Astell&Kern A&futura SE180 Digital Audio Player W/ Free SEM4 DAC Module

Astell&Kern A&future SE180 Digital Audio Player

 

The A&future SE180 is Astell&Kern's first digital audio player to feature an interchangable DAC design for the ultimate customisability and upgradability for your preferences. There are a total of 4 DAC modules available, varying in quantity and sound signature. Supplied as standard is the SEM1 DAC module with a single ESS ES9038PRO chip. Available as an upgrade is the SEM2, SEM3 and SEM4 which feature the following chips:

• SEM2 - Dual Asahi Kasei AK4497EQ
• SEM3 - Quad ESS ES9038Q2M
• SEM4 - Dual Asahi Kasei AK4493SEQ

An added benefit to the SEM4 module is the introuduction of Astell&Kern's 'Digital Audio Remaster' (DAR) which is a lossless audio upsampling feature unique to the SEM4.

 

What Astell&Kern say

The third product in the A&futura line, the SE180, continues the trend of exciting innovation for Astell&Kern products, while providing the uncompromised sound quality Astell&Kern is famous for. With the SE180, in addition to superb audio technology, we wanted to show users an element of fun that is hard to find in most Hi-Fi products. The DNA of innovation found in the A&futura line continues with the SE180. It is an advanced audio system created with the technology Astell&Kern is known for around the world.

With the SE180, we wanted to expand on the multi-DAC idea that was first introduced with the SE200. Like the SE200, different DACs can be used in one DAP, but we wanted to do something different for the SE180. The introduction of Interchangeable All-in-One Modules, carry on the multi-DAC experience, but add a new and fun experience. This reflects the DNA of the innovation that the A&futura line is known for.

The SE180 is a module-separated type product that increases the convenience of connection between the main body of the player and the module. It features an innovative double locking design that securely connects each component while providing smooth lines that naturally flow without any sense of separateness between the two pieces. By applying different DAC/AMP configurations, tuning and outputs for each module, the user can choose the most suitable module for Premium Hi-Fi Sound.

The default configuration module contains the ESS ES9038PRO, an 8-channel DAC mainly used for premium home audio equipment. This DAC provides a wider dynamic range and more detailed sophistication. The module supports 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm connections to allow for a greater variety of headphones/IEMs.

 

Features

• Interchangeable all-in-one DAC modules
• New TERATON ALPHA Sound Solution technology
• Full HD display for improved image quality
• Enhanced user interface more consistent with an Android smartphone experience
• Support for high-resolution audio playback up to native DSD256 and 32bit/384kHz

 

Circuit Separation Structure of Main Body and Module

By physically separating the main body from the All-in-One module, we completely block power and RF noise that may occur from the main body. This creates an independent structure that prevents noise from interfering with music playback.

 

Modules Double Lock for Ease of Use

The biggest difference between the SE180 and other products that use interchangeable modules is that the SE180 uses a double-locking mechanism rather than screws to fasten the module to the body. The first locking structure attaches the module and the body. The second locking structure informs the user that the module has been securely fastened to the main body. The spring supported internal connectors of the main body allow reliable audio signal connection and are used to prevent connection failure in case of external shock to the player when on the go.

 

Astell&Kern Audio Technology Forms the TERATON ALPHA Sound Solution

TERATON ALPHA is AK'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. TERATON ALPHA features Astell&Kern's patented technologies, which are the result of tens of thousands of hours of continuous research and development to produce sound close to the original sound the artist and producer intended.

 

Next Generation Advanced AMP Technology

It is extremely difficult push beyond your previous best. With the SE180, we applied Next Generation AMP technology to push beyond the sound quality others feel is acceptable for Premium Hi-Fi Sound to produce the best sound possible. From the selection of OP-AMP parts, to circuit design, board layout and tuning, everything has been completely redesigned to produce the best sound. It is difficult to improve the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) while maintaining a high output.

 

Adoption of Full HD Display for Improved Image Quality

The SE180 features a full HD screen to provide a higher quality display

 

Upgrades to Enhance the User Experience

Navigation Bar for Easier Navigation - To provide more convenient movement through the player user interface that is consistent with an Android smartphone experience, the SE180 features a new navigation bar, the first in an Astell&Kern player. Now you can easily navigate with a single touch and deliver music playback information from any screen. The new one swipe feature moves you to the previous screen.

AK File Drop to Enjoy Wireless Transfers The new AK File Drop function in the SE180 makes files transfers easier and more convenient. Using AK File Drop, you can freely transfer files wirelessly through a PC, smartphone, or FTP program located on the same network. Music file management is now possible with a cable-less, wireless solution.

