Astell&Kern - A&ultima SP3000
Flagship Digital Audio PlayerUnfortunately, even if we desire to, we won't be able to resurrect this product. The Museum is where we pay our respects to end-of-life, old, archived, but not forgotten products. This page was made with a lot of love and will live on for posterity. What to say, we're sentimental people. 😔
While this product is gone forever, here are others we recommend
Why Astell&Kern is Special
Designed in Korea
Established & Reputed
Trust us, our reputation speaks for itself 🏆!
I believe that when a brand has decades of proven excellence, you can invest with confidence knowing your purchase is backed by years of audio engineering expertise. These products come from manufacturers with extensive histories of innovation and unwavering commitment to sonic excellence. Think of them like luxury watch brands - their reputation has been earned through decades of consistent quality and innovation.
With their extensive history of innovation and countless satisfied customers worldwide, you can be confident your investment is backed by proven audio engineering expertise and industry leadership 📈.
When you see "🎖️ Established & Reputed" products, expect time-tested excellence from manufacturers who've consistently demonstrated mastery in audio engineering for generations.
Revered by Audiophiles
Audiophiles can be really picky 😤, and if the audiophile community says something sounds good, you can bet it's exceptional! I believe that earning audiophile reverence is like getting a standing ovation from music critics - it doesn't happen unless you've truly achieved something special. This audio gear has earned widespread acclaim from audiophiles worldwide, a community renowned for exacting standards and unwavering commitment to high-fidelity reproduction.
These discerning enthusiasts particularly value its extraordinary precision in sound reproduction and remarkable capability to create thoroughly immersive listening experiences. The audiophile community's endorsement carries significant weight because of their extensive experience with high-end equipment 🏆.
When you see "🙌🏻 Revered by Audiophiles" products, expect audiophile-grade excellence that satisfies even the most demanding listeners and consistently exceeds the highest standards.
Born in 2004
Why we love this DAP
I Am Worth It
For the most passionate audiophiles who demand nothing less than audio perfection 💎, these exceptional products represent the absolute pinnacle of sound reproduction technology. When I designate something in this category, it means we've identified something truly extraordinary - a piece of equipment that transcends conventional standards of excellence. Think of these as the Rolls-Royce of audio - masterpieces that don't simply meet expectations but establish entirely new benchmarks for what's possible.
These aren't just premium products; they're timeless investments in musical excellence whose value transcends ordinary performance metrics. Each represents a fundamental redefinition of what's achievable in sound reproduction, incorporating innovations and craftsmanship that justify their exclusive status.
When you see "👑 I Am Worth It" products, understand that you're experiencing audio perfection - these masterpieces cater to those who recognise that true excellence knows no compromise.
Serious Audiophiles Only
For those who have ventured deep into high-fidelity audio 🎯, the pursuit of sonic excellence becomes an endless journey of discovery and refinement. I believe that serious audiophiles demand equipment that can satisfy the most exacting standards and deliver performance that pushes boundaries. These products represent the pinnacle of acoustic engineering, incorporating advanced technologies and meticulous craftsmanship that enable them to reproduce music with utmost fidelity.
Each product has undergone rigorous evaluation to ensure it delivers exceptional performance that discerning listeners demand, from precise frequency response to impeccable detail retrieval and sophisticated sound staging. These devices incorporate premium components and engineering excellence that justify their position at the apex of audio performance.
When you encounter "🦈 Serious Audiophiles Only" products, expect uncompromising performance that satisfies the most demanding requirements and elevates critical listening to new heights.
Audiophile Community Favourite
When I see a product that keeps coming up in forums, Reddit threads, and community meet-ups, I know it’s earned its place. "Audiophile Community Favourite" is our way of spotlighting the gear that real listeners — not just reviewers — swear by. 🦋
These are products that enjoy a sort of cult following for all the right reasons: consistently great tuning, build, and value. They're the kind of recommendations you'd get from a friend deep in the hobby. If you're the type who likes going with a proven crowd-pleaser, these picks are beloved by thousands of ears.
When you see '🦋 Audiophile Community Favourite' products, expect reliable recommendations backed by passionate users, often refined over years of trust and love from the community.
Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth
I tend to describe Bluetooth audio as wireless freedom with fewer strings attached — literally. When you see Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth, it means you can pair your headphones or IEMs with phones, laptops, or even TVs — all without reaching for a cable 🎶. It’s convenient, clutter-free, and great for everyday listening.
What’s happening behind the scenes is your gear is using Bluetooth codecs like SBC, AAC, LDAC, or aptX to compress and transmit your music wirelessly. Better codecs mean higher quality and lower latency. Of course, there’s a trade-off — Bluetooth won’t match the quality of wired gear, but today’s advancements have made the gap much smaller than before.
When you see '✂️ Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth' products, expect: tangle-free convenience and solid sound quality — great for commuting, workouts, or casual listening.
Battery Life
In my experience, battery life is one of those things that separates a good day from a frustrating one. It's like having a fuel gauge you can rely on — longer battery life means less charging and more uninterrupted music. Whether you're on a flight or just commuting across town, this is one spec you don’t want to overlook 🔋.
Technically, battery life refers to the hours your device can play music on a single charge. Today’s headphones and DACs can range from 4 to 40+ hours, depending on things like Bluetooth codec, volume, and active features like ANC. More battery life also means better travel and portability, though it might come at the cost of size or weight.
