[warrenpchi]

So...



New Triple Amp system for a more customized listening experience, including Astell&Kern’s first player with tube amplifier

• Astell&Kern’s first Quad-DAC player
• Dual-Band Wi-Fi, MQA, LDAC and Replay Gain
• 3.5mm, 2.5mm and 4.4mm outputs provide more connection options

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Press Release:

The A&ultima SP2000T takes inspiration from Astell&Kern’s current flagship, the SP2000 by building upon many of the premium features of the SP2000 and adding new features never before seen in other Astell&Kern players. New features debuting for the first time in the portable player line include Astell&Kern’s first Quad-DAC player, a new triple amp system and replay gain.

The SP2000T is Astell&Kern’s first quad-DAC player, featuring four (4) ESS ES9068AS DAC chips, allowing the player to produce a more balanced, detailed sound signature. MQA hardware rendering is built into the ES9068AS DACs and support MQA 8x rendering.

Another first, the SP2000T introduces Astell&Kern’s next generation amp technology, the Triple Amp System. Users can select between tube amp mode, normal op-amp mode or the new hybrid amp mode that uses both the tube and op-amps to provide the best sound output for the type of music you are listening to. All three modes are available when using the 2.5mm, 3.5mm or 4.4mm outputs.

Rounding out the new features of the SP2000T is Replay Gain, which allows the player to automatically adjust the volume between tracks and maintain a consistent playback level. A full HD (1920x1080 resolution) touch screen provides a high-resolution display.

The A&ultima SP2000T will be available at authorized Astell&Kern dealers worldwide in October 2021. More information and detailed specs will be available soon.

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I haven't heard it yet, but if y'all got impressions, please share!

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[Tanalasta]

Fascinating. What android version or software is it using. Will be interested in how it compares to the similarly priced SE180

 

[SnooDucksAudio]

Just tested the SP2000T.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
A lot bassier and slammier than SP2000.
OP AMP Mode is cleaner.
Tube Mode is lusher.
Hybrid is what you expect.

With 3.5mm, Hybrid Mode has a larger soundstage. But it does not apply to Balanced Mode.

 

[Whitigir]

Quad DAC ? Hmm cirrus Chips ? Or the new Japan Chip? ROHM BD34301EKV

 

[warrenpchi]

Just tested the SP2000T.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
A lot bassier and slammier than SP2000.
OP AMP Mode is cleaner.
Tube Mode is lusher.
Hybrid is what you expect.

With 3.5mm, Hybrid Mode has a larger soundstage. But it does not apply to Balanced Mode.

Thanks so much @SnooDucksAudio! Out of curiosity, what do the numbers underneath the amp selection menu mean?

Quad DAC ? Hmm cirrus Chips ? Or the new Japan Chip? According to the above digital filters, it seems to sport the new Japan chip

I think it's four ESS ES9068AS chips, which is exactly the kind of overkill I've come to expect from A&K.

 

[madFloyd]

Any idea of price yet?

 

[madFloyd]

Fascinating. What android version or software is it using. Will be interested in how it compares to the similarly priced SE180

Just tested the SP2000T.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
A lot bassier and slammier than SP2000.
OP AMP Mode is cleaner.
Tube Mode is lusher.
Hybrid is what you expect.

With 3.5mm, Hybrid Mode has a larger soundstage. But it does not apply to Balanced Mode.

When you say "does not apply" are you saying that the soundstage is not as large in Balanced Mode - or is the hybrid mode not available in Balanced Mode?

 

[Tanalasta]

https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/astell-kern-a-ultima-sp2000t-digital-audio-player

This is AUD so I reckon $3000US or less

 

[arftech]

Interesting development.

 

[Death_Block]

https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/astell-kern-a-ultima-sp2000t-digital-audio-player

This is AUD so I reckon $3000US or less

not bad price for what I was expecting initially

 

[Omashhour]

 

[Benny030]

https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/astell-kern-a-ultima-sp2000t-digital-audio-player

This is AUD so I reckon $3000US or less

You have to add TAX in Australia or is it inclusive Tax

 

[arftech]

$2400 is the price?

 

[RobertSM]

What SoC? RAM? Android? Battery capacity to run all of these three amp options?

 

[warrenpchi]

15 posts in, and nobody has asked if we can roll the tube yet.