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Astell&Kern has announced the UK availability of two new products – the SP3000T digital audio player and its NOVUS in-ear monitors, created in collaboration with Empire Ears.

Combining tech and tube amplification used in the A&ultima SP3000, the new A&ultima SP3000T DAP features A&K’s Triple Amp System so users can customise sound profiles using either tube amplification, a digital op-amp or a hybrid of both. Catering for all headphone connections, the SP3000T features 2.5mm, 3.5mm or 4.4mm outputs.

The Tube Amp Mode uses Dual RAYTHEON JAN6418 MIL-SPEC Vintage Vacuum Tubes, while, according to the company, its Op-Amp Mode: “delivers dynamic extreme clarity in its low noise floor”.

Encased in a stainless-steel body, with 99.9 percent pure silver plating, the A&ultima SP3000T is also equipped with a Snapdragon 6125 Octa-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 memory – twice the amount of RAM commonly used in most DAPs. It uses a Hybrid Amp Mode to further enhance resolution and clarity.

As with the A&ultima SP3000, the SP3000T uses Asahi Kasei Microdevices’ (AKM) latest flagship DAC, the AK4499EX, and features a complete separation of digital and analogue signals. It measures 84 x 141.5 x 18mm (WxHxD), weighs circa 483g and is priced at £3,200.

A&K’s second collaboration with Empire Ears, the limited-edition NOVUS IEMs feature dual purpose-built W9+ dynamic drivers that come encased in 6061-T6 ‘diamond-like carbon’ aluminium shells with 24K Wet Gold-Plated faceplates and sapphire glass. Accompanying the design is a custom-made four-wire hybrid copper, gold and silver cable reinforced with black macro-molecular fibre and 4.4mm balanced jack. Astell&Kern X Empire Ears NOVUS are priced at £5,000.

Available to buy now, you can find out more about the A&K A&ultima SP3000T here and the NOVUS in-ears here.