Astell&Kern
Astell Kern SE300 Digital Audio Player DAP
Best portable player for audiophiles seeking authentic, high-fidelity analog sound.
Immerse yourself in true analog sound with the Astell & Kern SE300, a premium digital audio player. It features an innovative R-2R DAC and Class A/AB dual amplifiers, enhanced by proprietary TERATON ALPHA technology. The self-developed FPGA ensures optimized audio processing for an unparalleled listening experience. Enjoy your music on the vibrant 5.46-inch HD touchscreen, with ample 256GB internal storage expandable up to 1TB via microSD. Its robust aluminum and stainless steel construction offers both durability and a luxurious feel, making it the ultimate portable audio companion.
$1599.00
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Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
30
/ 144
#30 in MP3 Players
Price vs Category Average
+34%
Above average
Body Material
Aluminum and Stainless Steel
/ Aluminum and Stainless Steel
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking authentic, analog-style sound reproduction
- Listeners wanting versatile amplification for various headphone types
- Design-conscious users who value premium, durable craftsmanship
Who should skip it
- Power users preferring a fast, standard Android interface
- Budget-focused buyers looking for entry-level high-fidelity options
- Commuters needing long-lasting battery life for travel
Performance breakdown
Analog Fidelity
The R-2R DAC architecture delivers a remarkably natural, organic sound signature.
Amplification Versatility
Dual Class A/AB modes provide exceptional flexibility for diverse headphone pairings.
Build Integrity
Premium aluminum and stainless steel construction feels substantial and built to last.
Interface Responsiveness
The proprietary OS is clean, though lacks the app flexibility of Android.
Portability
Substantial weight and dimensions make this a desktop-focused portable device.
Battery Endurance
Twelve hours of playback is respectable given the high-performance internal hardware.
Key Specs
Body Material
Aluminum and Stainless Steel
Display
5.46-inch HD 1080 x 1920 touch screen
Supported Audio Formats
WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF
DAC
Full Discrete R-2R
Internal Storage
256GB
External Storage
microSD x1 (Max. 1TB)
Battery Capacity
5,050mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer
Dimensions
76.45mm [W] x 139.45mm [H] x 17.6mm [D]
Features
- Innovative R-2R DAC for true analog sound
- Class A/AB dual amplifiers with TERATON ALPHA
- Self-developed FPGA for optimized audio
- High-resolution 5.46-inch HD touchscreen
- 256GB internal storage with microSD expansion
- Multiple headphone outputs (4.4mm, 3.5mm, 2.5mm)
- Premium aluminum and stainless steel build
- Supports a wide range of high-res audio formats
What customers say
The Astell & Kern SE300 earns high praise primarily for its exceptional sound quality, driven by the R-2R ladder DAC. Reviewers consistently note an organic, musical signature with impressive depth and texture. Users value the versatility of the dual amplifier modes; Class A offers a warm presentation, while Class AB provides efficiency and punch for different headphones. Build quality is recognized as superb, reflecting the brand's signature design. The main considerations are the premium price point, which impacts overall value perception, and battery life, particularly when using the power intensive Class A mode. It is celebrated as a technical achievement for reference grade portable listening.
Know before you buy
The R-2R DAC uses a discrete resistor ladder design to convert digital signals to analog, which provides a more natural, organic, and 'analog' sound signature. It avoids the typical digital harshness found in many standard integrated DAC chips, offering a warmer and more detailed listening experience.
Yes, the SE300 allows you to toggle between Class A and Class AB amplification modes directly through the settings. Class A offers a warmer, more fluid sound, while Class AB provides higher efficiency and a more powerful, dynamic output.
The device is highly versatile, featuring three distinct headphone outputs: a standard 3.5mm unbalanced jack, a 2.5mm balanced output, and a 4.4mm balanced output. This ensures compatibility with almost any high-end wired headphone or IEM on the market.
The SE300 comes with 256GB of internal storage, which is enough for a substantial high-resolution music library. If you need more room, you can expand the storage by up to 1TB using a microSD card.
You can expect approximately 12 hours of continuous playback on a full charge. Keep in mind that actual battery life may vary depending on the file format, volume level, and whether you are using the Class A or Class AB amplifier mode.
Yes, the player includes Bluetooth V5.0 for wireless headphone connectivity and Wi-Fi support for streaming and firmware updates. While it is designed primarily for high-fidelity wired listening, these wireless features add significant convenience for everyday use.
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$1599