This item is available for pre-order, with an ETA of late-November.
Compact Size, Limitless Sound
The A&ultima series continues to push the boundaries of advanced technology and perfect sound, setting a new standard for audio excellence. We have renewed our commitment to this goal, focusing on true portability with unrivalled performance and unmatched sound quality.
The journey to achieve this was not easy; we faced numerous challenges in maintaining the perfect sound performance of the SP3000 while reducing the device's size. After extensive development and dozens of circuit modifications, we are proud to present the SP3000M—a smaller, lighter audio device that still delivers perfect sound.
Featuring an innovative Hexa audio structure, the SP3000M separates digital and analogue signal processing with an independent dual audio circuit, providing unparalleled audio performance. This compact and lighter design allows you to enjoy incredibly vivid sound, unlike anything you have experienced before.
A true Hi-Fi portable audio player, the SP3000M combines the best audio performance with a sophisticated design, all fitting comfortably in the palm of your hand.
The “M” in SP3000M represents the diverse features that we offer 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 the vivid sounds that SP3000M provides
Mate: A companion with you anywhere and at any time
Moment: Adding sentiment to life's mundane moments
Complete Separation of Digital and Analog Signals in a HEXA Structure
We 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 analogue 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 analogue signals separately.
With such an unparalleled design, SP3000M physically separates digital and analogue signals, completely boasting the perfect A&ultima sounds through the unmatched 130 dB SNR, equal to the SP3000, despite its much smaller size.
Stunning Audio Performance with Independent Dual Audio Circuits
In order to create a truly innovative DAP, not just a great DAP, we 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, our 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 Technologies Merged Into the SP3000M
In order to develop the ultimate audio player that has never been experienced before, not only do we use the latest DAC and technology available, but we use the innovative audio technology of TERATON ALPHA, AK'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.
Drive Your Music,
Latest Snapdragon Octa-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 for complete musical immersion
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 our Open App Service.
Digital Audio Remaster Technology for Even More Vivid Original Sound
The SP3000M is equipped with Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology, developed to deliver enhanced sound quality at higher sample rates. This innovative technology upscales the sample rate of the audio source beyond the limits of the original format.
By increasing the sample rate, DAR technology allows for more refined playback, offering a delicate, analog-like sound. This ensures you can experience the richness of the original audio, capturing subtle nuances and providing a richer, more immersive listening experience at an elevated level.
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.
Streaming and AK Connect Network Play — Designed for Convenience
Astell&Kern's audio players are seamlessly integrated with external streaming apps through the Open App Service. Enjoy high-quality streaming from platforms like Tidal and Apple Music with the unparalleled fidelity of the SP3000M.
With AK Connect, our network play feature, you can easily access and play/download music from PCs and devices connected to the same network as the SP3000M
in real-time.
Elevate your streaming experience to new heights with Open App Service and AK Connect.
High-Quality Wireless Hi-Fi Sound with BT Sink
BT Sink allows you to connect the SP3000M to external devices such as smartphones and PCs via Bluetooth.
Transmit sound from an external device directly to the SP3000M with just one pairing. Enjoy superior sound quality with support for high-quality codecs such as LDAC and AptX. Elevate your listening experience with seamless wireless connectivity through BT Sink.
Crossfeed,
Speaker effect when listening through headphones
In a headphone environment in which the left and right channels are clearly separated, ear fatigue may increase during prolonged listening. 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 center the sound image.
Through the use of detailed settings such as Shelf Cutoff, Shelf Gain, and Mixer Level,
you can set the level of crossfeed according to your listening preferences.
* Crossfeed supports PCM formats of 24 bits / 192 kHz or less.
Premium Leather Case
The SP3000M’s bundle case is crafted from soft cowhide by GRUPPO MASTROTTO, boasting a superior level of craftsmanship that befits the A&ultima SP3000M.
The leather case features a soft touch and has undergone a proprietary patented "anti-bacterial" and "anti-virus" process.
Using chrome tanning and dyeing with high-quality pigments, the leather maintains a uniform surface quality and showcases the distinctive vibrant colours characteristic of Italian leather.
The rear pattern of the case expresses the same pattern as the SP3000M, providing a perfect sense of unity.
