Astell&Kern

Special order item, takes about 1 week to ship.

From Astell&Kern 
A&norma sets the standard of Hi-Fi audio for novice listeners. The SR15, the first model of A&norma, is the beginning point of the Hi-Fi Audio experience that allows you to enjoy the philosophy and technologies of Astell&Kern, which is accoladed by audiophiles around the world.

• Dual DAC of CS43198, MasterHIFI™ tier chipsets from Cirrus Logic
• Enhanced audio processing power and snappy UI with Quad-core CPU
• Native DSD playback and playback-focused User Interface
• Powerful audio performance curated by Astell&Kern's know-how

The A&norma SR15 uses two audio DAC chips for a Dual-DAC setup. These chips are known for their use in Home Hi-Fi systems which offer greater presence compared to the inferior DAC chips designed for mobile devices.

There are many devices that use DAC chips for audio processing, however there are different tiers and quality of chips sought by Hi-Fi audio manufacturers to deliver an experience close to the original performance.

A&norma SR15 has adopted the MasterHIFI™ class DAC, CS43198 for the first time in a portable system. At Astell&Kern, we believe that true Hi-Fi should sound as close as possible to the original performance. The CS43198 is one of few DAC chipsets that is capable of bringing us even closer to the original when it's matched with the analog amp design of Astell&Kern. In result, it brings even more liveliness and warmth of sound without distortion.

Furthermore, A&norma SR15 supports native DSD bit-to-bit, and gets one step closer to the Hi-Fi system.

Cirrus Logic and Hi-Fi Audio Evolution
Cirrus Logic has built its reputation as an expert in audio IC (Integrated Circuit) chips and solutions for more than three decades and has established its distinguished recognition in the audio industry.

Specializing in low power ICs for audio and voice signal processing applications, Cirrus Logic's products span the entire audio signal chain, from capture to playback, providing innovative products for the world's top smartphones, tablets, digital headsets, wearables and emerging smart home applications. Now they have introduced the MasterHIFI™ chipset solutions for excellent audio reproduction performance.

MasterHiFI™ class designation is only given to their chipsets that meet their highest audio performance standard. It will deliver your music as the musicians and producers wanted you to hear it.

Enhanced Audio Processing Power with Quad-core CPU
Some may think that only sound matters in Hi-Fi systems. While it does matter greatly, there are other factors that influence your immersive music experience as well. A&norma is designed to remove any distracting elements, including noise, distortion and unintuitive user interface.

The Quad-core CPU gives you even more processing power for your digital music and a lot faster, natural UI experience. Get lost in your music without distractions.

• 24-bit, 192 kHz Bit-to-Bit Playback
• The A&norma SR15 plays any resolution of digital files up to 24-bit/192 kHz, bit-for-bit.
• For 32-bit audio, downsampling is performed by the SRC (Sample Rate Converter) method.
• DSD is native up to 64 MHz and DSD 128 MHz is converted to PCM for playback.

New Intuitive User Interface
A&norma SR15 has adopted the user interface of the A&ultima SP1000, which has grown famous for its intuitiveness and simplicity.
- Player is in the main. All functions are centered on "music replay."
- Secure access to the music DB and features to manage music files
- Minimum menu depth and simple structure

• SR15 Device
• 5-pin micro USB Cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Card
• microSD card slot cover x 2
• Protective Film (Front x 2, Back x 2)

Now in stock! Ships immediately.

Our Take
Is this love at first site? Yes. The very moment we laid our eyes on the SA700, we were smitten. The world class industrial designers at Astell&Kern went back to their roots and created this nostalgic new player incorporating their classic AK120 look in a fresh new player with bleeding edge tech. And to top it all off, this thing sounds better than any other DAP in its class. It's the first to use the new AK4492ECB Dual DAC with bit-to-bit playback up to 32bit 384kHz and native DSD playback up to 11.2MHz.

From Astell&Kern
With the launch of Astell&Kern's first product in 2012, we always aim to deliver uncompromising sound to music lovers. One day we decided to ask ourselves a question - "What if we combined Astell&Kern's first starting point and present?" We wanted to combine the analog sensibilities that remained in our hearts with the sound technology that has evolved over the years since our first product was released. We wanted to create the best sound that only we can do.

