Astell&Kern

A&ultima

All New High-End, SP1000

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All New High-End, A&ultima SP1000

Astell&Kern is proud to introduce the A&ultima SP1000.
The A&ultima SP1000 is a one-of-a-kind, high-end, powerful flagship high resolution music player equipped with the latest advanced features.

The A&ultima SP1000: delivering the ultimate Astell&Kern technology.

A true flagship high-resolution music player
First Astell&Kern player to feature an octa-core CPU for outstanding response and performance
High Definition HD5 display to create the best viewing experience
Innovative new Multi-function Wheel
Rigid stainless steel/Copper housing

AK4497EQ
Dual DAC
32-bit 384 kHz
bit-to-bit Play
Native DSD
Octa-Core CPU
Parametric EQ
200fs VCXO
Reference Clock
USB Type-C
Fast Charging
720 x 1,280
Touchscreen
Multi-function
Wheel
ROON READY

Get Both High Output
and Vivid Sound

Traditional audio has suffered from noise and distortion as power output is increased. Astell&Kern’s advanced audio design and signal management technologies used in the A&ultima SP1000 brings more power output with less noise and minimal distortion.

Independent DACs for the left and right audio channels provide a wider soundstage and better stereo separation. Each AK4497EQ DAC provides rich and vivid audio reproduction, allowing the listener to enjoy the sound as it was meant to be heard.

SP1000 vs. AK380

SP1000

AK 380

LCD 5inch (720 x 1,280) Touchscreen 4inch (480 x 800) Touchscreen
DAC AKM AK4497EQ x2 (Dual DAC) AKM AK4490 x2 (Dual DAC)
Output Level Unbalanced 2.2Vrms
Balanced 3.9Vrms (Condition No Load) Unbalanced 2.2Vrms
Balanced 2.3Vrms (Condition No Load)
Signal to Noise Ratio Unbalanced 116dB @ 1kHz
Balanced 117dB @ 1kHz Unbalanced 116dB @ 1kHz
Balanced 117dB @ 1kHz
THD+N Unbalanced 0.0005% @ 1kHz
Balanced 0.0008% @ 1kHz Unbalanced 0.0008% @ 1kHz
Balanced 0.0007% @ 1kHz

* SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) As the signal-to-noise ratio increases, the clearer the sound becomes.
* THD+N (THD + Noise, Distortion) over the THD + Noise signal rate, less distortion is heard.

Great Performance for the Ultimate Experience

The A&ultima SP1000 is equipped with an octa-core CPU which allows the player to produce the exact musical detail present in the original recording without distortion and provides a quick, lag-free operation. The A&ultima SP1000 features faster booting times, speedy file transfers, lag-free processing and a new intuitive user interface for the ultimate player experience.

Octa-Core
Hex-Core
Quad-Core
Dual-Core
Single-Core

Ultimate Sound Quality

The latest AK4497EQ dual-DAC design and the upgraded CPU in the A&ultima SP1000 allows for accurate playback of native 32bit/384kHz audio with no compromise on sound quality. The music is played back, bit-for-bit, just as the artist and engineer intended for it to be heard.

The A&ultima SP1000 also supports native bit-to-bit DSD playback up to 11.2MHz for the best sound possible.

32-bit bit-to-bit Playback by the SP1000

32-bit Playback by Other Products

New Intuitive User Interface

The A&ultima SP1000 features a revamped interface design which Provides music playback from the home screen to give users a more music-centric experience.

By placing the power button on the Multi-function wheel located on the Side of the A&ultima SP1000 instead of on the top, users can control the volume and turn the LCD screen ON/OFF, all with one simple control.

The A&ultima SP1000 features a bezel-less design to maximize screen size. The high-definition HD5 grade display delivers a vibrant and engaging viewing experience. Song and player information is sharp, colorful and easily to read on the larger, brighter screen.

Player is in the main. All functions are centered on "music replay."
Secure access to the music DB and features to manage music files
Minimum menu depth and simple structure

Faster Charging, Quicker File Transfer

2hours
Charging about
12hours
Playing back up to
10Gbps
file transfer speeds up to

Next generation USB Type-C support allows file transfer speeds up to 10Gbps and supports both data transfer and charging from the same cable. USB 3.0 protocol transfers data twice as fast when compared to other Astell&Kern players. Charging with a fast charger (at 9V/1.67A) takes only two hours and allows up to 12 hours of continuous playback.

The maximum 12-hour continuous play is based on 16-bit/44 kHz, FLAC file format, screen off, 75 of volume playback.
Fast charger (9V/1.67A) and general Charger (5V/2A) are not included in the package.

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the original master recording.
The master MQA file is fully authenticated and is small enough to stream or download. Visit mqa.co.uk for more information.
Astell&Kern SP1000 includes MQA technology, which enables you to play back MQA audio files and streams,
delivering the sound of the original master recording.

The MQA logo is a trade mark of MQA Limited. © MQA Limited 2018

Discover more
Roon Ready network players from our partners have Roon’s high-resolution streaming technology built right in.
They combine simple setup, daily reliability, and support for the highest level of digital audio performance in the industry.
Every Roon Ready player is certified by Roon to guarantee the same stellar experience, regardless of its manufacturer, its price, or its features.
Discover more

DESIGN

The A&ultima SP1000 is like a natural gemstone carefully refined by professionals. Knowing that sound is reflected from mass, like light is reflected from a surface; we designed the A&ultima SP1000 like a gemstone with reflective features on its surface.

The crown-patterned volume wheel on the right corner is similar in appearance to a cut gemstone, which reflects light from various angles. The sophisticated volume wheel on A&ultima SP1000 not only delivers visual and textual details with precision, but allows convenient, one finger ON/OFF control and fine volume control with the addition of both push and turn features.
The external chassis of the A&ultima SP1000 is made of rugged Stainless Steel/Copper that resists aging and external shock. The A&ultima SP1000 is the ultimate music player, crafted in an artistically designed metallic setting.
Introducing the new SP1000 Onyx Black. This sleek and premium black coated stainless steel was made possible using PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating technology. It is environmentally friendly and the results are finishes that provide long-lasting protection and durability, are resistant to chemicals, easy to maintain and protect against corrosion and wear. PVD coating has been used for products where higher endurance and reliability is demanded, including medical instruments, luxury accessories and more.