Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000M
Best portable player for audiophiles seeking uncompromising high-resolution sound quality.
Experience unparalleled audio fidelity with the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000M, a portable high-resolution digital audio player crafted from a unique copper-nickel alloy for enhanced sound and a refined aesthetic. This compact device boasts a HEXA-design audio circuit with complete separation of digital and analog signals, alongside independent dual audio circuits for pristine sound quality. Powered by a high-performance Snapdragon Octa-Core CPU, it offers a smooth, responsive user experience. Enjoy native DSD512 and high-resolution audio playback, advanced digital audio remastering, and seamless wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0.
$2970.00
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Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
30
/ 134
#30 in MP3 Players
Price vs Category Average
+150%
Above average
Material
Copper-Nickel Alloy
/ Copper-Nickel Alloy
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking uncompromising sonic clarity and detail
- Design enthusiasts valuing premium materials and sophisticated aesthetics
- Travelers wanting flagship-level audio in a pocketable frame
Who should skip it
- Casual listeners on a budget seeking affordable audio
- Everyday users preferring simple, streamlined music playback
- Commuters needing all-day battery life for long trips
Performance breakdown
Audio Fidelity
The quad-DAC architecture delivers industry-leading clarity and sonic separation.
Build Quality
Copper-nickel alloy construction provides a premium, durable, and acoustically superior chassis.
Processing Power
Snapdragon octa-core internals ensure a fluid, lag-free interface during high-res playback.
Connectivity Versatility
Comprehensive balanced and unbalanced output options accommodate virtually any high-end headphone.
Battery Efficiency
Nine hours of playback is functional but trails behind less demanding devices.
Format Compatibility
Native support for DSD512 and 32-bit audio covers every audiophile requirement.
Key Specs
Material
Copper-Nickel Alloy
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 6125 Octa-Core
RAM
8 GB DDR4
DAC
4 x AK4499EX
Digital Signal Processor
2 x AK4191EQ
Output Power
Balanced: 6.0Vrms / Unbalanced: 3.0Vrms
SNR
130dB (Balanced and Unbalanced)
THD+N
Balanced: 0.0005% / Unbalanced: 0.0006%
Features
- Copper-Nickel Alloy Construction for superior sound
- Advanced HEXA-design audio circuit
- Independent dual audio circuits for pure output
- TERATON ALPHA sound solution
- High-performance Snapdragon Octa-Core CPU
- Support for native DSD512 and 32-bit/768kHz audio
- Seamless Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Premium leather case included
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000M for its exceptional audio fidelity, describing a rich, detailed, and immersive listening experience that elevates their music collection. The device's premium build quality and sophisticated design also receive widespread acclaim, with users appreciating its solid feel and elegant aesthetics. While its high price point is noted, the overwhelming sentiment suggests that for serious audiophiles, the unparalleled sound performance and luxurious craftsmanship justify the investment, making it a highly coveted portable player.
Know before you buy
The copper-nickel alloy is used primarily for its electromagnetic shielding properties, which help isolate the internal circuits from external interference. This material choice contributes to a cleaner, more stable signal path, resulting in the high-fidelity sound quality the SP3000M is known for.
Yes, because the device runs on an Android-based operating system, you can install various third-party music streaming apps via Wi-Fi. It is designed to handle high-resolution files and streams with ease, ensuring you get the best possible performance from your subscription services.
The SP3000M features three output options: a standard 3.5mm unbalanced jack, as well as 2.5mm and 4.4mm balanced outputs. This versatility allows you to connect a wide range of high-end headphones and IEMs without needing external adapters.
The HEXA-design separates digital and analog signals completely, which prevents digital noise from bleeding into the analog audio path. By using independent dual audio circuits, the player maintains a pristine signal, resulting in a lower noise floor and improved clarity.
Yes, the SP3000M includes a microSD card slot, allowing you to expand your storage capacity to accommodate large high-resolution audio libraries. This is essential for users who prefer to store DSD512 or high-bitrate PCM files locally on the device.
You can expect approximately 9 hours of continuous playback when listening to standard FLAC files at 16-bit/44.1kHz using the unbalanced output. Keep in mind that playing higher-resolution files or using the balanced output may reduce this runtime.
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$2970