Developed from a relentless pursuit of excellence, the Astell&Kern A&ultima SP4000 redefines portable Hi-Res audio playback, with sensational results.
The new reference in Hi-Res portables Masters of Hi-Res portables, the Astell&Kern SP4000 is its flagship model that simply delivers the best performance currently possible. With Octa audio circuitry, ESA (Enhanced Signal Alignment) technology and High Driving Mode for Premium Sound Performance, it delivers incredible sound quality. Finished in a Stainless Steel 904L body, more usually found in Swiss watches, and supplied with a premium quality leather case, it looks and feels every bit as good as it sounds.
Octa Audio circuit for stunning resolution Pairing four AKM AK4191 digital processors with four AKM AK4499EX DACs (Digital to Analogue Convertors), gives this portable player the power to match, and even exceed, that of many full-size streamers. Implementing a true Quad DAC, Astell&Kern have maximised the signal resolution and banished distortion to the lowest levels possible.
Supports High Driving Mode for Premium Sound Performance Featuring twice as many opamps as its predecessor, the SP4000 delivers a richer and more detailed sound. High Driving Mode provides a powerful, stable output that’s designed to exercise maximum control, ensuring you hear the most delicate details deep within the music.
ESA for reduced distortion Designed to combat group delay, ESA (Enhanced Signal Alignment) technology aligns frequency signals to arrive more uniformly, minimising frequency distortion, dramatically enhancing sound clarity and purity.
Top-tier noise suppression The SP4000 features a newly implemented LDO (Low Dropout) Regulator in its power supply, which reduces noise by up to 97% compared to previous models. LDO Regulators are high-performance components typically used in precision medical devices and 5G communication equipment. They help stabilise battery voltage and effectively suppress noise, resulting in cleaner, purer sound.
Independent balanced and single-ended circuits As well as separating the digital and analogue circuits, this flagship Hi-Res portable also uses independent audio channels for balanced and single-ended outputs. Separate outputs deliver improved signal to noise ratio through reduced distortion. The increased output also means you get more music at lower volumes, making it sound more natural and lifelike than ever.
Tailor the sound to suit The SP4000 offers six different DAC filters for sound that’s perfectly tailored to your tastes and type of music. Choose between Natural, Acoustic (sharp and slow roll-off), Traditional (sharp and slow roll-off) and Harmonic settings for sound that best suits you.
File friendly – native 32bit/768kHz and DSD512 file playback Whatever digital file type you prefer, the SP4000 plays it. With support for native 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD512 music files, there’s no compression involved - you simply get to hear every ounce of detail. Combined with the hugely capable DAC, this means sensational dynamic range, low noise and incredible detail from your top quality digital music files.
Astell&Kern’s first full Android OS Integration Astell&Kern has overcome Android OS’s sampling limitation (SRC) through its proprietary customisation technology, ADP (Astell&Kern Direct Path). This allows for bit-perfect, lossless playback even in streaming environments, ensuring the highest possible sound quality during music listening.
Advanced DAR for seamless remastering The SP4000 introduces Advanced DAR, Astell&Kern’s second-generation DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) technology, delivering sound that is even more natural and refined. Rather than sending the audio file directly to the DAR engine, the SP4000 first uses VSE (Virtual Sound Extender) to virtually restore lost harmonics, enhancing the sound quality at the initial stage. Next, the advanced DAR engine performs a second-stage upsampling process with even greater precision, giving you the most lifelike sound possible.
Flawless user interface and display Improved graphics and a larger, 6 inch screen, make the SP4000 a joy to use. Fastidious attention to detail includes the exquisitely machined volume control that also doubles as an LED to indicate the current bit-rate.
Luxurious finish When it comes to housing its array of world-class electronics, the SP4000 is equally without compromise. More usually the preserve of premium Swiss watch manufacturers, the 904L Stainless Steel casing creates a luxurious look and feel. A premium quality, German-made leather case completes this luxurious device.
Experience the ultimate in portable hi-fi, with the Astell&Kern A&ultima SP4000.
