ASTELL & KERN SP3000M

The A&ultima Series is the manufacturer's top-of-the-line range, expressing the highest quality without compromise. The A&ultima SP3000T model even features a tube output stage, representing the last frontier of quality combined with portability.

The manufacturer wanted to add a version of the 3000, the 3000M (M stands for Mobile), which is lighter and more compact but capable of offering the same uncompromising performance typical of the series. This goal was very difficult to pursue in such confined spaces, as it is much more complex to isolate signals from each other compared to a standard-sized device.

To achieve this, the HEXA technology, already on board the SP3000, was first used to separate digital signal processing from analog signal processing in a dual mono configuration. This is done through the use of the latest generation Asaki Kasei chipset, separated for the left and right channels, with digital processing first using 2XAK4191EQ and then a pair of AK4499EX in cascade. By doing so, SP3000M achieves a signal-to-noise ratio of 130 dB, equal to that of A&ultima SP3000, despite its much more compact size. In terms of analog outputs, this DAP is equipped with 3 different connections: the classic unbalanced 3.5mm mini-jack, a balanced 4-pole 2.5mm, and a twin but with a 4.4mm standard. The output levels of 3.3 volts for unbalanced and 6.6 volts for balanced with impedances of 0.6 ohm and 1.2 ohm respectively, allow the driving of any headphone.

SP3000M is also equipped with the new DAR technology, Digital Audio Remaster, an upsampler that, although not a new concept, is introduced for the first time in a DAP of this level.

To make the experience fluid, SP3000M is equipped with a Snapdragon 6125 Octa-core processor and 8 GB of DDR4 memory, twice the amount of RAM commonly used in DAPs. The CPU, memory, and wireless circuits are implemented in a single module, with the digital section arranged in the same area, all within a single system on chip (SoC) so as not to influence the audio circuitry in any way.

The Teraton Alpha technology, now a cornerstone in A&K's production, has been applied. It is a true design philosophy that aims to reproduce audio as faithfully as possible to the original, through the effective removal of power supply noise and efficient energy consumption. Teraton Alpha effectively removes power supply noise and provides "clean" energy up to the audio output interface stage, where the digital-to-analog signal conversion (DAC) takes place. After all, the battery voltage of 3.8 volts must be converted into several different values, from 5V for the digital part to over 20V (+/- 10V) for the output circuits, and this is done with step-up converters that, due to their physical structure, generate disturbances that must be attenuated to the maximum, an extremely difficult task in the few square centimeters of a DAP. This is mainly what Teraton Alpha does.

The futuristic-shaped chassis (completely made of aluminum) houses a large 4.1" color OLED display that can display a pair of very elegant VuMeters. Embedded in the chassis is a knob inside a septum that facilitates its operation. SP3000M supports Bluetooth, has a WiFi interface, supports up to DSD up to 512 native and 32/768 files, MQA, Roon Ready. It has a quick charging function via Qualcomm 3.0 chipset, 3.5 hours for a full charge of the included 4200mAh battery. SP3000M comes with an elegant leather case made in Italy by the Mastrotto Group, soft to the touch, and undergoes a patented "antibacterial" and "antivirus" process during production. Thanks to chrome tanning and dyeing with high-quality pigments, the leather maintains a uniform surface quality and shows the characteristic vivid colors of Italian leather. The back texture of the case recalls the same pattern that characterizes the DAP. SP3000M is already available in Rich Grey (Anthracite) color.

Technical data:

• Display: HD 4.1" 720x1280 Touch
• Audio formats: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA
• CPU: Octa-core DAC: AKM AK4191EQ x2 (Dual Modulator) & AK4499EX x4 (Quad DAC)
• Sampling: PCM: 8-768kHz, Native DSD 64-512
• Output level: Unbalanced 3.3Vrms / Balanced 6.3Vrms (No Load Condition)
• Decoding: Support up to 32bit / 768kHz Bit to Bit playback
• Frequency response: ±0.020dB
• S/N Ratio: 126dB @ 1kHz
• THD+N: 0.0005% @ 1kHz Output Impedance: 0.6ohm
• Input: USB C for charging
• Outputs: Optical and unbalanced headphone (3.5mm) / Balanced x 2 (2.5mm 4-pole and 4.4mm 5-pole)
• Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)
• Bluetooth: V5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP, Qualcomm aptXTM HD, LDAC, LHDC)
• Internal memory: 256GB (NAND)
• External memory: microSDx1 (Max. 1.5TB)
• Battery: 4200mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer, 3.5h charging, 10h autonomy
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 69.1x119.6x18.8mm
• Weight: approx. 237gr

Updates: Firmware upgrades (OTA)

Supported systems: Windows 10,11 (32/64bit), MAC OS X 10.7