Astell&Kern SP3000T (x3) front and rear silver, front quarter copper whitebox
x2 Astell&Kern SP3000T units eye level quarter over white background
Astell&Kern SP3000T (x2) front and rear quarter copper whitebox
Astell&Kern SP3000T front quarter rotated over white background
x2 Astell&Kern SP3000T units stacked over white background
Astell&Kern SP3000T front silver eye level over white background
Astell&Kern SP3000T front copper eye level over white background
Astell&Kern SP3000T silver rear eye level
Astell&Kern SP3000T copper rear eye level whitebox
Astell&Kern SP3000T rear right quarter over white background
Astell&Kern SP3000T profile eye level
Astell&Kern SP3000T copper profile eye level whitebox
x2 Astell&Kern SP3000T units top quarter over warm background with assorted tubes
Astell&Kern SP3000T rear closeup with connected FiR Audio earphones
Astell&Kern SP3000T (x3) front and rear silver, front quarter copper whitebox
x2 Astell&Kern SP3000T units eye level quarter over white background
Astell&Kern SP3000T (x2) front and rear quarter copper whitebox
Astell&Kern SP3000T front quarter rotated over white background
x2 Astell&Kern SP3000T units stacked over white background
Astell&Kern SP3000T front silver eye level over white background
Astell&Kern SP3000T front copper eye level over white background
Astell&Kern SP3000T silver rear eye level
Astell&Kern SP3000T copper rear eye level whitebox
Astell&Kern SP3000T rear right quarter over white background
Astell&Kern SP3000T profile eye level
Astell&Kern SP3000T copper profile eye level whitebox
x2 Astell&Kern SP3000T units top quarter over warm background with assorted tubes
Astell&Kern SP3000T rear closeup with connected FiR Audio earphones

Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000T | Vacuum Tube Digital Audio Player

$2,999.00
/
Color

Astell&Kern SP3000T logo

Introducing the Astell&Kern SP3000T, a Portable DAP that Defies Convention and Offers a Unique Fusion of Analog and Digital Excellence

  • DAP with Snapdragon 6125 8-Core CPU
  • Features 316L Stainless Steel with 99.9% pure Silver-plating
  • Now available in Copper finish - Limited to 1,000 units globally
  • Dual RAYTHEON JAN6418 MIL-SPEC vintage vacuum tubes
  • Triple Amp System (OP-AMP/Tube/Hybrid Amp Mode) with 3-step tube current options
  • Complete separation of digital and analog signal processing (uses [x2] AK4499EX flagship DAC chips and [x2] AK4191EQ)
  • Includes yellow calfskin case - Optional Black and Taupe leather cases also available

Astell&Kern SP3000T banner with tubes and logo

Bloom's Take

In 2021, Astell&Kern took the plunge into the portable micro tube foray with their flagship SP2000T digital audio player. SP3000T brings a number of upgrades, adopting the new flagship platform pioneered by the SP3000 but with a bump in sound, design, and UI performance. It starts with the same size and shape as the SP3000 along with similar build and materials. But what's new are a few functional changes, some slight technical variations, and a back panel window revealing warm LEDs with active tubes. You also get the standard A&K premium DAP feature set with flexible amp mode and gain control options to find your preferred sweet spot.

From build and design to sound quality and power, SP3000T exudes excellence. It yields a strong flagship experience across the board, and if you want something relaxed with a focus on vocals and immersive presentation of your music, SP3000T is as good as it gets.

Read the full review here.


Analog Warmth, Digital Precision

Astell&Kern's ethos of producing immersive sound from high-resolution original music stands as a testament to the spirit of innovation and excellence embodied in the A&ultima series. Their goal was to surpass the impeccable design and high-resolution sound of their previous flagship SP3000 by crafting an audio player that truly captures the emotion and resonance of music.

Developed with this vision in mind, the A&ultima SP3000T channels the profound emotion and lasting essence of analog audio. The integration of a real vacuum tube creates an authentic analog sound complemented by cutting-edge audio technology such as TERATON ALPHA for an immersive auditory experience.

Introducing the A&ultima SP3000T — a portable audio player that defies convention, offering a unique fusion of analog and digital excellence.

