Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000M

SP3000 technology in a more compact DAP

Astell&Kern SP3000M retains the HEXA structure with four AK4499EX DACs and two AK4191EQ processors while reducing size and weight compared with larger A&ultima players.

It is designed for listeners who want the complete separation of digital and analogue processing associated with the SP3000 platform in a body that is easier to carry. A 4.1-inch HD display and aluminium chassis reinforce its mobile focus, while output remains substantial at 3.3 Vrms unbalanced and 6.3 Vrms balanced.

Key features

• HEXA structure with 2 AK4191EQ processors and 4 AK4499EX DACs.
• Independent audio circuits for balanced and unbalanced outputs.
• Hi-Res decoding extends to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and native DSD512.
• 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm headphone outputs, up to 6.3 Vrms balanced.
• Snapdragon 6125 Octa-Core processor with 8 GB DDR4 memory.
• 4.1-inch HD touch display.
• Internal capacity is 256 GB, with microSD cards supported up to 1.5 TB.
• Wireless connectivity combines dual-band Wi-Fi with Bluetooth 5.0 supporting aptX HD, LDAC and LHDC.

HEXA: separate digital and analogue paths

The two AK4191EQ devices handle digital processing while four AK4499EX chips perform analogue conversion. The arrangement physically separates the two functions and keeps the balanced and unbalanced signal paths independent, with a specified signal-to-noise ratio of up to 130 dB on the balanced output.

Smaller than SP4000, different from KANN

SP3000M is primarily about conversion quality and portability. SP4000 adds a larger interface, a newer Octa Audio architecture and higher output voltage; KANN ULTRA takes a different route and is the stronger option when driving unusually demanding headphones is the overriding requirement, with output up to 16 Vrms.

A complete source for headphones and IEMs

Its two headphone connections suit both IEMs and conventional headphones without requiring a separate amplifier. The combination of 256 GB internal storage, microSD expansion and network connectivity also suits listeners who alternate between local files and streaming while keeping the player relatively compact.