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. Our goal was to surpass the impeccable design and high-resolution sound of our previous product, the 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.
- Dual RAYTHEON JAN6418 MIL-SPEC Vintage Vacuum Tubes
- Our TRIPLE AMP SYSTEM allows listeners to select the right tones for their music
- Three levels of voltage with Tube Current option
- Stainless steel with 99.9% pure silver plating
- Separate digital and analog signal processing (AK4191EQ x2 / AK4499EX x2)
- VU Meter
- High-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU
SP3000T Copper
Astell&Kern always 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 Astell&Kern products using copper for its outstanding electrical conductivity and high shielding performance. Copper, because of its material properties, 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. Created using proven Astell&Kern technology, the SP3000T COPPER Edition offers more thanjust music—it provides an emotional experience beyond music.
We invite you to experience the emotions delivered by the pure original sound of the SP3000T COPPER Edition.
True Analog Sound with Real Vacuum Tube
The original vacuum tube is known for its warm sound, attributed to its distinctive rich harmonics, which have cemented its status as a cherished component of Hi-Fi audio. 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 Astell&Kern's unyielding quest for innovation, we refused to settle for conventional sound and design, and instead worked to bridge the gap between stationary and portable audio by infusing the essence of analog sound into our devices.
These efforts eventually culminated in the pairing of the SP3000T with the RAYTHEON JAN6418 Miniature vacuum Tube. The RAYTHEON JAN6418 is a mini vacuum tube popular among audiophiles. Designed to meet military specifications and traditionally used in military communication equipment, it quickly garnered recognition for its distinctively warm and soft sound, leading to its integration into regular audio devices.
Sound Craftsmanship for the Ultimate Vacuum Tube Sound
Due to inherent differences in noise and amplification among original vacuum tubes, Astell&Kern adopted a meticulous selection process to adhere to our philosophy of addressing even the minutest differences in sound quality.
Astell&Kern carefully measures and pairs each JAN6418, a difficult process demanding both time and precision. This thorough selection method 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.
Thanks to our unwavering dedication to sound craftsmanship, we have successfully brought the distinctive spatial sense and balance found in our existing audio players into the analog realm of vacuum tube sound.
Minimizing Microphonic Noise
The integration of vacuum tubes into compact, portable devices presents a formidable technical hurdle — maintaining low noise levels while delivering unparalleled resolution and robust output.
With the SP3000T, we've tackled this challenge head-on with a custom-made solution designed to minimize microphonic noise. Our team devoted extensive time to refining the structural integrity of the vacuum tubes, ensuring minimal noise even in the event of minor shocks or vibrations.
- Independent modular, flexible PCB design engineered separately from the main PCB
- Silicone module case designed to absorb primary shocks from the vacuum tube
- Silicone tubing perfectly tailored to the vacuum tube leads to reduce shock transmission along the leads
- Silicone dampers around the vacuum tube suspend the tube in the air from both ends
* Microphonic Noise might be audible when bumping against the player itself or knocking it against a table.
Tube Current option for premium analog sound
After testing the operational range of the vacuum tube, we 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 earphones as you fine-tune the current of the vacuum tube amplifier.
Vacuum Tube LED
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 that the Tubes do not light up when the device is in OP AMP Mode.
99.9% Pure Silver Plating
While crafting the SP3000T, we spent a longtime searching for a material that seamlessly blends high-resolution digital sound with the rich analog warmth of a vacuum tube. After rigorous research, Astell&Kern proudly emerged as a pioneer in selecting and applying material featuring 99.9% pure silver plating.
Silver boasts superior electrical conductivity compared to copper and gold, making it a popular choice for premium semiconductors and high-end audio components.
The body of the SP3000T is coated in 99.9% pure silver plating atop 316Lstainless steel, which is renowned for its exceptional corrosion resistance.
Since silver can tarnish over time due to exposure to air, we've taken extra steps to increase its longevity, such as adding a special multi-layer coating to prevent sulfurization, to enhance durability and prevent exposure with air.
TERATON ALPHA - AK's Flagship Audio Technology
To take you on an unparalleled audio journey with our groundbreaking DAP, we've incorporated the latest DAC and vacuum tube specifications, and added our revolutionary audio technology, TERATON ALPHA, Astell&Kern's ultimate sound solution.
TERATON ALPHA, the result of relentless research, encapsulates Astell&Kern's unique approach to achieving sound fidelity akin to the original recording. Thanks to its effective power noise removal, efficient power consumption, vibration-free amplification and meticulously engineered audio output interfaces, TERATON ALPHA delivers a sound experience that is second to none.
The combination of the SP3000T's innovative real vacuum tubes and separate digital and analog architecture with our TERATON ALPHA solution has produced a masterpiece of an audio player that embodies the essence of pure, unadulterated sound.