SP3000T with connected Empyrean 2 headphone on wood table with features banner

SP3000T Copper Edition

Astell&Kern strives to create more than just sound, focusing on excellence in sound quality. The SP3000T Copper Edition demonstrates this philosophy by delivering exceptional sound characteristics.

Copper, known for its excellent sound transmission and resonance properties, typically enhances the brightness and richness of tones in musical instruments. 
This quality has been repeatedly validated in A&K products using Copper for its outstanding electrical conductivity and high shielding performance.

Because of its material properties, Copper oxidizes and discolors upon contact with air. The SP3000T Copper Edition utilizes over 99.98% pure copper with a special multilayer coating that enhances durability, ensuring it maintains its beautiful color and luster without requiring special maintenance.

SP3000T Copper offers more than just music - it provides an emotional experience beyond music.

SP3000T Copper finish over copper colored hexagonal plate with A&K Novus earphones

True Analog Sound with Real Vacuum Tube

The original vacuum tube is known for its warm sound, attributed to its distinctive rich harmonics. However, its impracticality in terms of miniaturization, primarily due to power control and footprint issues, presented a formidable obstacle, rendering it unsuitable for use in portable audio players.

In A&K's unyielding quest for innovation and refusal to compromise, they worked to bridge the gap between stationary and portable audio by infusing the essence of analog sound. These efforts eventually culminated in the pairing of the SP3000T with the RAYTHEON JAN6418 miniature vacuum tube, a mini vacuum tube popular among audiophiles. Designed to meet military specifications and traditionally used in military communication gear, it quickly garnered recognition for its distinctively warm and soft sound, leading to its integration into regular audio devices.

SP3000T quarter rear eye-level warm with assorted tubes on black table

Sound Craftsmanship for the Ultimate Vacuum Tube Sound

Due to inherent differences in noise and amplification in original vacuum tubes, Astell&Kern adopted the meticulous selection process of carefully and precisely measuring and pairing each JAN6418. This minimizes output deviation between the left and right channels, resulting in more natural sound reproduction.

Every shielding operation on the vacuum tube is carefully executed by hand to minimize potential noise interference. And thanks to their unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, A&K has successfully brought the distinctive spatial sense and balance found in their existing players into the analog realm of vacuum tube sound.

Minimizing Microphonic Noise

SP3000T vertical explosion internal tube diagram

The integration of vacuum tubes into compact, portable devices presents a formidable technical hurdle: maintain low noise level while delivering resolution and robust output. This challenge was tackled in the SP3000T with a custom-made solution designed to minimize microphonic noise, even during minor shocks or vibrations.

  1. Independent modular, flexible PCB design-engineered separately from the main PCB
  2. Silicone case designed to absorb primary shocks from the vacuum tube
  3. Silicone tubing tailored to the vacuum tube leads to reduce shock transmission
  4. Silicone dampers around the vacuum tube suspend the tubes in the air

Tube Current Option

SP3000T Tube Current interface screenshot

A&K developed an internal plate voltage control system which can be adjusted in three stages and directly affects the amplification rate of the vacuum tube amplifier, resulting in nuanced changes in sound texture. Experience the subtle shifts in density and spatial presence in your headphones or IEMs as you fine-tune the current of the tube amp.

Vacuum Tube LED

SP3000T rear tube LED glowing

While in vacuum tube mode or hybrid mode, the vacuum tubes on the back of the SP3000T emit light, enhancing the device's subtle and stylish analog feel.

*Please note the tubes do not light up when the device is in OP AMP Mode.

A&K Triple Amp System

Harnessing the power of Astell&Kern's unique TERATON ALPHA technology, the A&ultima SP3000T achieves seamless harmony between the rich, authentic analog sound of a real tube and the dynamic clarity of an OP AMP. The SP3000T offers three distinct modes to cater to your audio preferences:

OP AMP Mode
Unparalleled high resolution and dynamics that faithfully reproduces the original sound without distortion - an Astell&Kern hallmark sound.

TUBE AMP Mode
The authentic essence of analog sound, nothing compares to the warm texture and distinctive sense of space delivered by a Tube Amp. Enjoy the smooth and inviting analog sound unique to real vacuum tube technology.

