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

Compact Size, Limitless Sound

The A&ultima series continues to present advanced and innovative technology and the standard of perfect sound. They renewed their commitment to this goal and dove deeper into the concept of true portability, unrivaled performance and unmatched sound presentation.

It wasn't easy to maintain that perfect SP3000 performance while reducing the device’s size, but after dozens of circuit iterations, Astell&Kern finally presents the SP3000M.

The innovative Hexa audio structure separates digital and analog signal processing and independent dual audio circuit for unrivaled audio performance. SP3000M offers these features in its lighter, compact design allowing you to enjoy incredibly vivid sounds not found in a DAP 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.

SP3000M

The “M” in SP3000M represents the diverse features offered in the player.

• Mini: Smaller in size than SP3000
• Mobility: Even better portability
• Maximum: The product with the best audio performance
• Mania: A product for those with a passion for SP3000M's vivid sound
• Mate: A companion with you anywhere and at any time
• Moment: Adding sentiment to life's mundane moments

The design of SP3000M was inspired by a diamond ring’s jewel and its prongs. Like the dramatic melodies of music, A&K added tension to the alignment of the volume knob and protector.

Other design details include the cross patterns etched on the glass surface at the back. Reminiscent of the SP3000’s design, it also adds SP3000M’s unique concept of “Tension” in the two patterns meeting at the corners.

SP3000 vs. SP3000M

Complete Separation of Digital and Analog Signals in a HEXA Structure

A&K 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 analog 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 analog signals separately.

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

Stunning Performance with Independent Dual Audio Circuits

In order to create a truly innovative DAP, not just a great DAP, Astell&Kern tried to overcome the limitations of sound by envisioning an independent dual audio circuit that has never been attempted by anyone featuring a HEXA structure with unbalanced and balanced outputs.

Almost all other DAPs, including Astell&Kern, use an internal DAC for both unbalanced and balanced outputs. Since the signal from the DAC is divided into unbalanced and balanced then delivered to the AMP, an Audio Switch is essential. However, when using a switch, there is a limit to the range that can receive the signal sent by the DAC, so most DAPs reduce the signal size first and then when the signal is transmitted back to the amplifier, it is necessary to restore the original signal size. This causes a limitation in improving the audio performance.

To overcome the limitations, their engineers designed a HEXA structure using two AK4191EQs and four AK4499EXs, creating an innovative unbalanced and balanced independent dual audio circuit design. As a result, the SP3000M achieves a SNR of 130dB, the best of any DAP available. You can feel the clean, pure delicacy of sound with the SP3000M that you cannot not experience in any other DAP. 

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.

Teraton Alpha, the Essence of A&K Audio

In order to develop the ultimate audio player that has never been experienced before, not only do they use the latest DAC and technology available, but they use the innovative audio technology of TERATON ALPHA, A&K's Ultimate Sound Solution.

Teraton Alpha, engineered through endless research, is Astell&Kern's unique technology that has been designed to produce audio playback that is close to the original sound through effective power noise removal, efficient power management and unwavering amplification, and a fully converted audio output interface. HEXA-Audio Circuitry structure and independent dual audio circuit  implemented to the SP3000 was completed with Teraton Alpha's sound solution, to create the purest  original sound, and was inherited to the SP3000M.

Snapdragon 8-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 maximizes 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

SP3000M comes with a VU Meter GUI, which debuted on the SP3000T and was well-received by consumers for an even more immersive experience.

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 Astell&Kern's Open App Service.

Sound Design with DAC Filters

With the SP3000M, 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.

Additional Features and Enhancements

Digital Audio Remaster
The 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
The SP3000M supports Native DSD512 and up to 32bit/768kHz!

Specifications

• Display: HD 4.1” 720x1280 Touch Display
• Supported 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: 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.)
• 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)
• 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