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Best Music Players, Digital Audio Players (DAPs) of 2023 | Moon Audio

SP3000 DAP Music Player

Was: $3,699.00
Now: $3,299.00
In Stock

Efficiency, better layering, imaging, dynamic performance - it checks off all the boxes for wha… More details

Best Music Players, Digital Audio Players (DAPs) of 2023 | Moon Audio

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Luxury Meets Innovation, SP3000

Astell&Kern has set the standard for perfect sound using the latest innovative technology with the A&ultima series. The A&ultima SP3000 is the newest flagship product that is the essence of everything learned and engineered over the last 10+ years of digital music processing. A&ultima SP3000 is the world's first DAP with independent Dual Audio Circuitry and the latest DAC with HEXA-Audio Circuitry structure, as well as uses all audio technologies and the best materials that lets you feel the overwhelming impact of sound and music. Experience perfection firsthand with the true next-generation flagship, A&ultima SP3000, the pinnacle of audio players. World's first use of Stainless Steel 904L for DAP body materialWorld's first DAP with complete separation of digital and analog signal processing(Using latest Flagship DAC chip AKM4499EX from Asahi Kasei)Stunning Audio Performance with Independent Dual Audio CircuitryEquipped with High-Performance Qualcomm Snapdragon 6125 Octa-Core CPUNew Experience in the Graphic User InterfaceSupport for aptX™ HD and LDAC

Materials Innovations: World's First Use of Stainless Steel 904L for DAP Body Material

To achieve the goal of the A&ultima series, which is 'to provide the best value that no one can imitate while using the most innovative and uncompromising design and craftsmanship', the SP3000 uses 904L stainless steel material that has never been attempted before in a portable audio player. Using this material has expanded its value from just a digital device to the realm of a luxury good. 904L stainless steel is harder and more difficult to process than general stainless steel requiring significantly more time and effort. However, due to its excellent durability and corrosion resistance, it has a characteristic that does not lose its beauty and is why it is used in expensive luxury watches where perfection in all materials and parts must be pursued with an irreplaceable and wonderful luster. Experience the uncompromising beauty and luxury of the SP3000 produced by Astell&Kern’s experienced craftsmanship.

TERATON ALPHA - The Essence of A&K Audio Technologies Merged Into the SP3000

In order to develop the ultimate audio player that has never been experienced before, not only do we use the latest DAC and technology available, but we use the innovative audio technology of TERATON ALPHA, AK's Ultimate Sound Solution, which has been refined for the SP3000. TERATON ALPHA, engineered through endless research, is Astell&Kern's unique technology that has been designed to produce audio playback that is close to the original sound through effective power noise removal, efficient power management and unwavering amplification, and a fully converted audio output interface. The HEXA-Audio Circuitry structure and independent dual audio circuit, implemented for the first time in the SP3000, are paired together with TERATON ALPHA's sound solution to create the purest original sound.

First Use of AKM's Latest Flagship DAC - Complete Separation of Digital and Analog Signals

The SP3000 is a flagship product with the latest technology and uncompromising design. Astell&Kern worked with AKM from the initial development stage to develop the DAC and circuit structure. As a result of the collaboration, the world's first four AK4499EX DACs, AKM's latest flagship, were applied to the SP3000, and the innovative HEXA-Audio Circuitry structure design in which two AK4191EQs that process digital signals are applied separately, complete the amazing sound that can only be found from Astell&Kern. Most digital players process digital and analog signals together inside the DAC. However, the SP3000’s advanced HEXA-Audio Circuitry structure reduces the noise of the digital signal input through the AK4191EQ, a separate digital delta-sigma modulator, and the AK4499EX DAC is then designed to process the analog signals separately. By applying this unique design, digital and analog signal processing that is physically separated has been achieved for the first time in a digital audio player, and the overwhelming SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) is maximized, making it possible to experience an incredible level of sound that has never been experienced before.

Silver Plated Shield Can

A shield can is applied to prevent various noise and electromagnetic interference from affecting the audio block. The SP3000 takes it a step further to achieve excellent audio performance and perfect shielding by applying highly conductive, high-purity silver on the existing shield can, and physically separating digital and analog signals.

Stunning Audio Performance with Independent Dual Audio Circuit

In order to create a truly innovative DAP, not just a great DAP, we tried to overcome the limitations of sound by envisioning an independent dual audio circuit that has never been attempted by anyone with a HEXA-Audio Circuitry structure with unbalanced and balanced outputs. Almost all other DAPs, including Astell&Kern, use an internal DAC for both unbalanced and balanced outputs. Since the signal from the DAC is divided into unbalanced and balanced then delivered 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 reduce the signal size first and then when the signal is transmitted back to the amplifier, it is necessary to restore the original signal size. This causes a limitation in improving the audio performance. To overcome the limitations, our engineers designed a HEXA-Audio Circuitry structure using two AK4191EQs and four AK4499EXs, creating an innovative unbalanced and balanced independent dual audio circuit design. In result, the SP3000 achieves a SNR of 130dB, the best of any DAP available. You can feel the clean, pure delicacy of sound with the SP3000 that you cannot not experience in any other DAP.

