Tag: Astell & Kern

  • Astell & Kern SP4000T: Best Quad-Tube Hi-Res Audio Player

    Astell & Kern SP4000T: Best Quad-Tube Hi-Res Audio Player

    – Quad-tube vacuum tube design with Triode, Pentode, and Ultra Linear modes
    – Dual AKM DACs and DSPs for ultra-low distortion (THD < 0.0006%) - High-resolution audio support up to DSD512 and PCM 768kHz - Android 15 with octa-core CPU, 256GB storage, and 1.5TB expandable - Expected price above $3,900; debuts at High End Show Vienna 2026[/key]

    Astell & Kern’s Latest Flagship DAP

    The A&ultima SP4000T quad-tube digital audio player has been unveiled by Astell & Kern, making its debut at the High End Show Vienna 2026 on June 4. This device is powered by an octa-core CPU running Android 15, it also has 256 GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 1.5 TB using microSD cards, plus a 6-inch Full HD touchscreen. Dual-band 802.11ax Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity is included, and you can use it as a USB DAC with computers.

    Audio Processing and Tube Modes

    Dual AKM4191EQ digital signal processors and dual AKM4499EX DACs process the audio, integrated with four Raytheon JAN6418 vacuum tubes that bring the warmth of desktop tube amplifer decks. The tubes can be operated in Triode, Pentode, and Ultra Linear modes, also allowing fine-tuning of other processing settings to bring out sound characteristics that favor each user. This makes the device highly customizable for different listening preferences.

    Technical Specifications and Connectivity

    The resulting audio has a frequency response of ±0.006dB at 20Hz to 20kHz and ±0.06dB at 20Hz to 70kHz, THD is less than 0.0006%, and the SNR is under 124dB. It supports both 3.5 mm unbalanced and 4.4 mm balanced wired headphones, along with aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC, SBC, and AAC codecs for wireless headphones. This ensures compatability with a wide range of audio gear.

    Lossless Playback and Battery Life

    DSD512 and PCM 768kHz lossless music streams are supported, and the player can restore lost harmonics in compressed music using VSE (Virtual Sound Extender). The 7,450 mAh battery runs up to 10 hours between charges, which take five hours according to the company. Battery performance is decent for a high-end portable device.

    Pricing and Availability

    The A&ultima SP4000T in copper or stainless steel will likely be priced above the SP4000’s entry-level price of $3,900. Readers who can only dream of spending that much might look into a more affordable DAP. Astell & Kern has not yet confirmed final pricing for this model.


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  • Astell & Kern Launches AK HC5 Ultra High-Resolution USB DAC

    Astell & Kern Launches AK HC5 Ultra High-Resolution USB DAC

    Key Takeaways

    1. Advanced Processing Technology: The AK HC5 features an AK4191EQ digital processor and AK4499EX DAC for ultra-low noise headphone output and minimal distortion.

    2. Upscaling Capabilities: It supports upscaling of PCM and DSD audio inputs, enhancing lower-quality audio to higher resolutions with six adjustable impulse response filters.

    3. Performance Metrics: Offers high signal-to-noise ratios (125 dB for balanced and 121 dB for unbalanced headphones) with very low total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N).

    4. Compatibility: Works with various devices including Android and Apple smartphones, Windows and Mac computers, and gaming consoles, supporting UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0 via USB.

    5. Pricing and Availability: The AK HC5 USB DAC will be priced at $450 and is expected to be available on Amazon in the next month or two.

    Astell & Kern has introduced the AK HC5, an ultra-high resolution USB DAC that works with both balanced and unbalanced headphones.

    Advanced Processing Technology

    The AK HC5 features an AK4191EQ digital processor that handles digital audio inputs before sending them to the AK4499EX DAC. This DAC provides analog audio to a special amplifier that is designed to produce ultra-low noise headphone output ranging from 20 Hz to 70 kHz, boasting a total distortion of ±0.06 dB and an even better ±0.006 dB for frequencies between 20 Hz and 20 kHz.

    Upscaling Capabilities

    The HC5 DAC can take uncompressed PCM and DSD audio inputs, allowing for upscaling through DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) technology. PCM inputs at 48 kHz can be enhanced up to 384 kHz PCM for playback, and it can also upscale lower-quality PCM and DSD inputs to DSD256 for use with balanced 4.4 mm and unbalanced 3.5 mm headphones. Users have access to six impulse response filters to adjust the sound profile.

    Performance and Features

    For those using balanced headphones, the device offers a signal-to-noise ratio of 125 dB @ 1 kHz, with crosstalk measuring -141 dB and THD+N at 0.0004%. Unbalanced headphone users will see a signal-to-noise ratio of 121 dB @ 1 kHz, crosstalk at -139 dB, and THD+N at 0.0005%, as stated by the manufacturer. A 150-step rotary dial is included for volume adjustments, and information is shown on a 1.62-inch OLED display.

    Compatibility and Availability

    The Roon-compatible AK HC5 is compatible with UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0 via USB connections to devices like Android and Apple smartphones, Windows and Mac computers, as well as gaming consoles like the Sony PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.