HYBRID AMP Mode
Departing from the traditional Vacuum Tube AMP and OP AMP modes, the SP3000T features a groundbreaking HYBRID AMP mode that seamlessly blends the best of analog warmth and high-resolution output to create a unique tonal experience. With five adjustable levels, tailor your sound for an optimal listening session.

three thumbnails highlighting each SP3000T Amp mode

NEW VU Meter GUI

The SP3000T marks a milestone for Astell&Kern as the first device to feature a VU Meter GUI, providing a visual representation of sound levels as you indulge in your favorite music.

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.

Astell&Kern SP3000T front displaying VU UI on wood table with decorative tubes

Additional Features and Enhancements

Snapdragon Octa-Core CPU
A&ultima SP3000T is equipped with a Snapdragon 6125 Octa-core processor. Paired with 8GB of DDR4 memory as a SoC and a redesigned user interface, you'll experience a faster system response and fluid, smooth engagement.

Digital Audio Remaster
The SP3000T is equipped with Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology, developed to deliver fine, vivid sound at higher sample rates.

Sound Design with DAC Filters
With the SP3000T, have fun creating your own sound style by selecting up to 6 various DAC filters provided by the DAC manufacturer. Choose from Natural, Acoustic, or Traditional tones along with Harmonic, Acoustic, or Traditional sound types.

Streaming & AK Connect
A&K DAPs are seamlessly integrated with external streaming apps through the Open App Service. And with AK Connect, you can easily access and play/download music from your PCs and devices connected to the same network in real-time.

5.5" Full HD Display
Experience the SP3000T more comfortably with a wide 5.5", large-screen, full 1080x1920 HD touch display.

Wireless Hi-Fi Sound via BT Sink
Enjoy playback from an external device (ie. smartphone) in high-quality using the BT Sink function.

AK File Drop
With the new AK File Drop function in the SP3000T, you can freely transfer files wirelessly through a PC, smartphone, or FTP program located on the same network.

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
The SP3000T supports Native DSD512 and up to 32bit/768kHz!

QC 3.0 Fast Charging
The SP3000T supports Qualcomm QC 3.0 fast charging, so you can charge your DAP faster and more efficiently than previous models.

Shrunken Calfskin Leather Case
The SP3000T comes with a deluxe case crafted from shrunken calf leather sourced from Perlinger in Germany and Alcantara in Italy, ensuring a level of style and quality that matches the quality of the device. Check out Astell&Kern's optional Black and Taupe leather cases available separately.

SP3000T in yellow calfskin case on included wood case

Specifications

General

  • Body: Silver Stainless Steel with pure Silver plating | 99.98% pure Copper
  • Display: 5.5” 1080x1920 full HD touch
  • Audio Formats: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA
  • Sample Rate
    • PCM: 8kHz ~ 768kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample)
    • DSD Native: DSD64 (1bit 2.8MHz) Stereo | DSD128 (1bit 5.6MHz) Stereo | DSD256 (1bit 11.2MHz), DSD512 (1bit, 22.4MHz) Stereo
  • Output Level: 3.3Vrms UnBAL | 6.3Vrms (no load) BAL
  • CPU: Octa-Core
  • DAC: (x2) AKM AK4191 (modulator) + (x2) AKM AK4499EX (DAC)
  • Vacuum Tube: (x2) RAYTHEON JAN6418
  • Decoding: Up to 32bit / 768kHz Bit to Bit playback
  • Input: USB-C input (for charging, PC, and MAC)
  • Outputs: 3.5mm UnBAL + Optical | 2.5mm (4-pole) + 4.4mm (5-pole) BAL
  • Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)
  • Bluetooth: V5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP │ Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, LDAC, LHDC)
  • Dimensions: 3.33" x 5.57" x 0.70"
  • Weight: 17oz
  • Firmware upgrade supported (OTA)
  • Operating Temperature: 32℉ ~ 104℉)
  • OS: Windows 7,8,10 (32/64bit) | MAC OS X 10.7 +