When you see '⏳ Battery Life' products, expect: longer listening sessions, fewer charging breaks, and stress-free portability for music that goes the distance.
Battery Capacity
I usually think of battery capacity like the size of your water tank — it determines how long the tap can run before drying up. In audio gear, higher capacity means more playtime, more power for your amp section, and better performance during high-demand usage 🧠. It’s especially important if your gear also powers powerful drivers or amps.
Measured in mAh (milliamp-hours), battery capacity helps you gauge how long your headphones, DAC, or amplifier will last between charges. Devices with higher capacity (like 3500mAh+) are ideal for extended use or when you’re away from a power source. Just know, larger capacity often means longer charging time and a slightly bulkier design.
When you see '🔋 Battery Capacity' products, expect: more power and longer playtimes — ideal for travel, long workdays, or heavy use without worrying about recharging.
Storage
I tend to think of this like carrying your entire music library in your pocket — no cloud, no streaming, no internet required 📀. When you see “Up to 2TB Storage,” you’re looking at gear that lets you store thousands of high-res tracks, albums, and even DSD files offline, ready to play anytime.
Now, here’s what’s actually happening: the device features a microSD card slot that supports cards up to 2TB — that’s a massive amount of local storage. This is especially valuable for portable audio players and offline listeners who prefer to carry their music in the highest quality formats without compromising space. No buffering, no compression — just direct access to your favourite files.
When you see '🐘 Upto 2 TB Storage' products, expect: vast offline music access — perfect for DAP lovers, lossless audio fans, or travel-heavy audiophiles.
Built like a Tank
Durability concerns? Rest assured 💪.
I tend to describe these products as audio equipment that's built to survive anything you can throw at them. These headphones incorporate high-grade metal components and reinforced design elements that ensure they can handle demanding conditions while maintaining structural integrity. Think of them as the military-grade vehicles of the audio world - over-engineered for reliability and built to last decades, not just years.
The metal construction provides exceptional strength and longevity while contributing to a premium feel that serious audio enthusiasts appreciate. Whether you're a professional who needs reliable daily-use equipment or someone who values long-term investment in audio gear 🏗️.
When you encounter "🪖 Built like a Tank" products, expect unmatched robustness and durability you can count on for years of intensive use.
Why it Sounds Amazing
DAC Chip
I like to say the DAC chip is the heart of any audio device — it’s the part that actually transforms digital files into music you can hear 🎧. Think of it like a chef decoding a recipe to create a delicious meal. The better the DAC chip, the more faithfully it translates your music. And in my experience, a great DAC can completely change how your headphones sound.
Now, here’s what’s actually happening: a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) takes digital signals (your MP3s, FLACs, or streams) and converts them into an analog waveform your ears can enjoy. Different DAC chips — like those from ESS, AKM, or Cirrus Logic — offer their own sound signatures, levels of clarity, and noise performance. A good DAC ensures accurate timing, minimal distortion, and exceptional resolution.
When you see '⚙️ DAC Chip' products, expect: clean, detailed audio and better synergy with high-quality headphones — perfect for anyone upgrading from average sound to audiophile quality.
Power Output
I like to think of power output in audio gear like engine horsepower, it determines how much muscle your setup really has 💪. Whether you’re trying to drive a pair of power-hungry planar headphones or just want headroom for dynamic peaks, power output is the spec you want to check first.
Technically, it refers to the amount of electrical power (measured in mW or Watts) an amp or DAC/Amp combo can deliver to your headphones. More power means better control, improved dynamics, and the ability to handle demanding gear without distortion. But more isn’t always better, too much power with sensitive IEMs can introduce hiss or harshness.
When you see '🚀 Power Output' products, expect: strong driving capability, better dynamics, and optimal performance with headphones that need serious juice to shine.
Balanced Output
I often say balanced output is like using both hands to carry something heavy — it distributes power evenly and keeps things stable. In audio gear, balanced output helps reduce unwanted noise and interference, especially over longer cables. Think of it as a cleaner, more efficient way to transmit your music, ideal for anyone using high-end DACs, amps, or studio-grade headphones 🎧. You’ll typically find it on gear with XLR or 4.4mm connectors, and it's a must-have if you’re chasing that ultra-clean signal path.
Here’s what’s actually happening: a balanced output uses two separate signals, one inverted, so when interference is picked up along the cable, it gets cancelled out when the signals are recombined. The result? Cleaner audio, better dynamic range, and more power output — especially when paired with balanced headphones. The trade-off? You’ll need gear that supports balanced connections on both ends to really enjoy the benefits.
When you see '⚖️ Balanced Output' products, expect: ultra-low noise, more headroom, and better synergy with high-impedance headphones or sensitive IEMs — ideal for serious listening setups.
Astell&Kern SP3000 is a true flagship DAC and an engineering marvel, boasting enhancements in design, build quality, UI, and performance over its predecessor. The SP3000 delivers a highly refined music listening experience right in your hand.
About RAGHAV SOMANI
Raghav Somani is the Founder & CEO of Headphone Zone. An avid audiophile and musician since 2008, his choice of headphones include STAX Electrostats, Audeze LCD 3, and for music on the go, the JH Audio Roxanne + Astell&Kern SP1000 is never too far away. On his playlist, you'll find A.R. Rahman, Michael Jackson, and the Eagles.
