Astell & Kern ULTIMA SP3000M

• Successor model to the SP3000 with its outstanding, top-class audio performance
  
• Lightweight and portable, anytime, anywhere
  
• TERATON ALPHA Sound Solution, the essence of AK audio technology
  
• Complete separation of digital and analog signals in a HEXA structure
  
• Equipped with proven independent dual audio circuits
  
• Powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 6125 CPU
  
• Analog VU meter for sensitivity
  

What does the “M” stand for?
The “M” in SP3000M stands for the diverse features that the player has to offer:

• Mini: Smaller dimensions than the SP3000
  
• Mobility: Even better portability
  
• Maximum: The product with the best audio performance
  
• Magic: A product for everyone who is passionate about the vivid sounds of the SP3000M
  
• Mate: A companion that accompanies you anywhere, anytime
  
• Moment: Filling life's everyday moments with emotion
  

Complete separation of digital and analog signals in a HEXA structure
The SP3000M features the same innovative Hexa-Audio circuit design first found in the SP3000. It has four AKM flagship DACs AK4499EX and two separate AK4191EQ chips that process digital signals. Thanks to this technology, you can enjoy astonishingly vivid sounds that only Astell&Kern can create. Most digital players process digital and analog signals together in the DAC. However, the advanced HEXA structure of the SP3000 reduces the noise of the digital signal input through the AK4191EQ, a separate digital delta-sigma modulator, and the AK4499EX DAC then processes the analog signals separately. With such an unprecedented design, the SP3000M physically separates digital and analog signals and provides the perfect A&ultima sound, equivalent to that of the SP3000, through its unrivaled SNR of 130 dB, despite being much smaller.

Silver-plated Shielding
Effective shielding prevents various noises and electromagnetic interference from affecting the audio block. The SP3000M goes a step further to achieve excellent audio performance and perfect shielding by being equipped with highly conductive, high-purity silver on the existing shielding can, thus physically separating digital and analog signals.

Stunning Audio Performance with Independent Dual Audio Circuits
To create a truly innovative DAP and not just a great DAP, A&K tried to push the boundaries of sound by developing an independent dual audio circuit that uses a HEXA structure with unbalanced and balanced outputs. Almost all other DAPs, including those from Astell&Kern, use an internal DAC for both unbalanced and balanced outputs. Since the signal from the DAC is split into unbalanced and balanced and then sent to the AMP, an audio switch is essential. However, when using a switch, there is a limit to the range that can receive the signal sent by the DAC, so most DAPs must first reduce the signal size and then restore the original signal size when the signal is transmitted back to the amplifier. This leads to a limitation in improving audio performance. To overcome these limitations, the engineers developed a HEXA structure with two AK4191EQs and four AK4499EXs, which is an innovative unbalanced and balanced, independent dual audio circuit design. As a result, the SP3000M achieves an SNR of 130 dB. With the SP3000M, you can feel the clean, pure subtlety of sound that you cannot experience with any other DAP.

TERATON ALPHA – The essence of A&K audio technologies combined in the SP3000M
To develop the ultimate audio player, A&K not only uses the latest DAC and technology but also the innovative audio technology of TERATON ALPHA, AK's ultimate sound solution. TERATON ALPHA, developed through endless research, is Astell&Kern's unique technology to create audio reproduction that is close to the original sound – through effective noise reduction, efficient power management, and unwavering amplification, as well as a completely converted audio output interface. The HEXA-audio circuit structure and the independent dual audio circuit implemented in the SP3000 were completed with the TERATON ALPHA sound solution to produce the purest original sound and have been inherited by the SP3000M.

Latest Snapdragon Octa-Core CPU
The A&ultima SP3000M is equipped with a Snapdragon 6125 Octa-Core processor, so you can enjoy overwhelming sound together with faster system response and a redesigned next-generation user interface that moves conveniently and smoothly. With a high-performance CPU and an improved 8 GB DDR4 memory, which is twice as large as in other digital audio players, the more powerful system is stable and moves quickly and smoothly. The CPU, memory, and wireless communication parts are configured as one module, with the digital circuit parts arranged in the same area, forming a single system on a chip (SoC). This maximizes the efficiency of the overall circuit configuration, as more space is available for pure audio circuits, and heat and noise from the digital circuits are reduced.

