The Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000T, launched in May 2024, is a flagship Digital Audio Player (DAP) that uniquely blends digital precision with analog warmth. It features a revolutionary Triple Amp System, offering pure solid-state (OP-AMP), authentic vacuum tube (TUBE AMP) via dual Raytheon JAN6418 tubes, and a harmonious Hybrid amplification mode.

This DAP incorporates HEXA-Audio Circuitry with AKM AK4499EX DACs and AK4191EQ modulators, alongside TERATON ALPHA technology, supporting 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and Native DSD512. Its Octa-Core CPU ensures fluid operation on the 5.5-inch Full HD display, which showcases a dynamic VU Meter. Built from silver-plated Stainless Steel (also Copper Edition), the SP3000T provides extensive connectivity (4.4mm/2.5mm balanced, 3.5mm, Roon Ready Wi-Fi, LDAC/aptX™ HD Bluetooth). With meticulous microphonic noise reduction for its tubes, it delivers a versatile, audiophile-grade listening experience with unparalleled sonic flexibility.

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.

Minimizing Microphonic Noise

The integration of vacuum tubes into compact, portable devices presents a formidable technical hurdle — maintaining low noise levels while delivering unparalleled resolution and robust output.
With the SP3000T, we've tackled this challenge head-on with a custom-made solution designed to minimize microphonic noise. Our team devoted extensive time to refining the structural integrity of the vacuum tubes, ensuring minimal noise even in the event of minor shocks or vibrations.

1. Independent modular, flexible PCB design engineered separately from the main PCB
2. Silicone module case designed to absorb primary shocks from the vacuum tube
3. Silicone tubing perfectly tailored to the vacuum tube leads to reduce shock transmission along the leads
4. Silicone dampers around the vacuum tube suspend the tube in the air from both ends

Tube Current option for premium analog sound

After testing the operational range of the vacuum tube, we developed an internal plate voltage control system, which can be adjusted in three stages and directly affects the amplification rate of the vacuum tube amplifier, resulting in nuanced changes in sound texture.
Experience the subtle shifts in density and spatial presence in your headphones or earphones as you fine-tune the current of the vacuum tube amplifier.

Vacuum Tube LED

While in vacuum tube mode or hybrid mode,
the vacuum tubes on the back of the SP3000T emit light, enhancing the device's subtle and stylish analog feel.

TERATON ALPHA, AK's Flagship Audio Technology

To take you on an unparalleled audio journey with our groundbreaking DAP, we've incorporated the latest DAC and vacuum tube specifications, and added our revolutionary audio technology, TERATON ALPHA, Astell&Kern's ultimate sound solution.
TERATON ALPHA, the result of relentless research, encapsulates Astell&Kern's unique approach to achieving sound fidelity akin to the original recording. Thanks to its effective power noise removal, efficient power consumption, vibration-free amplification and meticulously engineered audio output interfaces, TERATON ALPHA delivers a sound experience that is second to none.
The combination of the SP3000T's innovative real vacuum tubes and separate digital and analog architecture with our TERATON ALPHA solution has produced a masterpiece of an audio player that embodies the essence of pure, unadulterated sound.

Model: SP3000T
Body Color: Silver
Body Material: Stainless Steel with Pure Silver Plating
Display: 5.5 inch 1080 x 1920 Full HD 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), DSD512(1bit, 22.4MHz) Stereo
Output Level: Unbalanced 3.3Vrms │ Balanced 6.3Vrms (Condition No Load)
CPU: Octa-Core
DAC: AKM AK4191 x2 (Dual Modulator) & AKM AK4499EX x2 (Dual DAC)
Vacuum Tube: RAYTHEON JAN6418 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™ HD, LDAC, LHDC)
Dimensions: 3.33" (84.7mm)[W] x 5.57" (141.5mm)[H] x 0.70"(18mm[D]
Weight: about 17oz (483g)
Feature Enhancements: Firmware upgrade supported (OTA)
Operating Temperature: 0℃ ~ + 40℃ (32℉~ 104℉)

Orders ship Sunday through Friday from our offices in Dubai, UAE.

In-stock products typically ship within 48 hours and should be expected to arrive in 3-4 business days. Orders outside of the UAE should be expected to arrive in 5-7 business days.

Pre-order and backorder products will state the approximate delivery timeline beside the Add To Cart button.

If you would like to place a custom order, chat with our specialists for a guided shopping experience. Once your order has been placed, a timeline will be provided depending on your order details.

- Free delivery within the UAE
- Shipping charges will be calculated upon checkout for orders outside of the UAE (Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia & Qatar).
- Taxes and duties are calculated according to the applicable laws of the state or country an item is shipped to and are the customer's responsibility.

For additional information on shipping and our exchange & return policy visit our help center.

Installation charges are applicable and can be paid upon delivery for our clients based in Dubai.

- Installation Charges: AED 450 Per Hour
- Speaker Cables: AED 32 Per Meter
- Trunking: AED 10 Per Meter

For clients based outside of the UAE, please contact our specialists and we will share an estimate based on your requirements.