Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000T High-Resolution Music Player

Key features

• Dual RAYTHEON JAN6418 MIL-SPEC Vintage Vacuum Tubes
• Our TRIPLE AMP SYSTEM allows listeners to select the right tones for their music
• Three levels of voltage with Tube Current option
• Stainless steel with 99.9% pure silver plating
• Separate digital and analog signal processing (AK4191EQ x2 / AK4499EX x2)
• VU Meter
• High-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU

Developing the extremely popular A&ultima SP3000 , Astell&Kern has combined the best qualities of its current flagship player with the warm sound of tube amplification. The SP3000T features Astell&Kern’s triple amplification system, first introduced in 2021 on the A&ultima SP2000T, which allows users to customize their audio profile using tube amplification, a digital op-amp, or a hybrid combination of tube and op-amp.
All three modes are available when using the 2.5mm, 3.5mm or 4.4mm outputs.

What is it?

Analog Warmth, Digital Precision

Astell&Kern’s ethos of producing immersive sound from high-resolution original music stands as a testament to the spirit of innovation and excellence embodied in the A&ultima series. Our goal was to surpass the impeccable design and high-resolution sound of our previous product, the SP3000, by crafting an audio player that truly captures the emotion and resonance of music. Developed with this vision in mind, the A&ultima SP3000T channels the profound emotion and lasting essence of analog audio. The integration of a real vacuum tube creates an authentic analog sound complemented by cutting-edge audio technology such as TERATON ALPHA for an immersive auditory experience. Introducing the A&ultima SP3000T — a portable audio player that defies convention, offering a unique fusion of analog and digital excellence.

True Analog Sound with Real Vacuum Tube

The original vacuum tube is known for its warm sound, attributed to its distinctive rich harmonics, which have cemented its status as a cherished component of Hi-Fi audio. However, its impracticality in terms of miniaturization, primarily due to power control and footprint issues, presented a formidable obstacle, rendering it unsuitable for use in portable audio players. In Astell&Kern’s unyielding quest for innovation, we refused to settle for conventional sound and design, and instead worked to bridge the gap between stationary and portable audio by infusing the essence of analog sound into our devices. These efforts eventually culminated in the pairing of the SP3000T with the RAYTHEON JAN6418 Miniature vacuum Tube. The RAYTHEON JAN6418 is a mini vacuum tube popular among audiophiles. Designed to meet military specifications and traditionally used in military communication equipment, it quickly garnered recognition for its distinctively warm and soft sound, leading to its integration into regular audio devices.

Sound Craftsmanship for the Ultimate Vacuum Tube Sound

Due to inherent differences in noise and amplification among original vacuum tubes, Astell&Kern adopted a meticulous selection process to adhere to our philosophy of addressing even the minutest differences in sound quality. Astell&Kern carefully measures and pairs each JAN6418, a difficult process demanding both time and precision. This thorough selection method minimizes output deviation between the left and right channels, resulting in more natural sound reproduction. Every shielding operation on the vacuum tube is carefully executed by hand to minimize potential noise interference. Thanks to our unwavering dedication to sound craftsmanship, we have successfully brought the distinctive spatial sense and balance found in our existing audio players into the analog realm of vacuum tube sound.

SP3000T Copper

Astell&Kern always strives to create more than just sound, focusing on excellence in sound quality. The SP3000T COPPER Edition demonstrates this philosophy by delivering exceptional sound characteristics. Copper, known for its excellent sound transmission and resonance properties, typically enhances the brightness and richness of tones in musical instruments. This quality has been repeatedly validated in Astell&Kern products using copper for its outstanding electrical conductivity and high shielding performance. Copper, because of its material properties, oxidizes and discolors upon contact with air. The SP3000T COPPER Edition utilizes over 99.98% pure copper with a special multilayer coating that enhances durability, ensuring it maintains its beautiful color and luster without requiring special maintenance. Created using proven Astell&Kern technology, the SP3000T COPPER Edition offers more than just music—it provides an emotional experience beyond music.

We invite you to experience the emotions delivered by the pure original sound of the SP3000T COPPER Edition.

What’s in the box?

• Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000T High-Resolution Music Player
• Shrunken Calfskin Case
• Limited 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty