Astell&Kern SP3000M Review: The Ultimate DAP for Audiophiles?
A Deep Dive Review into the Latest Portable Music Player Worthy of Flagship Status
Just when you thought Astell&Kern had reached the top, they raised the bar again with the release of the SP3000M DAP. For a long time, the Astell&Kern A&Ultima SP3000 DAP was the endgame portable player with its flagship-level status, premium sound, and many features and specs. The SP3000M takes everything great about the SP3000 and enhances it. You get a smaller...much smaller DAP that's meant to be toted around. So if you're in the market for an ultra-portable DAP and you love Astell&Kern DAPs, you won't be disappointed with the SP3000M.
"Really excited about this new player. In terms of sound quality, I've been listening for a while now and I can't really tell the difference in sound quality between this model and the previous SP3000 which was $1500 more. All of the specs are the same with the exception of the THD (Total Harmonic Distortion). The signal-to-noise ratio is one one-thousandth difference. I mean, who's going to hear that? Nobody's going to hear that. You're getting a unit that's a lot smaller, a lot more mobile, a lot lighter. Same battery life, and the same sound quality. I think it's a win-win. I wouldn't mind having a copper one of these if they launch this special color one day. I love the sexy look of the copper so here's to hoping they will, as for now, the color is a sleek black . Really excited about this new player, I know you guys are going to enjoy this."
PROS
- Incredible Form Factor
- Perfect for Mobile OTG Listening
- Dynamic, versatile sound
CONS
- Small touchscreen is not great for big fingers
- No more stainless steel body
Design
The "M" in SP3000M represents the diverse features of the player
- Mini: Smaller in size than the SP3000
- Mobility: Even better portability
- Maximum: Best Audio Performance
- Mania: A product for those with a passion for the vivid sounds that the SP3000M provides.
- Mate: A companion with you anywhere at any time.
- Moment: Adding sentiments to life's mundane moments
There's one thing you can't argue about, and that is Astell&Kern DAP music players are some of the best-looking portable audiophile gear on the market. Their sleek and cutting-edge designs help their music players stand out from the crowd, but the important thing is that they're not just all looks (but very capable feature-heavy Digital Audio Players). The Astell&Kern SP3000M aesthetically looks similar enough to other AK DAPs, as they all have hard angles and sharp edges, though they vary from model to model.
The SP3000M stands in a league of its own as an incredibly small and ultra-portable music player. The second I pulled it out of the box I was shocked to see how much smaller it is compared to the SP3000. It's almost closer in size to the A&norma SR35 DAP. The form factor of the SP3000M is incredible. Lightweight. The edges are sleek yet incredibly functional. You can hold it easily in one hand and balance a coffee in another. If you're looking for the perfect back pocket buddy–this is it.
SP3000 (Left), SP3000M (Right)
When you take a closer look, you'll see Astell&Kern has swapped the 2.5mm jack on the SP3000 for a dedicated power button. Previous models like the SP3000 and SR35 had three headphone jacks, while the SP3000M sports two–a 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced. The iconic volume wheel remains, as well as the left-hand side buttons, USB-C port, and MicroSD card slot on the bottom. The screen size is consistent with that of a smaller AK DAP and the body has been switched to an Aluminum 316L from the stainless steel body material featured in the SP3000. The screen is sharp and responsive, benefiting from the Snapdragon 6125, and controls are snappy and fluid.
Overall, Astell&Kern was very intentional with the design of the SP3000M, never losing sight of its mobile ability. Included with the SP3000M is a premium leather case, crafted from cowhide by GRUPPO MASTROTTO. GRUPPO MASTROTTO is an italian leather specialist manufacturer with over 60 years of experience crafting premium products. The leather case features a soft touch and has undergone a proprietary patented "anti-bacterial" and "anti-virus" process. Using chrome tanning and dyeing with high-quality pigments, the leather maintains a uniform surface quality and showcases the distinctive vibrant colors characteristic of Italian leather.
Sound
Given that the SP3000 and SP3000M are practically identical, I wasn't expecting anything crazy going into my listening session. Astell&Kern is renowned for their uncompromising sound quality and the SP3000M stays true to that theme. As an ultra-portable DAP, it's only fitting to pair it with some IEMs, the 64 Audio Solo IEMs to be exact. Using our Silver Dragon IEM Cable, I enjoyed a wonderfully rich, dynamic sound. One that had me bopping my head to every song. 64 Audio IEMs are known for being articulate, balanced, and smooth–three characteristics I got from the Solo–plus some great musicality.