"Past Meets Present"
The SA700 is a product where past emotions and current technology meet. The SA700 is an evolution of technology and design that deliver the ultimate sound to Astell&Kern original design and sensibility.

• Emotional Retro Design
• Intuitive LED Indicator
• New Special GUI
• Stainless Steel Body for Premium Sound
• Ideal Size for Portability
• Dual DAC of AK4492ECB from AKM
• 32bit / 384kHz, Native DSD256 support

We took the original design of AK120 and redesigned it into a simple, but refined form. With the latest technology, the deeper and stronger sound of the SA700 delivers new experiences and values ​​not found in other products.

First DAP Using AKM AK4492ECB DAC
The SA700 is the first DAP to use a AK4492ECB Dual DAC to give a new sound signature. AKM's AK4492ECB is a DAC that aims to achieve the best performance in the industry by utilizing the technology obtained by developing AK4497EQ. It has a lower power consumption and similar audio performance compared to AK4497EQ, making it the best DAC for a portable DAP.

Only Astell&Kern's Sound Technology know-how has made the DAC's performance even more perfect. Now you can enjoy premium sound close to the original performance with the SA700 and the AK4492ECB.

Unchanging Value, Stainless Steel
The SA700 uses stainless steel, which is corrosion-resistant and durable, for maximum material strength and beauty. Since it takes a lot of time, skill and cost to process the material, it is often only used for expensive products. The SA700 uses stainless steel because it provides the perfect sound. Stainless Steel delivers both luxury and balanced, clean sound. Feel it at the SA700.

Deliver the perfect original sound
SA700 offers the optimal condition to deliver perfect original sound.
SA700 is capable of bit-to-bit playback up to 32bit 384kHz and native DSD playback up to 11.2MHz, delivering detailed, distortion-free sound just as the artist intended.

Intuitive LED Indicator
The LEDs around the volume wheel are not just visual effects, but provide the listener information including volume and status of the currently playing song. Different colors are displayed depending on the bit depth of the song being played, and 150 levels of red saturation are displayed to reflect the current player volume. (LED can be turned on or off according to user setting.)

New GUI where the past and the present coexist
SA700 maintains the convenience of Astell&Kern's UI combined with a new GUI that reminds users of our 1st generation players. You can combine Astell&Kern's past and present through the GUI which is reinterpreted by using Astell&Kern's various color identities.

Using Open APP Service
The Open APP Service enables the user to install specific APK music streaming apps to the device. Copy the desired APK into the Open Service folder of the product and install the relevant App in the Menu-Service of the product. Using Open APP Service

• Model: SA700
• Body Color: Onyx Black / Stainless Steel
• Body Material: Stainless Steel
• Display: 4.1inch (720 x 1,280) Touch display
• Supported Audio Formats: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF
• Sample rate: PCM : 8kHz ~ 384kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample) / DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo
• Output Level: Unbalanced 2.0Vrms / Balanced 4.0Vrms (Condition No Load)
• CPU: Quad-Core
• DAC: AKM AK4492ECB x2 (Dual DAC)
• Decoding: Support up to 32bit / 384kHz Bit-to-Bit Playback
• Input: USB Type-C input (for PC & MAC)
• Outputs: Unbalanced Out (3.5mm) / Balanced Out (2.5mm, only 4-pole supported)
• Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz)
• Bluetooth: V4.2 (A2DP, AVRCP, aptX^TM HD)
• Dimensions: 2.32 ”(59.1 mm) [W] x 4.56 ”(115.9 mm) [H] x 0.64 ”(16.5 mm) [D]
• Weight: 10.68 oz (303 g)
• Feature Enhancements: Firmware upgrades supported (OTA)
  

Audio Performance

• Frequency Response: ±0.12dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced / ±0.12dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced ±1.48dB (Condition: 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced / ±1.48dB (Condition: 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 120dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 123dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
• Crosstalk: -134dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / -138dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
• THD+N: - 0.0006% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 0.0006% @ 1kHz, Balanced
• IMD SMPTE: - 0.0003% 800Hz 10kHz(4:1) Unbalanced / 0.0004% 800Hz 10kHz(4:1) Balanced
• Output Impedance: Unbalanced Out 3.5mm (1.8ohm) / Balanced out 2.5mm (1.9ohm)
• Reference Clock Jitter: 70ps(Typ)
  