DESCRIPTION
INTRODUCING A NEW ADDITION TO THE WIDELY POPULAR A&ULTIMA SERIES, THE SP3000
Astell&Kern is renowned for offering hugely well-liked DAPs that have revolutionised the audio industry. Astell&Kern has achieved great success with their A&ultima series of DAPs. They have been known for their exceptional build and sound quality. Building on the lineage, Astell&Kern brings the all-new flagship DAP, the SP3000, into the A&ultima series. The Astell&Kern SP3000 is the world's first DAP with independent Dual Audio Circuitry and the latest DAC with HEXA structure design. It features flagship DAC chips from AKM and has a HEXA DAC structure at its core that delivers pristine digital to analogue conversion without jitter. The A&ultima SP3000 also features TERATON ALPHA which is Astell&Kern's ultimate sound solution to produce audio playback that is close to the original sound through the audio output interface by use of effective power noise removal, efficient power management and amplification with minimal distortion. The SP3000 supports PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) 8kHz ~ 768kHz (8/16/24/32 bits per Sample) and DSD (Direct Stream Digital) Native: DSD64(1 bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1 bit 5.6MHz), Stereo DSD256(1 bit 11.2MHz), Stereo / DSD512(1 bit 22.4MHz), Stereo. Experience music at all-new levels that you haven't experienced before with the Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000!
HEXA DAC STRUCTURE FUSED WITH FLAGSHIP DAC CHIP FROM AKM DELIVERS EXCEPTIONAL SONIC PERFORMANCE
The Astell&Kern SP3000 is a flagship product with the latest technology and uncompromising design. Astell&Kern worked with AKM from the initial development stage to develop the DAC and circuit structure. Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) has developed a new flagship stereo D/A converter (DAC), the VELVET SOUND | VERITATM AK4499EX, which has a complete separation of digital and analogue circuits solution in conjunction with the AK4191. The SP3000 features dual AKM4191EQ (Dual Modulator) + Quad AKM4499EX DAC chips (Dual + Dual DAC). The design uses the latest high-quality sound technology and a separate digital/analogue solution to achieve spectacular sound. The analogue characteristics also exceed those of the integrated D/A predecessor AK4499, allowing you to experience an unprecedented level of life-like sound. As a result of the partnership, the SP3000 has four AK4499EX DACs. The SP3000 incorporates the novel HEXA structure architecture in which two AK4191EQs analyse digital signals. These independently provide incredible sound. 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 processes the analogue signals separately. In a HEXA structure, the complete separation of digital and analogue signals is accomplished. It is now possible to experience an astounding degree of sound that has never been experienced before because of the application of this novel design, which enables digital and analogue signal processing to be separate for the first time in a digital audio player.
FEATURES INDEPENDENT DUAL AUDIO CIRCUITS WITH TERATON ALPHA TECHNOLOGY AND CROSSFEED
Astell&Kern engineers strived to develop a DAP, never having been engineered or experienced. The engineers at Astell&Kern utilise TERATON ALPHA, AK's Ultimate Sound Solution, which has been enhanced for the SP3000. Through effective power noise elimination, effective power management, unwavering amplification, and a fully converted audio output interface, TERATON ALPHA, Astell&Kern's exclusive technology, has been developed to produce audio playback; as similar to the original sound as possible. The HEXA DAC structure and independent dual audio circuit, implemented for the first time in the SP3000, are paired with TERATON ALPHA's sound solution to create the purest original sound. To develop an innovative DAP, not just a great DAP, Astell&Kern tried to overcome limitations by envisioning an independent dual audio circuit with a HEXA structure and unbalanced and balanced outputs. To overcome the limitations, a team of engineers at Astell&Kern designed a HEXA structure using two AKM4191EQs and four AKM4499EXs, creating an innovative unbalanced and balanced, independent dual audio circuit design. The SP3000 achieves an SNR of 130dB, the best of any DAP available. Listening to headphones, where the left and right channels are separated, may cause increased ear fatigue. 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. With detailed settings such as Shelf Cutoff, Shelf Gain, and Mixer Level, you can set the level of crossfeed according to your listening preferences. You can feel the clean, pure delicacy of sound with the SP3000 that you cannot experience in any other DAP!
SNAPDRAGON OCTA-CORE CPU FOR SMOOTH AND OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE WITH BLUETOOTH 5.0 AND WIFI CONNECTIVITY
Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000 is equipped with a Snapdragon 6125 Octa-core processor so you can enjoy the overwhelming sound, faster system response and a redesigned generation user interface that moves comfortably and smoothly. Featuring a high-performance Qualcomm® Adreno™ 610 GPU, Qualcomm® Kryo™ 260 CPU (Octa-core), and improved 8GB of DDR4 memory, which is twice the amount commonly used, 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 design maximises the efficiency of the overall circuit configuration by providing more audio-only circuit space, reducing heat and noise from digital circuits. BT Sink function connects the SP3000 to an external device via Bluetooth, similar to connecting a smartphone with a BT speaker. Music from an external device, such as a smartphone, can now be played back in high-quality on the SP3000 using the BT Sink function. The Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000 with Bluetooth 5.0 supports aptX HD and LDAC codec support. The Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000 also supports audio formats like WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, and MQA. It also supports 2.4G and 5G Wi-Fi compatibility to ensure a quick and reliable internet connection. The Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000 also supports Roon READY. It has Roon’s high-resolution streaming technology built right in. They combine simple setup, daily reliability, and support for the highest level of digital audio performance.