VU Meter GUI for complete musical immersion
The SP3000T marks a milestone for Astell&Kern as the first device to feature a VU Meter GUI, elevating your listening experience by 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.
Conveniently accessible via the bottom navigation bar, the VU Meter on theSP3000T allows you to monitor sound levels while viewing album art or streaming via our Open App Service.
Immerse yourself in the rich analog sound and emotional depth of the SP3000T'svacuum tube through the captivating interface of the VU Meter.
Digital Audio Remaster Technology for Even More Vivid Original Sound
The SP3000T is equipped with Digital Audio Remaster(DAR) technology, which was developed to deliver fine sound at higher sample rates.
DAR technology is developed to up sample the sample rate of the sound source being played to go beyond the limits of the source format.
The high sample rate allows more refined play and offers delicate and analog-like original sound, helping you to enjoy the richness of the original sound, subtle differences in the nuance of the music and rich sounds at a higher level.
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 SP3000T.
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 theSP3000T
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 SP3000Tto external devices such as smartphones and PCs via Bluetooth.
Transmit sound from an external device directly to the SP3000T with just one pairing. Enjoy superior sound quality with support for high-quality codecs such as LDAC and Apt X.
Elevate your listening experience with seamless wireless connectivity through BT Sink.
Real-Time Information Confirmed by Light
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 view the set AMP mode through the LED light that spreads intensely from the inside of the SP3000T.
* LED light can be turned on/off in the user settings and changes based on sound source information and AMP mode selected.
DESIGN
The A&ultima SP3000T symbolizes the pinnacle of analog sound and embodies an unwavering dedication to timeless audio elements such as vacuum tubes and turntables.
Integrating iconic design elements from the SP3000 with the analog essence of the SP2000T, every detail of the SP3000T reflects a seamless fusion of these two models. From its meticulously crafted volume wheel to its protective casing, the design of the SP3000T pays homage to both heritage and innovation.
At the core of the SP3000T lies its dual vacuum tubes, which emit an ethereal glow that complements the rich analog sound, while the rear glass panel, decorated with a subtle pattern, gently disperses this luminous aura to create a mesmerizing effect.
The rear glass panel is contrasted to visually separate the vacuum tube area and accentuate this feature, while the black tinting ensures a refined appearance even when the lights are dimmed.
Light flows smoothly through the wheel protector that frames the volume wheel, producing an elegant visualization of the "radiance" of the vacuum tubes from the rear side to the volume wheel.
With its silver-plated body and hairline finish, the SP3000T exudes a luxurious aura that is characteristic of Astell&Kern's flagship A&ultima lineup and embodies the craftsmanship and prestige synonymous with the brand.
General Specifications
Model:
SP3000T
Body Color:
Silver, Copper
Body Material:
Stainless Steel with Pure Silver Plating, Copper: Copper
Display:
5.5 inch 1080 x 1920 Full HD touch screen
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), 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) & AKM AK4499EX x2 (Dual DAC)
Vacuum Tube:
RAYTHEON JAN6418 x2
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 | 4.4mm, 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, LHDC)
Dimensions:
84.7mm[W] x 141.5mm[H] x 18mm[D]
Weight:
About 483g
Feature Enhancements:
Firmware upgrade supported (OTA)
Operating Temperature:
0℃ ~ + 40℃ (32℉~ 104℉)
Audio Specifications
Frequency Response:
±0.005dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced │ ±0.003dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced
±0.006dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced │ ±0.024dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced
S/N:
120dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 124dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
Crosstalk:
-136dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ -145dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
THD+N:
0.0005% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 0.0004% @ 1kHz, Balanced
IMD SMPTE:
0.0007% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced │ 0.0007% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Balanced
Output Impedance:
Unbalanced Out 3.5mm (1.5ohm) │ Balanced Out 2.5mm (1.5ohm), 4.4mm(1.4ohm)
Clock Source
Clock Jitter:
25ps (Typ)
Reference Clock Jitter:
200 Femto Seconds
Storage Capacity
Built-in Memory:
256GB [NAND]
External Memory:
microSD x1 (Max 1.5TB)
Battery
Capacity:
5,050mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer
Charge Time:
About 3.5hours (QC3.0 Charging)
Playback Time:
About 10hours (Standard: FLAC, 16bit, 44.1kHz, Unbalanced, Vol.50, LCD Off, LED On, OP AMP Mode)
SupportedOS
Supported OS:
Windows 7,8,10(32/64bit) MAC OS X 10.7
Etc.
- Audio specifications will be based on OP AMP.
- The image/specification may be changed without notice to improve product performance and quality.
