Astell&Kern introduces SP3000T DAP and NOVUS in-ear monitors
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.
Inside this month's issue:
Pro-Ject Debut EVO 2 turntable, Advance Paris sub-£500 X-i50 BT integrated amp, DALI's stunning Rubikore standmount loudspeakers, Triangle Capella wireless active speakers, EAT's Fortissimo turntable with F-Note tonearm, our headphone Group Test and much, much more... |