Astell&Kern - The Sound Of Infinite Possibilities
Astell&Kern is a premium audio brand created for audio systems that deliver high-resolution audio as it should sound. Astell means Star in Greek and Kern means Core" in German, thus demonstrating this brands commitment to constantly reproducing the original sound, the essence of the music. Astell&Kern's brand philosophy, one which does not overlook subtle differences in sound quality; is recognized for its technological innovation, unique design and pure craftsmanship. Since its first product was released in 2012, it has been loved by audiophiles the world over as it enriches the lives of these music lovers.

A&ultima Series - Enter A Realm Of Limitless Audio
A&ultima is a flagship Astell&Kern range of digital audio player. These units combine the best specifications, the highest technology and the most superior functionality to offer you the best value. These digital audio players are capable of storing and playing the many digital formats of high-resolution music and media files, and though most DAP's can play most digital files; the A&ultima series from Astell&Kern are designed to provide an experience for the senses like none other are able to.

Design Ideologies
Representing the heritage and frontier of power and sound, digital audio players are electronic devices capable of storing and playing high-resolution music or media files. Many digital formats, resolutions and encoding exist and whilst most DAP’s can comfortably play most digital files; Astell&Kern’s players are designed to elevate your entertainment to whole new realm.

Compact Size And Limitless Sound
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. The company’s goal was to surpass the impeccable design and high-resolution sound of its previous product in the SP3000, by crafting an audio player that truly captures the emotion and resonance of music. Introducing the A&ultima SP3000T; a portable audio player that defies convention, offering a unique fusion of analog and digital excellence.

Developing The Vision
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.

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. This rendered it unsuitable for use in portable audio players.

In Astell&Kern’s unyielding quest for innovation, it refused to settle for conventional sound and design. It instead worked to bridge the gap between stationary and portable audio by infusing the essence of analog sound into its devices. These efforts eventually culminated in the pairing of the SP3000T with the Raytheon JAN6418 miniature vacuum Tube. The Rayhteon 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 that 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 minimise potential noise interference. Thanks to its unwavering dedication to sound craftsmanship, Astell&Kern have successfully brought the distinctive spatial sense and balance found in its 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; that is maintaining low noise levels while delivering unparalleled resolution and robust output. With the SP3000T the engineers have tackled this challenge head-on with a custom-made solution designed to minimize microphonic noise. The Astell&Kern 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.

Tube Current Option For Premium Analogue Sound
After testing the operational range of the vacuum tube, engineers 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. This results 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.

Pure Silver Plating
While crafting the SP3000T Astell&Kern spent a long time searching for a material that seamlessly blends high-resolution digital sound with the rich analog warmth of a vacuum tube. After rigorous research, the engineers 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 316L stainless steel, which is renowned for its exceptional corrosion resistance. Since silver can tarnish over time due to exposure to air, engineers have 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 Technology
The Teraton Alpha solution is Astell&Kern’s unique audio technology that allows you to get closer to the original sound with a combination of patented technologies, such as effective noise removal from audio power sources, amplification technology without distortion despite efficient and powerful amplification and prevention of any noise coming from the audio interface. Based on these audio technologies, Astell&Kern is always striving for purest sound imaginable.

Separation Of Digital And Analog Signals
Building upon the design principles of the popular A&ultima SP3000, the SP3000T has undergone enhancements that have garnered widespread acclaim for exceptional sound quality. Achieving remarkably low noise levels within the compact confines of the SP3000T’s circuitry, which includes various resistance elements, components and vacuum tubes; posed a challenge beyond the capabilities of conventional design approaches. To solve this issue, the SP3000T boasts two of AKM’s latest flagship AK4499EX DACs as well as a separate audio circuit design featuring the AK4191EQ, which is applied independently to the left and right channels responsible for processing digital signals.

Unlike most digital players, which typically process digital and analog signals within the DAC, the SP3000T utilizes a unique audio circuit configuration. This setup involves reducing the noise of the input digital signal through the AK4191EQ, which acts as a separate digital delta-sigma modulator. In this unique design, only analog signals are processed within the DAC AK4499EX, ensuring that digital and analog signals are processed separately.

Astell&Kern has also improved sound separation by adopting a new design that completely segregates the OP AMP and TUBE AMP signals. This refinement also maximizes the DAC’s performance, resulting in enhanced depth and richness in the lower frequency range.

Silver Plated Shield Can
A shield can is applied to prevent various noise and electromagnetic interference from affecting the audio block. The SP3000T 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.

Seamless Fusion of Real Tube And OP Amp
Harnessing the power of Astell&Kern’s unique Teraton Alpha technology, the A&ultima SP3000T achieves seamless harmony between the rich, authentic analog sound of a real tube and the dynamic clarity of an OP AMP. The SP3000T offers three distinct modes to cater to your audio preferences
– Tube amp mode, which delivers the natural warmth of a vacuum tube amplifier.
– Op amp mode, which is renowned for Astell&Kern’s crystal-clear resolution and expansive soundstage
– Hybrid amp mode, which expertly blends the richness of analog with high-resolution clarity.<br.
Let's delve into them further below:

Op Amp Mode — Unparalleled High Resolution And Dynamics
Immerse yourself in high-resolution audio that faithfully reproduces the original sound without distortion, offering a newfound sense of space and unparalleled clarity and dynamics. Op amp mode represents the pinnacle of high-quality sound, a hallmark of all Astell&Kern products. Enjoy exceptionally low noise interference and high resolution thanks to Astell&Kern’s Teraton Alpha technology and uncover unexplored nuances in your music across any genre.

Tube Amp Mode — The Authentic Essence Of Analog Sound
Nothing compares to the warm texture and distinctive sense of space delivered by a Tube Amp; qualities that remain unmatched by even the most advanced digital amplifiers. Renowned for their ability to convey the raw emotion of music, the timeless appeal of vacuum tube amplifiers has captivated audiophiles since their inception. The SP3000T’s TUBE AMP Mode allows you to enjoy the smooth and inviting analog sound unique to real vacuum tube technology, complemented by groundbreakingly low noise levels.

Hybrid Amp Mode – Cutting-Edge Amp Technology
Departing from the traditional vacuum tube amp and op amp modes, the SP3000T features groundbreaking hybrid amp mode. This represents a new concept in audio technology that puts tone control at your fingertips. Hybrid amp mode seamlessly blends the best of analog warmth and high-resolution output to create a unique tonal experience. With five adjustable levels, users can tailor the sound to their preferences and the unique characteristics of each song. Thus ensuring an optimal listening experience every time.

Drive Your Music
The A&ultima SP3000T 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 Grahic User Interface
The SP3000T marks a milestone for Astell&Kern as the first device to feature a VU Meter graphic user interface, 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 the SP3000T 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’s vacuum tube through the captivating interface of the VU Meter.

Remastering Technology
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 upsample 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.

Designed For Convenience
Streaming And AK Connect Network Play. 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, its network play feature, you can easily access and play/download music from PCs and devices connected to the same network as the SP3000T 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 SP3000T to 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 AptX. 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.

Design Features
The rich heritage of this astute company, together with its ever-increasing technical acumen; is conducive to these components featuring a vast array of impressive design ideologies and latest technological advancements.
– The successor to the SP3000’s global, top-notch audio performance.
– Lightweight and portable, listen anywhere and at any time.
– Vacuum tube technologu for pure and natural sound reproduction.
– Teraton Alpha sound solution, the essence of Astell&Kern’s audio technology.
– Equipped with proven independent dual audio circuits.
– High-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon 6125 CPU.
– Analog sensitivity VU metre.
– Roon ready.
– Supports native DSD512, 32 bit / 768 kHz.
– QC 3.0 fast charging supported.
– AK file drop to enjoy wireless transfers.
– ReplayGain automatically and uniformly adjusts playback volume.
– Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz).
– Alternative finishes available such as copper, gold, nickel and more.

Electrical Specifications
– Nominal configuration: digital audio player
– Central processor unit: Qualcomm 6125 Octa-Core
– Digital to analogue converter: 4 x AK4191 and 2 x AK4499EX
– Picture size: 68 mm x 122 mm
– Resolution: 1080 x 1920 x RGB
– Decoding: up to 32 bit / 768 kHz
– Audio decoder: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF
– Inputs: USB-C
– Outputs: 2.5 mm balanced / 3.5 mm unbalanced / 3.5 mm optical / 4.4 mm balanced
– Frequency response: 20 Hz – 70000 Hz
– Signal-to-noise ratio: 124 dB
– Total harmonic distortion: 0.0004 %
– Output impedance: 1.5 Ohms
– RAM: 4 gb
– Battery life: 10 h
– Storage capacity: 256 gb

Physical Specifications
– Length: 119.6 mm
– Width: 61.9 mm
– Height: 18.8 mm
– Weight: 0.237 kg

Documentation
– App download
– Specifications sheet
– User manual

Important Disclaimers
Given the dynamic nature of electronics industries these days; below are listed some very important specifics you need to be aware of.

Brand Authorization And Stock Sourcing
We are NOT an authorised Australian dealer of this brand. This position can stem from a variety of reasons. Sometimes we don't sell enough to warrant asking for an account. Sometimes we only want specific products from said brand. Sometimes we cannot agree upon certain policies. Sometimes the brand doesn't have an official Australian importer. Whatever beeth the reason; rest assured it's nothing malicious. We've just not seen the need to setup an account hitherto. However being in business for so many decades is conducive to us being good friends with those who are authorised dealers of this brand. Meaning it'll be sourced through legitimate channels.

Pricing Structure
Whilst we endeavor to offer the best price possible, we ask that if you do find a better price elsewhere from an authorised dealer; please contact us. Also be aware that we regularly conduct group buys and sales, therefore pricing can sometimes be subject to change without notice.

Stock Structure
Being a dynamic store is conducive to our inventory constantly changing. We list only a small portion of our stable online, usually products most popular. Aside from these we also stock numerous other variants and configurations of these products, hence if you don’t see what you’re after please contact us.

Shipping
All our products are shipped with registered and insured postage. Upon ordering you’ll be issued with a receipt, a consignment note via which you can track your order, and we’ll also SMS you photos of the package for identification purposes.

Technical support
This last one we cannot emphasise enough! Please contact us if you require any further information or assistance with the setup and use of this product, especially pertaining to aspects more technical. As we want you to get the very best from this product.