Astell&Kern SP3000M

Astell&Kern SP3000M

Digital Audio Player

Main Features: Astell&Kern SP3000M

• The successor to the SP3000’s global, top-notch audio performance
• Smaller and lighter whilst maintaining true portability with unrivaled performance and unmatched sound.
• Complete separation of digital and analogue signal processing for the purest possible sonic reproduction using AKM’s x2 AK4191EQ / x2 AK4499EX x4
• The SP3000M achieves a SNR of 130dB, the best of any DAP available
• High-Performance Qualcomm Snapdragon Octa-Core CPU for instantaneous and fluid system response
• Reimagined, improved and enhanced Graphic User Interface
• Digital Audio Remaster Technology (DAR) upsamples the sample rate of the sound source being played for an even greater vivid original sound
• Supplied with a hand crafted cowhide leather case by GRUPPO MASTROTTO, Italy, to protect and highlight the beauty of the SP3000M Aluminium body

Compact Size, Limitless Sound

The A&ultima series continues to present advanced and innovative technology and the standard of perfect sound.

Astell&Kern renewed their commitment to this goal and began to delve deep into the concept of true portability with unrivalled performance and unmatched sound performance.

The process was not easy; Astell&Kern had to overcome numerous unending challenges in keeping the perfect sound performance on par with SP3000 while reducing the device’s size.

They began the development of an audio device that is smaller and lighter, while still delivering perfect sound.

After dozens of changes were made to the circuit, they finally present you with the Astell&Kern SP3000M.

The innovative Hexa audio structure separates digital and analogue signal processing and independent dual audio circuit for unrivalled audio performance SP3000M offers all these features in its lighter, compact design allowing you to enjoy incredibly vivid sounds you will not experience anywhere else.

A true Hi-Fi portable audio player with the best audio performance and equally sophisticated design, the SP3000M offers all of this in the palm of your hand.

Complete Separation of Digital and Analogue Signals

Astell&Kern equipped the SP3000M with the same innovative Hexa audio circuit design first found in the SP3000, that has four of AKM’s flagship AK4499EX DACs and two separate AK4191EQ chips that handle digital signals.

Thanks to this technology, you can enjoy amazingly vivid sounds only Astell&Kern can create.

Most digital players process digital and analogue signals together inside the DAC.

However, the SP3000’s advanced HEXA 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 analogue signals separately.

With such an unparalleled design, SP3000M physically separates digital and analogue signals, completely boasting the perfect A&ultima sounds through the unmatched 130 dB SNR, equal to the SP3000, despite its much smaller size.

Silver Plated Shield Can

A shield can is applied to prevent various noise and electromagnetic interference from affecting the audio block.

The SP3000M takes it a step further to achieve excellent audio performance and perfect shielding by applying highly conductive, high-purity silver on the existing shield can, and physically separating digital and analog signals.

Drive Your Music, Latest Snapdragon Octa-Core CPU

A&ultima SP3000M is equipped with a Snapdragon 6125 Octa-core processor, so you can enjoy the overwhelming sound, with faster system response and a redesigned generation user interface that moves comfortably and smoothly.

Featuring a high-performance CPU and improved 8GB of DDR4 memory, which is twice the amount commonly used in other digital audio players, the more powerful system is stable with fast and fluid movement.

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 maximises the efficiency of the overall circuit configuration by providing more dedicated audio-only circuit space as well as reducing heat and noise from digital circuits.

VU Meter GUI for complete musical immersion

SP3000M comes with a VU Meter GUI, which debuted on the SP3000T.

The VU Meter, an iconic piece of audio equipment with a long-standing history, displays voltage levels of voice signals to aid volume measurement and adjustment.
Beyond its utilitarian function, the VU Meter’s unique design and retro charm help to enhance the immersive music-listening experience.

Conveniently accessible via the bottom navigation bar, the VU Meter on the SP3000M allows you to monitor sound levels while viewing album art or streaming via our Open App Service.

