Astell&Kern ( A&K ) has free a new version of its flagship portabledigital audio playerthat is even more portable and more affordable . The A&K A&Ultima SP3000 M takes nigh every feature of speech found on the top - of - the - line A&Ultima SP3000 , and puts them in a smaller form that count 46 % less . It ’s also importantly less expensive ( though still pricey ): The SP3000 M costs $ 2,299 versus the SP3000 ’s $ 3,699 price . It will be uncommitted starting in November .

Some sacrifices have been made to achieve the SP3000 M ’s smaller size and monetary value , but audiophiles need n’t care , as the national computer architecture persist the same . The touchscreen is now smaller ( 4.1 - inch versus 5.46 - inches ) and it only has a 720 x 1280 declaration ( the SP3000 ’s filmdom is 1080 x 1920 ) . There ’s also one fewer yield options . The SP3ooo has a standard 3.5 mm unbalanced headphone jack , plus two sizes of balanced output ( 2.5 mm and 4.4 mm ) , whereas the SP3000 M ditches the 2.5 mm balanced output .

A&K has also reduced your conclusion options on the SP3000M. rather of being capable to choose from alien material like copper , 24 - carat gold , or platinum - coated stainless sword , you’re able to now have any culture you want as long as it ’s aluminum .

If you ’re not intimate with the floor of compulsion A&K applied to its in force portable , here ’s a recap of what you may expect from the SP3000M.

The company claims that most digital players process digital and analog signals together inside theDAC . The SP3000 M keeps them separate via its Hexa audio lap intent , which uses four of AKM ’s flagship AK4499EX DACs and two separate AK4191EQ check that handle digital signals . A&K claim this computer architecture thin the noise of the digital signal input and results in a 130 - dB signal - to - dissonance proportion ( SNR ) .

This concept of separate signal processing extends to the two output . The SP3000 M utilize autonomous duple audio circuits for its unbalanced and balanced production . Most players practice the same DAC for both outputs . This involve the use of an audio switch , which , consort to A&K , limits the range of signaling sent by the DAC . This ultimately act as an hinderance to improving audio performance .

The computational brain of the SP3000 M is a Snapdragon 6125 Octa - core processor — a Saratoga chip that has been used to king smartphones as recently as 2020 —   with 8 GB of DDR4 memory board . A&K enounce this combo , along with its redesigned drug user interface , make the player “ a more powerful organization that is unchanging , with fast and smooth movement . ”

If you ’re a fan of retro , analogue VU meters , the SP3000 M has you covered with a dedicated VU Meter display that let you monitor sound story while viewing record album graphics .

require more specification ? Here ’s a deep look :

In the box seat , you ’ll get a matching caseful made of diffuse cowskin that has undergo a proprietary patented “ antibacterial ” and “ antivirus ” process .