ASTELL&KERN A&FUTURA SE300
Digital Audio Player DAP
Assistenza italiana
Spedizione monitorata
Consulenza e preventivi
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 is equipped with
an ultra-refined, dual R-2R resistor ladder conversion DAC
Class A/AB amplifiers with proprietary TERATON ALPHA technology and, for the
first time in a DAP, the proprietary FPGA optimization. This is the philosophy behind it
of sound by Astell&Kern.
Highlights:
• Fully discrete 24bit conversion, built with R-2R resistor scale
• 96 high precision 0.01% & TCR10 resistors
• Double amplification stage, possibility to choose between class A or AB
• OS / NOS mode choice option
• Proprietary technology for FPGA optimization
• New Crimson UI/UX screen theme
• Bluetooth 5.0 and wireless Hi-Fi
24bit conversion made with R-2R resistor ladder
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 e
AMPS. The SE300 implements an R-2R DAC, instead of the classic Delta-Sigma plus
commonly used in audio players. The R-2R DAC, also known as DAC
a ladder, for the arrangement of resistors to form a ladder, generates a
natural and dynamic Hi-Fi sound, and it is extremely technical and difficult to make,
as it requires ultra-precise and quality resistors to control the
small currents difficult to manage.
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. In the process, they were selected
meticulously one by one the 96 ultra-precision resistors and was
perfected R-2R DAC technology.
SE300 brings analog sound ever closer to a digital source and is the
result of a long experimentation undertaken for years now, by Astell&Kern,
towards the definitive and uncompromising sound reproduction.
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 a
true 24-bit Hi-Fi decoding.
Design of ultra-precise resistors, the
Hi-Fi sound key
To create Hi-Fi sound with a DAC R-2R is
essential to obtain a current value
precise through resistors that
have a minimum error range. For
achieve this goal, Astell&Kern has
selected each resistance of ultra precision,
with an error range of 0.01%.
Specifications of the ultra-precision TCR10
To create a distortion-free Hi-Fi sound within a project like this
extreme precision, every possible negative impact was also analyzed that
could be caused by temperature variations. The SE300 is equipped with
special specifications, TCR10, to minimize variations in the range
0.01% error of resistors.
Dual amplifier stage in Class A and AB
The SE300 features a Dual AMP mode. The Class A amplification, which creates
low distortion and natural sounds, and Class AB amplification, which reproduces
dynamic sounds with high efficiency. These two modes, allow users to freely choose between the two internal amplifiers according to their own
listening preferences or the genre of music being played.
Class A amplifier mode
An analog amplifier stage with output is integrated inside the SE300
linear, which amplifies the signal without noticeable distortion or loss, and the result is
a soft, warm and natural sound. The analog signal coming out of the R-2R DAC,
is immediately amplified by the class A stage, remaining completely original and
without losses.
Amplifier mode in
Class AB
The amplifier stage
analog class AB,
instead, it offers an exit
powerful with the advantage of
a high efficiency. The
sound is very dynamic,
definite, with a minor
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, a
depending on the specifications of the connected device.
SE300 features a dual gain mode, to match perfectly with
a wide range of headphones, 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 control of the
drivers. If you choose the balanced output, you will have a maximum of 6 Vrms to drive
any high impedance headphones. TERATON ALPHA, the essence of A&K audio technology
It would not have been possible to match an R-2R DAC with ultra-precision resistors
to a class A amplifier, considered impossible to miniaturise, without
the innovative audio technology TERATON ALPHA. SE300 is an innovative DAP reader
with precise current and temperature control circuits, of TERATON technology
ALPHA 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 through effective noise reduction, handling
more efficient than power supply and at constant amplification.
Optimized OS/NOS FPGA system support
The SE300 uses a developed FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).
exclusively by Astell&Kern implementing OS (Over sampling)/NOS mode
(Non over sampling) optimized, instead of using common chipsets a
commercial semiconductor.
Astell&Kern's FPGA, developed specifically for the SE300, through its
algorithm, support the best OS (Over Sampling) / NOS (Non-Over
Sampling), to feed the digital signals to the R-2R DAC.
The SE300 features a redesigned Crimson UI/UX themed user interface, which
transforms into a "real music player", allowing users to customize
and make your music listening experience unique.
The new UI/UX user interface has been designed so that users can
quickly browse music categories and rediscover songs in your library.
A simple album cover search function has also been added
album, so that users can rediscover the pleasure of viewing ed
interact with music album covers while listening to their music.
The Crimson theme focuses on the edges, simplicity and keywords of the
dark mode. The black color theme with red highlights reduces eye strain
and offers an intuitive user experience, while many others have been made
improvements to the usability of the device regarding App Service,
artist display, album sorting and search function
of albums.
Real-time information confirmed by light
Behind the refined volume knob of the A&futura
SE300 there is a LED light that reminds the movement of the
sea waves. This led has the control function
immediate of the functions, such as the resolution in bit and the
chosen amplification mode.
5.46 inch Full HD display
The 5.46-inch Full HD display makes the user experience of the SE300
simpler and at the same time more accurate, 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 the volume of
reproduction
ReplayGain has also been included, which evenly adjusts the
volume of different sound sources. You can hear them like this
own playlists without having to turn the volume up or down when switching between
song. Supports files up to 24bit/192kHz.
AK File Drop for wireless file transfer
The SE300's new AK File Drop feature makes file transfers
simpler and more comfortable. Using AK File Drop, you can transfer
freely files wirelessly, wirelessly, through a PC, one
smartphone or an 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 back in high quality on the SE300
thanks to the BT Sink function.
DESIGN
The word that best identifies the design of the A&futura SE300 is "Stream".
A&K wanted to characterize the design of the SE300, like many small ripples
on the water that turn into waves crashing ashore.
The aluminum main body features tapered surfaces that represent the
music flow. In this way we wanted to create a solid but subtle image
same time editable. Intensity was added using materials
contrasting elements such as stainless steel and glass to further reinforce the theme of
"streams". Also, in the lower part, the body curves slightly towards
the outside, allowing for a more ergonomic grip when using the player.
The right side of the SE300 is lined with stainless steel to enhance impact
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 positioned 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 on the basis
to the inclination of the body.
Technical features
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 Freq.: PCM: 8kHz ~ 384kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample)
DSD Native : up to DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo
Output: (Normal) Unbalanced 2Vrms / Balanced 4Vrms (no load)
(High) Unbalanced 3Vrms / Balanced 6Vrms (no load)
CPU: Quad-core
DAC: at decent R-2R
Decoding: Support up to 32bit / 384kHz
Input: USB Type C for charging & data transfer (PC & MAC)
Outputs: 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
IMD SMPTE: 0.005% 800Hz 10kHz(4:1) unbalanced & balanced
Output Imped: Balanced out 2.5mm,4mm (1.3ohm) / 3.5mm headphone (1.3ohm)
Battery: 5,050mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer Battery
Autonomy about 12 hours
Recharge 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 10.7 and above