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Introducing The Astell&Kern SP3000T DAP Music Player

Ricky Kovacs | Moon Audio Staff
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Read Time: Approx. 3 min.
AK SP3000T with tubes

An Expanded Line of Flagship DAPs

Introducing the latest addition to Astell&Kern's prestigious A&ultima flagship player line: the SP3000T. This cutting-edge Digital Audio Player (DAP) boasts a revolutionary Vacuum Tube Amp, setting a new standard for portable audio excellence. The SP3000T made its global debut at CanJam NYC 2024 earlier this month (March 9-10) at the prestigious New York Marriott Marquis in the heart of New York City.

Astell&Kern, renowned for their commitment to delivering uncompromising sound quality and exceptional design, has once again pushed the boundaries of portable audio with the SP3000T. This flagship DAP features a state-of-the-art Vacuum Tube Amp, harnessing the rich, warm sound signature that audiophiles covet. This exciting new DAP represents the pinnacle of portable audio technology, embodying Astell&Kern's dedication to innovation and craftsmanship. Read more below about this exciting new music player coming to Moon Audio in May. 

SP3000t with tubes
SP3000T with headphones
      
       

About Astell&Kern

Astell&Kern is a South Korean company that focuses on creating some of the most popular DAPs (Digital Audio Players), CD players, headphones, and home cinema products on the market. The company was founded in 2013 by iRiver with the debut of their AK100 digital audio player (DAP). Later that year they released the AKR01 in-ear monitors to go along with the new music player. The brand name Astell&Kern was created in October of that year to develop their in-brand products.

Astell&Kern products stylistically stand out from the crowd with their modern metals aesthetic, sharp edges, and sleek designs. Their digital music players look like the future. They are best known for high-end music players, portable audio devices, or hi-res “iPods.” As the Financial Times notes, Astell&Kern, much like Chord Electronics, is committed to fidelity and quality. To say Astell&Kern media players are HOT would be an understatement. As consumers learn about the need for higher resolution music files to feed our high-quality media players, those made by Astell&Kern have thrived.
SP3000T on a table with book and pens

What makes AK different? Astell&Kern creates the best music players in the world as our customer reviews note plus their technology is easy to learn and navigate as a newbie or a technology wizard. Our founder, Drew Baird, P.E., and the staff at Moon Audio recommend Astell&Kern high-resolution music and media players for people who love “mobile audio.” Astell & Kern (A&K) music players are "iPods on steroids". If you love to listen to music “on the go” and want hi-fi sound AK Digital Audio Players (DAPs) are essential listening gear with Mastering Quality Sound (MQS).

MQS includes high-resolution digital music recording formats from 16-bit/44.1kHz to 24-bit/192kHz. Sound engineering tech-speak can be confusing. More is usually better. Higher amounts of information can mean better sound with crisper highs and fuller lows (bass). The trick is to process and play as much information as possible or as much information as your recordings started with in the first place. Playing all the high-res information captured during the music recording process is Astell & Kern’s expertise. You will not believe what your ears were missing once you try AK music players!

About the Astell&Kern SP3000T DAP

Astell&Kern is proud to introduce the A&ultima SP3000T, an evolution of the highly acclaimed SP3000 that combines the excellence of their flagship player with the timeless allure of tube amplification. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the SP3000T features Astell&Kern’s innovative Triple Amp System, first introduced with the A&ultima SP2000T in 2021. This system offers users the flexibility to customize their sound profile by selecting between tube amplification, digital op-amp, or a hybrid combination of both, all accessible through the 2.5mm, 3.5mm, or 4.4mm outputs.

SP3000T DAP

Tube Amp Mode: At the heart of the SP3000T lies the essence of warmth and nostalgia with its Dual RAYTHEON JAN6418 MIL-SPEC Vintage Vacuum Tubes. In Tube Amp Mode, listeners are treated to a uniquely warm and soothing tone, reminiscent of the classic sound associated with vintage tube amplifiers.

Op-Amp Mode: Astell&Kern's commitment to audio excellence is further exemplified in the Op-Amp Mode, featuring a dedicated op-amp developed over years of expertise. This proven technology delivers exceptional clarity, a low noise floor, and dynamic sound reproduction that has garnered Astell&Kern global acclaim.

Hybrid Amp Mode: Introduced with the SP2000T, the Hybrid Amp Mode of the SP3000T offers an enhanced resolution and clarity that elevates the traditional tube amp mode. This hybrid approach combines the best of both worlds, merging the retro analog sensibility with high-resolution output for a truly captivating listening experience.

Three-Step Tube Current Adjustment: For those seeking precise control over their sound, the SP3000T offers a unique Three-Step Tube Current Adjustment feature in Tube Amp Mode. This allows users to finely tune the current flow to the tubes, resulting in nuanced changes to the sound profile.

AKM's Latest Flagship DAC: Like its predecessor, the SP3000T utilizes Asahi Kasei Microdevices' (AKM) latest flagship DAC, the AKM AK4499EX. What sets the SP3000T apart is its complete separation of digital and analog signals. Unlike conventional players, the SP3000T employs a separate digital delta-sigma modulator (AK4191EQ) to process the digital signal input before the AK4499EX DAC handles the analog signals. This innovative design ensures an unparalleled level of sound purity and fidelity.

Snapdragon 6125 Octa-Core CPU: Powering the A&ultima SP3000T is the Snapdragon 6125 Octa-core processor coupled with 8GB of DDR4 memory, twice the amount found in most DAPs. This powerful combination, alongside Astell&Kern's 4th generation Crimson user interface, ensures a fluid and responsive user experience with fast and stable performance.

316L Stainless Steel Construction: The SP3000T boasts a meticulously crafted body made from 316L stainless steel with 99.9% pure silver plating, giving it a classic and timeless appearance that perfectly complements the vintage tube amp aesthetic. This exquisite design is not just about aesthetics; it also provides excellent durability and signal shielding.

The A&ultima SP3000T will be available in May 2024 at Moon Audio, priced at $2,999. Additionally, Astell&Kern has exciting plans for a more user-accessible product in the A&ultima line, slated for release in the second half of 2024. This upcoming addition will offer audio enthusiasts another high-end option for flagship music playback, further solidifying Astell&Kern's commitment to delivering uncompromising sound quality and cutting-edge technology.

Stay tuned for our full review coming soon when the SP3000T gets officially released in May, 2024. 

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Ricky Kovacs

Ricky Kovacs

My dad told me to be responsible and get a job that would allow me to finance my passion for music. Well, I did. That's why I spend all day in a proverbial candy store for music lovers. It's a dream job really.

Ricky Kovacs is a performer at heart but loves to bring his passion and experience with music to others. With a background in both politics and religion, Ricky has a knack for writing about divisive topics - which is why at the end of the day he loves writing about the one thing that brings us all together: music. Outside of Moon Audio, Ricky enjoys performing music in his band, recording, video games, virtual photography, reading, traveling, partaking in the finest scotch, and spending time with his wife, newborn, and doggy. see all articles by this author

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