 

Wireless Hi-Fi Sound Through BT Sink

The newly introduced BT Sink function connects the SE180 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 SE180 using the BT Sink function.

 

Real-Time Information Confirmed by Light

The SE180 features a LED volume wheel which displays various playback information, including volume level and bit-rate of the track currently playing. *LED can be turned on or off according to user setting.

 

Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 and Support for Wireless 24-bit aptX-HD, LDAC Codecs

The latest Bluetooth version provides high sound quality with the convenience of wireless playback to headphones and IEMs. Bluetooth 5.0 features faster transmission speed, greater range and a more stable wireless connection when compared to Bluetooth 4.2. Both LDAC and aptX HD is supported to provide audiophiles with the best wireless sound possible.

 

Specification

General

• Model: A&futura SE180
• Body Color: Moon Silver
• Body Material: Aluminium
• Display: 5-inch, 1920x1080 FHD 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)
• Output Level (Normal Gain): Unbalanced 2Vrms, Balanced 4Vrms (Condition No Load)
• Output Level (High Gain): Unbalanced 3Vrms, Balanced 6Vrms (Condition No Load)
• CPU: Quad-Core
• DAC: Interchangable
• Decoding: Support up to 32bit/384kHz Bit-to-Bit Playback
• Clock Jitter: 25ps (Typ)
• Reference Clock Jitter: 800 Femto Seconds
• Input: USB Type-C input (for charging & PC & MAC)
• Outputs: Unbalanced Out 3.5mm, Balanced Out 2.5mm (only 4-pole supported), 4.4m (only 5-pole supported)
• Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz)
• Bluetooth: V5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP, Qualcomm® aptX™HD, LDAC)
• Battery Capacity: 3,800mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer
• Charge Time: about 5 hours (Standard 5V/2A Charging), about 3 hours (Fast 9V/1.6A Charging)
• Built-in Memory: 256GB [NAND]
• External Memory: microSD x1 (Max. 1TB)
• Dimensions: 3.03"(77mm)[W] x 5.4"(137.2mm)[H] x 0.78"(19.9mm)[D] (Combined with Module)
• Weight: 280g
• Feature Enhancements: Firmware upgrade supported (OTA: Over-The-Air)
• Supported OS: Windows 10,11 (32/64bit) MAC OS X 10.7

Audio Performance

• 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 (Normal Gain): 122dB @ 1kHz (Unbalanced), 126dB @ 1kHz (Balanced)
• S/N (High Gain): 125dB @ 1kHz (Unbalanced), 129dB @ 1kHz (Balanced)
• Crosstalk (Normal Gain): -138dB @ 1kHz (Unbalanced), -145dB @ 1kHz (Balanced)
• Crosstalk (High Gain): -138dB @ 1kHz (Unbalanced), -147dB @ 1kHz (Balanced)
• THD+N (Normal Gain): 0.0005% @ 1kHz (Unbalanced), 0.0004% @ 1kHz (Balanced)
• THD+N (High Gain): 0.0007% @ 1kHz (Unbalanced), 0.0006% @ 1kHz (Balanced)
• IMD SMPTE: 0.0003%, 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) (Unbalanced), 0.0003%, 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) (Balanced)
• Output Impedance: 1ohm (3.5mm), 1.5ohm (2.5mm), 1.5ohm (4.4mm)

 

About Astell&Kern

Astell&Kern is the ultimate digital music source that brings you Mastering Quality Sound or MQS. Astell means ‘Stars’ in Latin and Kern means ‘Center’ in German. We believe Astell&Kern is the center of music.

Today, original music performances can be captured in digital almost exactly as they were performed due to new, advanced recording technology currently available. However, these high quality recordings are mainly listened to through inferior sound formats, such as MP3 or through streaming services. With the debut of the MP3 format, music lovers sacrificed sound quality for the convenience of being able to carry their music collection wherever they went. Because the MP3 format heavily compresses files for the sake of convenience, the vocals and instruments you hear are only an inferior version of the original. The soundstage and the ambience of the original performance often disappears when listening to compressed MP3 music. After pondering these issues, Astell&Kern was our solution to poor sound quality for the sake of portability, and our way in reviving the original sound quality of music, MQS, for music artists, recording engineers, and professionals.

Astell&Kern's pursuit is to provide natural and original sound without distortion. It showcases the presence of the original recording with miniscule details you may not have noticed from other music systems, while playing back high-resolution music bit by bit, exactly as it was recorded. The ability to play back the exact recording of any live performance is what Astell&Kern is known for.

The power of true sound from Astell&Kern can now be experienced and has been part of many famous audio exhibitions around the world. Astell&Kern is now admired by music lovers from many countries, including the USA, China, Japan, UK, France, and many more around the world.