Astell&Kern A&Ultima SP3000 Digital Audio Player + Pathfinder IEM Earphones - PROMOTION

Astell&Kern A&Ultima SP3000 Digital Audio Player + Pathfinder Earphones - PROMOTION

 

Until 29th February 2024 buy an Astell&Kern SP3000 (any finish) and get a free pair of Pathfinder IEMs worth £1899, whilst stocks last

If you are a music enthusiast looking for a high-end audio player, then look no further than the Astell&Kern SP3000 Copper. This top-of-the-line audiophile player from Astell&Kern boasts stunning performance and luxurious features. The copper finish not only looks great but also provides excellent electrical conductivity and shielding, resulting in outstanding audio quality. It is equipped with the latest innovative technology from Astell&Kern, including the world's first DAP with independent dual audio circuitry and the latest DAC with HEXA-Audio Circuitry structure. It also uses high-quality materials and a multi-layered coating for superior corrosion resistance and durability. The SP3000 is equipped with a specialized silver-plated shield can to protect against various noise and electromagnetic interference. Additionally, the device is equipped with a high-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon Octa-Core CPU, an improved and enhanced graphic user interface, and TERATON ALPHA technology – A&K’s ultimate sound solution – all of which make this player the ultimate choice for audiophiles. Whether you’re a casual listener or an enthusiastic audiophile, the Astell&Kern SP3000 Copper will exceed all your expectations.

 

SP3000 Copper Features

• Hv96 Cu+Ag 99.98% Pure Copper
• World's first DAP with complete separation of digital and analog signal processing
• World's first device to use the new flagship AK4499EX DAC chip from Asahi Kasei
• High-Performance Qualcomm Snapdragon Octa-Core CPU
• Reimagined, improved and enhanced Graphic User Interface
• Crossfeed to help prevent ear fatigue
• Digital Audio Remaster(DAR) technology - to deliver fine sound at higher sample rates

 

SP3000 Black and Silver Features

• World’s first use of Stainless Steel 904L for DAP body material
• World's first DAP with complete separation of digital and analog signal processing
• (Using latest Flagship DAC chip AK4499EX from Asahi Kasei)
• Stunning Audio Performance with Independent Dual Audio Circuitry
• Equipped with High-Performance Qualcomm Snapdragon 6125 Octa-Core CPU
• New Experience in the Graphic User Interface
• Support for aptX™-HD and LDAC

 

Copper Finish

Crafted with a beautiful copper finish, the Limited Edition Copper SP3000 features excellent electrical conductivity and shielding properties to deliver truly outstanding audio performance. With its harmonious and elegant sound, you will feel connected to your music like never before. The intricate manufacturing processes used ensure that this product is both corrosion-resistant and durable. Plus, the watch-style volume crown is further processed using a delicate and very sophisticated hand-crafted metal process, giving it a stunning finish. With the SP3000 Copper Limited Edition, you can enjoy exceptional sound quality and meticulous craftsmanship.

 

TERATON ALPHA: The Essence of A&K Audio Technologies Merged Into the SP3000

Thanks to the latest DAC and technology and the innovative audio technology of TERATON ALPHA, AK's Ultimate Sound Solution, you will get to hear music as close to the original sound as possible. HEXA-Audio Circuitry structure and independent dual audio circuit provide efficient power management and unwavering amplification, so you can be sure that your audio output is highly optimized for your listening pleasure. With the SP3000, you can enjoy the purest original sound, for an audio experience that you won't forget.

 

First Use of AKM’s Latest Flagship DAC, Complete Separation of Digital and Analog Signals

The 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.

As a result of the collaboration, the world's first four AK4499EX DACs, AKM's latest flagship, were applied to the SP3000, and the innovative HEXA-Audio Circuitry structure in which two AK4191EQs that process digital signals are applied separately, complete the amazing sound that can only be found from Astell&Kern.

Most digital players process digital and analog signals together inside the DAC. However, the SP3000’s advanced HEXA-Audio Circuitry 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 analog signals separately. By applying this unique design, digital and analog signal processing that is physically separated has been achieved for the first time in a digital audio player, and the overwhelming SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) is maximized, making it possible to experience an incredible level of sound that has never been experienced before.

 

Silver Plated Shield Can

A shield can is applied to prevent various noise and electromagnetic interference from affecting the audio block. The SP3000 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.

 

Independent Dual Audio Circuit

In order to create a truly innovative DAP, not just a great DAP, Astell&Kern tried to overcome the limitations of sound by envisioning an independent dual audio circuit that has never been attempted by anyone with a HEXA-Audio Circuitry 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, Astell&Kern engineers designed a HEXA-Audio Circuitry structure using two AK4191EQs and four AK4499EXs, creating an innovative unbalanced and balanced independent dual audio circuit design. In result, the SP3000 achieves a SNR of 130dB, the best of any DAP available. You can feel the clean, pure delicacy of sound with the SP3000 that you cannot not experience in any other DAP.

 

Graphic User Interface

With its newly developed UX/UI, the SP3000 is designed to give you an enjoyable and intuitive experience when listening to your favorite tunes. The Crimson theme is visually appealing, with its simple and unobtrusive graphics that focus on clarity and usability. It also features Edge, Simple and Dark Mode, as well as an improved search function and album art display so you can easily find your favorite music. The black and red theme colors are designed to reduce eye fatigue and conserve battery life, meaning you can enjoy your music for longer periods. The SP3000 also allows you to quickly browse through music categories with simple gestures, so you can rediscover songs you may have forgotten about.