In case you didn't already know from previous reviews, I'm not much of a detail freak. I prefer to be fully immersed in my music from head to toe. The SP3000M is immersive and incredibly versatile sounding for a wide range of genres. To test that versatility, I paired it with two full-size headphones on top of the 64 Audio Solo IEMs–the Focal Stellia Headphones and Meze Audio Empyrean 2 Headphones. Both are dynamic, musical, and detailed, with subtle differences in soundstage. I assumed the Empyrean 2 would be my favorite pairing, but to my surprise, the Stellia knocked my socks off. Immediately I noticed the sound was incredibly musical and emotive.
Now headphones and IEMs aside, how does the SP3000M truly sound? If you like the sound of the SP3000, you'll love the SP3000M. The 4499EX chip combined with the HEXA circuitry provides a rich, dynamic listening experience that really shows off in the imaging, layering, and textures. The SP3000M flexes its sonic muscles well with large ensembles and smaller groups of instrumentation. Entrances of different instruments are natural and smooth, entering clearly into the mix without distraction. According to the specs, the SP3000M's signal-to-noise ratio is one one-thousandth difference, but you can't even tell. It would take a dedicated listener spending hours on hours AB testing the same song to maybe notice.
Combined with the Stellia headphones' superb soundstage, the SP3000M provided one of the most enjoyable listening experiences I've had in a long time. Plenty of energy, tons of resolution, some of the best layering in a DAP, and more. The SP3000M is truly a flagship-level DAP.
Who is the SP3000M for? The SP3000M is for the diehard audiophile and music lover who never compromises on sound quality. If you loved the SP3000 and SP3000T, but the form factor turned you away–Meet the SP3000M. Incredible form factor perfect for everyday on-the-go listening. Great specs, UI, and battery life. I could go on. The SP3000M is for the versatile listener. The person with a collection of IEMs and headphones constantly switching from pair to pair. But it's also for the dedicated listener, loyal to their favorite pair of cans. That's the beauty of the SP3000M's sound–anyone can enjoy it. Here at Moon Audio, we all have different music tastes and the SP3000M suited everyone who listened.
I think what I enjoy the most about the SP3000M's sound is that you can enhance it and tailor it to your mood. Use one of the 6 DAC filters and tweak it ever so slightly. Add a pair of bass-monster cans and you've got a setup fit for a basshead. The SP3000M complimented every genre but just from what I listened to I enjoyed folk, americana, strings, indie, and pop.
Pick Sides
By Kid LAROI
(The First Time (Deluxe Version))
Baby Brother
By River Whyless
(We All the Light)
Meticulous
By Rainbow Kitten Surprise
(Love Hate Music Box)
Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl
By Chappell Roan
(The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess)
Features
Feature-wise, the SP3000M and SP3000 DAP are practically identical. The same clock chipset is used with the same femto clock specifications. The Snapdragon Octa-Core CPU remains the same. Independent dual audio circuits and complete separation of digital and analog signals are featured. Etc, etc, etc.
The only true difference found between the SP3000 and SP3000M is in the DAR Technology–which does PCM to DSD. With the SP3000, Astell&Kern used hardware-based upsampling in the Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) Technology. In the SP3000M, upsampling is done via software. The result? You can't sample up to DSD256 like you could in the SP3000. You can only do up to DSD64 with the SP3000M. Additionally, the battery is slightly smaller in size but in no way does it compromise performance. You'll still get roughly 10 hours of playback, and if anything, it lends to the smaller form factor of the SP3000M.
SNAPDRAGON OCTA-CORE CPU: The A&ultima SP3000M is equipped with the same Snapdragon 6125 Octa-core processor featured in the SP3000. The Snapdragon Octa-Core CPU delivers an overwhelming sound, faster system response, and a comfortable, smooth user interface. Featuring a high-performance CPU and improved 8GB of DDR4 memory–which is twice the amount commonly used in other DAPs– the more powerful system is stable with fast and fluid movement. The CPU, memory, and wireless communication parts are configured as one module with the digital circuit parts arranged in the same area creating a single system on a chip (SoC). The result? Maximum efficiency of the overall circuit configuration by providing more dedicated audio-only circuit space as well as reducing heat and noise from digital circuits.
