Astell&Kern introduces A&futura SE300 DAP and AURA earphones
The A&futura SE300 is the fourth model in the A&futura range, built with an ultra-refined R-2R DAC, instead of the Delta-Sigma converter most commonly used in audio players of this kind. The company explains that the R-2R DAC is also known as a Ladder DAC as it arranges resistors in a ladder form, offering what it claims is a natural sound with unrivalled dynamism. It supports WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF and DSF while its Bluetooth is V5.0 (aptX HD and LDAC).
The SE300 comes with a Dual AMP mode Class A and Class AB amplification. It also features TERATON ALPHA, A&K’s own tech designed to produce audio playback: “as close to the original sound as possible through effective power noise removal, efficient power management and unwavering amplification”. Crafted from a blend of aluminium and stainless steel, the A&futura SE300 has a polished right side with a triangular-patterned backlit volume wheel while the rear glass has a new etching pattern and the bottom section curves outward for a more ergonomic grip.
There’s a redesigned Crimson-theme UI/UX and the new interface comes with an album art search function. It measures 76 x 139 x 18mm (WxHxD), weighs circa 317g, boasts 12 hours battery usage and 3.5 hours recharging. It comes in platinum silver and is priced at £1,900.
The AURA in-ear is a collaboration with Vision Ears, a pioneer of in-ear systems based in Germany, and come with two 8mm low dynamic drivers, eight balanced armature drivers and a balanced armature super tweeter. A&K claims a five-way crossover with special circuitry avoids excessive load from the tweeter towards the source, resulting in extended and harmonic highs.
The company says the AURAs are built with a unique isobaric configuration with two 8mm dynamic drivers facing each other to effectively double the output volume. A special chamber with a pinpoint internal volume is also included to maximise audio precision while the aluminium acoustic mesh has been designed to circulate air efficiently and control the power of the dynamic drivers.
The ’phones are cased in a high-grade Swiss aluminium, corrosion-resistant shell with a hand-polished surface and Vision Ears’ own custom warm grey colour. At the front, the custom dark bronze faceplate features precision-tailored micro grooves – which have been treated to prevent oxidisation.
The AURAs come with an Effect Audio Custom Cable (4.4mm, 3.5mm), leather carry case, leather earphone pocket, leather cable clip, suede cleaner, six pairs of AZLA SE1500 Tips (SS/S/SM/M/ML/L), four pairs of mesh filters, a quick start guide, warranty card and serial number card. It’s priced at £4,200.
Available to buy now, you can find out more about the A&futura SE300 here and the AURA earphones here.
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WiiM Ultra, System Audio Signature 5, Monitor Audio Studio 89, Volumio Rivo, SVS Ultra Evolution Nano, iFi Audio ZEN Blue 3 and much, much more
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