrasting materials such as stainless steel and glass to further enhance the theme of "Stream". In addition to this, the bottom section of the device curves outwards, allowing for a more ergonomic grip while using the player.

The right side of the SE300 is coated with stainless steel to improve visual focus. The polished side and triangular patterned volume wheel are key to creating powerful and visually striking contrasts. The straight pattern on the back of the volume wheel raises the visual density and allows users to control the volume and visually verify changes. The wheel illumination is placed behind the volume wheel to avoid direct exposure while allowing light to reflect off the side decorations and knurling of the volume wheel, creating the effect of an explosion of light from within.

The rear glass also features a new etching pattern, which continues the "Stream" concept. The basic pattern features the Astell & Kern A logo, designed to present an overall stream flow with differences in size. This etching pattern amplifies the sense of flow with the differences in inclination, adding a sense of depth to the otherwise dull-looking rectangular rear glass.