FeaturesSP3000SP2000Model AModel BModel C
SNR130dB125dB122dB128dB125dB

*SP3000 and SP2000 are based on the condition no-load, Balanced, and there may be differences depending on the measurement method.
*Third-party models are the specifications listed on the official website.

Drive Your Music, Latest Snapdragon Octa-Core CPU for the Newest Flagship Device

A&ultima SP3000 is equipped with a Snapdragon 6125 Octa-core processor, so you can enjoy the overwhelming sound, faster system response and a redesigned new generation user interface that moves comfortably and smoothly. Featuring a high-performance CPU and improved 8GB of DDR4 memory, which is twice the amount commonly used, the more powerful system is stable with fast and fluid movement. The CPU, memory and wireless communication parts are configured as one module, with the digital circuit parts arranged in the same area creating a single system on a chip (SoC). This 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.

Heighten Your Music - New Experience in the Graphic User Interface

With the newly developed UX/UI, the SP3000 is focused on the process and experience of listening to music, and we wanted to become a ‘player for music’ that one can feel this process. The new theme is designed with a focus on the experience of rediscovering songs that you have forgotten; you can quickly browse through music categories with simple gestures. A convenient search feature along with album art has been added so that you can enjoy a digital display of CD album covers of your music collection. It is designed to give you not only the pleasure of listening to music, but also to create fun when operating the device. In addition, the Crimson theme, one of the main features of the new generation UI, is designed so that you can feel the appearance of the SP3000 on the screen. The graphics are simple and unintrusive, focusing on usability and intuitiveness. Three key concepts, Edge, Simple, and Dark Mode, were used to improve usability and increase clarity with a style unique to AK. The black and red theme colors are chosen to reduce eye fatigue, maximize battery usage and reduce heat generation.

Sound Design With DAC Filters

With the SP3000, you can have fun creating your own sound style by selecting various DAC filters provided by the DAC manufacturer. Design your own sound with 6 different DAC filters.

Digital Audio Remaster Technology for Even More Vivid Original Sound

The SP3000 is equipped with Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology, which was developed to deliver fine sound at higher sample rates. 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.

Speaker Effect When Listening Through Headphones - Crossfeed

In a headphone environment in which the left and right channels are clearly separated, ear fatigue may increase during prolonged listening. The moment you turn on Crossfeed, the experience of crisp, but comfortable sound begins. Crossfeed 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. Through the use of detailed settings such as Shelf Cutoff, Shelf Gain, and Mixer Level, you can set the level of crossfeed according to your listening preferences.

Real-Time Information Confirmed by Light

The SP3000 features a LED volume wheel which displays various playback information, including volume level and bit-rate of the track currently playing.

Adoption of 5.46 Inch Full HD Display

Experience the SP3000 more conveniently and comfortably with a wide 5.46-inch, large-screen Full HD display.

AK File Drop to Enjoy Wireless Transfers

The new AK File Drop function in the SP3000 makes file transfers easier and more convenient. Using AK File Drop, you can freely transfer files wirelessly through a PC, smartphone or FTP program located on the same network. Music file management is now possible with a cableless, wireless solution.

QC 3.0 Fast Charging Supported

The SP3000 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.

Wireless Hi-Fi Sound Through BT Sink

BT Sink function connects the SP3000 to an external device via Bluetooth, similar to connecting a smartphone with a BT speaker. Music from an external device, such as a smartphone can now be played back in high-quality on the SP3000 using the BT Sink function.

ReplayGain Automatically and Uniformly Adjusts Playback Volume

ReplayGain, which adjusts sound sources with different volumes to an identical level, has been applied. Now, enjoy your own playlists seamlessly through the ReplayGain feature on the SP3000.

*ReplayGain supports up to 24-bit/192kHz sound sources.

Supports Native DSD512, 32bit/768kHz

The SP3000 supports Native DSD512 and up to 32bit/768kHz with Astell&Kern's excellent audio technology, allowing you to fully enjoy your favorite music.

Premium Goat Leather Case

The SP3000 comes with a French goatskin leather case to protect and highlight the beauty of the 904L stainless steel body. The case is made by ALRAN, located in Tarn in southern France, a historical tannery that was established in 1903 and has been manufacturing leather for over 100 years. It is one of the world’s leading tanneries, well-known for their natural leather manufacturing technology since the 1980’s. ALRAN is recognized as the best goatskin manufacturer and supplies other leading luxury brands such as H and L. The leather case included with the SP3000 is developed with ALRAN Tannery's unique Hand-Boarding technology. This is a technology that processes the leather by rubbing it in various directions using wooden planks, so you can feel the texture of the surface. This process is unique compared to how other goatskin cases are produced.

  • Quad-DAC: AK AKM4499EX x 4 - Latest flagshap DAC chip from AKM
  • Dual Modulators: AKM AK4191 x 2
  • Snapdragon Octa-Core CPU
  • HEXA structure design & Independent dual audio circuitry
  • Stainless Steel 904L body material
  • Native DSD512 / 32bit/768kHz bit-to-bit playback
  • 5.46 inch Full HD Display, 1080 x 1920 touchscreen
  • New 4th generation GUI
  • Memory: 256GB internal + 1 microSD Card Slot
  • BT 5.0, Support for aptX Adaptive, LDAC
  • Leather case included in package. Addl colors sold separately.

