Astell&Kern - A&ultima SP2000T

Astell&Kern introduces the latest high-resolution audio device to their A&Ultima series called the SP2000T. The architecture for the SP2000T��s sound decoding has been carefully thought out, and it is the first DAP to feature four ESS9068AS chips, with two chips dedicated to each channel for decoding. The result of this is highly detailed sound reproduction with depth and spatial realism. The SP2000T is also the first to feature Replay Gain functionality that automatically and uniformly adjusts volume playback from sound sources up to 24-bit/192 kHz so playlists can be enjoyed throughout without reaching for the volume.

SP2000T features the ability to toggle between three-amp modes to find the best sound suited for your music. Based on the set-up from the original SP2000, the OP-AMP configuration offers pristine clarity and dynamic playback. Users can switch to the Tube Amp mode and experience the uniquely warm and musical audio associated with vacuum tube amplifiers. The device also features an anode grid filament structure that consumes less power, yet delivers audio with rich overtones. To achieve the sonic flavour of a vacuum tube amp, the SP2000T is embedded with the dual-triode KORG Nutube. The Nutube offers a reliable playback time of approximately 30,000 hours with support for the player��s onboard 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone output jacks. SP2000T also features the new innovative Hybrid Mode, which brings together the distinctive sonic quality of the detailed OP-AMP and expressive Tube Amp modes, while providing five options with different mix ratios of each amp��s sound characteristics to best serve the music being played.

The SP2000T from Astell&Kern adopts the company��s patented Teraton Alpha Sound Solution technology to deliver realistic sound. Teraton Alpha technology efficiently removes power noise and provides efficient power supply and amplification right through to the audio output interface stage where the digital-to-analogue signal conversion (DAC) occurs. Only when each of these elements is optimised, can a player produce sound as close as the music artist and producer intended. That is exactly what this technology does to deliver audio playback close to the original sound.

Astell&Kern A&ultima SP2000T offers various ways to connect your device to the web, computer or phone. SP2000T features dual-band Wi-Fi support with AK File Drop for wireless file transfer. With this, users can wirelessly transfer files through a PC, smartphone, or FTP program located on the same network to make music management convenient. The device also offers the new BT Sink function, allowing connection to an external device, such as a smartphone, via Bluetooth, enabling music to be played back in high-quality on the player. A&ultima SP2000T also boasts Bluetooth 5.0, providing a better range and a more stable wireless connection to headphones, along with support for 24-bit aptX HD and LDAC codecs. This means the best audio quality wirelessly. The A&ultima SP2000T harbours 256GB on-board memory that can be expanded up to 1TB via a microSD card slot, allowing users to carry thousands of hi-res albums with them anytime.

To tackle internal microphonic resonances generated by the vacuum tubes, the engineers at Astell&Kern designed a thoughtful modular structure physically separate from the circuit board. To achieve this, the vacuum tubes are fixed with flexible silicone covers to minimise any mechanical vibration, while the design uses magnetic forces to float the amp in the air to reduce internal noise. Further steps are taken to eliminate electromagnetic interference caused when internal components are in operation by applying highly conductive, hyper-pure silver plating on the existing shield cans for extra defence against these disturbances. The device also features a full HD 5-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 1920x1080, capable of displaying essential information and offers a clean and sharp user-interface design.