Astell&Kern has once again pushed the boundaries of high-resolution audio with the launch of their latest flagship, the Astell & Kern Aultima SP3000T. Priced at $3,000, this premium lossless audio player is designed to deliver an unparalleled listening experience through its unique blend of tube and solid-state amplification technologies.
A New Era of Lossless Audio Player
The Astell & Kern SP3000T is not just another music player; it’s a masterpiece crafted for audiophiles who demand the very best. It combines cutting-edge technology with the warmth of tube amplification, creating a listening experience that’s both rich and detailed.
Tube Amplification: The Heart of SP3000T
One of the most distinctive features of the SP3000T is its use of tube amplification. The Astell & Kern SP3000T features dual Raytheon Jan 6418 vacuum tubes. These tubes are known for their ability to produce a smooth, warm, and sweet sound—qualities that many audiophiles dream of.
Three Amplification Modes:
- Op-Amp Mode: This mode delivers a more accurate and balanced listening experience. It excels in providing good speed and dynamics, making it ideal for detailed music reproduction.
- Hybrid Amp Mode: Combining the tube amplifier circuit with the op-amp amplifier circuit, this mode offers a versatile sound signature that blends the best of both worlds.
- Tube Current Adjustment: The SP3000T features a Three-Step Tube Current Adjustment. This allows users to fine-tune the amount of current passing through the tubes, offering nuanced changes in sound signature. While Astell&Kern has not provided extensive commentary on this feature, it undoubtedly adds a layer of customization to the listening experience.
Advanced Digital-to-Analog Conversion
The SP3000T employs two pairs of AKM DACs:
- AK4191EQ: This DAC is responsible for receiving and processing delta-sigma signals.
- AK4499EX: It decodes and converts digital signals into analog sound.
This combination ensures complete separation of digital and analog signal processing, which results in the purest possible sonic reproduction. The use of these advanced DACs is a testament to the SP3000T’s status as one of the best High Res audio players on the market.
Cutting-Edge Hardware
Under the hood, the SP3000T runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6125 Octa-Core CPU and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. This powerful combination ensures instantaneous and fluid system responses, making it a joy to use. Astell&Kern crafted the outer shell of the device from 316L stainless steel and plated it with 99.9% pure silver. This not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also enhances electrical conductivity.
Enhanced User Experience
The SP3000T features a reimagined, improved, and enhanced Graphic User Interface. This user-friendly design ensures that navigating through your music library is intuitive and enjoyable. Additionally, Digital Audio Remaster Technology (DAR) upsamples the sample rate of the sound source, enhancing vividness and clarity.
Why the SP3000T is a Game Changer
The Astell & Kern SP3000T stands out as a real audio player that combines traditional tube warmth with modern technological advancements. Here’s why many consider it one of the best music visualizers and high-resolution audio players available:
- Dual RAYTHEON JAN6418 MIL-SPEC Vintage Vacuum Tubes: These ensure true analog sound that’s rich and detailed.
- Three Adjustable Levels of Tube Current: These allow for nuanced changes in sound signature, catering to different musical preferences.
- TRIPLE AMP SYSTEM: This system provides flexibility, allowing listeners to select the tone that best suits their music.
- 316L Stainless Steel Chassis with 99.9% Pure Silver Plating: This enhances both the durability and the electrical performance of the device.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon Octa-Core CPU: Ensures a smooth and responsive user experience.
- Digital Audio Remaster Technology (DAR): Enhances the original sound source for a more vivid listening experience.
Availability and Pricing
The Astell & Kern SP3000T lossless audio player is available for purchase on Bhphotovideo.com for $2,999 and on Amazon.co.uk for £3,199. Given its premium features and the high level of craftsmanship involved, this pricing makes the SP3000T a serious contender. Consequently, it is an excellent choice for anyone seeking the ultimate high-resolution audio experience.
FiiO, recently introduced the FiiO M23 is not only the best Hi-Fi MP3 player but also supports all popular streaming apps. Additionally, it features Android, Bluetooth aptX HD and Sony LDAC for superior wireless audio quality. It has been priced at $699.99.
