Astell&Kern has launched its latest addition to the high-end portable audio market with the A&Ultima SP3000M, a device aimed at delivering premium sound quality in a smaller and more lightweight design. Building on the success of previous flagship models like the SP3000 and SP3000T, the SP3000M brings a more compact form factor without sacrificing the audio performance and features that Astell&Kern devices are known for.
At the heart of the SP3000M is Astell&Kern’s HEXA audio circuit design, a configuration first introduced in the SP3000. This system uses four AK4499EX DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters) and two AK4191EQ chips, which are responsible for handling digital signal processing. What sets the SP3000M apart from many other digital audio players is its separation of digital and analog signal processing.
Typically, digital and analog signals are processed together inside the DAC, but the SP3000M uses a delta-sigma modulator to process digital signals separately, while the analog signals are handled independently. This results in a cleaner, more accurate sound with minimal noise or distortion, achieving an industry-leading signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 130 dB.
Another key feature of the SP3000M is its dual audio circuit design. By employing both unbalanced and balanced circuits, the device is capable of providing a high level of detail and clarity in audio playback, free from the delays or interference often associated with unbalanced audio designs. Additionally, a custom shield can is incorporated into the device to further minimize electromagnetic interference, ensuring that external noise does not impact the audio quality.
The A&Ultima SP3000M is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6125 Octa-core processor, which is paired with 8GB of DDR4 memory, double the amount typically seen in other portable music players. This combination of processing power and memory ensures fast, responsive performance, even when handling high-resolution files or navigating through the redesigned user interface.
Speaking of high-resolution, the A&Ultima SP3000M supports playback of PCM files up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512, and MQA, offering a wide range of formats for audiophiles. It also supports Bluetooth codecs such as aptX HD and LDAC, ensuring high-quality wireless playback when using Bluetooth-enabled headphones or speakers. The SP3000M includes a variety of physical outputs as well, with a 3.5mm jack for unbalanced connections and 2.5mm and 4.4mm jacks for balanced audio connections.
Astell&Kern has also focused on improving the user experience with a revamped user interface in the SP3000M. This fourth-generation UI is designed for intuitive navigation, providing easy access to music libraries, settings, and streaming apps. Additionally, the player includes a VU meter that can monitor audio levels in real-time, a feature that adds both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
One of the main features of the SP3000M is its CrossFeed setting. This setting is designed for headphone users, mixing a small portion of the signal from one channel and sending it to the opposite channel with a slight delay.
The result is a more natural soundstage that resembles the experience of listening to full-sized speakers, helping to reduce ear fatigue during long listening sessions. Audiophiles can adjust the level of CrossFeed using settings like Shelf Cutoff and Mixer Level to suit their personal preferences.
In terms of connectivity, the SP3000M offers dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz) and Bluetooth 5.0, providing stable wireless connections for both file transfers and music streaming. The Bluetooth 5.0 implementation ensures faster transmission speeds and greater range compared to older Bluetooth standards, making it ideal for wireless audio playback. The device also features BT Sink, allowing it to function as a Bluetooth DAC when paired with other devices.
Storage capacity is another area where the SP3000M excels. The device comes with 256GB of internal memory and supports microSD cards up to 1.5TB, giving users ample space to store their high-resolution music libraries. Additionally, the SP3000M supports ReplayGain, a feature that automatically adjusts playback volume across different tracks to ensure a consistent listening experience.
Astell&Kern has always paid attention to design, and the SP3000M is no exception. Crafted from aluminium and finished in a sleek charcoal grey, the device maintains a premium feel while being more compact than its predecessor. The 4.1-inch HD touchscreen with a resolution of 720 x 1280 offers a crisp display for navigating through music libraries or viewing album artwork.
The design of the SP3000M is described by Astell&Kern as embodying “tension,” with its diamond-shaped front and carefully aligned volume knob protector. The volume wheel is designed with precision, contributing to both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the device. The back of the player features a cross-patterned glass surface, reminiscent of the SP3000, adding a unique visual touch.
Astell&Kern has also partnered with GRUPPO MASTROTTO to create a leather case for the SP3000M. The case is made from soft cowhide and has undergone treatments to provide antibacterial and antiviral properties, ensuring both durability and hygiene.
The A&Ultima SP3000M is available for pre-order at $2,300 in the U.S. While the SP3000M is priced below the SP3000 ($3,699) and SP3000T ($2,999), it maintains much of the high-end performance expected from Astell&Kern’s flagship models, making it a more accessible option for audiophiles seeking top-tier portable audio. The SP3000M will also be available through authorized Astell&Kern dealers worldwide starting in November 2024.
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