Battery

• Capacity: 3,150mAh 3.7V Li-Polymer Battery
• Continuous Playback Time: Up to 8.5 hours (Standard - MUSIC: FLAC, 16-bit/44.1kHz, Unbalanced, Volume 80, EQ OFF, LCD OFF)
• Charge Time: About 4.5 hours (Standard - 5V/2A Charging)
  

Memory

• Built-in Memory: 128GB [NAND]
• External Memory: microSD (Max. 512GB) x1
  

OS

• Supported OS: Windows 7,8,10 (32/64bit), MAC OS X 10.7 and up

• SA700 Device
• USB Type-C Cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Card
• microSD card slot cover x 2
• Protective Film (Front x 2, Back x 2)

Our Take 
Sweet Baby Moses! You've never seen a beefy boy quite like the KANN CUBE. When we first set our eyes on this juggernaut, our mouth dropped in awe of its magnificence. If you're looking for massive power with brilliant sound quality, look no further that this. Just don't expect to fit it in your skinny jeans any time soon.

From Astell&Kern 
KANN CUBE is the second model of the KANN line, which focuses on high fidelity with powerful output and low noise. The newly designed powerful amplifier and audio circuitry have been strategically implemented to offer a very low noise floor, even with its massive power output, making it an Audio Powerhouse capable of driving the most power-hungry headphones.

• Three Audio Output Modes
• Up to 12V of PowerDual ESS ES9038PRO DACs, designed for Pro Audio Equipment
• 5-pin Mini XLR Output for Even Less Noise
• Quad-Core CPU5.0" 720x1280 HD Touchscreen
• 32bit/384kHz, Native DSD256 Support
• Open APP Support for Music Streaming

Introducing the Astell&Kern KANN CUBE, which achieves a more powerful output and lower noise than ever before.

Absolute Audio Powerhouse

KANN CUBE offers 3 different power output options of High / Mid / Low, which can drive any headphone with unprecedented power never seen before in any portable device - 12Vrms for Balanced output and 6Vrms for Unbalanced output. To provide a natural and neutral audio experience with minimal distortion, a newly designed OP Amp and Volume IC manages power optimally and efficiently.

5-pin Mini XLR Output for Even Less Noise

KANN CUBE offers a 5-pin mini XLR connector for the first time in an Astell&Kern player. Thanks to the even lower noise floor and higher audio output through the XLR connection, you can enjoy pure, clear audio playback. It offers easier connection to your home audio systems and active speakers with balanced connections.

Enhanced Audio Processing Power with Quad-core CPU

Some may think that only sound matters in Hi-Fi systems. While it does matter greatly, there are other factors that influence your immersive music experience as well. KANN CUBE is designed to remove any distracting elements, including noise, distortion and unintuitive user interface.

The Quad-core CPU gives you even more processing power for your digital music and a lot faster, natural UI experience. Get lost in your music without distractions.

Ultimate Sound Quality

The latest ESS ES9038PRO dual-DAC design and the upgraded CPU in the KANN CUBE allows for accurate playback of native 32bit/384kHz audio with no compromise on sound quality. The music is played back, bit-for-bit, just as the artist and engineer intended for it to be heard.

KANN CUBE also supports native bit-to-bit DSD playback up to 11.2MHz for the best sound possible. 

32-Bit Bit-to-Bit Playback by KANN CUBE

 32-Bit Playback by Other Players

• KANN CUBE
• USB Type-C Cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Card
• microSD Card Slot Cover x 2
• Protective Film (Front x 2, Back x 2)

Our Take 
This is it, ladies and gents. The very best DAP in the world. No hyperbole: you cannot find a better sounding, better built, higher performing DAP than the SP2000. If you want the best portable audio experience possible – this is it. Our highest recommendation.