Digital Audio Remaster Technology

The SP3000M 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.

Streaming and AK Connect Network Play

Astell&Kern’s audio players are seamlessly integrated with external streaming apps through the Open App Service.

Enjoy high-quality streaming from platforms like Tidal and Apple Music with the unparalleled fidelity of the SP3000M.

With AK Connect, their network play feature, you can easily access and play/download music from PCs and devices connected to the same network as the SP3000Min real-time.

Elevate your streaming experience to new heights with Open App Service and AK Connect.

High-Quality Wireless Hi-Fi Sound with BT Sink

BT Sink allows you to connect the SP3000M to external devices such as smartphones and PCs via Bluetooth.

Transmit sound from an external device directly to the SP3000M with just one pairing.

Enjoy superior sound quality with support for high-quality codecs such as LDAC and AptX.

Elevate your listening experience with seamless wireless connectivity through BT Sink.

Crossfeed

In a headphone environment in which the left and right channels are clearly separated, ear fatigue may increase during 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 that signal to the opposite channel with a time difference to centre the sound image.

Through the use of detailed settings such as Shelf Cutoff, Shelf Gain, and Mixer Level, you can set the level of crossfeed according to your listening preferences.

Premium Leather Case

The SP3000M’s bundle case is crafted from soft cowhide by GRUPPO MASTROTTO, boasting a superior level of craftsmanship that befits the A&ultima SP3000M.

The leather case features a soft touch and has undergone a proprietary patented “anti-bacterial” and “anti-virus” process.

Using chrome tanning and dyeing with high-quality pigments, the leather maintains a uniform surface quality and showcases the distinctive vibrant colours characteristic of Italian leather.

The rear pattern of the case expresses the same pattern as the SP3000M, providing a perfect sense of unity.

GRUPPO MASTROTTO is a leather specialist manufacturer that continues a tradition of over 60 years since the Mastrotto family established ‘Conceria Mastrotto’ in Arzignano, Italy, in 1958.

With more than 2,200 employees worldwide, they produce high-quality leather through 18 rigorous processes across 15 factories.

They are one of Italy’s most authoritative groups in the leather industry.

Included in the box

• 1x Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000M player
• 1x High-End Premium Leather Case
• 1x USB-C to USB-C cable (1 metre)
• 3x screen protectors
• 1x Quick start guide

Astell&Kern SP3000M General Specifications

Model – SP3000M
Body Colour – Black, Black
Body Material – Aluminium
Display – 4.1inch HD 720 x 1280 touch screen
Supported Audio Formats
WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF
Sample rate
PCM : 8kHz ~ 768kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample) DSD : DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo DSD512(1bit, 22.4MHz), Stereo
Output Level – Unbalanced 3.3Vrms │ Balanced 6.3Vrms (Condition No Load)
CPU – Octa-core
DAC – AKM AK4191EQ x2 & AK4499EX x4
Decoding – Support up to 32bit / 768kHz Bit to Bit playback
Input – USB Type-C input (for charging & PC & MAC)
Outputs – Unbalanced Out (3.5mm), Balanced Out 4.4m (only 5-pole supported)
Wi-Fi – 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)
Bluetooth® – V5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, LDAC, LHDC)
Dimensions – 2.72” (69.1mm)[W] x 4.70” (119.6mm)[H] x 0.74” (18.8mm)[D]
Weight – About 8.36oz (237g)
Feature Enhancements – Firmware upgrade supported (OTA: Over-The-Air)

Battery

Capacity – 4,200mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer
Continuous Playback Time – about 10 hours (Standard : FLAC, 16bit, 44.1kHz, Unbalanced, Vol.50, LCD Off, LED On, OP AMP Mode)
Charge Time – about 3.5hours (QC3.0 Charging)

Storage

Built-in Memory – 256GB[NAND]
External Memory – microSD (Max. 1.5TB) x1