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Delivery date approx. early to mid-January 2023
A&ultima SP3000
Luxury meets innovation - SP3000
With the A&ultima series, Astell&Kern has set the standard for perfect sound using the latest innovative technology. The A&ultima SP3000 is the latest flagship product that represents the essence of everything that has been learned and developed in the last 10 years in the field of digital music processing.
The A&ultima SP3000 is the world's first DAP with independent Dual Audio Circuitry and the latest DAC with HEXA-Audio Circuitry structure, as well as with all audio technologies and the best materials that let you feel the overwhelming impact of sound and music.
Experience perfection first-hand with the true flagship of the next Generation, the A&ultima SP3000, the pinnacle of audio players.
- World's first use of 904L stainless steel as housing material for DAPs
- The world's first DAP with complete separation of digital and analog signal processing
- (Using Asahi Kasei's latest flagship DAC chip AKM4499EX)
- Stunning audio performance with independent dual audio circuit
- Equipped with powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 6125 octa-core CPU
- New GUI experience
- Support for aptX™ HD and LDAC
Innovative Materials: World first use of 904L stainless steel as DAP case material
To achieve the goal of the A&ultima series, which is "to offer the best value for money that nobody can imitate, while using the most innovative and uncompromising design and craftsmanship", the SP3000 uses the material 904L stainless steel used, never tried before in a portable audio player. The use of this material has expanded the value of the device from a purely digital device into the realm of a luxury item.
904L stainless steel is harder and more difficult to machine than general stainless steel and requires significantly more time and labor. However, due to its excellent durability and corrosion resistance, it has a property that does not detract from its beauty, which is why it is used in expensive luxury watches where the perfection of all materials and parts with an irreplaceable and wonderful luster must be striven for.
Experience the uncompromising beauty and luxury of the SP3000, crafted by the skilled craftsmanship of Astell&Kern.
TERATON ALPHA - The essence of A&K audio technologies combined in the SP3000
To create the ultimate audio player that has never been experienced before, we use not only the latest DAC and technology, but also innovative audio technology TERATON ALPHA, AK's ultimate sound solution, refined for the SP3000.
TERATON ALPHA, developed through endless research, is Astell&Kern's unique technology designed to produce audio reproduction very close to the original sound through effective noise reduction, efficient power management and unwavering amplification as well as a fully converted audio output interface.
The HEXA audio circuitry structure and independent dual audio circuitry, implemented for the first time in the SP3000, are combined with the TERATON ALPHA sound solution to bring out the purest original sound to create.
Learn more about TERATON ALPHA >>
First use of AKM's latest flagship DAC - full separation of digital and analogue signals
The SP3000 is a flagship product with the latest technology and uncompromising design. Astell&Kern collaborated with AKM from the initial development phase to develop the DAC and circuit structure.
As a result of this collaboration, the world's first four AK4499EX DACs, AKM's latest flagship, used in the SP3000. The innovative HEXA-Audio circuit design, which uses two AK4191EQs that process digital signals separately, completes the amazing sound that is only available from Astell&Kern.
Most digital players process digital and analog signals together in the DAC. However, the SP3000's advanced HEXA audio circuit structure reduces the noise of the digital signal input through the AK4191EQ, a separate digital delta-sigma modulator, and the AK4499EX DAC is then designed to process the analog signals separately.
Through this unique design, physically separate processing of digital and analog signals has been achieved for the first time in a digital audio player, and the stunning SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) is maximized, which is an incredible, unprecedented sound experience possible.
Silver plated shield
A shielding can prevents various noises and EMI from affecting the audio block.
The SP3000 goes one step further to achieve excellent audio performance and perfect shielding by adding highly conductive, high-purity silver to the existing shielding box and physically separates digital and analog signals.
Breathtaking audio performance with independent dual audio circuitry
To create a truly innovative DAP, not just a great DAP, we tried to push the boundaries of sound by designing an independent dual audio circuit that has never been matched by anyone with a HEXA audio circuit structure unbalanced and balanced outputs have been tried.
Almost all other DAPs, including Astell&Kern, use an internal DAC for both unbalanced and balanced outputs. Since the signal is split into unbalanced and balanced by the DAC and then sent to the AMP, an audio switch is essential. However, when using a switch there is a limit to the range that can receive the signal sent by the DAC, so most DAPs must first reduce the signal size and then, when the signal is transmitted back to the amplifier, restore the original signal size. This leads to a limitation in improving audio performance.
To overcome these limitations, our engineers designed a HEXA audio circuit structure with two AK4191EQs and four AK4499EXs, providing an innovative unbalanced and balanced independent dual audio -Form circuit design. As a result, the SP3000 achieves an SNR of 130 dB, the best of any DAP available. With the SP3000, you can feel the clean, pure delicacy of sound that you can't experience with any other DAP.
| Features | SP3000 | SP2000 | Model A |
Model B | Model C |
| SNR | 130dB | 125dB | 122dB | 128dB | 125dB |
*SP3000 and SP2000 are based on the condition of no-load, balanced, and there may be differences depending on the measurement method.*The third-party models are according to the specifications listed on the official website
Drive your Music - Latest Snapdragon Octa-Core CPU for latest flagship device
A&ultima SP3000 is equipped with a Snapdragon 6125 octa-core processor, so you can enjoy stunning sound, faster system response and a new-generation redesigned user interface that moves comfortably and smoothly.