DIGITAL AUDIO REMASTER TECHNOLOGY FOR NATURAL, VIVID AND AUTHENTIC SOUND
Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology, created to offer excellent sound at greater sample rates, is built into the SP3000. DAR technology is developed to up-sample the sample rate of the sound source to go beyond the limits of the source format. The high sample rate allows more refined play offering delicate and analogue-like original sound, helping you to enjoy the richness of your music, subtle differences in the nuance of the music and rich sounds at a higher level. With the SP3000, you can have fun creating your sound style by selecting various DAC filters provided by the DAC manufacturer. Choose from six different DAC filters to create your desired sound: low dispersion, extremely slow roll-off, short delay quick roll-off, and sharp roll-off. With this customisation at your fingertips, you can customise the sound according to your preferences. A shield prevents various noises and electromagnetic interference from affecting the audio block. The SP3000 takes it a notch 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 analogue signals.
NOTE: The DAR function can be turned on and off and you may select it to suit the source sound and your own preferences. Max PCM rate 384kHz/DSD256 conversion play is supported, and the files will be converted to and played in the sample rates that fit the source sound.
NEW GENERATION UI WITH THE ADOPTION OF 5.46 INCH FULL HD DISPLAY FOR EASY OPERABILITY
Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000 features a newly developed UX/UI, the SP3000 focuses on the process and experience of listening to music, and Astell&Kern wanted to develop a player for music so that you can feel this process. The new theme is designed to focus on the experience of rediscovering songs that you have forgotten; you can quickly browse through music categories with simple gestures. A convenient search feature along with album art has been featured so that you can enjoy a digital display of CD album covers of your music collection. The SP3000 gives you the pleasure of listening to music and easy operability while operating the device. In addition, the Crimson theme, one of the main features of the new generation UI, is designed so that you can feel the appearance of the SP3000 on the screen. The graphics are simple and unobtrusive, focusing on usability and intuitiveness. Three key concepts, Edge, Simple, and Dark Mode, were used to improve usability and increase clarity. The black and red theme colours reduce eye fatigue, maximise battery usage and reduce heat generation. Experience the SP3000 more conveniently and comfortably with a wide 5.46-inch; 1080 x 1920 touch screen and large-screen Full HD display.
EQUIPPED WITH FAST CHARGING, REAL-TIME INFORMATION, AND AK FILE DROP
Inside the A&ultima's beautiful volume wheel are LED lights shaped like a majestic musical sound swirling through the unit. You can check the bit depth information of the currently playing song or the set AMP mode through the LED light that spreads intensely from inside the SP3000. The new AK File Drop function in the SP3000 makes file transfer easy and more convenient. Using AK File Drop, you can freely transfer files wirelessly through a PC, smartphone, or FTP program on the same network. Music file management is now possible with a cableless, wireless solution. The SP3000 supports Qualcomm QC 3.0 fast charging and has a 5,050mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer battery, so you can charge your DAP faster and more efficiently than previous models, reaching a full charge in about 3.5 hours. The playback time is about 10 hours (Standard: FLAC, 16bit, 44.1kHz, Vol.80, LCD Off, Low Gain).
NOTE: LED light can be turned on/off in the user settings and changes based on sound source information and the AMP mode selected.
REPLAYGAIN AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTS PLAYBACK VOLUME AND SUPPORTS WIRELESS TRANSFERS
ReplayGain, which adjusts sound sources with different volumes to an optimal level, has been applied. Now, enjoy your playlists seamlessly through the ReplayGain feature on SP3000. ReplayGain supports up to 24-bit/192 kHz sound sources. With Astell&Kern's superior audio technology, the SP3000 offers Native DSD512 and up to 32bit/768kHz, allowing you to enjoy your favourite music. The battery capacity will give you about 10 hours (Standard: FLAC, 16bit, 44.1kHz, Vol.80, LCD Off, Low Gain) of playtime. The SP3000 has a built-in memory of 256GB and expandable support for 1TB with microSD.
EXQUISITELY CRAFTED WITH STAINLESS STEEL 904L BODY
The polished stainless-steel body shines every moment, and the beautifully shimmering LED light and sharply machined ceramic panel further emphasise the luxury. The SP3000 has a thoughtful design and processing and offers the ultimate beauty that matches the ultimate sound. To achieve the goal of the A&ultima series, which is to provide the best value that no one can imitate while using the most innovative and uncompromising design and craftsmanship, the SP3000 uses 904L stainless steel material that has never been attempted before in a portable audio player. Using this material has expanded its value from just a digital device to the realm of a luxury good. 904L stainless steel is more difficult to process than general stainless steel requiring significantly more time and effort. Experience the uncompromising beauty and luxury of the SP3000 produced by Astell&Kern’s experienced craftsmanship.
NOW AVAILABLE IN COPPER LIMITED EDITION
A&ultima SP3000 incorporates Astell&Kern's belief in creating the best sound from material to design. The SP3000 Copper is a limited edition model that reaffirms Astell&Kern's philosophy of exceptional sound to the very last detail. The SP3000 Copper Limited Edition, created by Astell&Kern's experienced craftsman, and having a stunning finish, brings technical benefits, including excellent electrical conductivity and shielding, contributing to outstanding audio performance. The SP3000 Copper has a harmonious and elegant sound that allows you to feel the emotion and rhythm of the audio connecting you deeply to the music you're listening to.
