High-End Audio Streamer SP4000 by Astell&Kern Delivers Premium Sound Quality and Complete Android Functionality
Jumpstart into Unrivaled Sound
The portable audio scene sometimes moves slower than the rapid tech updates in smartphones or laptops, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. With high-end audiophiles dropping big bucks for pocket-sized music players, every decision on components and design must be meticulous, and they're not exactly fans of frequent updates. And that's why the debut of Astell&Kern's new A&ultima SP4000 digital audio player is a major hype. Packing three years of research and development following the SP3000, this powerhouse takes a leap with full Android integration and an engineering overhaul.
SYMBOLIZING NEW HEIGHTS
Audiophiles know that designing a DAP is more than just discussing specs – it's about the device's inner workings. With the SP4000, Astell&Kern's Octa audio circuit innovation sets a fresh tone. Gone is the previous design where digital and analog components were paired in twos, replaced by a cleaner, 1:1 signal path. This alteration ensures each digital processor guides its dedicated analog DAC, reducing the noise brought about by signal distribution. In simple terms, it's like going from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive, supplying the extra power needed to negotiate the complex terrains of sound.
The inclusion of dual OPAMPs in parallel provides what A&K calls "High Driving Mode." It increases dynamic range without adding the noise usually linked to amplification, yielding a more potent, more nuanced sound.
UNLEASHING ANDROID'S POWER
Perhaps the most game-changing transformation isn't about the audio at all, but the opportunity it provides to connect with the digital world. Breaking free from its resistance against it, A&K finally embraces full Android OS support. Audio enthusiasts can now enjoy direct downloads of streaming apps from the Google Play Store. The days of tedious APK sideloading are officially history!
Introducing Android comes with its own set of potential challenges, notably sample rate conversion that may affect audio quality. But A&K takes care of that through their proprietary ADP (Astell&Kern Direct Path) technology, ensuring lossless streaming even in online playback scenarios.
Always Pushing The Limits, Always Innovating
Since debuting their first high-resolution player at CES 2013, Astell&Kern has consistently been pushing portable audio boundaries. Their A&ultima series is their flagship flagbearer, elevating top-shelf portable audio with each iteration.
The SP series is renowned for its innovative streak, from the SP1000 that established the series' premium credentials to the SP2000T, which innovated with vacuum tube amplification, to the groundbreaking SP3000 with its world-first independent dual audio circuitry, and now the SP4000 takes things to a whole new level.
Crafted For Elegance, Built To Last
Like a luxury timepiece, the SP4000's aesthetics ooze luxury, with a sleek, premium design made of top-tier 904L stainless steel and PVD-coated ceramic. Settle it in your hand, and you'd feel the superior vibration-damping properties that make it stand out from the crowd.
Speaking of luxury, the carrying case arrives courtesy of historic German leather artisans, Perlinger. The calf leather – treated via a proprietary cold-shrinking technique – promises to develop an attractive patina over time, and Perlinger's signature coloring process makes each case a unique piece in its own right.
Let The Tech Specs Speak
Model: Astell&Kern A&ultima SP4000Display: 6′′ touch screen (2160×1080 resolution)Processor: Octa circuit architecture (AK4191 digital processor + AK4499EX DAC)Storage: 256GB internal + microSD support up to 1.5TBConnectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi, DLNA networking, USB-C, USB DAC mode, BluetoothAudio Support: Native playback up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512Battery: About 10 hours playbackMaterials: 904L stainless steel frame, ceramic backOperating System: Custom Android with Google Play Store support
Embrace the Future, Embrace the Quality
Set to hit shelves this summer, pricing for the A&ultima SP4000 hasn't been revealed yet, but the lofty $3,699 price tag of its predecessor is a fair gauge for what to expect. Prepared to shell out more for the ultimate in portable audio experiences.
- The luxury timepiece-inspired design of the SP4000, crafted from top-tier 904L stainless steel and PVD-coated ceramic, showcases an elegant aesthetic, complementing its high-end performance in the portable audio realm.
- Astell&Kern's incorporation of full Android OS support in the A&ultima SP4000 brings forth the opportunity to access streaming apps directly from the Google Play Store, redefining the smartphone and gadget culture by stepping beyond mere audio specs, preparing an exciting fusion of style, watches, smartphones, and technology in the portable audio scene.