 

From Astell&Kern 
A&ultima SP2000 is the third player released in the A&ultima lineup. SP2000 features the latest technologies of Astell&Kern with a newly developed audio circuitry and amplifier design. 

• Flagship AKM AK4499EQ Dual DACs
• Balanced 6Vrms, Unbalanced 3Vrms Output Level
• 32bit/768kHz, Native DSD512 Support
• 512GB Internal Memory
• Dual Band Wi-Fi Support5.0" 720x1280 HD TouchscreenOcta-Core CPU
• Open APP Support for Music Streaming

The Most Advanced Asahi Kasei DAC Chips, Dual AK4499EQ
The AK4499EQ DAC chip uses the most advanced ‘Current Output Architecture’ technology. To take full advantage of this new architecture, Astell&Kern redesigned the Op Amp and analog amp block configuration completely. The new circuit design optimizes the current consumption and brings out the most from these new DAC chips. The combination of the SP2000 and AK4499EQ chips provide mind-blowing audio quality.

Newly Designed Audio Circuitry
The SP2000 is the first Astell&Kern player to use separate, independent audio channels between the Unbalanced and Balanced outputs. This design offers much more power than ever before, with 6Vrms for Balanced output and 3Vrms for Unbalanced output. With this design, the SP2000 offers the ultimate audio experience as Astell&Kern’s newest flagship player.

Two Times the Internal Storage, 512GB
512GB internal storage can hold up to 700+ CDs or 8,000+ tracks of FLAC files (60MB/track). With the addition of a 512GB microSD card, the SP2000 can support over 1TB of storage space.

Dual Band Wi-Fi (2.4/5Ghz)
With streaming music services becoming more popular, stronger and more reliable network reception becomes even more important for your audio experience. The SP2000 supports Dual Band Wi-Fi (2.4/5Ghz, b/g/n/ac) with an improved 3-dimensional antenna design. With a stronger wi-fi signal and faster speeds, music streaming from the most popular services is better than ever on the SP2000.

Great Performance for the Ultimate Experience
The A&ultima SP2000 is equipped with an octa-core CPU which allows the player to produce the exact details present in the original recording without distortion and provides a quick, lag-free operation. The A&ultima SP2000 features faster booting times, speedy file transfers, lag-free processing and an intuitive user interface for the ultimate player experience. 

• A&ultima SP2000 Device
• Leather Case
• Stainless Steel: Green Leather Case
• Copper: Brown Leather Case
• USB Type-C Cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Card
• microSD card slot cover x 2
• Protective Film (Front x 2, Back x 2)

Special order item, takes about 1 week to ship. Message us for more info.

From Astell&Kern
The first Layla launched as a custom earphone in 2014 and instantly became known as the audiophile "holy grail." Since then, there have been two limited-edition releases of universal fit Layla, "Carbon Fiber Edition," and "Full Metal Jacket." Each generation stunned the market as industry's first full Carbon Fiber earphone and then the first full Titanium earphone available. The newest and third generation is the most exciting yet: Layla AION.

• Driver Unit: Custom-made Proprietary Balanced Armature Drivers (12 per side)
• Frequency Response: 10Hz to 23kHz
• Input Sensitivity: 117dB @ 1mW
• Impedance: 20 ohm

Special order item, takes about 1 week to ship.

From Astell&Kern 
A&futura is a premium line of players with advanced features that bring the original performance to life. The SE100, the first model of A&futura, is designed for you to feel the quality of premium Hi-Fi from the moment you hold it.

• Radically different sound by ES9038 Pro 8-channel DAC
• Next Level performance with Octa-core CPU
• 5-inch display with HD screen resolution and improved user interface
• Similar audio block design of SP1000 for premium Hi-Fi audio performance

Femto-Second Clock for Exact Sonic Reproduction
An enhanced voltage-controlled crystal oscillator (VCXO) high-precision clock has been utilized in the A&futura SE100. The reference jitter of Astell&Kern's implementation has improved performance to 800fs (femto seconds), meaning that the SE100 faithfully reproduces your music by precisely measuring and accurately timing the synchronization of all instruments, vocal and even ambience sound recorded in your digital music file together.

