Astell&Kern
Astell&Kern A&futura SE300
Best high-end portable player for audiophiles seeking authentic analog sound.
Experience analog-style sound with the Astell&Kern SE300 digital audio player. Featuring a discrete R-2R DAC architecture, it delivers natural warmth and rich detail. Choose between Class A or Class AB amplifier modes for customized sound, and toggle oversampling or NOS modes to fine-tune your listening experience. TERATON ALPHA technology ensures ultra-clean amplification. With 256GB of internal storage expandable up to 1TB, a vibrant 5.46" Full HD touchscreen, and seamless Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi connectivity, the SE300 offers a premium, user-friendly interface for audiophiles.
$1900.00
More A&futura Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
16
/ 134
#16 in MP3 Players
Price vs Category Average
+60%
Above average
DAC Architecture
224
/ R-R Discrete -bit
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking a natural, analog-like listening experience
- Listeners wanting to customize sound profiles for different headphones
- Design enthusiasts who appreciate premium, high-quality craftsmanship
Who should skip it
- Casual listeners on a budget looking for affordable audio
- Commuters needing long-lasting battery for extended travel
- Travelers prioritizing lightweight, pocket-friendly portable devices
Performance breakdown
Sonic Authenticity
The discrete R-2R architecture delivers an exceptionally organic and analog-like sound.
Amplification Versatility
Switching between Class A and AB modes offers distinct, customizable listening profiles.
Build Integrity
Precision-machined aluminum and stainless steel create a robust, premium tactile experience.
Interface Fluidity
The high-resolution touchscreen provides a sharp and intuitive navigation experience.
Connectivity Range
High-fidelity wireless codecs ensure lossless streaming without sacrificing audio clarity.
Storage Capacity
Generous internal memory with massive expansion potential for extensive high-res libraries.
Key Specs
DAC Architecture
R-2R Discrete 24-bit
Amp Modes
Class A / Class AB
Internal Storage
256GB
Bluetooth Codecs
aptX HD / LDAC
Size
76.45mm (W) x 139.45mm (H) x 17.6mm (D)
Weight
317g
Chassis
Precision-machined aluminum and stainless steel
Display
5.46" Full HD (1920x1080) glass touchscreen
Features
- True R-2R DAC for natural, warm sound
- Dual amp modes (Class A/AB) for sonic customization
- Oversampling & NOS modes for tailored playback
- TERATON ALPHA technology for noise reduction
- Expandable microSD storage up to 1TB
- Crisp 5.46" Full HD touchscreen with intuitive UI
- High-resolution wireless streaming via aptX HD and LDAC
- Supports balanced headphone outputs (2.5mm, 4.4mm) and 3.5mm
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Astell&Kern A&futura SE300 for its exceptional sound quality, often described as rich, detailed, and immersive. The device's sophisticated design and premium build materials also receive high marks, contributing to a luxurious user experience. While the price point is significant, enthusiasts generally find the audio performance and craftsmanship justify the investment, making it a standout choice for discerning audiophiles seeking a top tier portable player.
Know before you buy
Unlike standard delta-sigma DACs, the discrete R-2R architecture processes digital signals using a resistor ladder. This approach is designed to produce a more natural, organic, and analog-like sound profile that many audiophiles prefer for its warmth and detail.
Class A mode provides a smooth, warm, and linear sound signature, ideal for intimate listening. Class AB mode offers higher efficiency and more power, providing a punchier, more dynamic sound that works well with a wider variety of headphone types.
Oversampling mode increases the sampling rate to smooth out the audio signal for a cleaner, more modern sound. NOS (Non-Oversampling) mode bypasses this process, delivering the raw signal directly to the DAC for a more authentic, uncolored listening experience.
Yes, the SE300 features a microSD card slot that supports cards up to 1TB, allowing you to store a massive library of high-resolution audio files.
Yes, it features Bluetooth 5.0 with support for high-resolution codecs like aptX HD and LDAC, ensuring high-quality wireless audio streaming to compatible headphones or speakers.
The SE300 is equipped with three headphone outputs: a standard 3.5mm unbalanced jack, as well as 2.5mm and 4.4mm balanced outputs to accommodate a wide range of premium cables.
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$1900