The new A&futura SE300 by Astell&Kern
It is the first DAP of the ad house
implement an R2R resistance ladder digital-to-analog conversion.
The available finish is platinum silver.
SE300: The future of analog sound
The A&futura line by Astell&Kern represents the unceasing commitment of the house
Korean for innovation. SE300, is the fourth model to leave the range
A&futura, and it is a superior DAP player which inherits all the technology
of the range and also expands it, implementing new ones.
The SE300 features an ultra-refined R-2R resistor-scale conversion DAC, dual
Class A/AB amplifiers with proprietary TERATON ALPHA technology and, for the first time in a DAP, proprietary FPGA optimization. This is the philosophy behind Astell&Kern sound.
Characteristic | Description |
---|---|
Conversion | 24-bit fully discrete, built with R-2R resistance ladder |
Resistances | 96 high precision 0.01% & TCR10 resistors |
amplifier stage | Double stage with the possibility to choose between class A or AB |
Conversion mode | Option to choose between OS (Oversampling) or NOS (Non-Oversampling) mode |
FPGA technology | Proprietary FPGA optimization technology |
Screen | New Crimson UI/UX theme |
Bluetooth | Bluetooth version 5.0 |
Wireless Hi-Fi | Support for Hi-Fi wireless connection |
To ensure that the A&futura SE300 DAP reproduces the best sound
analogue, the project provides for the first time the integration of the DAC and AMP sections.
However, despite these technical difficulties, after several years of research and
development and a lot of trial and error, A&K managed to overcome them to create perhaps the best analog sounding DAP.
Realizing 24-bit decoding with the R-2R DAC.
The R-2R DAC inside the SE300 consists of 48 pairs (23xR and 25x2R) for a total of 96 ultra-precise resistors to generate the analog signal, realizing true 24-bit Hi-Fi decoding.
Ultra-precise resistor design , the key to Hi-Fi sound. To create Hi-Fi sound with an R-2R DAC it is essential to obtain an accurate current value through resistors that have a minimum error range . To achieve this, Astell&Kern has selected each resistor for ultra-precision, with an error range of 0.01%. |
Specifications of the ultra-precision TCR10 The SE300 has a special specification, TCR10 , to minimize variations in the 0.01% error range of the resistors. |
Dual amplifier stage in Class A and AB
The SE300 features a Dual AMP mode .
Class A amplification , which creates low distortion and natural sound , and Class AB amplification , which reproduces dynamic sounds with high efficiency.
These two modes allow users to freely choose between the two internal amplifiers based on their listening preferences or the genre of music being played. Class A amplifier mode
An analog amplifier stage with linear output is integrated inside the SE300 , which amplifies the signal without noticeable distortion or loss , and the result is a smooth, warm and natural sound.
The analog signal that comes out of the R-2R DAC is immediately amplified by the class A stage, remaining completely original and without losses.
The analog amplifier stage in Class AB mode, on the other hand, offers a powerful output with the advantage of high efficiency.
The sound is very dynamic, defined, with less harmonic distortion.
Double gain mode, for a superlative Hi-Fi experience
For use with headphones that are difficult to drive , or the most sensitive IEMs (in-ear
monitor), an audio device must always provide an adequate output level , depending on the specifications of the connected device.
The SE300 features a dual gain mode , to perfectly match a wide range of headphones, while always maintaining optimal sound output.
The gain can be set on two levels: " Normal " or " High Gain " mode, where
the latter generates a high current output for maximum driver control. If you choose the balanced output, you will have a maximum of 6 Vrms to drive any high impedance headphones .
Mode | Output Level (unbalanced) | Output Level (balanced) |
---|---|---|
Normal Gain | 2Vrms | 4Vrms |
High Gain | 3Vrms | 6Vrms |
TERATON ALPHA , the essence of A&K audio technology
It would not have been possible to combine an R-2R DAC with ultra-precision resistors with a class A amplifier, considered impossible to miniaturise, without the innovative TERATON ALPHA audio technology. The SE300 is an innovative DAP reader with precise current and temperature control loops, TERATON ALPHA technology and an optimized FPGA design.
TERATON ALPHA technology is the result of intense research, and it is one
Astell&Kern prerogative, designed for audio reproduction as much as possible
similar to the original sound thanks to effective noise reduction, more efficient power management and constant amplification.
