Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000T Portable Digital Audio Player

Audio equipment

Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000T Portable Digital Audio Player

Once again, the South Korean Astell&Kern has once again demonstrated why he is the world number one incontestable in the field of “Hi-Res” portable audio players. It has done so with a corrected and expanded version of what until now was its flagship, the fabulous A&ultima SP3000, presented in public during the prestigious High End event, held in Munich on May 9, 10, 11 and 12. Baptized with the name A&ultima SP3000Tthe new Astell&Kern merge the best of its illustrious predecessor with the renowned sound warmth of tube amplification, to offer performance perfectly comparable to that of any desktop audio source with the added convenience of portability. Going into the engineering details, we must first point out the “Triple Amp System”originally introduced in 2021 and which allows the user customize sound using vacuum tubes, a digital operational amplifier or a hybrid configuration formed by the combination of both.

Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000T

These three modes of operation are enabled in the three available outputs, that is, for 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm plugs, allowing you to enjoy the exceptional musicality of the A&ultima SP3000T with practically any model of headphones that can be found on the market. But what is without a doubt the most outstanding technological feature of this sensational product is the use of two “vintage” vacuum valves military grade JAN6418 signed by the American Raytheon, fundamental in achieving that tonal curve of softness and warmth unique features that characterize some of the most celebrated amplifiers in audio history. In the configuration specifically developed for this absolute reference portable player, the user has the possibility of adjust current flow (“Tube Current” function) aimed at vacuum devices in order to perform, with the help of the exclusive TERATON ALPHA technology of Astell&Kern, subtle changes in the sound “signature”.

Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000T

In line with the philosophy of the South Korean brand, the A&ultima SP3000T uses premium chips from the Japanese Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM), specifically the brand new audiophile grade D/A converter AK4499EX and the AK4191EQ, the latter a multibit delta-sigma modulator with order 256 oversampling that processes analog and digital waveforms separately. Thanks to this unique architecture, the audio signal (PCM up to 64 bits/1,536 kHz and DSD up to DSD1024) is returned with a precision, a wealth of nuances and extreme aeration. Likewise, the A&ultima SP3000T is equipped with a Snapdragon 6125 processor with 8 cores and an 8 GB DDR4 memory, which means the double capacity than the RAM memories usually used in DAP’s (Digital Audio Players). The new Astell&Kern also includes a Crimson UI 4th generation complemented by a system that maximizes the stability and fluidity operation even with rapid movements. Finally, it is necessary to highlight the extraordinary manufacturing qualitywith a body made of stainless steel coated with very high purity silver (99.9%) that provides the A&ultima SP3000T with a classic and modern appearance at the same time.

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Simon Müller

Simon Müller is the driving force behind UMusic, embodying a lifelong passion for all things melodious. Born and raised in New York, his love for music took form at an early age and fueled his journey from an avid music enthusiast to the founder of a leading music-centered website. Simon's diverse musical tastes and intrinsic understanding of acoustic elements offer a unique perspective to the UMusic community. Sporting a dedicated commitment to aural enrichment and hearing health, his vision extends beyond just delivering news - he aspires to create a network of informed, appreciative music lovers. Spend a moment in Mueller's company, and you'd find his passion infectious – music isn’t simply his job, it’s his heartbeat.