ASTELL&KERN A&FUTURA SE300

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