FLAGSHIP DAC–COMPLETE SEPARATION OF DIGITAL AND ANALOG SIGNALS: Like the A&ultima SP3000, the SP3000M uses Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) latest flagship DAC, the AKM AK4499EX, featuring a complete separation of digital and analog signals. Most digital players process digital and analog signals together inside the DAC. However, the SP3000, SP3000T, and SP3000M use an advanced HEXA Structure which reduces the noise of the digital signal input through the AK4191EQ, a separate digital delta-sigma modulator, and the AK4499EX DAC is then designed to process the analog signals separately. By applying this unique design of independent dual audio circuits where digital and analog signal processing is physically separated, it is possible to experience an incredible level of sound that has never been experienced before.
TERATON ALPHA–THE ESSENCE OF AK AUDIO TECHNOLOGIES MERGED INTO THE SP3000M: Teraton Alpha, engineered through endless research, is Astell&Kern's unique technology designed to produce audio playback that's close to the original sound through effective power noise removal, efficient power management and unwavering amplification, and a fully converted audio output interface. The HEXA-Audio Circuitry structure and independent dual audio circuit, implemented for the first time in the SP3000M, are paired together with TERATON ALPHA's sound solution to create pure, original sound.
DIGITAL AUDIO REMASTER (DAR) TECHNOLOGY: The SP3000M is equipped with Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology, developed to deliver fine sound at higher sample rates. DAR upsamples the sample rate of the sound source being played to go beyond the limits of the source format. The high sample rate allows more refined play and offers delicate and analog-like original sound, helping you to enjoy the subtle differences in the nuance of the music and rich sounds at a higher level.
- Can be turned on and off and you may select it to suit the source sound and your own preferences
- Max PCM rate 384kHz/DSD64 conversion play is supported, and the files will be converted to and played in the same rates that fit the source sound
SILVER-PLATED SHIELD CAN: A shield can is applied to prevent various noise and electromagnetic interference from affecting the audio block. The SP3000M takes it a step further to achieve excellent audio performance and perfect shielding by applying highly conductive, high-purity silver on the existing shield can, and physically separating digital and analog signals.
VU METER GUI: Debuted in the SP3000T DAP, the SP3000M features a VU Meter that displays voltage levels of voice signals to aid volume measurement and adjustment. Beyond its utilitarian function, the VU Meter's unique design and retro charm enhance the immersive music-listening experience. The VU Meter is accessible via the bottom navigation bar of the SP3000M, allowing you to monitor sound levels while viewing album art or streaming via the Astell&Kern Open App Service.
DAC FILTERS: With the SP3000M, you can have fun creating your own sound style by selecting various DAC filters provided by the DAC manufacturer. Design your own sound with 6 different DAC filters.
QC 3.0 FAST CHARGING: The SP3000M supports Qualcomm QC 3.0 fast charging, so you can charge your DAP faster and more efficiently than previous models, reaching a full charge in about 3.5 hours.
CROSSFEED - In a headphone environment in which the left and right channels are clearly separated, ear fatigue may increase during prolonged listening. The moment you turn on Crossfeed, the experience of crisp, but comfortable sound begins. Crossfeed mixes parts of the original signal from one channel and sends that signal to the opposite channel with a time difference to center the sound image. Through the use of detailed settings such as Shelf Cutoff, Shelf Gain, and Mixer Level, you can set the level of crossfeed according to your listening preferences.
AK FILE DROP - The new AK File Drop function in the SP3000 makes file transfers easier and more convenient. Using AK File Drop, you can freely transfer files wirelessly through a PC, smartphone or FTP program located on the same network. Music file management is now possible with a cableless, wireless solution. See our tutorial video below on everything you need to start using AK File Drop with your DAP.
BT SINK - BT Sink function connects the SP3000 to an external device via Bluetooth, similar to connecting a smartphone with a BT speaker. Music from an external device, such as a smartphone can now be played back in high-quality on the SP3000 using the BT Sink function. See our tutorial video below to setup and start using BT Sink.
REPLAYGAIN - ReplayGain, which adjusts sound sources with different volumes to an identical level, has been applied. Now, enjoy your own playlists seamlessly through the ReplayGain feature on the SP3000. *ReplayGain supports up to 24-bit/192kHz sound sources.