Great Performance for the Ultimate Experience
The A&futura SE100 is equipped with an octa-core CPU which allows the player to produce the exact musical detail present in the original recording without distortion and provides a quick, lag-free operation.

The A&futura SE100 features faster booting times, speedy file transfers, lag-free processing and a new intuitive user interface for the ultimate player experience.

Ultimate Sound Quality
The A&futura SE100 supports native bit-to-bit DSD playback up to 11.2MHz for the best sound possible. The music is played back, bit-for-bit, just as the artist and engineer intended for it to be heard.

• SE100 Device
• USB Type-C Cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Card
• microSD card slot cover x 2
• Protective Film (Front x 2, Back x 2)

Special order item, takes about 1 week to ship.

Our Take 
Taking what we firmly believed what was the best digital audio player on the market and making it more portable, while compromising nothing, was a very smart choice by our friends at Astell&Kern. The SP1000M is an endgame DAP that fits in your pocket like a dream – no better ultra-portable on the market.

From Astell&Kern 
We constantly strive to master the philosophy of delivering original sound. So far, we believe that the A&ultima SP1000 is the optimal product that produces the highest-quality audio.

We were not sure whether it was possible to come up with a product that is different from the SP1000 while delivering the same sound quality, but we decided to take up the challenge so that more people could experience our products’ fidelity.

There were many trials and tribulations in making the SP1000, our best product, smaller. We were determined to not compromise sound quality in the process, and we ultimately developed the second A&ultima product, the SP1000M.

• Octa-Core CPU for Next-Level Performance
• AK4497EQ Dual DAC for Highest Sound Quality
• 4.1 Inch HD Display
• Highest Quality Audio of SP1000
• Portable and Durable Aluminum Body
• DNLA-Based AK Connect App
• Open APP Service 
  

The lightweight and portability of the SP1000M enables the user to enjoy original sound playback anytime and anywhere. The A&ultima SP1000M achieves greater portability, without sacrificing the level of performance found in the original SP1000.

The “M” in SP1000M does not stand for one specific word, but rather encompasses many characteristics that the product aims to pursue.

• MINI: Smaller than the SP1000
• MOBILITY: More compact design for portability
• MAXIMUM: Produces the highest-quality audio
• MANIA: For users who are obsessed with true, original sound
• MATE: Perfect anytime and anywhere
• MOMENT: Free of distractions, get lost in the music  

Great Performance for the Ultimate Experience

The A&ultima SP1000M is equipped with an octa-core CPU which allows the player to produce the exact musical detail present in the original recording without distortion and provides a quick, lag-free operation.

The A&ultima SP1000M features faster booting times, speedy file transfers, lag-free processing and a new intuitive user interface for the ultimate player experience.

Ultimate Sound Quality

The latest AK4497EQ dual-DAC design and the upgraded CPU in the A&ultima SP1000M allows for accurate playback of native 32bit/384kHz audio with no compromise on sound quality. The music is played back, bit-for-bit, just as the artist and engineer intended for it to be heard.

The A&ultima SP1000M also supports native bit-to-bit DSD playback up to 11.2MHz for the best sound possible.

• SP1000M Device x 1
• Standard Black Leather Case x 1
• USB Type-C Cable x 1
• Quick Start Guide x 1
• Warranty Card x 1
• microSD Card Slot Cover x 2
• Protective Film (Front x 2, Back x 2)

From Astell&Kern
The leather case of A&futura SE100 is designed to have the best combination of trapezoidal straight lines and curved lines that hug the artistic, premium design of the player, while at the same time giving the optimal grip that is most suitable for usability.

The Garnet Red and Ebony Black color case uses Elbamatt leather from Tempesti

Elbamatt leather is made of high quality leather that has the highest density and thickness among the various parts of the cow and has a strong resilience against scratches due to its high oil content as a whole which can yield changes over time. Tempesti is a family company that has operated for 4 generations, since 1945, and is a founding member of the highly regarded VERA PELLE Association.

Design Concept
The leather case of A&futura SE100 is designed to deliver more than just protection, it gives the best premium fit to match the high standards of design of the SE100.

