Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000M | Digital Audio Player
Introducing the Astell&Kern SP3000M Digital Audio Player, the Lighter, Smaller Successor to the Legendary Flagship SP3000
- Leightweight, smaller footprint, Aluminum-body successor to the SP3000 Flagship DAP
- Features high-performance Snapdragon 6125 8-Core CPU
- Full separation of digital / analog processing
- Support for aptX™ HD and LDAC
- Genuine Astell&Kern SP3000M premium leather upgrade case available
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Bloom's Take The SP3000M brings a streamlined, compact experience to Astell&Kern’s flagship line, focusing on sonic precision and portability without sacrificing quality. While it may lose some of the SP3000’s grandiose low-end power, it retains its sibling’s acoustic detail and warmth in a more accessible, mobile format. This “less-is-more” approach results in a balanced, refined sound profile ideal for users seeking high-end performance on the go. The SP3000M is crafted for audiophiles who value immersive sound and premium build in a highly portable design. The SP3000M’s primary goal is clear: offer the renowned SP3000 sound in a more compact, portable form—and it absolutely delivers. While there’s a bit less luxury in the build and the 2.5mm output is absent, the $1,000 price reduction makes it an impressive blend of sound quality and functionality. This DAP is arguably one of Astell&Kern’s most balanced offerings yet. |
SP3000M: Compact but Limitless Sound
The “M” in SP3000M represents the diverse features offered in the player:
- Mini: Smaller in size than SP3000
- Mobility: Better portability
- Maximum: The BEST audio performance
- Mania: For those passionate about SP3000M's vivid sound
- Mate: A companion with you anywhere, any time
- Moment: Adding sentiment to the mundane of life
The SP3000M’s design draws inspiration from a diamond ring, with the volume knob and protector evoking the tension of a jewel in its prongs. Its back glass features etched cross patterns, blending elements of SP3000 with the unique concept of “Tension,” highlighting where patterns meet at the corners.
SP3000 vs. SP3000M
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SP3000 (2022) |
SP3000M (2024) |
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|---|---|---|
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MSRP |
$3699 |
$2299 |
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CPU |
Qualcomm 6125 Octa-Core |
Qualcomm 6125 Octa-Core |
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DAC |
(x2) AK4191EQ & (x4) AK4499 |
(x2) AK4191EQ & (x4) AK4499 |
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Display |
5.5" 1080x1920 |
4.1" 720x1280 |
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DAR |
384kHz/DSD256 |
384kHz/DSD64 |
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Outputs |
2.5mm, 3.5mm (SPDIF), 4.4mm |
3.5mm, 4.4mm |
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PCM |
32bit/768kHz |
32bit/768kHz |
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DSD |
Native DSD512 |
Native DSD512 |
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SNR |
130dB |
130dB |
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Crosstalk |
-145dB |
-144dB |
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THD+N |
0.0004% @1kHz |
0.0003% @1kHz |
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Memory |
256GB |
256GB |
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WiFi |
2.4/5GHz |
2.4/5GHz |
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Bluetooth |
5.0 (aptX-HD, LDAC, LHDC) |
5.0 (aptX-HD, LDAC, LHDC) |
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Battery |
5050mAh (about 10hrs) |
4200mAh (about 10hrs) |
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Charging |
USB-C, QC3.0 |
USB-C, QC3.0 |
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Material |
Stainless Steel 904L |
Aluminum 316L |
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Weight |
17.4 oz |
8.4 oz |
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Size |
3.2” x 5.5” x 0.7” |
2.7" x 4.7 x 0.7" |
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Wheel LED |
Yes |
No |
Complete HEXA Separation of Digital and Analog
The SP3000M retains the innovative Hexa audio circuit design of the SP3000, featuring four flagship AKM AK4499EX DACs and two AK4191EQ chips for separate digital signal processing. Unlike most DAPs which rely on a single DAC for both unbalanced and balanced outputs, the SP3000M employs all 6 DACs to create separate circuits, eliminating the need for signal-reducing audio switches.
This advanced structure reduces noise by isolating digital and analog signals, delivering unparalleled 130dB SNR for vivid, true-to-life sound. Despite its compact size, the SP3000M achieves the same exceptional audio quality as its predecessor.
Additional Features and Enhancements
Snapdragon 8-Core CPU
Snapdragon 6125 Octa-core processor paired with 8GB of DDR4 memory into a single SoC delivers fast system response, smooth UI, and optimal efficiency.
Sound Design with DAC Filters
Enjoy creating your own sound style by selecting up to 6 different DAC filters.
Digital Audio Remaster
SP3000M is equipped with Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology, developed to deliver fine, vivid sound at higher sample rates.
Wireless Hi-Fi Sound via BT Sink
Enjoy playback from an external device (ie. smartphone) in high-quality using the BT Sink function.
Automatic 'ReplayGain' and Uniform Volume Adjust
ReplayGain adjusts sound sources with different volumes to identical levels so you can enjoy your own playlists seamlessly.
Native DSD512
SP3000M supports Native DSD512 and up to 32bit/768kHz!
Silver-Plated Shield Can
Shield can is applied to prevent noise and EMI from affecting the audio block.
Teraton Alpha, the Essence of A&K Audio
TERATON ALPHA technology ensures playback that faithfully reproduces the original sound through noise removal, power management, amplification, and seamless audio output interface.
VU Meter GUI
Introduced with the SP3000T, this iconic tool displays voice signal voltage levels for precise volume monitoring while adding retro charm to the device’s design.
Specifications
- Display: HD 4.1” 720x1280 Touch Display
- Supported Formats: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF
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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: UnBAL 3.3Vrms │ BAL 6.3Vrms (No Load)
- CPU: Octa-Core
- DAC: AKM AK4191EQ x2 & AK4499EX x4
- Decoding: Support up to 32bit / 768kHz playback
- Input: USB-C (for charging & PC/MAC comm.)
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Outputs
- UnBAL (3.5mm)
- BAL 4.4m (only 5-pole supported)
- Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)
- Dimensions: 2.72" x 4.70 x 0.74"
- Firmware upgrade supported (OTA)
- Build-in Memory: 256GB [NAND]
- External Memory: microSD x1 (Max. 1.5TB)
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Battery
- Capacity: 4200mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer
- Charge Time: about 3.5 hours (QC3.0 charging)
- Playback: about 10 hours
In the Box
- A&ultima SP3000M DAP
- Leather case
- Astell&Kern 1 Year Warranty Card
