When it comes to DAPs (Digital Audio Players) Astell&Kern is considered to be the benchmark for sonic performance and industrial design. The Korean manufacturer does not cut corners and there is a much higher price to be paid for that. Over the past few years, Astell&Kern has completely redesigned its UI and integrated AKM’s flagship DACs into its latest models.
Today Astell&Kern has introduced the A&ultima SP3000M DAP for $2,299, which follows the SP3000 ($3,699) and SP3000T ($2,999), both of which we have reviewed. All are considered flagship models, but what makes the SP3000M so much more affordable?
Although we’re told internals are the same as the SP3000, the SP3000M gets a haircut on dimensions, screen size, and body materials while forgoing a 2.5mm input.
Comparison
| A&ultima SP3000 | A&ultima SP3000M | |
| Price | $3,699 | $2,299 |
| Touchscreen Display | 5.46″ 1080×1920 | 4.1″ 720×1280 |
| Audio Outputs | 3.5mm Single-ended 4.4mm balanced 2.5mm balanced |
3.5mm Single-ended 4.4mm balanced |
| Body Material | Black, Silver: Stainless Steel 904L Copper: Copper Gold: 24K Pure Gold Plating / Stainless 904L Platinum: Platinum Coated 904L Stainless Steel |
Aluminum |
SP3000M Features
The Separation of Digital and Analog Signals is implemented in a HEXA-Audio Circuitry Structure using AKM’s AK4499EX Flagship DAC.
The same innovative HEXA audio circuit design first found in the SP3000 is used, which incorporates four of AKM’s flagship AK4499EX DACs and two separate AK4191EQ chips that handle digital signals.
Most digital players process digital and analog signals together inside the DAC. On the other hand, the SP3000 and SP3000M’s HEXA structure reduces the noise of the digital signal input through the AK4191EQ, then through a separate digital delta-sigma modulator, and at the end, the AK4499EX DAC processes the analog signals separately. This configuration results in up to an SNR of 130 dB.
Snapdragon CPU
The A&ultima SP3000M 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 a redesigned 4th-generation user interface, the SP3000M incorporates a system that is stable with fast and fluid movement.
The CPU, memory, and wireless communication parts are configured in one module. The digital circuit parts are placed in the same area creating a single system on a chip (SoC). This innovation maximizes the efficiency of the overall circuit configuration by providing more audio-only circuit space as well as reducing heat and noise from digital circuits.
VU Meters!
The SP3000M comes with a VU Meter GUI, which debuted on the SP3000T. The VU Meter displays voltage levels of voice signals to aid volume measurement and adjustment. The VU Meter’s unique design and retro charm also add some attractiveness to the SP3000M.
The VU meters can be accessed via the bottom navigation bar. The display allows you to monitor sound levels while viewing album art or streaming via the Astell & Kern Open App Service.
Storage
The SP3000M includes 256GB of internal memory with support for microSD cards up to 1.5TB, dual-band 2.4/5Ghz Wi-Fi, DLNA networking, USB digital audio output, USB-C for data transfer and charging, and the ability to use the SP3000M as a USB DAC for your Mac or Windows-based PC.
The SP3000M supports native playback of high-res PCM music files up to 32-bit, 768kHz, and DSD512.
ReplayGain automatically and uniformly adjusts playback volume across different music tracks. Using AK File Drop, you can freely transfer files wirelessly through a PC, smartphone, or FTP program located on the same network. The Music file management is wireless.
Streaming Support
The SP3000M includes support for aptX HD, LHDC, and LDAC codecs to provide audiophiles with multiple options for 24-bit audio playback wirelessly.
Bluetooth 5.0 features faster transmission speed and greater range compared to Bluetooth 4.2, providing a more stable wireless connection.
BT Sink allows the connection to an external device via Bluetooth and functions as a Bluetooth DAC. Music from an external device can be played back in high quality.
Crossfeed
When listening with headphones the left and right channels are clearly separated, but ear fatigue may increase during prolonged listening. The CrossFeed setting in the SP3000M mixes parts of the original signal from one channel and sends that signal to the opposite channel with a time difference to center the sound image.
This provides headphone users with a sound profile similar to listening to full-sized speakers. Using settings such as Shelf Cutoff, Shelf Gain, and Mixer Level, users can set the level of crossfeed according to listening preferences.
Pro Tip: The SP3000M will be Roon Ready out of the box.
Exterior Design
For Astell&Kern products, design is just as important as sound quality. The design theme of SP3000M is “Tension.”
While keeping the same diamond-shaped front of the SP3000, Astell&Kern added new features to the SP3000M. In this case, the look of the SP3000M was a diamond ring’s diamond and its prong.
The design team added tension to the alignment of the volume knob and protector. The volume wheel knob meets the protector at the top and bottom ends, creating an image of the wheel being held with tight tension.
Triangular shapes growing smaller were placed toward the wheel, maximizing a sense of tension focusing on the wheel.
Other design details include cross patterns etched on the glass surface on the back of the player. Reminiscent of the SP3000, the two patterns meeting at the corners also add SP3000M’s unique concept of “Tension.”
The SP3000M case is crafted from soft cowhide by GRUPPO MASTROTTO, boasting a superior level of craftsmanship that befits the A&ultima SP3000M. The leather case features a soft touch and has undergone a proprietary patented “anti-bacterial” and “anti-virus” process.
A 4.1” HD (720×1280 resolution) touchscreen provides a high-resolution display.
Charging
Qualcomm QC 3.0 fast charging allows you to charge your DAP faster and more efficiently than previous models, reaching a full charge in about 3.5 hours.
The Bottom Line
The Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000M is a welcome addition to their DAP lineup as it incorporates a lot of the original SP3000’s internals with some additions and different styling. It’s smaller form factor should make it more portable, and it’s lower cost is easier on the wallet.
Price & Availability
The SP3000M will be available in November 2024 for $2,299 at authorized Astell&Kern dealers worldwide.