From Astell&Kern
The perfect complement to the geometric design of the player, the A&norma SR15 case embraces the unique elegance of the center rectangle display and the interconnected triangles of the body. It gives protection with optimal grip while maintaining a stylish look and luxurious feel.

The material selected for this important role was created by Synt3, a world-class manufacturer of polyurethane located in Milan, Italy.

The diverse patterns and colors seen in the new brands developed by Synt3 are consistently regarded as new standards in the industry. Synt3's superb sense of design is always at the forefront of the industry.

From Astell&Kern 
KANN CUBE is the most powerful digital music player in the Astell&Kern lineup and its leather case is designed to enhance its impressive look and feel.

Two different leather options in the colors of Olive Green and Black have been developed with an ’A’ logo pattern which provides beautiful aesthetics and proper protection plus ventilation.

The Olive Green color case uses Minerva leather from ’Badalassi Carlo’. 
The Minerva leather case was made from a process called ’Full Vegetable Tanning’. This traditional method has been used in Italy for over 200 years. The process brings out the special characteristic of leather while creating a natural tanning look.

'Badalassi Carlo' was made by Professor Carlo Badalassi, who is known for his excellent skills with leather. Unlike modern methods, he uses a traditional method of making leather that requires extensive time and devotion. His reputation is well-known among top expensive brands due to his focus on the leather quality over quantity.

The dakota leather used in the Black leather case is a premium vegetable leather made from an Italian tanner named ’Ra Perla Azura’. 
It's a manufacture of Italian and French origin.

'La Perla Azura' was founded in 1967 and has a long history over 50 years. 
It is located in 'Santa Croce sull´Arno' which is only high-end leather production district in Italy.

From Astell&Kern 
The SA700 Leather Case compliments the string bridge inspired volume knob protector and LED light design of the SA700 and is available in 3 colors - Poppy Red, Viridian Green and Neo Black.

The SA700 Leather Case is made to enhance the beauty of the player, adding visual unification, while giving proper protection including heat ventilation through the "A" logo pattern found on the back plate of each case.

The Poppy Red case has a stainless steel backing, uses Pueblo vegetable tanned leather and is produced by BADALASSI CARLO.

This Pueblo leather is their top grade, it is full grain and has a nice supple feel with a small amount of firmness. This leather has a unique rustic look that adds beautiful depth to the leather and makes for an amazing patina as it ages. The leather is dyed completely through and has a nice soft flesh side.

'Badalassi Carlo' was made by Professor Carlo Badalassi, who is known for his excellent skills with leather. Unlike modern methods, he uses a traditional method of making leather that requires extensive time and devotion. His reputation is well-known among top expensive brands due to his focus on the leather quality over quantity.

The Viridian Green case has a stainless steel backing and uses Kansas leather from CONCERIA WALPIER which is softly processed on crusts that have been dyed with vegetable tanned leather, then coated with fine oil on the surface. The dying process is the same as that of Buttero leather,
but with the addition of oil to the finish which allows for a slightly softer color to be expressed.

Established in 1973 in San Miniato, Tuscany, Walpier Tannery has been in business for three generations and has a long tradition of making leather products based on vegetable tanning process. The tannery handles 100% cow hair leathers imported from France and is a member of Vera Pelle, Italy’s association of vegetable-based leather tanners.

The traditional vegetable tanning technology of Walpier Tannery has been handed down father to son for centuries in the Tuscany region. The tanning process usually takes 40 days by putting raw leather with natural tanning extracted from a variety of trees in a drum. This is a processing method only practiced by Italian tanners of the world.

Leather products that undergo the vegetable-based tanning process show the owner’s lifestyle vividly and make the products their own as it takes a long time to break in depending on the owner’s way of handling.

The Neo Black case has an onyx black back plate and uses Toscano leather from NUOVA ALBORA. Toscano leather is soft luxury leather that undergoes a vegetable processing method which produces natural patterns and lines on the leather's surface.

Since 1976, NUOVA ALBORA, which produces leather in the Tuscan region of Italy, has adhered to this traditional Italian processing method and is registered with the VERA PELLE Association, an Italian Vegetable Tanning Consortium that shares the passion for vegetable tanned leather, the same high standards for production and dedication to protection of the environment.