Astell&Kern A&Ultima SP3000

Luxury meets innovation, SP3000

Astell&Kern has set the standard for perfect sound using the latest innovative technology with the A&ultima series. The A&ultima SP3000 is the newest flagship product that is the essence of everything learned and designed over the last 10 years of digital music processing.

The A&ultima SP3000 portable player is the world's first DAP with dual independent audio circuit and the latest DAC with HEXA audio circuit structure, as well as using all the audio technologies and the best materials that let you feel the overwhelming impact of sound. and music.

Experience perfection first hand with the true next generation flagship, A&ultima SP3000, the pinnacle of audio players.

Key Features:

World's first use of 904L stainless steel for DAP body material

World's first DAP with complete separation of analog and digital signal processing (Using Asahi Kasei's latest AKM4499EX Flagship DAC chip)

Impressive audio performance with dual independent audio circuitry

Equipped with high-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon 6125 Octa-Core CPU

New Experience in the Graphical User Interface

Support for aptX™ HD and LDAC Bluetooth codecs

Material innovations: World's first use of 904L stainless steel for DAP body material

In order to achieve the goal of the A&ultima series, which is to 'provide the best value that no one can imitate while using the most innovative and uncompromising design and craftsmanship', the Astell&Kern SP3000 uses 904L stainless steel material that has never been attempted before in a portable music player. The use of this material has expanded its value from a simple digital device to the realm of a luxury good.

904L stainless steel is harder and more difficult to process than general stainless steel and requires much more time and effort. However, due to its excellent durability and resistance to corrosion, it has a characteristic that does not lose its beauty and that is why it is used in expensive luxury watches where perfection must be sought in all materials and parts with an irreplaceable shine. and wonderful.

Experience the uncompromising beauty and luxury of the SP3000 produced by Astell&Kern's experienced workforce.

Design concept

The interpretation of light and shadow displayed on the SP3000 is expressed as "wrapped in light", whereas the previous SP1000 and SP2000 expressed light as spread and scatter. The SP3000 concept represents how light collects and envelops the wheel.

This symbolizes that the Astell&Kern SP3000 is the total culmination of all the technologies and capabilities that Astell&Kern has accumulated over the years. The polished stainless steel body shines at all times, and the beautiful glowing LED lighting and finely machined ceramic panel further emphasize the luxury.

Created through careful design and processing, the Astell&Kern SP3000 offers the ultimate in beauty combined with the most advanced sound.

TERATON ALPHA: the essence of Astell&Kern Audio Technologies merged in the SP3000

To develop the best audio player that has never been experienced before, we not only use the latest technology and DACs available, but also use the innovative audio technology of TERATON ALPHA, the ultimate sound solution from Astell&Kern, which has been refined to the SP3000.

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

The HEXA audio circuit structure and dual independent audio circuit, implemented for the first time in the SP3000, are combined with the TERATON ALPHA sound solution to create the purest original sound.

First use of AKM's latest flagship DAC - complete separation of digital and analog signals

The Astell&Kern SP3000 is a flagship product with the latest technology and uncompromising design. Astell&Kern worked with AKM from the early development stage to develop the DAC and circuit structure.

As a result of the collaboration, the world's first four AK4499EX DACs, AKM's latest flagship, have been applied to the SP3000, and the innovative HEXA audio circuit structure design in which two AK4191EQ chips that process digital signals are applied separately, they complete the incredible sound that can only be found at Astell&Kern.

Most digital players process digital and analog signals together inside the DAC. However, the SP3000's advanced HEXA audio circuit structure reduces noise from the digital signal input through the AK4191EQ chip, a separate digital delta-sigma modulator, and the AK4499EX DAC is designed to process analog signals separately.

By applying this unique design, physically separate analog and digital signal processing has been achieved for the first time in a digital audio player, and the overwhelming SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) is maximized, making it possible to experience an incredible level of sound that has never been experienced before.

Silver metal shield

A shield is applied to prevent various noise and electromagnetic interference from affecting the audio block.

The Astell&Kern SP3000 goes one step further to achieve excellent audio performance and perfect shielding by applying high purity, high conductivity silver to the existing shielding can and physically separating the digital and analog signals.