THOUGHTFUL INPUTS AND OUTPUTS AND BUNDLED WITH A PREMIUM LEATHER CASE
The Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000 has a USB Type-C input (for charging & PC & MAC). It is compatible with Windows 8,10,11 (32/64bit) MAC OS X 10.7. It has numerous outputs like unbalanced Out (3.5mm), Optical Out (3.5mm), balanced Out (2.5mm, only 4-pole supported | 4.4m, only 5-pole supported) with output impedance as unbalanced Out 3.5mm (0.8ohm) and 2.5mm (2.0ohm), 4.4mm (1.8ohm) for balanced out. The SP3000 comes with a French goatskin leather case to protect and highlight the beauty of the 904L stainless steel body. The premium goat leather case included with the SP3000 is developed with ALRAN Tannery's unique Hand-Boarding technology. This design technology processes the leather by rubbing it in various directions using wooden planks so you can feel the texture of the surface. The premium goat leather case protects the SP3000 from dust, scratches, and bumps.
SPECS
| MODEL | SP3000 (PPF41) |
| BODY COLOUR | Black |
| BODY MATERIAL | Stainless Steel 904L |
| DISPLAY | Full HD 5.46” 1080x1920 Touch Display |
| SUPPORTED 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), Stereo / DSD512(1bit 22.4MHz), Stereo |
| OUTPUT LEVEL | Unbalanced 3.3Vrms Balanced 6.3Vrms (Condition No Load) |
| CPU | Octa-core |
| DAC | AKM AK4191 x2(Dual Modulator) & AK4499EX x4 (Dual + Dual DAC) |
| DECODING | Support up to 32bit/768kHz Bit-to-Bit Playback |
| INPUT | USB Type-C input (for charging & PC & MAC) |
| OUTPUTS | Unbalanced Out (3.5mm), Optical Out (3.5mm) Balanced Out (2.5mm, only 4-pole supported | 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) |
| DIMENSIONS | 3.24” (82.4mm)[W] x 5.48” (139.4mm)[H] x 0.72” (18.3mm)[D] |
| WEIGHT | About 17.39oz (493g) |
| FEATURE ENHANCEMENT | Firmware upgrade supported (OTA: Over-The-Air) |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | ±0.017dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced / ±0.021dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced ±0.022dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced / ±0.031dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced |
| S/N | 126dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 130dB @ 1kHz, Balanced |
| CROSSTALK | -136dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / -145dB @ 1kHz, Balanced |
| THD+N | 0.0006% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 0.0004% @ 1kHz, Balanced |
| IMD SMPTE | 0.0007%, 800Hz 10kHz (4:1), Unbalanced / Balanced |
| OUTPUT IMPEDANCE | 3.5mm(0.7ohm) 2.5mm(1.7ohm) 4.4mm(1.6ohm) |
| CLOCK JITTER | 25ps (Typ) |
| REFERENCE CLOCK JITTER | 200 Femto Seconds |
| CAPACITY | 5,050mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer |
| CHARGE TIME | about 3.5hours (QC3.0 Charging) |
| PLAYBACK TIME | about 10 hours (Standard: FLAC, 16bit, 44.1kHz, Vol.80, LCD Off, Low Gain) |
| BUILT-IN MEMORY | 256GB [NAND] |
| EXTERNAL MEMORY | microSD x1 (Max. 1TB) |
| SUPPORTED OS | Windows 10,11 (32/64bit) MAC OS X 10.7 |
| BOX CONTENTS | 1. Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000 Digital Audio Player |
| 2. Leather Case, Green x 1 | |
| 3. USB Type-C Cable x 1 | |
| 4. Quick Start Guide x 1 | |
| 5. Warranty Card x 1 | |
| 6. microSD card slot cover x 2 | |
| 7. Protective Film (Front x 2, Back x 2, Top x 2) | |
| 8. Suede Cloth x 1 | |
| 9. Postcard x 1 |
User Manual | SP3000
Flagship Digital Audio Player
|
INTRODUCING A NEW ADDITION TO THE WIDELY POPULAR A&ULTIMA SERIES, THE SP3000
Astell&Kern is renowned for offering hugely well-liked DAPs that have revolutionised the audio industry. Astell&Kern has achieved great success with their A&ultima series of DAPs. They have been known for their exceptional build and sound quality. Building on the lineage, Astell&Kern brings the all-new flagship DAP, the SP3000, into the A&ultima series. The Astell&Kern SP3000 is the world's first DAP with independent Dual Audio Circuitry and the latest DAC with HEXA structure design. It features flagship DAC chips from AKM and has a HEXA DAC structure at its core that delivers pristine digital to analogue conversion without jitter. The A&ultima SP3000 also features TERATON ALPHA which is Astell&Kern's ultimate sound solution to produce audio playback that is close to the original sound through the audio output interface by use of effective power noise removal, efficient power management and amplification with minimal distortion. The SP3000 supports PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) 8kHz ~ 768kHz (8/16/24/32 bits per Sample) and DSD (Direct Stream Digital) Native: DSD64(1 bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1 bit 5.6MHz), Stereo DSD256(1 bit 11.2MHz), Stereo / DSD512(1 bit 22.4MHz), Stereo. Experience music at all-new levels that you haven't experienced before with the Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000!