Audio

  • Frequency Response
    • 20Hz~20kHz: ±0.005dB UnBAL | ±0.003dB BAL
    • 20Hz~70kHz: ±0.006dB UnBAL | ±0.024dB BAL
  • SNR: 120dB @ 1kHz UnBAL│ 124dB @ 1kHz BAL
  • Crosstalk: -136dB @ 1kHz UnBAL│ -145dB @ 1kHz BAL
  • THD+N: 0.0005% @ 1kHz UnBAL│ 0.0004% @ 1kHz BAL
  • IMD SMPTE: 0.0007% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1)
  • Impedance: 1.5Ω (3.5mm UnBAL) │ 1.5Ω (2.5mm BAL) | 1.4Ω (4.4mm BAL)
  • Clock Jitter: 25ps (Typ)
  • Reference Clock Jitter: 200 Femto Seconds

Storage + Battery

  • Built-in Memory: 256GB [NAND]
  • External Memory: (x1) microSD (Max. 1TB)
  • Battery Capacity: 5050mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer
  • Battery Charge Time: about 3.5 hours (QC3.0 charging)
  • Playback Time: about 10 hours (FLAC, 16bit, 44.1kHz UnBAL, Vol.50, LCD Off, LED On, OP AMP Mode)

In the Box

SP3000T bird's eye on wood desk with retail box and all accessories

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Customer Reviews

Based on 5 reviews
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T
Thomas S
Take your home tube amp set up on the road!

The A&K SP3000T is really an incredible machine, there are no other words to describe it. So many possible sound adjustments and simply incredible fidelity in basically all settings, but especially once you find your sweet spot. Heavy as a brick of gold that will pull your sweat pants down and major coinage, but man this is a real splurge I don’t regret. I upgraded from an already incredible SE300, but you just can’t beat a pair of tubes, however small they are. And no, I don't hear any tube hiss at all and my IEM's are pretty sensitive. I do wonder what it would sound like with the R2R Dac from the SE300, but that is not a negative on any level. The build quality is pure luxury / jewelry grade and I love the super fast, closed, scaled back Android system. No bloatware, only apps that matter and super fast and responsive. Honestly, the only thing I don't like is the yellow case.... not sure why A&K decided on that to be the case shipped with the DAP. I got an extra black case, which has the built-in stand and looks super classy. Once in a while I take the SP3000T out of the case to admire its beauty. Super highly recommended and I can't wait to take it on my trip to Europe. If you are going down the DAP route, might as well splurge for this and and all it a day. No further upgrades required.

R
Robert Sanford
Expansive holographic soundstage with Musicality

I just got into the world of premium IEMs and I needed a premium DAP to get the most out of these more sensitive IEMs with low impeadance levels. I also wanted a DAP that would pair up with the new Astell&Kern x Empire Ears Novus IEMs. The SP3000T comes with a preset Novus EQ available to bring out the best that Astell&Kern sound engineers feel give you the best sound from your Novus IEMs.

Digital only OP mode is very detailed and more neutral, but the soundstage is not anywhere near as large as what the Hybrid and Tube modes bring to the table. The best of both worlds is the Hybrid setting that uses 50/50 Digital OP mode + Tube mode. So you still can get plenty of detail retrieval while dramatically increasing the size of the soundstage while also increasing musicality and warmth from the Raytheon Tubes. If you want 100% analog musical warm sound, then the Tube Mode will get you there and then some. The Tube mode feels like the largest Soundstage of all 3 options available, but also the least detailed and more slowed down sounding compared to the more fast paced Digital only mode. Then again you could enable Hybrid Mode and adjust the balance slider more toward the Tube side to achieve something similar while also utilizing some of the digital mode.

I don't believe I can say anything else that others haven't said already. Now, if you do prefer a more neutral detail oriented sound signature then you need to spring for the regular SP3000 with its Quad DAC and larger soundstage and perfectly black background with zero hiss. You will get a little amount of mild hiss with the SP3000T, but you won't notice until you are starting up a new quiet song before the audio begins. It's very mild, but if this is the sort of thing that gets under your skin then you must go for the regular SP3000 DAP. The SP3000T is way more versatile in the sense that it gives you multiple ways of changing the sound signature, soundstage, and the amount of detail retrieval you like in Hybrid mode. So the SP3000T will be a more versatile DAP in comparison to the SP3000 which is focused on its digital only mode that utilizes a Quad DAC setup.