Impressive audio performance with dual independent audio circuitry

To create a truly innovative DAP, not just a great DAP, we tried to overcome the limitations of sound by imagining a dual independent audio circuit that has never been attempted by anyone with a HEXA audio circuit structure with balanced and unbalanced outputs.

Almost all other DAPs, including Astell&Kern, use an internal DAC for unbalanced and balanced outputs. Since the signal from the DAC is split into unbalanced and balanced and then delivered to the AMP, an audio switch is essential. However, when using a switch, there is a limit to the range it can receive the signal sent by the DAC, so most DAPs first reduce the size of the signal, and then when the signal is transmitted back to the amplifier, it is necessary to restore the signal to the size of the original signal. This causes a limitation in improving audio performance.

To overcome the limitations, our engineers have designed a HEXA audio circuit structure using two AK4191EQ chips and four AK4499EX DAC chips, creating an innovative dual independent balanced and unbalanced audio circuit design. As a result, the Astell&Kern SP3000 achieves a SNR SNR of 130 dB, the best of any DAP available. You can feel the clean and pure delicacy of sound with the SP3000 that you cannot experience in any other DAP.

Drive your music, the latest Snapdragon Octa-Core CPU for the newest flagship wearable

The Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000 portable player is equipped with a Snapdragon 6125 Octa-Core processor, so you can enjoy overwhelming sound, faster system response and a new generation redesigned user interface that moves comfortably and smoothly.

With a high-performance CPU and an upgraded 8GB of DDR4 memory, which is twice the amount commonly used, the most powerful system is stable with fast, smooth movement.

The CPU, memory and wireless communication parts are configured as a single module, with the digital circuit parts arranged in the same area creating a single system on a chip (SoC). This maximizes the efficiency of the overall circuit configuration by providing more audio-only circuit space and reducing heat and noise from digital circuitry.

Enhance your music: New GUI experience

With the newly developed UX/UI, Astell&Kern SP3000 focuses on the process and experience of listening to music, and we wanted to become a "music player" that one can feel this process.

The new theme is designed with a focus on the experience of rediscovering songs that you have forgotten; you can quickly navigate through music categories with simple gestures. A convenient search feature has been added along with album art so you can enjoy a digital display of CD album covers from your music collection. It is designed to bring you not only the pleasure of listening to music, but also to create fun in operating the device.

Also, the Crimson theme, one of the main features of the new generation user interface, is designed so that you can feel the look of the SP3000 on the screen. The graphics are simple and understated, focusing on usability and intuitiveness. Three key concepts, Edge, Simple and Dark Mode, were used to improve usability and increase clarity with a style exclusive to Astell&Kern. The black and red theme colors are chosen to reduce eye strain, maximize battery usage, and reduce heat generation.

Sound design with DAC filters

With the Astell&Kern SP3000, you can have fun creating your own style of sound by selecting various DAC filters provided by the DAC manufacturer. Design your own sound with 6 different DAC filters.

Digital audio remastering technology for even more vivid original sound

The Astell&Kern SP3000 is equipped with Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology, which was developed to deliver fine sound at higher sample rates.

DAR technology is developed to increase the sample rate of the sound source being played to go beyond the limits of the source format.

The high sampling rate enables more refined reproduction and delivers a delicate, analog-like original sound, helping you enjoy the richness of the original sound, the subtle differences in nuances of music, and the rich sounds at a higher level. higher.

*The DAR function can be turned on/off and you can select the one that best suits the sound source and your own preferences.

* Maximum 384 kHz/DSD256 PCM speed conversion playback is supported, and files will be converted and played at sample rates that match the source sound.

Speaker effect when listening through headphones: Crossfeed

In a headphone environment where the left and right channels are clearly separated, ear fatigue may increase during prolonged listening. The moment you turn on Crossfeed, the crisp yet comfortable sound experience begins.

Crossfeed mixes parts of the original signal from one channel and sends that signal to the opposite channel with a time difference to center the sound image.

By using detailed settings like Shelf Cutoff, Shelf Gain, and Mixer Level, you can set the crossfeed level according to your listening preferences.

