Key Takeaways
1. The Astell & Kern Anultima SP4000 features a 6.1-inch touch screen, runs on Android, and has a premium design with 904L stainless steel and a handmade calf case.
2. It has 256 GB of built-in storage and supports microSD cards up to 1.5 TB, accommodating various audio file types with advanced sound processing technologies.
3. The audio quality is enhanced by an octa audio circuit design, AK4499EX DACs, and features like Enhanced Signal Alignment (ESA) for clearer sound.
4. Users can enjoy wireless audio via SBC, aptX Adaptive, and LDAC codecs, and it supports both balanced and non-balanced wired headphones.
5. The expected price for the SP4000 is over $3,699, with a budget-friendly alternative available in the Mix Wave HiBy R1.
Astell & Kern has revealed its newest top-tier digital audio player, the Anultima SP4000.
Features and Design
The DAP runs on Android and features a 6.1-inch touch screen with a resolution of 2,160 x 1,080. Users can control music playback using a knurled knob that’s designed for high-resolution local and streaming music. Available in black or silver, the player is crafted from 904L stainless steel, the same material used in Rolex watches. It comes in a hand-made Perlinger shrunken calf case.
Storage and Audio Quality
With 256 GB of built-in storage, the player can accommodate microSD cards of up to 1.5 TB, allowing users to store various audio file types, including FLAC, DSD, PCM, and standard MP3 files. Lower-quality audio files go through VSE (virtual sound extender) technology to reclaim lost harmonics, followed by upsampling via DAR (digital audio remaster).
All sound, whether from local files or streaming, is managed by an octa audio circuit design that integrates AK4191EQ digital processors with AK4499EX analog DACs, ensuring a high-quality sound output with minimal noise. The SP4000 is anticipated to either match or surpass the impressive performance metrics of the previous model, the SP3000, which boasted a 130 dB SNR.
Advanced Technology
The Enhanced Signal Alignment (ESA) tech optimizes frequency alignment to lessen time differences that may arise during signal processing, enhancing sound clarity and overall quality. It features an LDO (low dropout) regulator in its power supply to cut down on external electrical noise interference, further improving audio quality. To protect against electromagnetic noise, its internal components are shielded by 99.9% pure copper.
Listeners can enjoy their music wirelessly via standard SBC and higher quality aptX Adaptive and LDAC codecs. The player also accommodates both balanced and non-balanced wired headphones.
The price for the A&K Anultima SP4000 is expected to exceed $3,699, which is the MSRP for the SP3000 available at the A&K store on Amazon.
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