 

Sound Design With DAC Filters

With the SP3000, 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.

 

Real-Time Information Confirmed by Light

SP3000 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.

 

	Supports Native DSD512, 32bit/768kHz SP3000 supports Native DSD512 and up to 32bit/768kHz with Astell&Kern’s excellent audio technology, allowing you to fully enjoy your favorite music.
	Adoption of 5.46 inch Full HD Display Experience the SP3000 more conveniently and comfortably with a wide 5.46-inch, large-screen Full HD display.
	AK File Drop to enjoy wireless transfers The new AK File Drop function in the SP3000 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 cableless, wireless solution.
	ReplayGain Automatically and Uniformly Adjusts Playback Volume ReplayGain, which adjusts sound sources with different volumes to an identical level, has been applied. Now, enjoy your own playlists seamlessly through the ReplayGain feature on SP3000. * ReplayGain supports up to 24-bit/192 kHz sound sources.
	QC 3.0 Fast Charging Supported The SP3000 supports Qualcomm QC 3.0 fast charging, so you can charge your DAP faster and more efficiently than previous models, reaching a full charge in about 3.5 hours.
	Wireless Hi-Fi Sound Through BT Sink 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.

 

Premium Goat Leather Case

The SP3000 comes with a special French goatskin leather case from ALRAN Tannery – a renowned tannery with over 100 years of experience in natural leather manufacturing. This case is crafted with their unique Hand-Boarding technology, where wooden planks are used to rub the leather in various directions, giving it an unparalleled texture you won’t find with other goatskin cases. Protect and highlight the beauty of this 904L stainless steel body while enjoying the luxurious feel of natural leather – the perfect case for your SP3000.

 

SP300 Copper Specification

General

• Model: SP3000
• Body Color: Copper
• Body Material: Copper
• 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 17.81oz (502g)
• Feature Enhancements: Firmware upgrade supported (OTA: Over-The-Air)

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: 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

• Clock Jitter: 25ps (Typ)
• Reference Clock Jitter: 200 Femto Seconds

Storage

• Built-in Memory: 256GB [NAND]
• External Memory: microSD x1 (Max. 1TB)

Battery

• 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)

OS

• Supported OS: Windows 10,11 (32/64bit) MAC OS X 10.7

 

SP300 Black and Silver Specification

General

• Model: SP3000
• Body Color: Black, Silver
• 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 Enhancements: Firmware upgrade supported (OTA: Over-The-Air)

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: 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

• Clock Jitter: 25ps (Typ)
• Reference Clock Jitter: 200 Femto Seconds

Storage

• Built-in Memory: 256GB [NAND]
• External Memory: microSD x1 (Max. 1TB)

Battery

• 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)

OS

• Supported OS: Windows 10,11 (32/64bit) MAC OS X 10.7

 

Astell&Kern Pathfinder Hybrid IEM Earphones

 

The Hybrid IEM Redefined

Campfire Audio and Astell&Kern have earned the recognition of audiophiles around the world thanks to their excellent technology introduced with the first collaboration model, AK Solaris X, which is a celebrated product that recreates the deep, rich sound of Astell&Kern. Now, Astell&Kern and Campfire Audio join forces once again to present PATHFINDER, a new hybrid IEM that offers amazing technology and sound.

Astell&Kern and Campfire Audio take innovation to a new level by combining their advanced technologies and designs to create a product worthy of the name PATHFINDER. To realize this dream, they repeatedly tested numerous designs to produce a structure different from existing IEMs and added an innovative Dual-Diaphragm Balanced Armature Driver, finally achieving the best sound. Enjoy a unique experience through PATHFINDER, a more advanced Hybrid IEM.

 

Campfire Audio springs from a passionate focus on refined audio reproduction. Each model in their earphone line is designed and assembled by hand in a Portland, Oregon workshop; their earphones are second to none in performance and finish.

With a small team of highly skilled and dedicated craftspeople, Campfire Audio continuously experiment with materials and techniques to create some-thing unique and special for the people who care most about it.

 

The Combination for Perfect Balance

A completely new IEM design was needed for a wider frequency range, realistic reproduction, and a perfect balance.
To achieve this, PATHFINDER has a new Dual-Diaphragm Balanced Armature (BA) Driver from Knowles for the key part of the midrange, dual BA drivers for high frequencies, as well as two dynamic drivers with a hybrid diaphragms that create bass and midrange.

A Radial Venting Acoustic Chamber, newly developed by Campfire Audio, is applied to the two Custom 10mm Dynamic Drivers. The 3D-printed chamber design naturally expresses the intense low-frequency sound produced by the two dynamic drivers while preserving the unique sound of the Dynamic Driver.

 

Pathfinder Specification

• Model: PATHFINDER
• Transducer Type:
  
  • [High] Custom Dual Balanced Armature Drivers + T.A.E.C.
  • [Mid] All-New 'Dual Chamber' Balanced Armature Driver Technology from Knowles
  • [Mid-Low to Sub-Bass] All-New Dual Custom 10mm Dynamic Drivers paired with Radial Venting Technology
• Cable:
  
  • 2.5mm Silver-Plated Copper Cable
  • 3.5mm Silver-Plated Copper Cable
  • 4.4mm Silver-Plated Copper Cable
• Material / Design: Aluminum shell / Hand polished stainless steel threaded spout / Stainless steel Inlay and Parts
• Frequency Response: 5Hz-20kHz
• SPL: 94dB @ 1kHz 13.49mVrms
• Impedance: 6.2 Ohm @ 1kHz
• Total Harmonic Distortion: Less than 1%

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.