    Consumers can look forward to the $450 AK HC5 USB DAC, which is expected to be available in the Astell & Kern store on Amazon in the upcoming month or two.

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  • Astell and Kern Launches $2,700 Luna IEMs for Groundbreaking Sound

    Astell and Kern Launches $2,700 Luna IEMs for Groundbreaking Sound

    Key Takeaways

    1. Unique unipolar planar 13mm drivers designed for superior sound quality and clarity.
    2. Earbuds feature a frequency range of 20Hz to 30kHz, impedance of 5 ohms, and sensitivity of 105 dB/mW.
    3. Durable aluminum body with a titanium casing, handcrafted in Japan, inspired by the shape of the moon.
    4. Swappable 4.4mm oxygen-free copper cable coated in silver, compatible with third-party 2-pin cables.
    5. Priced at $2,700, includes seven pairs of ear tips and an Alcantara carrying case.

    The new Astell & Kern Luna earbuds are being hailed as “revolutionary.” This statement is largely backed by the unique unipolar planar 13mm drivers, which are specifically created for the Luna and encased in a sturdy aluminum body.

    Superior Sound Quality

    These drivers are designed to deliver remarkably quick response times, natural sound qualities, and exceptional clarity, enabling them to reproduce the most minute acoustic details accurately. According to Astell & Kern’s official specifications, these earbuds have a frequency range stretching from 20Hz to 30kHz, an impedance of 5 ohms, and a sensitivity level of 105 dB/mW.

    Quality Build and Features

    The earbuds come with a cable featuring a 4.4mm connector, made from oxygen-free copper that is coated in silver to ensure optimal sound quality. If the cable gets damaged, it can be swapped out, and the earbuds also work with third-party cables that have a 2-pin connector. Manufactured in Japan, these headphones boast a titanium casing that is reportedly handcrafted. The design of the casing draws inspiration from the “gentle shape of the moon,” which is why these IEMs have their unique name.

    Pricing and Accessories

    Currently, the Astell & Kern Luna flagship headphones are priced at $2,700 on select online platforms like Bloom Audio. Along with the earbuds and the cable, Astell & Kern provides seven pairs of ear tips made from various materials, as well as an Alcantara carrying case.

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    Astell and Kern Launches $2,700 Luna IEMs for Groundbreaking SoundAstell and Kern Launches $2,700 Luna IEMs for Groundbreaking SoundAstell and Kern Launches $2,700 Luna IEMs for Groundbreaking Sound
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  • Astell & Kern Launches Anultima SP4000 Flagship Audio Player

    Astell & Kern Launches Anultima SP4000 Flagship Audio Player

    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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    Astell & Kern Launches Anultima SP4000 Flagship Audio Player
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  • Astell & Kern x Bandai Namco: Limited Edition AK HC4 USB DAC

    Astell & Kern x Bandai Namco: Limited Edition AK HC4 USB DAC

    Astell & Kern along with Bandai Namco has teamed up to introduce the special AK HC4 Idolmaster Cinderella Girls Edition USB digital-to-analog converter (DAC), aimed at fans of Idolmaster music. This DAC offers support for both USB Audio Class 1 (UAC 1) and USB Audio Class 2 (UAC 2) through USB-C, making it compatible with various smartphones, tablets, computers, and gaming consoles. It provides a low-latency, wired headphone output. The casing is made of royal blue aluminum, featuring the Idolmaster logo, and the packaging prominently displays Nao Kamiya.

    High-Quality Sound Performance

    The A&K is engineered to deliver high-resolution music playback while maintaining an ultra-low noise level (118 dB @ 1 KHz unbalanced, 118 dB @ 1 KHz balanced) and minimal distortion (0.0005% @ 1 KHz unbalanced, 0.0009% @ 1 KHz balanced). The 32-bit AK4493S chip allows for direct decoding of native DSD256 and 32-bit 384 kHz PCM music streams. Additionally, the Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology in the AK4137EQ sample rate converter upscales lower-quality PCM and DSD music streams.

    Versatile Audio Connections

    Audio is transmitted to headphones using standard 3.5 mm or balanced 4.4 mm connections, delivering substantial power (2 Vrms unbalanced, 3 Vrms balanced) capable of driving high-impedance headphones. The frequency reproduction is impressively accurate (+/- 0.066 dB @ 20 Hz to 70 kHz unbalanced, +/- 0.067 dB @ 20 Hz to 70 kHz balanced). The dimensions of the AK HC4 are 1.16 x 2.54 x 0.57 in. (29.5 × 64.5 × 14.5 mm), and it has a weight of 1.09 oz. (31 g).

    Iriver’s authorized dealers in Japan are now taking preorders for the Astell & Kern AK HC4 Idolmaster Cinderella Girls Edition USB DAC, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of 33,000 yen (~$209). The expected shipping date is January 18, 2025. For those who might not be fans of Idolmaster or Nao-chan but still seek a high-resolution USB DAC for gaming or music, the standard Astell & Kern HC4 is available for purchase on Amazon today.

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