Comparison: SP3000M vs SP3000
So, how does the SP3000M compare to its predecessor SP3000?
Both Pictures: SP3000 (Left), SP3000M (Right)
Really not much has changed between the SP3000 and SP3000M aside from the clearly obvious size difference. The SP3000 is almost twice as large as the SP3000M and fairly heavier–twice as heavy to be exact. Now with the release of the SP3000M it's hard to imagine the SP3000 as a mobile player.
The SP3000 and SP3000M have a few technical specs that set the them apart, but in terms of sound quality they were practically identical. Both DAPs use the DAR technology for upsampling, but Astell&Kern has swapped the hardware-driven upsampling in the SP3000 for software-driven in the SP3000M. How does this impact the performance? The SP3000M can now upsample PCM from DSD up to DSD64. The SP3000 could do up to DSD256. Could the switch to software-driven DAR have contributed to the SP3000M's size and weight? Maybe. It certainly would make sense that removing hardware and swapping it for software can help reduce internal space. The internal battery is also smaller in size, but has the same battery life of approximately 10 hours.
Astell&Kern has ditched the 2.5mm jack on the SP3000 and replaced it with a dedicated power button on the SP3000M. In previous gen. DAPs, Astell&Kern has incorporated the power button into the volume wheel–a kind of push in to turn on situation. Personally, I'm a big fan of a dedicated power button. I feel like it eliminates the possibility of losing control if say the volume wheel stops working. With that does come the removal of the LED light on the volume wheel. I don't know what that was for but if I had to guess it's supposed to denote if power is on? Not sure.
Also worth noting–the SP3000M is made of an aluminum body material, while the SP3000 uses stainless steel. There are several benefits and drawbacks to each type. Stainless steel is corrosion resistant and can take a few more dings and dents. It's flashier and most striking, but it's also heavier. Aluminum is lighter and cheaper to produce, but isn't as durable.
So which is right for you? Well that truly depends on your use scenario. If you want the ultimate portable companion–choose the SP3000M. Both are meant for portable use, but if your main goal with a DAP is to use it on the go, it makes sense to opt for the smaller of the two. Both offer exceptional sound quality, great performance, 10-hour playback, and multiple headphone jacks.
The SP3000 currently comes in multiple chassis colors including 34K gold and copper. At the moment the SP3000M only has one chassis color but Astell&Kern usually releases several options as time goes on. I'll be on the lookout for a copper edition. Given that the SP3000 is made of stainless steel, it's heavier, and that combined with its size could be fatiguing after long periods of use–that's if you planned to carry it around in your hand the entire time.
Both DAPs are fantastic and with the same sound quality and almost identical specs, you can't go wrong with either option. Just ask yourself–when will I be using this DAP the most?
BRAND
SP3000
SP3000M
CPU
Qualcomm 6125 Octa-Core
Qualcomm 6125 Octa-Core
DAC
AK4191 EQ x2 & AK4499 x4
AK4191 EQ x2 & AK4499 x4
AUDIO OUTPUT
2.5mm, 3.5mm (SPDIF), 4.4mm
3.5mm, 4.4mm
INPUT
USB Type-C Input (for charging, PC & Mac)
USB Type-C Input (for charging, PC & Mac)
SUPPORT AUDIO FORMATS
WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA
WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF
OUTPUT LEVEL
Unbalanced 3.3Vrms Balanced 6.3Vrms
Unbalanced 3.3Vrms Balanced 6.3Vrms
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE
3.5mm (0.7 ohm)
2.5mm (1.7 ohm), 4.4mm (1.6 ohm)
3.5mm (0.6 ohm)
4.4mm (1.2 ohm)
PCM, DSD
32-bit/768kHz
Native DSD512
32-bit/768kHz
Native DSD512
SNR & Crosstalk
130dB
-145dB
130dB
-144dB
THD+N
0.0004% @ 1 kHz
0.0003% @ 1 kHz
DAR
Support (384kHz / DSD256)
Support (384kHz / DSD64)
Display & Material
5.5" (1080 x 1920)
Stainless Steel 904L
4.1" (720 x 1280)
Aluminum 316L
Weight
493g
237g
Battery
5,050mAh (about 10 hours)
4,200mAh (about 10 hours)
BRAND
Traditional performance beverages
adaptogen-powered
YES
NO
All Natural ingredients
YES
NO
low sugar
YES
NO
plant-based
YES
NO
MAde for everybody, everyday
YES
NO
Dragon Cables
[Silver Dragon Premium USB Cable]
So you're interested in purchasing the SP3000M DAP and you want to know what audio cables to pair with it. For starters, you'll need a USB-C Cable to charge and transfer music to the SP3000M–and some headphone and IEM cables can't hurt too. The Silver Dragon Premium USB cable is our best-selling USB cable at Moon Audio, offering an extraordinary amount of detail and resolution to your hi-fi system. For times when performance matters the most, the Silver Dragon Premium USB Cable offers an extraordinary amount of detail and resolution to your hi-fi system. The Silver Dragon Premium USB Cable is designed to transfer digital audio from your source device to a USB-capable DAC, DAP, etc. Moon Audio builds USB cables for home, office, and portable audio solutions. We have optimized our USB cables for audio transmission of large high-resolution files so you can safely add your entire library to the SP3000M.
