Astell&Kern A&futura SE180 - The First Modular DAP from Astell&Kern

[JasonNYC]

The SEM4 module will be available for pre-orders in the US/Canada beginning April 25th and will be available for purchase on May 12th.

Some information on the SEM4 module is below.

SEM4 is an Interchangeable All-in-One module for the SE180. With its release, Astell&Kern has expanded the potential of the SE180 once again. SEM4, born from the key concept of "Shape Your Sound," is equipped with the AK4493SEQ dual DAC, the latest DAC from Asahi Kasei, which minimizes loss and noise interference from the original sound while offering 14 hours of playback performance — the longest among SEM modules.

SEM4 supports up to 32-bit/768kHz, Native DSD and you will be able to enjoy even more vidid, original sound with the introduction of digital audio remaster (DAR) technology.

DAR technology is developed to upsample the sample rate of the sound source being played to go beyond the limits of the source format.
The high sample rate allows more refined play and offers delicate and analog-like original sound, helping you to enjoy the richness of the original sound, subtle differences in the nuance of the music and rich sounds at a higher level.

More info can be found here - https://us.astellnkern.com/collections/accessories/products/sem4

 

[Sergofan78]

 

[theElk]

oh, I hoped for an R2R module.
That would be an instant-buy.

 

[426563]

overpriced and outdated before it even hits the market. Since the niche gets a niche product

 

[Noonanstein]

overpriced and outdated before it even hits the market. Since the niche gets a niche product

Hmm doesn't look like it offers anything exciting

 

[JasonNYC]

overpriced and outdated before it even hits the market. Since the niche gets a niche product

The AK4493SEQ DACs are the new 2022 next-gen DACs from AKM. They were just released by AKM. New technology and are supposed to be on-par or better than the previous-gen flagship AK4499EQ DACs. I haven't heard them so can't comment on sound.

These are far from outdated.

 

[426563]

At a time when high-quality dongle dac amps under $300 can keep up with DAPs that cost $1000+ and thus DAPs are also lagging behind the features of current smartphones (try updating your new Astell Kern in 3/4/5 years in the hope of getting the current Android in order to still get relevant (streaming) apps and support, then it only slowly becomes apparent how obsolete such a chunk actually is. Of course we strive for minimalism, the essential. but what is more essential than that to take what you already have (which usually has better components) and simply plug in a high-quality dongle.

 

[426563]

The AK4493SEQ DACs are the new 2022 next-gen DACs from AKM. They were just released by AKM. New technology and are supposed to be on-par or better than the previous-gen flagship AK4499EQ DACs. I haven't heard them so can't comment on sound.

These are far from outdated.

Outdated in terms of technology. Instead of trying new innovations to go one step further than the others, you rest on the latest chips. As with anything, once one company rests on its name and success, another comes along and innovates.

 

[twister6]

The AK4493SEQ DACs are the new 2022 next-gen DACs from AKM. They were just released by AKM. New technology and are supposed to be on-par or better than the previous-gen flagship AK4499EQ DACs. I haven't heard them so can't comment on sound.

These are far from outdated.

Jason, I was about to reply the same. It is surprising and a bit misleading from AKM since they kept the same base part number, just changing the suffix, causing a confusion in many people who assumed it's an old DAC from years ago. AKM just released a new batch of DACs which supposed to be the next level, and I wish they would number them differently, incrementally

 

[426563]

Its just another AK. Ist not a revolution or even a evolution. Its just the Another iPhone every year kind of thing

 

[JasonNYC]

Jason, I was about to reply the same. It is surprising and a bit misleading from AKM since they kept the same base part number, just changing the suffix, causing a confusion in many people who assumed it's an old DAC from years ago. AKM just released a new batch of DACs which supposed to be the next level, and I wish they would number them differently, incrementally

Yep, I was so confused when I first saw that and didn't notice the "SEQ" at the end indicating it was a different chip than the previous gen. Not sure why AKM decided to do that.

Of course, just like any product, it all comes down to implementation and tuning. You could have the latest, greatest and most expensive components, but if they are poorly implemented, it doesn't make a different.

 

[Vaiet]

Well, I was wondering what's the next card will have inside and I must admit, never expected this to happen. I thought that if the new DAC-chips from AKM would appear in one of the modules, then it would be SEM5 but this feel like Christmas to me

 

[Gymboy]

4493 new or old generation doesnt sound interesting in many people's eyes. If 9038pro was implemented, Class A amp, R2R that would justify the price. And outdated softvare with slow hardware on premium price as a addition is not going to help also, without mentioning poor support with long time ago bricked original Kann series one...

 

[yasick]

Experienced guys listen with their own ears, and someone believes in the sound of the flagship 9038pro DAC. I, for one, really appreciate the sound of the Centrance M8-2, with its 4493, amazing sound. Do not draw a conclusion from the DAC, this is not a guarantee of high-quality sound.

 

[Vaiet]

Lotoo PAW 6000 is based on a single 4493EQ DAC and it sounds absolutely phenomenal. For me it can be the best sounding card of all.

I heard some 9038Pro implementations and I'm not a fan of that chip. Just never sounded good to me and while SEM1 for instance has some qualities I find appealing, overall it's the least used card by me.

And yeah, it's not a benchmark monster and has some shortcomings when it comes to the software but given how it sounds I won't complain. Besides, build quality is amazing. I would only wish for A&K to optimize the GUI for the FHD screen because compared to the Fiio M11 Plus LTD with 720p screen I'd say that it was the SE180 who has a lower-res display.