Astell & Kern
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Staying true to their philosophy of delivering original audio experiences without compromise, Astell&Kern strives to design portable music players that reach beyond the capabilities of a standard playback device to enhance the listener’s music enjoyment. The SP2000T combines the OP AMP configuration of the SP2000—the culmination of Astell&Kern's finest audio technology—with a nostalgic vacuum TUBE AMP, adding a vintage feel to the portable player.
The Triple Amp System Takes Acoustics to a New Level. Vacuum Tube Amplifier Compatible with 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm Output Jacks. Equipped with ESS ES9068AS QUAD-DAC, for Balanced, Ultra Detailed SoundTERATON ALPHA, Astell&Kern's Ultimate Sound Solution. Replay Gain Function to Maintain Consistent Playback Levels between Tracks. Dual-Band Wi-fi Support for Uninterrupted Wireless Connection and Improved Compatibility. Internal Mechanical Design to Minimize Noise
Introducing the A&ultima SP2000T, the Ingenious New Solution.
"T" in SP2000T
The "T" in SP2000T does not stand for a specific word, but rather encompasses design approaches and directions made during the product development process.
"Triple AMP System is the Next Generation of AMP Technology
The SP2000T exceeds the standard approach to AMP Mode selection, based on the type of music you are listening to.
Select between TUBE AMP mode, OP AMP mode or the brand new HYBRID AMP mode.
OP AMP mode puts Astell&Kern's AMP technology expertise to use, delivering extreme clarity and dynamic sound, while TUBE AMP mode provides a uniquely warm and musical sound.
HYBRID AMP mode - a first for digital audio players - enhances the resolution and clarity of the existing TUBE AMP mode to express more musical detail. HYBRID AMP mode combines the advantages of retro analog performance and high-resolution output, giving you the pleasure of a brand new tonal characteristic.
Experience the unique sound enhancements that AMP technology has to offer.
"Vacuum Tube Amplifier Compatible with 2.5mm, 3.5mm & 4.4mm Output Jacks
The SP2000T supports all output types, with no restriction on the type of receiver used, so you can enjoy the unique characteristics of the vacuum tube.
"Real Vacuum Tube
Equipped with the portable-friendly dual-triode KORG Nutube, for a unique TUBE AMP sound.
Nutube offers a reliable continuous playback time of approximately 30,000 hours. It features an anode grid filament structure which operates the same as a triode vacuum tube. It's much smaller, consumes far less power and yet delivers the same audio with rich overtones.
"Hybrid AMP Mode
HYBRID AMP mode, supported for the first time by a DAP, is the essence of Astell&Kern's advanced AMP design technology.
New combinations of sounds can be enjoyed in HYBRID AMP mode, which is based on the OP AMP sound and addition of tasteful warm tones unique to TUBE AMP technology.
The five options mixed and matched with optimal ratios of the OP AMP and TUBE AMP present users with a new perspective and choice for the perfect sound characteristic to suite their tastes.
"Internal Mechanical Design to Minimize Noise
Special Design to Minimize Microphonic Noise
SP2000T features a special design tailored to minimize microphonics (the phenomenon wherein the vacuum tubes generate noise even from a small external impact).
Multiple design iterations and verifications have been performed over a long period of time to fix the structural issues of vacuum tubes that generate microphonic noise even from a small impact or vibration. For minimization of mechanical impact and vibration, both sides of the vacuum tube are fixed with flexible silicone covers, and the vacuum tube has been modularized so it is physically separate from the PCB.
Astell&Kern goes to great lengths to innovate and design these small components that make a big difference in the quality and sound of their products that no other manufacturer can match.
Separation Using Magnetic Polarity
A structure that uses magnetic forces to float the amp in the air, thus minimizing noise from the vacuum tube itself, which is generated when it is exposed to mechanical impact or vibration.
Flexible Silicone Covers
Silver Plating Shield Can
Astell&Kern products apply shield cans so that noise and electromagnetic interference, which occur when the countless parts are in operation, do not affect the audio block.
The SP2000T has taken it a step further by applying highly conductive, hyper-pure silver plating on the existing shield cans for perfect shielding that provides excellent audio performance.
"Astell&Kern Audio Technology Forms the TERATON ALPHA Sound Solution
AK ULTIMATE SOUND SOLUTION, TERATON ALPHA
TERATON ALPHA is AK's ultimate Sound Solution to produce audio playback that is close to the original sound through the audio output interface by use of effective power noise removal, efficient power management and amplification with minimal distortion.
TERATON ALPHA features Astell&Kern's patented technologies, which are the result of tens of thousands of hours of continuous research and development to produce sound close to the original sound the artist and producer intended.
"Adoption of Full HD Display for Improved Image Quality
The SP2000T features a full HD screen to provide a higher quality display.
"Quad-DAC for Perfection of Superior Sound
The SP2000T is equipped with four ES9068AS DACs, this allows two DACs per channel for dedicated decoding.
