New options for rich audiophiles
Astell&Kern recently announced two new additions to its premium audio lineup: the A&ultima SP3000T Digital Audio Player and the NOVUS In-Ear Monitors. The SP3000T introduces a vacuum tube amp for rich sound, while the NOVUS features a 13-driver Quadbrid configuration for exceptional audio.
A&ultima SP3000T Features
The A&ultima SP3000T introduces a Triple Amp System, allowing users to switch between tube amplification, a digital op-amp, or a hybrid mode. This flexibility offers a unique listening experience, whether you prefer the warm tones of vintage tube amps or the crisp sound of digital amplification.
At its heart, the player features Dual RAYTHEON JAN6418 vacuum tubes, renowned for their warm, soothing sound.
In addition to its tube capabilities, the SP3000T includes a cutting-edge op-amp, showcasing Astell&Kern’s expertise in amp design. This op-amp promises to deliver unparalleled clarity and dynamic sound.
The Hybrid Amp Mode, a feature first seen in the SP2000T, enhances audio resolution and clarity, merging the best qualities of analog and digital sound.
The SP3000T’s superior audio performance is powered by AKM’s flagship DAC, the AKM AK4499EX, which separates digital and analog signals for reduced noise and improved sound quality. It also supports a wide range of audio formats and offers both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth V5.0 connectivity.
The player’s design, with a 316L Stainless Steel body and 99.9% pure silver plating, reflects its premium quality.
Technical specifications
- Body Material: Stainless Steel 904L
- Display: 5.46-inch HD 1080 x 1920 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), Stereo / DSD512(1bit 22.4MHz), Stereo
- Output Level: Unbalanced 3.3Vrms │ Balanced 6.3Vrms (Condition No Load)
- CPU: Octa-core
- DAC: AKM4191EQ x2 + AKM4499EX x4 (Dual DAC 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™ Adaptive, LDAC)
- Frequency Response:
- ±0.006dB (Condition : 20Hz20kHz) Unbalanced
- ±0.019dB (Condition : 20Hz20kHz) Balanced
- ±0.014dB (Condition : 20Hz70kHz) Unbalanced
- ±0.026dB (Condition : 20Hz70kHz) Balanced
- S/N: 125dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 130dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
- Crosstalk: -125dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ -131dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
- THD+N: 0.0005% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 0.0004% @ 1kHz, Balanced
- IMD SMPTE: 0.0005% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced │ Balanced
- Output Impedance: Unbalanced Out 3.5mm (0.8ohm) │ Balanced Out 2.5mm (2.0ohm), 4.4mm (1.8ohm)
- Built-in Memory: 256GB [NAND]
- External Memory: microSD x1 (Max. 1TB)
- 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)
- Supported OS: Windows 8,10,11 (32/64bit), MAC OS X 10.7
NOVUS In-Ear Monitors Features
Astell&Kern and Empire Ears collaborate once again for the NOVUS In-Ear Monitors. This partnership focuses on combining the best of both worlds: innovative design and the pursuit of the purest sound quality.
The NOVUS stand out with its impressive 13-driver Quadbrid setup. This includes dual W9+ subwoofers for deep, precise bass, five balanced armature drivers for a clear, detailed midrange, quad electrostatic drivers for crisp highs, and dual bone conductors for an overall better sound experience.
The NOVUS aren’t just about sound. Their construction also speaks volumes about their luxury and durability.
The monitors feature a robust 6061-T6 aluminum shell with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) finish, beautifully accented with 24K wet gold-plated faceplates and sapphire glass. These materials are chosen not only for their look and feel but also for their contribution to the monitor’s longevity.
To ensure the best possible sound transmission, the NOVUS also come with a specially designed four-wire hybrid cable, combining copper, gold, and silver.
This cable features a 23.7AWG Litz Type 4S structure and reinforced with black macro-molecular fiber. This terminates in a 4.4mm balanced jack, guaranteeing a pure and unaltered audio experience.
Technical specifications
- Driver Configuration: 13 Drivers (Quadbrid)
- Drivers:
- Dual W9+ Subwoofers for unparalleled bass reproduction
- Five Balanced Armature Drivers, including one Sonion driver and Quad Proprietary NOVA Drivers by Knowles for detailed midrange
- Quad Electrostatic Drivers by Sonion for crisp, high frequencies
- Dual Bone Conductors by Sonion to enhance sound immersion
- Shell Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum with Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) Finish
- Faceplates: 24K Wet Gold-Plated with Sapphire Glass
- Cable: Custom-made four-wire hybrid copper, gold, and silver cable
- 23.7AWG Litz Type 4S cable structure
- Reinforced with black macro-molecular fiber
- Terminated in 4.4mm balanced jack
Where to Buy
Launching in May 2024, the A&ultima SP3000T will be available for $2,999, and the NOVUS In-Ear Monitors for $4,999. Interested buyers can get them from authorized Astell&Kern dealers or via their official website. For purchase or more details, check out these links: