Analog Warmth, Digital Precision

SP3000T

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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

2xAK4191EQ 2xAKM4499EX

Octa-Core Snapdragon

TERATON ALPHA

Triple AMP System

TUBE CURRENT

VU METER

aptX™-HD LDAC

NATIVE DSD 512

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 than just 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.

真實真空管帶來的純正模擬音效

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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.

1. Independent modular, flexible PCB design engineered separately from the main PCB
2. Silicone module case designed to absorb primary shocks from the vacuum tube
3. Silicone tubing perfectly tailored to the vacuum tube leads to reduce shock transmission along the leads
4. 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 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, 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 316L stainless 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.

Achieving Complete 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.

We've 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.

鍍銀屏蔽罩

屏蔽罩的設計旨在防止各種噪聲與電磁干擾影響音頻模組。
SP3000M更進一步，通過在現有屏蔽罩上應用高導電性、高純度的鍍銀層，實現卓越的音頻性能與完美的屏蔽效果，同時物理性地分離數位與類比信號。

Seamless Fusion of Real Tube and OP AMP — Astell&Kern's TRIPLE AMP SYSTEM

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;
and Hybrid AMP Mode, which expertly blends the richness of analog with high-resolution clarity.


Upgrade your listening experience with our cutting-edge amplifier technology.

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.

Astell&Kern's Cutting-Edge Amp Technology — Hybrid AMP Mode

Departing from the traditional Vacuum Tube AMP and OP AMP modes, the SP3000T features a groundbreaking HYBRID AMP Mode — 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, ensuring an optimal listening experience every time.

Audio Block Diagram

驅動您的音樂，最新Snapdragon八核心處理器

A&ultima SP3000M搭載Snapdragon 6125八核心處理器，帶來更快速的系統響應以及全新設計的用戶介面，操作更加流暢舒適，同時享受震撼的音效。
配備高性能CPU和8GB DDR4記憶體，是其他數位音頻播放器常見容量的兩倍，這一更強大的系統不僅穩定，還能實現快速流暢的運行。
CPU、記憶體及無線通訊部件被整合為一個模組，數位電路部分集中於同一區域，形成一個單晶片系統（SoC）。這種設計最大化了整體電路配置的效率，提供更多專屬於音頻的電路空間，並減少數位電路的熱量和噪聲干擾。

完全音樂沉浸的VU Meter 介面設計

SP3000M配備了VU Meter 介面，這一功能首次亮相於SP3000T，並因其帶來的沉浸式體驗而廣受用戶好評。
VU表作為一款歷史悠久的標誌性音頻設備，可顯示語音信號的電壓水平，幫助進行音量測量與調整。
除了實用功能外，VU Meter 獨特的設計與復古魅力更進一步提升了沉浸式的音樂聆聽體驗。

數位音頻重製技術，呈現更生動的原聲音質

SP3000M搭載了數位音頻重製（Digital Audio Remaster，DAR）技術，專為實現更高取樣率的精緻音質而設計。
DAR技術可將播放音源的取樣率升頻，突破原始格式的限制。更高的取樣率能帶來更精細的播放效果，呈現細膩且類比感十足的原聲音質，讓您享受更豐富的原音細節、音樂微妙的差異，以及更高層次的飽滿聲效。

串流與AK Connect網路播放 — 便捷設計之選

Astell&Kern音頻播放器通過Open App Service無縫整合外部串流應用。您可在SP3000M上以無與倫比的音質享受來自Tidal、Apple Music等平台的高品質串流音樂。
透過AK Connect網路播放功能，您可以輕鬆存取並即時播放或下載與SP3000M連接於同一網路的PC或設備上的音樂。
借助Open App Service與AK Connect，將您的串流音樂體驗提升至全新高度。

BT Sink功能提供高品質無線Hi-Fi音效

BT Sink功能可讓SP3000M透過藍牙與智慧手機、PC等外部設備連接。
只需配對一次，即可將外部設備的音頻直接傳輸至SP3000M。
BT Sink支援LDAC和AptX等高品質編解碼器，確保卓越的音質。
通過BT Sink的無縫無線連接，讓您的聆聽體驗更上一層樓。

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.

High-End Shrunken Calfskin Case

The SP3000T comes with a deluxe case crafted from shrunken calf leather sourced from Perlinger in Germany and Alcantara in Italy, ensuring a level of style and quality that matches the quality of the device. The shrunken method used to craft the leather results in natural wrinkles, creating an irregular, yet distinctive texture that enhances its luxurious appearance. Unlike regular embossing techniques, this process preserves the leather's natural texture and minimizes discoloration, ensuring the color remains vibrant even after prolonged use.


The case of the SP3000T is fashioned from exquisite leather crafted by the Perlinger tannery in Germany.
With a heritage spanning five generations since its inception in 1864, Perlinger stands as the last bastion of calf leather manufacturing in Germany.
Renowned for its unparalleled quality, Perlinger's shrunken calf is regarded as the finest in the industry, making it highly sought after by prestigious luxury brands such as H.

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.