The SP2000T achieves a more detailed and balanced sound with great depth and spatial realism.
"Replay Gain Automatically and Uniformly Adjusts Playback Volume
Replay Gain, which adjusts sound sources with different volumes to an identical level, has been applied.
Now, enjoy your own playlists seamlessly through the Replay Gain feature on the SP2000T.
*Replay Gain supports up to 24-bit/192kHz sound sources.
"Dual-Band WiFi (2.4/5 GHz)
Dual-Band Wi-Fi is supported for users who enjoy streaming services, providing enhanced network performance.
With streaming music services becoming more popular, stronger and more reliable network reception becomes even more important for your audio experience.
The SP2000T supports Dual Band Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz, a/b/g/n/ac).
"AK File Drop to Enjoy Wireless Transfers
The new AK File Drop function in the SP2000T makes file transfers easier and more convenient.
Using AK File Drop, you can freely transfer files wireless through a PC, smartphone, or FTP program located on the same network.
Music file management is now possible with a cableless, wireless solution.
"Wireless Hi-Fi Sound Through BT Sync"
The newly introduced BT Sync function connects the SP2000T 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 SP2000T using the BT Sync function.
Real-Time Playback and AMP Mode Information Reflected by Light
Through the softly dispersing LED light, users are notified of the bit depth information of the song being played or the current AMP mode.
*LED light may be turned on or off in the user settings, and one can choose between the sound source information or AMP mode information displays.
The radial pattern of the volume wheel reflects bursts of light, and the protective surface has been modified to distinguish it from other models. The side lines fan outward as they extend downwards from the wheel. Similarly to the SP2000, the edge extends to the rear panel, emphasizing the connection between the two models. The proportions of the face have been adjusted to accommodate the larger form, and the CMF (Color, Materials and Finish) have all been selected to make the SP2000T stand out from the SP2000.
To reinforce the idea of light illuminating space, we combined the image of the amp's light filling the empty space of the vacuum tube with Astell&Kern's light and shadow concept. The protector around the volume wheel is encircled, providing an image of a space that has been created from light. Although the glass on the rear is one piece, it looks like two separate pieces, and the boundary of the two is designed to look consistent with the wheel protector. Rather than evoking the coldness of glass, the underside has been designed to express warmth, and the top features a subtle, shimmering design that flares to life when the amp is switched on.
What's in the box?
- A&ultima SP2000T Device x 1
- Leather Case x 1
- SP2000T Onyx Black: Tan Case
- SP2000T Copper Nickel: Green Case
- USB Type-C Cable x 1
- Quick Start Guide x 1
- Warranty Card x 1
- microSD card slot cover x 2
- Protective Film
AK Player Comparison
SP2000T
$2,499Onyx Black3.07" x 5.55" x 0.68"
10.89oz5" Touchscreen
HD 1280x1080Quad DAC:
ESS ES9068AS (x4)
USB Type-C InputOutputs
3.5mm Unbalanced
2.5mm Balanced
Optical 3.5mm
4.4mm BalancedBattery Life
9hr Playback
--
5hr charge (5V/2A)
3.5hr chg (9V/1.67A)Storage
256GB Internal
microSD ≤1TB
Supports WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSFWindows 7, 8, 10 (32/64bit)
MAC OS X 10.7+Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v5.0Decoding
≤32bit / 384kHz
Native DSD
Frequency Response
Condition: 20Hz-20kHz
±0.024dB Unbalance
±0.038dB Balance
Condition: 20Hz-70kHz
±0.027dB Unbalance
±0.052dB BalanceOutput Level
2-3 Vrms Unbalance
4-6 Vrms Balance
Impedance
01.5 Ohm (3.5mm)
1 Ohm (2.5mm)
SP2000
$3,499Stainless Steel(S)Copper(C)
Onyx Black(OB)
Vegas Gold (VG)Stainless Steel(S/OB/VG)
Copper(C)3.0" x 5.19" x 0.61"
14.49/15.25 oz(C)5" Touchscreen
HD 720x1280Octa-Core Dual DAC:
AKM AK4499EQ
USB Type-C InputOutputs
3.5mm Unbalance
2.5mm Bal. 4-pole
Optical 3.5mm
Battery Life
8hr Playback
--
5hr charge (5V/2A)
2.5hr chg (9V/1.67A)Storage
512GB Internal
microSD ≤512GB
Supports WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSFWindows 7, 8, 10 (32/64bit)
MAC OS X 10.7+Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v4.1Decoding
≤32bit / 768kHz
Native DSD
Frequency Response
Condition: 20Hz-20kHz
±0.015dB Unbalance
±0.010dB Balance
Condition: 20Hz-70kHz
±0.050dB Unbalance
±0.030dB BalanceOutput Level
3.0 Vrms Unbalance
6.0 Vrms Balance
Impedance
1.5 Ohm (3.5mm)
1 Ohm (2.5mm)
Press and Reviews
Moon Audio
by Ricky Kovacs
Oct. 10, 2021