Real-time information confirmed by light

The Astell&Kern SP3000 features an LED volume wheel that displays various playback information, including the volume level and bitrate of the currently playing track.

Adoption of 5.46-inch Full HD screen

Experience the Astell&Kern SP3000 more comfortably and conveniently with a large 5.46-inch Full HD screen.

Astell&Kern File Drop to enjoy wireless transfers

The new AK File Drop feature on the SP3000 makes file transfers easier and more convenient. Using AK File Drop, you can freely transfer files wirelessly via PC, smartphone or FTP program located on the same network. Music file management is now possible with a wireless and cable-free solution.

Support QC 3.0 quick charge

The Astell&Kern SP3000 supports Qualcomm QC 3.0 fast charging, so you can charge your DAP faster and more efficiently than previous models, reaching a full charge in approximately 3.5 hours.

High fidelity wireless sound via BT Sink

The BT Sink function connects the SP3000 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 SP3000 using the BT Sink function.

ReplayGain automatically and uniformly adjusts playback volume

ReplayGain has been applied, which adjusts sound sources with different volumes to an identical level. Now enjoy your own playlists seamlessly through the ReplayGain feature on the SP3000.

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

Supports native DSD512, 32bit/768kHz

The Astell&Kern SP3000 supports Native DSD512 and up to 32bit/768kHz with Astell&Kern's excellent audio technology, allowing you to fully enjoy your favorite music.

With MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) format support

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the original master recording. The master MQA file is fully authenticated and small enough to stream or download. Visit mqa.co.uk for more information. Astell&Kern KANN MAX includes MQA technology, which allows you to play back MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording.

Bluetooth Qualcomm AptX HD

Qualcomm aptX is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Qualcomm is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries. aptX is a trademark of Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd., registered in the United States and other countries.

There Ready

Our partners' Roon Ready network players have Roon's high resolution streaming technology built in.

They combine simple setup, everyday reliability, and support for the highest level of digital audio performance in the industry.

Every Roon Ready player is certified by Roon to ensure the same stellar experience, regardless of manufacturer, price, or features.

Premium goat leather case

The Astell&Kern SP3000 comes with a French goatskin case to protect and enhance the beauty of the 904L stainless steel body.

The case is made by ALRAN, located in Tarn in the south of France, a historic tannery that was established in 1903 and has been making leather for over 100 years. It is one of the world's leading tanneries, known for its natural leather manufacturing technology since the 1980s. ALRAN is recognized as the best goatskin manufacturer and supplies other leading luxury brands such as H and L.

The leather case included with the SP3000 is developed with ALRAN Tannery's exclusive Hand-Boarding technology. This is a technology that processes leather by rubbing it in various directions using wooden planks, so that you can feel the texture of the surface. This process is unique compared to the way other goat skin cases are produced.

Technical characteristics:

Absolute reference “Hi-Res” portable audio player.

Body made of watchmaking quality stainless steel (904L).

Duplicated audio circuits for balanced and unbalanced signal.

Equipped with 4 reference AK4499EX D/A conversion chips.

Replay Gain function exclusive to Astell&Kern.

Compatible PCM up to 32bit/768kHz, DSD up to DSD512 and MQA).

HEXA technology to separate digital from analog signal processing.

Astell&Kern exclusive TERATON ALPHA technology improved.

Printed circuit board with optimized signal paths.

Wireless connectivity “Hi-Res” aptX-HD and LDAC via Bluetooth 5.0.

Balanced (2) and unbalanced (1) headphone outputs.

Optical digital output.

256 GB internal memory (additional 1 TB via microSD card).

System management via Qualcomm Snapdragon 8-core CPU.

5.46-inch (138 mm) “Full HD” touch screen.

Supplied as standard with a high quality leather case.

Frequency response of 20-70,000 Hz, +/-0.031 dB (balanced mode).

Crosstalk of -145 dB at 1 kHz (balanced mode).

Signal to noise ratio of 136 dB at 1 kHz (balanced mode).

Battery with 10 hours of autonomy (FLAC at 16 bits/44.1 kHz).

Dimensions: 82'4x139'4x18'3 mm (WxHxD).

Weight: 493g.