[JasonNYC]

A&ultima SP3000T

Expanding on the extremely popular SP3000, Astell&Kern combines the best of our current flagship player with the warm sound of tube amplification. The SP3000T features Astell&Kern’s Triple Amp System, first debuted in 2021 with the A&ultima SP2000T, which allows users customize their sound profile using tube amplification, a digital op-amp, or hybrid combination of both tube and op-amps. All three modes are available when using the 2.5mm, 3.5mm or 4.4mm outputs.

Tube Amp Mode

The SP3000T features Dual RAYTHEON JAN6418 MIL-SPEC Vintage Vacuum Tubes. Tube Amp Mode provides a uniquely warm and soothing tone, typically seen with vintage tube amplifiers.

Op-Amp Mode

The SP3000T also contains a separate op-amp. This proven op-amp technology was developed over the years for Astell&Kern’s digital audio player lines and has proven time and again to be the culmination of Astell&Kern’s expertise in amp design, delivering extreme clarity, low noise floor and dynamic sound that Astell&Kern is known for worldwide.

Hybrid Amp Mode

First debuted in the SP2000T, Hybrid Amp Mode enhances the resolution and clarity of the existing tube amp mode to express more musical detail. This mode, which combines the advantages of retro analog sensibility and high-resolution output, gives you the pleasure of a new tonality, bringing together the best of vacuum tube and op-amp design and technology.

Three-Step Tube Current Adjustment

While in tube mode, users can adjust the current flow to the tubes, allowing nuanced changes in the sound profile.

Use of AKM’s Latest Flagship DAC with Complete Separation of Digital and Analog Signals

Like the A&ultima SP3000, the SP3000T uses Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) latest flagship DAC, the AKM AK4499EX and features a complete separation of digital and analog signals. Most digital players process digital and analog signals together inside the DAC. However, the SP3000 and SP3000T reduce the noise of the digital signal input using the AK4191EQ, a separate digital delta-sigma modulator, and then the AK4499EX DAC processes the analog signals separately.

By applying this unique design where digital and analog signal processing is physically separated, it is possible to experience an incredible level of sound that has never been experienced before.

Snapdragon 6125 Octa-Core CPU

The A&ultima SP3000T is equipped with a Snapdragon 6125 Octa-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 memory, which is twice the amount of RAM commonly used in DAPs. Along with the current Astell&Kern 4th generation, Crimson user interface, the player features a more powerful system that is stable with fast and fluid movement.

316L Stainless Steel with 99.9% Pure Silver Plating

A Stainless Steel body, with 99.9% pure silver plating, gives the SP3000T a classic look that fully complements the vintage tube amp used in the player.

The A&ultima SP3000T will be available in May 2024 at authorized Astell&Kern dealers worldwide for $2,999.

 

[drftr]

The A&ultima SP3000T will be available in May 2024 at authorized Astell&Kern dealers worldwide for $2,999.

I wished! I'm afraid the tax department wants to have a word with you

drftr

 

[nioh]

I wished! I'm afraid the tax department wants to have a word with you

drftr

€3590 msrp in the EU.

 

[drftr]

€3590 msrp in the EU.

That makes it 33% more expensive and near impossible to ever sell it second hand, as for the price of a second hand one in EU they can buy a new one from the US.

I feel bad for the dealers here as they don't get a fair chance.

drftr

 

[JasonNYC]

That makes it 33% more expensive and near impossible to ever sell it second hand, as for the price of a second hand one in EU they can buy a new one from the US.

I feel bad for the dealers here as they don't get a fair chance.

drftr

EU pricing usually includes VAT, correct? US pricing is before sales tax, which varies by city/state. Once adding sales tax and exchange rates, they are pretty close to the same price.

 

[nioh]

EU pricing usually includes VAT, correct? US pricing is before sales tax, which varies by city/state. Once adding sales tax and exchange rates, they are pretty close to the same price.

Correct, but even with added taxes they’re never the same price. Nevertheless I think there’s no point in arguing US vs EU prices, it’s always been like this.

 

[oatp1b1]

That makes it 33% more expensive and near impossible to ever sell it second hand, as for the price of a second hand one in EU they can buy a new one from the US.

I feel bad for the dealers here as they don't get a fair chance.

drftr

Importing one would probably add at least 20-25% on the MSRP though

 

[drftr]

Importing one would probably add at least 20-25% on the MSRP though

Yeah, that's not how you do it...

drftr

 

[Tanalasta]

Keen to see how this compares to the SP3000.

My local dealer hasn't received stock yet but is also very keen to hear it.

 

[arftech]

How does it sound!

 

[MParrott]

I currently use an Ibasso DX320 but I’m considering the SP3000T. Looks like a similar setup to the SP3000, with a streamlined and locked down Android OS. On my DX320 I use PowerAMP, which makes importing/exporting playlists to and from my PC and other android DAPs very easy. I can even use Notepad++ and a few “find and replace” commands to use my playlists in MediaMonkey. I’m not going to switch to A&K unless there is a relatively easy way to use the playlists that I’ve curated over the last 20+ years. Can this be done on the sp3000t?

I did a search in the sp3000 thread for “playlist” and “import/export” but didn’t see an answer.

Can anyone answer or point me to resources?

I don’t want to buy and return or resell to find out.

 

[nioh]

I currently use an Ibasso DX320 but I’m considering the SP3000T. Looks like a similar setup to the SP3000, with a streamlined and locked down Android OS. On my DX320 I use PowerAMP, which makes importing/exporting playlists to and from my PC and other android DAPs very easy. I can even use Notepad++ and a few “find and replace” commands to use my playlists in MediaMonkey. I’m not going to switch to A&K unless there is a relatively easy way to use the playlists that I’ve curated over the last 20+ years. Can this be done on the sp3000t?

I did a search in the sp3000 thread for “playlist” and “import/export” but didn’t see an answer.

Can anyone answer or point me to resources?

I don’t want to buy and return or resell to find out.

A & K DAPs are also Android but not open Android like the iBasso and I’ve heard there are some restrictions. I might be getting my first A & K DAP soon and I’ll know for sure. Meanwhile existing users could probably answer this for you.

 

[aaf evo]

Is there a release date for this yet?

 

[nioh]

Is there a release date for this yet?

It’s available for pre-order. First post says releasing in May.

 

[JasonNYC]

Is there a release date for this yet?

Still first week of May as of today.