HEXA DAC STRUCTURE FUSED WITH FLAGSHIP DAC CHIP FROM AKM DELIVERS EXCEPTIONAL SONIC PERFORMANCE
The Astell&Kern SP3000 is a flagship product with the latest technology and uncompromising design. Astell&Kern worked with AKM from the initial development stage to develop the DAC and circuit structure. Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) has developed a new flagship stereo D/A converter (DAC), the VELVET SOUND | VERITATM AK4499EX, which has a complete separation of digital and analogue circuits solution in conjunction with the AK4191. The SP3000 features dual AKM4191EQ (Dual Modulator) + Quad AKM4499EX DAC chips (Dual + Dual DAC). The design uses the latest high-quality sound technology and a separate digital/analogue solution to achieve spectacular sound. The analogue characteristics also exceed those of the integrated D/A predecessor AK4499, allowing you to experience an unprecedented level of life-like sound. As a result of the partnership, the SP3000 has four AK4499EX DACs. The SP3000 incorporates the novel HEXA structure architecture in which two AK4191EQs analyse digital signals. These independently provide incredible sound. 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 processes the analogue signals separately. In a HEXA structure, the complete separation of digital and analogue signals is accomplished. It is now possible to experience an astounding degree of sound that has never been experienced before because of the application of this novel design, which enables digital and analogue signal processing to be separate for the first time in a digital audio player.
FEATURES INDEPENDENT DUAL AUDIO CIRCUITS WITH TERATON ALPHA TECHNOLOGY AND CROSSFEED
Astell&Kern engineers strived to develop a DAP, never having been engineered or experienced. The engineers at Astell&Kern utilise TERATON ALPHA, AK's Ultimate Sound Solution, which has been enhanced for the SP3000. Through effective power noise elimination, effective power management, unwavering amplification, and a fully converted audio output interface, TERATON ALPHA, Astell&Kern's exclusive technology, has been developed to produce audio playback; as similar to the original sound as possible. The HEXA DAC structure and independent dual audio circuit, implemented for the first time in the SP3000, are paired with TERATON ALPHA's sound solution to create the purest original sound. To develop an innovative DAP, not just a great DAP, Astell&Kern tried to overcome limitations by envisioning an independent dual audio circuit with a HEXA structure and unbalanced and balanced outputs. To overcome the limitations, a team of engineers at Astell&Kern designed a HEXA structure using two AKM4191EQs and four AKM4499EXs, creating an innovative unbalanced and balanced, independent dual audio circuit design. The SP3000 achieves an SNR of 130dB, the best of any DAP available. Listening to headphones, where the left and right channels are separated, may cause increased ear fatigue. 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. With detailed settings such as Shelf Cutoff, Shelf Gain, and Mixer Level, you can set the level of crossfeed according to your listening preferences. You can feel the clean, pure delicacy of sound with the SP3000 that you cannot experience in any other DAP!
SNAPDRAGON OCTA-CORE CPU FOR SMOOTH AND OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE WITH BLUETOOTH 5.0 AND WIFI CONNECTIVITY
Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000 is equipped with a Snapdragon 6125 Octa-core processor so you can enjoy the overwhelming sound, faster system response and a redesigned generation user interface that moves comfortably and smoothly. Featuring a high-performance Qualcomm® Adreno™ 610 GPU, Qualcomm® Kryo™ 260 CPU (Octa-core), and improved 8GB of DDR4 memory, which is twice the amount commonly used, 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 design maximises the efficiency of the overall circuit configuration by providing more audio-only circuit space, reducing heat and noise from digital circuits. BT Sink function connects the SP3000 to an external device via Bluetooth, similar to connecting a smartphone with a BT speaker. Music from an external device, such as a smartphone, can now be played back in high-quality on the SP3000 using the BT Sink function. The Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000 with Bluetooth 5.0 supports aptX HD and LDAC codec support. The Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000 also supports audio formats like WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, and MQA. It also supports 2.4G and 5G Wi-Fi compatibility to ensure a quick and reliable internet connection. The Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000 also supports Roon READY. It has Roon’s high-resolution streaming technology built right in. They combine simple setup, daily reliability, and support for the highest level of digital audio performance.
DIGITAL AUDIO REMASTER TECHNOLOGY FOR NATURAL, VIVID AND AUTHENTIC SOUND
Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology, created to offer excellent sound at greater sample rates, is built into the SP3000. DAR technology is developed to up-sample the sample rate of the sound source to go beyond the limits of the source format. The high sample rate allows more refined play offering delicate and analogue-like original sound, helping you to enjoy the richness of your music, subtle differences in the nuance of the music and rich sounds at a higher level. With the SP3000, you can have fun creating your sound style by selecting various DAC filters provided by the DAC manufacturer. Choose from six different DAC filters to create your desired sound: low dispersion, extremely slow roll-off, short delay quick roll-off, and sharp roll-off. With this customisation at your fingertips, you can customise the sound according to your preferences. A shield prevents various noises and electromagnetic interference from affecting the audio block. The SP3000 takes it a notch 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 analogue signals.
NOTE: The DAR function can be turned on and off and you may select it to suit the source sound and your own preferences. Max PCM rate 384kHz/DSD256 conversion play is supported, and the files will be converted to and played in the sample rates that fit the source sound.