The CPU, the memory and the wireless communication parts are configured as a module with the digital circuit parts arranged in the same area, resulting in a single system on a chip (SoC). This maximizes the efficiency of the overall circuit configuration by freeing up more space for audio-only circuitry and reducing the heat and noise of the digital circuitry.
Heighten your Music - New user experience thanks to the new graphical user interface
With the newly developed UX/UI, the SP3000 focuses on the process and experience of listening to music, and we wanted to become a "player for music" that makes this process tangible.
The new design focuses on rediscovering forgotten songs; with simple gestures you can quickly scroll through the music categories. A convenient search function and album covers have been added so that you can enjoy a digital display of the CD covers of your music collection. This should not only make listening to music fun, but also using the device.
In addition, the crimson theme, one of the key features of the new generation of user interface, has been designed in such a way that you can enjoy the look of the SP3000 on the can feel the screen. The graphics are simple and unobtrusive, focusing on usability and intuitiveness. Three key concepts, Edge, Simple and Dark Mode were used to improve usability and increase clarity with a unique style of AK. The colors black and red were chosen to reduce eye fatigue, maximize battery consumption and reduce heat generation.
Sound design with DAC filters
The SP3000 allows you to create your own sound style by selecting different DAC filters provided by the DAC manufacturer. Shape your own sound with 6 different DAC filters.
Digital Audio Remaster technology for even more vivid original sound
The SP3000 features Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology, designed to deliver the finest sound at higher sampling rates.
DAR technology was designed to match the sampling rate of the sound source being played to increase and thus exceed the limits of the source format.
The high sampling rate enables finer reproduction and offers a delicate and analog-like original sound, allowing you to enjoy the richness of the original sound, subtle differences in the nuances of the music and rich enjoy sounds at a higher level.
*DAR function can be turned on/off, and you can select it according to the sound source and your own preferences. *The maximum PCM rate of 384kHz/DSD256 is supported, and the files will be converted to the appropriate sampling rate for the sound source and played back.
Speaker effect when listening through headphones - crossfeed
In a headphone environment where the left and right channels are clearly separated, ears may tire from prolonged listening. The moment you turn on crossfeed, the experience of crisp but comfortable sound begins.
Crossfeed mixes parts of the original signal from one channel and sends this signal with a time delay to the opposite channel in order to center the sound image.
With the help of detailed settings such as shelf cutoff, shelf gain and mixer level, you can adjust the crossfeed Adjust levels to suit your listening preferences.
Real-time information via LED
The SP3000 features an LED volume wheel that displays various playback information, including volume and bitrate of the track currently playing.
*LED can be turned on or off depending on user preference.
5.46 inch full HD display
Experience the SP3000 even more conveniently and comfortably with the large 5.46 inch full HD display.
AK File Drop for wireless transfers
SP3000's new AK File Drop feature makes file transfers easier and more convenient. With AK File Drop you can wirelessly transfer files via a PC, smartphone or FTP program that is on the same network. Music file management is now possible with a wireless, wireless solution.
Supports QC 3.0 fast charge
SP3000 supports Qualcomm QC 3.0 fast charging function, allowing you to charge your DAP faster and more efficiently than previous models. A full charge is achieved in approximately 3.5 hours.
Wireless Hi-Fi sound through BT Sink
With the BT sink function, the SP3000 connects to an external device via Bluetooth, similar to connecting a smartphone to a BT speaker. Music from an external device such as B. a smartphone, can now be played in high quality on the SP3000 via the BT Sink function.
ReplayGain adjusts the playback volume automatically and evenly
Introduced ReplayGain, which adjusts sound sources with different volumes to an identical level. Now enjoy your custom playlists seamlessly with the SP3000's ReplayGain feature.
*ReplayGain supports up to 24-bit/192kHz sound sources.
Supports Native DSD512, 32bit/768kHz
The SP3000 supports Native DSD512 and up to 32bit/768kHz with Astell&Kern's excellent audio technology, so you can enjoy your favorite music to the fullest.
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is an award-winning British technology that reproduces 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 is equipped with MQA technology, which allows you to play back MQA audio files and streams and preserve the sound of the original master recording. The MQA logo is a trademark of MQA Limited. © MQA Limited 2018
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.
LDAC and the LDAC logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
Roon Ready network players from our partners have Roon's high-definition streaming technology already built-in. They combine easy 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 guarantee the same outstanding experience regardless of manufacturer, price and features.
High quality goatskin case
The SP3000 comes with a French goatskin case that protects and enhances the beauty of the 904L stainless steel case.
The case is made by ALRAN in Tarn in southern France, a historic tannery dating back to 1903 was founded and has been producing leather for over 100 years. It is one of the world's leading tanneries and has been known for its technology for producing natural leather 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 that accompanies the SP3000 has been developed using ALRAN tannery's unique hand-boarding technology. With this technology, the leather is rubbed in different directions with the help of wooden boards, so that you can feel the structure of the surface. This process is unique compared to the production of other goatskin bags.