Optimized OS/NOS FPGA system support
NOS (Non-Over Sampling) Mode
In NOS mode, the player reproduces the pure original sound without the intervention of
digital processes after decoding the R-2R DAC.
OS Mode (Over Sampling)
In OS mode, the digital processes introduced after the DAC cause the dynamics
expands, with more detail and sonic intelligibility...
The new UI/UX has been designed so that users can quickly browse music categories and rediscover songs in their library.
An easy album art search function has also been added , so users can rediscover the pleasure of viewing and interacting with music album art while listening to their music.
Synthesis | Description | |
---|---|---|
5.46 inch Full HD display | The 5.46-inch Full HD display makes the SE300 user experience simpler and more accurate at the same time, satisfying the user for its large and extremely legible dimensions . | |
Native DSD256, 32bit/384kHz support | The SE300 supports DSD256 files , up to 32bit/384kHz, allowing you to fully enjoy your favorite music wherever you are . | |
ReplayGain automatically and smoothly adjusts playback volume | ReplayGain has also been included , which evenly adjusts the volume of different sound sources. This way you can listen to your playlists without having to turn the volume up or down when changing songs. Supports files up to 24bit/192kHz. | |
AK File Drop for wireless file transfer | The SE300's new AK File Drop feature makes file 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. | |
Wireless Hi-Fi sound via BT Sink | The BT Sink function connects the SE300 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 in high quality on the SE300 thanks to the BT Sink function. |
DESIGN
A&K wanted to characterize the design of the SE300, like many small ripples on the water that turn into waves that crash ashore.
The aluminum main body features tapered surfaces that represent the
music flow. In this way we wanted to create a solid but at the same time editable image.
the outside, allowing for a more ergonomic grip when using the player.
visual. The glossy side and trapeze pattern volume knob are
essential for creating contrasts of great visual impact. The LED lighting of the volume knob is deliberately placed behind it for
allow light to reflect off the side decorations and knurling of the
volume wheel, creating the effect of a light bursting from within.
The rear glass is silk-screened with a new engraving, which still recalls the
concept of "Streams". The basic motif is the Astell&Kern “A” logo, inserted in
different dimensions, in order to give a sense of depth and movement based on the inclination of the body.
Technical features | Value |
---|---|
Model | A&futura SE300 |
Color | Platinum Silver (Platinium Silver) |
Chassis | Aluminum and stainless steel |
Display | 5.46inch HD (1080 x 1920) TFT LCD touch screen |
Audio formats | WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA |
Sampling frequency | PCM: 8kHz ~ 384kHz (8/16/24/32 bits per sample) |
Native DSD | up to DSD256 (1 bit 11.2MHz), Stereo |
Exit | (Normal) Unbalanced 2Vrms / Balanced 4Vrms (no load) |
CPUs | Quad-core |
DAC | at decent R-2R |
Decoding | It supports up to 32bit/384kHz |
Entrance | USB Type C for charging & data transfer (PC & MAC) |
Go out | Headphone (3.5mm) / Balanced (2.5mm, 4-pole and 4.4mm, 5-pole), optical out |
Wifi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz) |
Bluetooth | V5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP, aptXtm HD, LDAC) |
Dimensions | 76.5x139.5x17.6mm (WxHxD) |
Weight | about 317gr |
Updates | Firmware upgrades (OTA) |
Resp. in Freq. | ±0.038dB unbalanced / balanced (20Hz~20kHz) |
Signal/Noise | 114dB @ 1kHz unbalanced, 115dB @ 1kHz balanced |
crosstalk | -135dB @ 1kHz unbalanced, -144dB @ 1kHz balanced |
THD+N | 0.006% @ 1kHz, unbalanced / 0.006% @ 1kHz, balanced |
SMPTE IMDs | 0.005% 800Hz 10kHz(4:1) unbalanced & balanced |
Exit prevented | Balanced out 2.5mm,4mm (1.3ohm) / 3.5mm headphone (1.3ohm) |
Drums | 5,050mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer Battery |
Autonomy | about 12 hours |
Reload | 3.5 hr (with standard 9V/1.67A charger) |
Memory | Internal 256GB, external microSD (Max 1TB) x1 |
Support systems | Windows 10, 11 (32/64bit), MAC OS X 10. |