NEW GENERATION UI WITH THE ADOPTION OF 5.46 INCH FULL HD DISPLAY FOR EASY OPERABILITY
Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000 features a newly developed UX/UI, the SP3000 focuses on the process and experience of listening to music, and Astell&Kern wanted to develop a player for music so that you can feel this process. The new theme is designed to focus on the experience of rediscovering songs that you have forgotten; you can quickly browse through music categories with simple gestures. A convenient search feature along with album art has been featured so that you can enjoy a digital display of CD album covers of your music collection. The SP3000 gives you the pleasure of listening to music and easy operability while operating the device. In addition, the Crimson theme, one of the main features of the new generation UI, is designed so that you can feel the appearance of the SP3000 on the screen. The graphics are simple and unobtrusive, focusing on usability and intuitiveness. Three key concepts, Edge, Simple, and Dark Mode, were used to improve usability and increase clarity. The black and red theme colours reduce eye fatigue, maximise battery usage and reduce heat generation. Experience the SP3000 more conveniently and comfortably with a wide 5.46-inch; 1080 x 1920 touch screen and large-screen Full HD display.
EQUIPPED WITH FAST CHARGING, REAL-TIME INFORMATION, AND AK FILE DROP
Inside the A&ultima's beautiful volume wheel are LED lights shaped like a majestic musical sound swirling through the unit. You can check the bit depth information of the currently playing song or the set AMP mode through the LED light that spreads intensely from inside the SP3000. The new AK File Drop function in the SP3000 makes file transfer easy and more convenient. Using AK File Drop, you can freely transfer files wirelessly through a PC, smartphone, or FTP program on the same network. Music file management is now possible with a cableless, wireless solution. The SP3000 supports Qualcomm QC 3.0 fast charging and has a 5,050mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer battery, so you can charge your DAP faster and more efficiently than previous models, reaching a full charge in about 3.5 hours. The playback time is about 10 hours (Standard: FLAC, 16bit, 44.1kHz, Vol.80, LCD Off, Low Gain).
NOTE: LED light can be turned on/off in the user settings and changes based on sound source information and the AMP mode selected.
REPLAYGAIN AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTS PLAYBACK VOLUME AND SUPPORTS WIRELESS TRANSFERS
ReplayGain, which adjusts sound sources with different volumes to an optimal level, has been applied. Now, enjoy your playlists seamlessly through the ReplayGain feature on SP3000. ReplayGain supports up to 24-bit/192 kHz sound sources. With Astell&Kern's superior audio technology, the SP3000 offers Native DSD512 and up to 32bit/768kHz, allowing you to enjoy your favourite music. The battery capacity will give you about 10 hours (Standard: FLAC, 16bit, 44.1kHz, Vol.80, LCD Off, Low Gain) of playtime. The SP3000 has a built-in memory of 256GB and expandable support for 1TB with microSD.
EXQUISITELY CRAFTED WITH STAINLESS STEEL 904L BODY
The polished stainless-steel body shines every moment, and the beautifully shimmering LED light and sharply machined ceramic panel further emphasise the luxury. The SP3000 has a thoughtful design and processing and offers the ultimate beauty that matches the ultimate sound. To achieve the goal of the A&ultima series, which is to provide the best value that no one can imitate while using the most innovative and uncompromising design and craftsmanship, the SP3000 uses 904L stainless steel material that has never been attempted before in a portable audio player. Using this material has expanded its value from just a digital device to the realm of a luxury good. 904L stainless steel is more difficult to process than general stainless steel requiring significantly more time and effort. Experience the uncompromising beauty and luxury of the SP3000 produced by Astell&Kern’s experienced craftsmanship.
NOW AVAILABLE IN COPPER LIMITED EDITION
A&ultima SP3000 incorporates Astell&Kern's belief in creating the best sound from material to design. The SP3000 Copper is a limited edition model that reaffirms Astell&Kern's philosophy of exceptional sound to the very last detail. The SP3000 Copper Limited Edition, created by Astell&Kern's experienced craftsman, and having a stunning finish, brings technical benefits, including excellent electrical conductivity and shielding, contributing to outstanding audio performance. The SP3000 Copper has a harmonious and elegant sound that allows you to feel the emotion and rhythm of the audio connecting you deeply to the music you're listening to.
THOUGHTFUL INPUTS AND OUTPUTS AND BUNDLED WITH A PREMIUM LEATHER CASE
The Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000 has a USB Type-C input (for charging & PC & MAC). It is compatible with Windows 8,10,11 (32/64bit) MAC OS X 10.7. It has numerous outputs like unbalanced Out (3.5mm), Optical Out (3.5mm), balanced Out (2.5mm, only 4-pole supported | 4.4m, only 5-pole supported) with output impedance as unbalanced Out 3.5mm (0.8ohm) and 2.5mm (2.0ohm), 4.4mm (1.8ohm) for balanced out. The SP3000 comes with a French goatskin leather case to protect and highlight the beauty of the 904L stainless steel body. The premium goat leather case included with the SP3000 is developed with ALRAN Tannery's unique Hand-Boarding technology. This design technology processes the leather by rubbing it in various directions using wooden planks so you can feel the texture of the surface. The premium goat leather case protects the SP3000 from dust, scratches, and bumps.