VU Meter GUI for complete immersion in music
The SP3000M is equipped with a VU meter GUI, which was first used in the SP3000T and was well received by consumers for an even more immersive music experience. The VU meter, an icon of audio engineering with a long history, displays the voltage levels of voice signals to assist with volume measurement and adjustment. In addition to its useful function, the unique design and retro charm of the VU meter help to make music enjoyment even more intense. The VU meter of the SP3000M is conveniently accessible via the bottom navigation bar and allows you to monitor the volume while viewing album art or streaming via the Open App Service.

Digital Audio Remaster Technology for even more vivid original sound
The SP3000M is equipped with Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology, developed to deliver the finest sound at higher sampling rates. DAR technology was designed to increase the sampling rate of the sound source played back, thus exceeding the limits of the source format. The high sampling rate enables refined playback and provides a fine, analog-like original sound, so you can enjoy the richness of the original sound, the subtle differences in the nuances of the music, and the rich sounds at a higher level.

Streaming and AK Connect Network Play – designed for more convenience
Astell&Kern audio players are seamlessly connected to external streaming apps via the Open App Service. Enjoy high-quality streaming from platforms like Tidal and Apple Music with the unparalleled sound fidelity of the SP3000M. With AK Connect, the network playback function, you can easily access and play or download music from PCs and devices connected to the same network as the SP3000M in real time. Elevate your streaming experience to a new level with Open App Service and AK Connect.

High-quality wireless Hi-Fi sound with BT Sink
With Bluetooth Sink, you can connect the SP3000M via Bluetooth to external devices such as smartphones and PCs. Transfer the sound from an external device directly to the SP3000M. Enjoy superior sound quality with support for high-quality codecs such as LDAC and AptX. Enhance your listening experience with seamless wireless connectivity via BT Sink.

Crossfeed, speaker effect when listening via headphones
In a headphone environment where the left and right channels are clearly separated, the ears can become fatigued during prolonged listening. The moment you turn on Crossfeed, the experience of a crisp, yet pleasant sound begins. Crossfeed mixes parts of the original signal of one channel and sends this signal to the opposite channel with a time delay to center the soundstage. With the help of detailed settings such as Shelf Cutoff, Shelf Gain, and Mixer Level, you can adjust the Crossfeed level according to your listening preferences. * Crossfeed supports PCM formats of 24 bit / 192 kHz or less.

Supports Native DSD512, 32bit/768kHz
The SP3000M supports Native DSD512 and up to 32bit/768kHz with Astell&Kern's excellent audio technology, so you can enjoy your favorite music to the fullest.

Supports QC 3.0 Fast Charging
The SP3000M supports Qualcomm QC 3.0 fast charging, so you can charge your DAP faster and more efficiently than previous models, reaching a full charge in about 3.5 hours.

AK File Drop for wireless transfers
The new AK File Drop function of the SP3000M makes file transfers easier and more convenient. With AK File Drop, you can transfer files wirelessly via a PC, smartphone, or FTP program on the same network. Music file management is now possible with a wireless solution.

ReplayGain automatically and consistently adjusts playback volume
ReplayGain, which adjusts sound sources with different volumes to an identical level, has been introduced. Now enjoy your own playlists seamlessly with the SP3000M's ReplayGain function. * ReplayGain supports sound sources up to 24 bit/192 kHz.

Dual-Band Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz)
The SP3000M offers dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz), thus improved network performance to enjoy Hi-Fi music via various streaming services.

High-quality leather case
The SP3000M case is made of soft cowhide leather from GRUPPO MASTROTTO and offers a high level of craftsmanship that lives up to the A&ultima SP3000M. The leather case has a soft feel and has undergone a patented antibacterial and antiviral process. Thanks to chrome tanning and dyeing with high-quality pigments, the leather achieves a uniform surface quality and displays the vibrant colors characteristic of Italian leather. The pattern on the back of the case matches that of the SP3000M, creating a perfect sense of unity.

Leather from GRUPPO MASTROTTO
GRUPPO MASTROTTO is a manufacturer specializing in leather, continuing a tradition of more than 60 years since the Mastrotto family founded "Conceria Mastrotto" in Arzignano, Italy, in 1958. With more than 2,200 employees worldwide, the company produces high-quality leather through 18 rigorous processes in 15 factories. They are one of the most significant Italian groups in the leather industry.