I hope this helps! Ideally you would have both the SP3000T and SP3000 DAP to use for different types of IEMs and different kinds of music. Some IEMs may be very detail oriented like the all metal Nobile Viking Ragnar. This pair of IEMs would be better suited on the SP3000T where you can tune how much Tube you want to use to smooth out any excessive detail that may be fatiguing to a user. For warmer IEMs I would use the SP3000 with its improved detail retrieval.

F
FC
SP3000T: Ridiculously Musical

First and Foremost, the people at Bloom are the best. Do yourself a favor and order from them. They will work with you and offer great input and feedback.

I just started working on my portable setup last year. I was previously using an Ibasso DX90 with the original Jerry Harvey Audio JH-13 IEM's. In August I started looking into upgrading since I'd recently upgraded my desktop set up.

I started with the Ibasso DX240 and got some custom 64 Audio A12T's. I liked this but it was missing some dynamics. When the Ibasso PB5 tube amp came out I jumped on that. It improved the dynamics and soundstage significantly and added that tube warmth. With loving the PB5, I decided to upgrade again the the DX260 since I wanted a dedicated line out which the 240 didn't have. The DX260 was a big upgrade in both detail and dynamics by itself over the 240 and was a whole new level paired with the PB5. I was loving this combo.

As I said, this is mainly my travel set up. Soon after getting the PB5 and DX260, the SP3000T is announced. While I loved the Ibasso gear, it was a pretty thick stack of equipment to tote around. I definitely had my interest piqued by getting everything down to a single box.

When the 3000T came out, I reached out to Bloom for some feedback. Based off of our conversation I decided to give it a try. I always had an interest in A&K but they are definitely at the higher end of the price range. I'm glad I took the plunge.

When I did my first comparison between the 3000T and the PB5/DX260 stack, I didn't hear a whole lot of difference. I even felt you were getting some more of the tubey goodness from the PB5. As I went along over the next few days, the 3000T just kept getting better and better, really drawing me into the music. I first started with my A12T's and than moved to a new pair of 64 Audio N8 customs that arrived a few days after I got the A&K. That has been what I've been predominantly using and damn, it is just a crazy musical combo. Still providing tons of detail but it just makes me want to listen for hours on end. It's just so good.

The only things that have taken some time to get used to is the UI. It's a closed android which is not as user friendly as the open android from Ibasso. It's a small quibble since the sound is just so much better. Also, if you have beefy connectors, they struggle to fit with the 3000T cases. Both of my IEM's have 4.4 mm balanced Cutech connectors on my Arctic Cables (which are incredible by the way). It took some doing to get them to fit.

While I've been mainly using the A&K with my IEM's, I did fire up my Focal Clear MG's and it drove them easily and sounded excellent.

Is it expensive, you bet. Is it worth it, oh, most definitely yes. The options of switching between full tube, op amp and the hybrid modes really allows you to get the most of each recording. This has quickly become probably my most favorite piece of equipment. If you are thinking about it, do it, load up an SD mini with lots of high res files and bask in the glow of amazing sound, no matter where you are at. You will get know recordings you think you knew on a whole other level. Make sure to buy from Bloom, you will have zero regrets.

Z
Zhang J.
SP3000T

I got the sp3000 a few months ago and I was amazed by its sound, but the sp3000t is like another interpretation of a top dap from another time and space, the sound of the 3000t is warmer and softer than the 3000. I highly recommend it.

R
Rob

Where do I begin? Maybe it's about all the fun of having so many options available to tune the amps and the many playback modes. The number of ways you can tailor your sound to your exact tastes? I think there are too many to name here so I will just say that this unit sounds "magical". When you add the highly precise sound of it's op amps that gives it it's magical 3D-like sound and combine it with the smooth, hypnotic character of it's tube amps and how you can not just blend them any way you like (op amp only, tube amp only or 5 blended settings) but you can also adjust the biasing (character) of the tube amps (3 settings) then right away that gives you 21 different flavors right there. Then add to that that you can select from 6 different DAC filters, you now have 126 different sound styles! Add to that their Digital Audio Remastering, 3 crossfeed styles and a 20 band equalizer. Wow!

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