Music That Touches Your Heart
A&ultima SP3000 is equipped with a Snapdragon 6125 Octa-core processor. You can enjoy the overwhelming sound, faster system response, and a redesigned new-generation user interface that moves comfortably and smoothly. The CPU, memory, and wireless communication parts are configured as one 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 as well as reducing heat and noise from digital circuits.
With the newly developed UX/UI, the SP3000 is focused on the process and experience of listening to music first and foremost. An all-new theme was designed to focus on the experience of rediscovering songs you have forgotten; you can quickly browse through music categories with simple gestures. A convenient search feature along with album art has been added so that you can enjoy a digital display of CD album covers of your music collection. It is designed to give you the pleasure of listening to music and joy in it's operation.
HEXA-Audio Circuitry
The SP3000 is a flagship product with the latest technology and uncompromising design. Astell&Kern worked with AKM from the initial development stage to develop the DAC and circuit structure. Most digital players process digital and analog signals together inside the DAC. However, the SP3000’s advanced HEXA-Audio Circuitry 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.
By applying this unique design, digital and analog signal processing that is physically separated 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. An additional shield has also be applied to prevent noise and electromagnetic interference from affecting the audio block.
To overcome the limitations, our engineers designed a HEXA-Audio Circuitry structure using two AK4191EQs and four AK4499EXs, creating an innovative unbalanced and balanced, independent dual audio circuit design. As a result, the SP3000 achieves an SNR of 130dB, the best of any DAP available. You can feel the clean, pure delicacy of sound with the SP3000 that you cannot experience in any other DAP.
Infinite Sound Possibilities
With the SP3000, you can have fun creating your own sound style by selecting various DAC filters provided by the DAC manufacturer. Design your own sound with 6 different DAC filters. Ear fatigue may increase during prolonged listening in a headphone environment where left and right channels are clearly separated. 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 that signal to the opposite channel with a time difference to center the sound image. Using detailed settings such as Shelf Cutoff, Shelf Gain, and Mixer Level, you can set the crossfeed level according to your listening preferences.
The 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 upsample the sample rate of the sound source being played to go beyond the limits of the source format. The high sample rate allows more refined play and offers delicate and analog-like original sound, helping you to enjoy the richness of the original sound, subtle differences in the nuance of the music, and rich sounds at a higher level.
Uncompromising Design & Craftsmanship
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 SP3000 uses 904L stainless steel material that has never been attempted before in a portable audio player. Using this material has expanded its value from just a digital device to the realm of a luxury good.
904L stainless steel is harder and more difficult to process than general stainless steel requiring significantly more time and effort. However, due to its excellent durability and corrosion resistance, it has a characteristic that does not lose its beauty, and is why it is used in expensive luxury watches where perfection in all materials and parts must be pursued with an irreplaceable and wonderful luster. Experience the uncompromising beauty and luxury of the SP3000 produced by Astell&Kern’s experienced craftsmanship.
The SP3000 comes with a French goatskin leather case to protect and highlight the beauty of the 904L stainless steel body. The leather case included with the SP3000 is developed with ALRAN Tannery's unique Hand-Boarding technology. This technology processes the 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 how other goatskin cases are produced.
Cutting Edge Function & Features
The new AK File Drop function in the SP3000 makes file transfers easier and more convenient. Using AK File Drop, you can freely transfer files wirelessly through a PC, smartphone or FTP program located on the same network. Music file management is now possible with a cableless, wireless solution.
The 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 about 3.5 hours.
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 back in high-quality on the SP3000 using the BT Sink function.
ReplayGain, which adjusts sound sources with different volumes to an identical level, has been applied. Now, enjoy your own playlists seamlessly through the ReplayGain feature on the SP3000.
A&ultima SP3000 is Roon Ready and supports the Roon ARC application, released with "Roon 2.0" by Roon Labs, Roon ARC is a completely new app designed from the ground up to give you all of your music, everywhere you go. A&ultima SP3000 also supports MQA, Qualcomm aptX HD, and LDAC.