| MODEL | SP3000 (PPF41) |
| BODY COLOUR | Black |
| BODY MATERIAL | Stainless Steel 904L |
| DISPLAY | Full HD 5.46” 1080x1920 Touch Display |
| SUPPORTED 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), Stereo / DSD512(1bit 22.4MHz), Stereo |
| OUTPUT LEVEL | Unbalanced 3.3Vrms Balanced 6.3Vrms (Condition No Load) |
| CPU | Octa-core |
| DAC | AKM AK4191 x2(Dual Modulator) & AK4499EX x4 (Dual + Dual DAC) |
| DECODING | Support up to 32bit/768kHz Bit-to-Bit Playback |
| INPUT | USB Type-C input (for charging & PC & MAC) |
| OUTPUTS | Unbalanced Out (3.5mm), Optical Out (3.5mm) Balanced Out (2.5mm, only 4-pole supported | 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) |
| DIMENSIONS | 3.24” (82.4mm)[W] x 5.48” (139.4mm)[H] x 0.72” (18.3mm)[D] |
| WEIGHT | About 17.39oz (493g) |
| FEATURE ENHANCEMENT | Firmware upgrade supported (OTA: Over-The-Air) |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | ±0.017dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced / ±0.021dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced ±0.022dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced / ±0.031dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced |
| S/N | 126dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 130dB @ 1kHz, Balanced |
| CROSSTALK | -136dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / -145dB @ 1kHz, Balanced |
| THD+N | 0.0006% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 0.0004% @ 1kHz, Balanced |
| IMD SMPTE | 0.0007%, 800Hz 10kHz (4:1), Unbalanced / Balanced |
| OUTPUT IMPEDANCE | 3.5mm(0.7ohm) 2.5mm(1.7ohm) 4.4mm(1.6ohm) |
| CLOCK JITTER | 25ps (Typ) |
| REFERENCE CLOCK JITTER | 200 Femto Seconds |
| CAPACITY | 5,050mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer |
| CHARGE TIME | about 3.5hours (QC3.0 Charging) |
| PLAYBACK TIME | about 10 hours (Standard: FLAC, 16bit, 44.1kHz, Vol.80, LCD Off, Low Gain) |
| BUILT-IN MEMORY | 256GB [NAND] |
| EXTERNAL MEMORY | microSD x1 (Max. 1TB) |
| SUPPORTED OS | Windows 10,11 (32/64bit) MAC OS X 10.7 |
| BOX CONTENTS | 1. Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000 Digital Audio Player |
| 2. Leather Case, Green x 1 | |
| 3. USB Type-C Cable x 1 | |
| 4. Quick Start Guide x 1 | |
| 5. Warranty Card x 1 | |
| 6. microSD card slot cover x 2 | |
| 7. Protective Film (Front x 2, Back x 2, Top x 2) | |
| 8. Suede Cloth x 1 | |
| 9. Postcard x 1 |
|
User Manual | SP3000
Flagship Digital Audio Player
|
AKM AK4191 x2 & AK4499EX x4
AKM AK4191 x2 & AK4499EX x2
Quad AKM AK4499EX
3.5mm (Single-Ended)
2.5mm (Balanced Output)
4.4mm (Balanced Output)
3.5mm (Single-Ended)
2.5mm (Balanced Output)
4.4mm (Balanced Output)
4.4mm (Balanced Output)
Upto 6.3 Vrms
Upto 6.3 Vrms
Upto 1120mW @ 32Ω
Battery life: Upto 10 Hours
Battery Capacity: 5050mAh
Battery life: Upto 10 Hours
Battery Capacity: 5050mAh
Battery life: Upto 18 Hours
Battery Capacity: 8350mAh
Upto 1 TB of Storage
Upto 1 TB of Storage
256 GB of Internal Storage
USB-C
USB-C
USB-C & Bluetooth
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), Stereo / DSD512(1bit 22.4MHz), Stereo
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
32 Bit/768kHz & DSD 512
1. Astell&Kern A&Ultima SP3000 Digital Audio Player
2. Leather Case, Green X 1
3. USB Type-C Cable X 1
4. Quick Start Guide X 1
5. Warranty Card X 1
6. MicroSD Card Slot Cover X 2
7. Protective Film (Front X 2, Back X 2, Top X 2)
8. Suede Cloth X 1
9. Postcard X 1
1. Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000T
2. Shrunken Calfskin Case
1. Shanling M9 Plus
Don't sweat it, this
Astell&Kern - A&ultima SP3000 comes with a 1 Year warranty
from Astell&Kern that covers manufacturing defects.
All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.
Read more about Astell&Kern's warranty in India.
DESIGN AWARD
iF Design
April, 2023
"The SP3000 sounds superb and is packed with useful features. It is good enough to be used as the main source in a premium home system, which makes that price just a bit more palatable."
Read More
"The Astell & Kern SP3000 offers a neutral and accurate sound signature and if you want to focus purely on sound, this review believes SP3000 is the best"
Read More
"The overall ‘tuning’ of the SP3000 leans slightly relaxed, not as far as for me to call this a colored device and not one I’d call ‘soft’ but on compared with other products it gives sharper and more sibilant aspects"
Read More
"What a great DAP the Astell&Kern SP3000 is! It’s a true flagship and engineering marvel. Each time when you think it’ can’t get any better, AK comes in and strikes again."
Read MoreHave a question? Get in touch!
Check out the most common questions our customers ask. Still have questions? Talk to our Headphone Gurus.
Whats the warranty period? How do i claim warranty?
Where is the Astell&Kern brand based?
Which Snapdragon chip is incorporated in Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000?
What is the Bluetooth version on the Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000?
What are the audio codecs supported by the Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000?
What is the output level like on Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000?
Is Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000 compatible with Bluetooth speakers and headphones?
What is the screen size(display) like on the Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000?