AK Player Comparison

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KANN MAX
SP3000
$3,699
Black
Silver


Stainless Steel 904L

3.24" x 5.48" x 0.72"
10.76 oz
4.1" Touchscreen
5.46inch HD 1080 x 1920
Dual DAC x2:
AKM4191EQ x2 + AKM4499EX x4

USB Type-C Input
Outputs
3.5mm Unbalanced
2.5mm Balanced
Optical 3.5mm
4.4mm Balanced
Battery Life
10hr Playback
--
--
3 hr chg (QC3.0 Charging)
Storage
256GB Internal
microSD ≤1TB
Supports WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA
Windows 8, 10, 11 (32/64bit)
MAC OS X 10.7+
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v5.0
Decoding
≤32bit / 768kHz
Native DSD

Frequency Response
Condition: 20Hz-20kHz
±0.006dB Unbalanced
±0.019dB Balanced
Condition: 20Hz-70kHz
±0.014dB Unbalanced
±0.026dB Balanced
Output Level
3.3 Vrms Unbalanced
6.3 Vrms Balanced

Impedance
.8 Ohm (3.5mm)
2.0 Ohm (2.5mm)
1.8 Ohm (4.4mm)
SP2000
SP2000
$3,499
Stainless Steel(S)
Copper(C)
Onyx Black(OB)
Vegas Gold (VG)
Stainless Steel(S/OB/VG)
Copper(C)
3.0" x 5.19" x 0.61"
14.49/15.25 oz(C)
5" Touchscreen
HD 720x1280
Octa-Core Dual DAC:
AKM AK4499EQ
 
USB Type-C Input
Outputs
3.5mm Unbalance
2.5mm Bal. 4-pole
Optical 3.5mm
 
Battery Life
8hr Playback
--
5hr charge (5V/2A)
2.5hr chg (9V/1.67A)
Storage
512GB Internal
microSD ≤512GB
 
Supports WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF
Windows 7, 8, 10 (32/64bit)
MAC OS X 10.7+
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v4.1
Decoding
≤32bit / 768kHz
Native DSD
 
Frequency Response
Condition: 20Hz-20kHz
±0.015dB Unbalance
±0.010dB Balance
Condition: 20Hz-70kHz
±0.050dB Unbalance
±0.030dB Balance
Output Level
3.0 Vrms Unbalance
6.0 Vrms Balance
 
Impedance
1.5 Ohm (3.5mm)
1 Ohm (2.5mm)
 
Select a DAP to view and compare specifications
Select a DAP to view and compare specifications

Specifications

Model SP3000 (PPF41)
Body Color Black, Silver Body
Material Stainless Steel 904L
Display 5.46inch HD 1080 x 1920 touch screen
Supported Audio Formats WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA
Sample Rate PCM : 8kHz ~ 768kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample)
DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo / DSD512(1bit 22.4MHz), Stereo
Output Level Unbalanced 3.3Vrms │ Balanced 6.3Vrms (Condition No Load)
CPU Octa-core
DAC AKM4191EQ x2 + AKM4499EX x4 (Dual DAC x2)
Decoding Support up to 32bit/768kHz Bit-to-Bit Playback
Input USB Type-C input (for charging & PC & MAC)
Outputs Unbalanced Out (3.5mm), Optical Out (3.5mm) Balanced Out (2.5mm, only 4-pole supported | 4.4m, only 5-pole supported)
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)
Bluetooth V5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP, Qualcomm® aptX™ Adaptive, LDAC)
Dimensions 3.24” (82.4mm)[W] x 5.48” (139.4mm)[H] x 0.72” (18.3mm)[D]
Weight About 17.39oz (493g)
Feature Enhancements Firmware upgrade supported (OTA)
Operating Temperature 0℃ ~ + 40℃ (32℉~ 104℉)
Audio Specifications
Frequency Response±0.006dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced │ ±0.019dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced ±0.014dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced │ ±0.026dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced
S/N125dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 130dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
Crosstalk-125dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ -131dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
THD+N0.0005% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 0.0004% @ 1kHz, Balanced
IMD SMPTE0.0005% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced │Balanced
Output ImpedanceUnbalanced Out 3.5mm (0.8ohm) │ Balanced Out 2.5mm (2.0ohm), 4.4mm (1.8ohm)
Clock Source
Clock Jitter25pS (Typ)
Reference Clock Jitter200 Femto Seconds
Storage Capacity
Built-in Memory256GB [NAND]
External MemorymicroSD x1 (Max. 1TB)
Battery
Capacity5,050mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer
Charge Timeabout 3.5hours (QC3.0 Charging)
Playback Timeabout 10 hours (Standard: FLAC, 16bit, 44.1kHz, Vol.80, LCD Off, Low Gain)
Supported OS
Supported OSWindows 8,10,11 (32/64bit) MAC OS X 10.7

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