Our HiFi Audio Dragon Cables bring out more of what you love in your music and audio gear. If you love your headphones but wish they had a bit more top-end sparkle - a Silver Dragon Headphone Cable would be a great option. If your USB cables keep dying - as many stock cables do - then check out our quality USB Audio Cables. We say time and time again that materials matter, and our audio cables and custom geometries actually help to bring out those desired properties in your gear and music. We make tons of custom options for our customers so that you can get the right HiFi Audio cable for your exact needs. If you have any questions feel free to Contact Us and we'll be more than happy to help.
Verdict
You know the saying "If it ain't broke don't fix it?" Well, that's what AK engineers must've had in mind when they created the SP3000M. It's everything sonically great about the SP3000 in a smaller, compact form factor that's perfect for everyday life. Let's face it–nobody wants to tote around a brick in their back pocket. The SP3000 wasn't a brick per say, but compared to the SP3000M, it's pretty large. The SP3000M is for the everyday listener who doesn't compromise on sound quality and performance but prioritizes functionality overall. It's got an incredibly easy-to-navigate user interface, 10 hours of playback, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and an included leather carrying case. What more could you want? Pair it with our Silver Dragon Premium USB Cable for the optimal signal transfer to your DAC or music source such as a computer.
Don't waste any more time questioning whether the SP3000M is the right DAP for you. If you love Astell&Kern products and want the best possible performance from a music player–this is it. Pair it with one of our Dragon Audio Cables and your favorite pair of headphones/IEMs and you've got the ultimate audio setup. No matter the genre of music you enjoy, the SP3000M's dynamic, detailed sound will compliment your favorite songs. Pair it with bass-monster headphones, or incredibly detailed IEMs. The combinations are endless and there's not much, if anything at all, to dislike about this DAP.
Featured Products
Related Videos
Astell&Kern SP3000T Review: 5 Reasons It's the Most Versatile DAP Ever
Astell&Kern AK File Drop Tutorial & Review
Astell&Kern BT Sink Tutorial & Review
What's in the Box
- Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000M DAP
- SP3000M Leather Case
- Instruction Manual
Specifications
DAR: Support (384kHz/DSD64)
Audio Output: 3.5mm, 4.4mm
Input: USB Type-C Input (For charging & PC & Mac)
Supported Audio Formats: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF
Output Level: Unbalanced 3.3Vrms | Balanced 6.3Vrms
Output Impedance: Unbalanced Out 3.5mm (0.6 ohm) | Balanced Out 4.4mm (1.2 ohm)
PCM: 32-bit/768kHz
DSD: Native DSD512
SNR: 130dB
Crosstalk: -144dB
THD+N: 0.0003% @ 1kHz
CPU: Qualcomm 6125 Octa-Core
DAC Chip: AK4191EQ x2 & AK4499 x4
Memory: 256GB
Wi-Fi: 2.4/5GHz
Bluetooth: 5.0 (aptX-HD, LDAC, LHDC)
Battery: 4,200mAh (about 10 hours)
Charging: USB C | QC3.0
Material: Aluminum 316L
Display: 4.1" 720 x 1280 touchscreen
Dimensions: 2.72"
Weight: 237g
Wheel LED: X
Operating System: Android
