Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000M | Digital Audio Player

Introducing the Astell&Kern SP3000M Digital Audio Player, the Lighter, Smaller Successor to the Legendary Flagship SP3000

• Leightweight, smaller footprint, Aluminum-body successor to the SP3000 Flagship DAP
• Features high-performance Snapdragon 6125 8-Core CPU
• Full separation of digital / analog processing
• Support for aptX™ HD and LDAC
• Genuine Astell&Kern SP3000M premium leather upgrade case available

Bloom's Take The SP3000M brings a streamlined, compact experience to Astell&Kern’s flagship line, focusing on sonic precision and portability without sacrificing quality. While it may lose some of the SP3000’s grandiose low-end power, it retains its sibling’s acoustic detail and warmth in a more accessible, mobile format. This “less-is-more” approach results in a balanced, refined sound profile ideal for users seeking high-end performance on the go. The SP3000M is crafted for audiophiles who value immersive sound and premium build in a highly portable design. The SP3000M’s primary goal is clear: offer the renowned SP3000 sound in a more compact, portable form—and it absolutely delivers. While there’s a bit less luxury in the build and the 2.5mm output is absent, the $1,000 price reduction makes it an impressive blend of sound quality and functionality. This DAP is arguably one of Astell&Kern’s most balanced offerings yet. Read our full review here.

SP3000M: Compact but Limitless Sound

The “M” in SP3000M represents the diverse features offered in the player:

• Mini: Smaller in size than SP3000
• Mobility: Better portability
• Maximum: The BEST audio performance
• Mania: For those passionate about SP3000M's vivid sound
• Mate: A companion with you anywhere, any time
• Moment: Adding sentiment to the mundane of life

The SP3000M’s design draws inspiration from a diamond ring, with the volume knob and protector evoking the tension of a jewel in its prongs. Its back glass features etched cross patterns, blending elements of SP3000 with the unique concept of “Tension,” highlighting where patterns meet at the corners.

SP3000 vs. SP3000M

	SP3000 (2022)	SP3000M (2024)
MSRP	$3699	$2299
CPU	Qualcomm 6125 Octa-Core	Qualcomm 6125 Octa-Core
DAC	(x2) AK4191EQ & (x4) AK4499	(x2) AK4191EQ & (x4) AK4499
Display	5.5" 1080x1920	4.1" 720x1280
DAR	384kHz/DSD256	384kHz/DSD64
Outputs	2.5mm, 3.5mm (SPDIF), 4.4mm	3.5mm, 4.4mm
PCM	32bit/768kHz	32bit/768kHz
DSD	Native DSD512	Native DSD512
SNR	130dB	130dB
Crosstalk	-145dB	-144dB
THD+N	0.0004% @1kHz	0.0003% @1kHz
Memory	256GB	256GB
WiFi	2.4/5GHz	2.4/5GHz
Bluetooth	5.0 (aptX-HD, LDAC, LHDC)	5.0 (aptX-HD, LDAC, LHDC)
Battery	5050mAh (about 10hrs)	4200mAh (about 10hrs)
Charging	USB-C, QC3.0	USB-C, QC3.0
Material	Stainless Steel 904L	Aluminum 316L
Weight	17.4 oz	8.4 oz
Size	3.2” x 5.5” x 0.7”	2.7" x 4.7 x 0.7"
Wheel LED	Yes	No

Complete HEXA Separation of Digital and Analog

The SP3000M retains the innovative Hexa audio circuit design of the SP3000, featuring four flagship AKM AK4499EX DACs and two AK4191EQ chips for separate digital signal processing. Unlike most DAPs which rely on a single DAC for both unbalanced and balanced outputs, the SP3000M employs all 6 DACs to create separate circuits, eliminating the need for signal-reducing audio switches.

This advanced structure reduces noise by isolating digital and analog signals, delivering unparalleled 130dB SNR for vivid, true-to-life sound. Despite its compact size, the SP3000M achieves the same exceptional audio quality as its predecessor.

Additional Features and Enhancements

Snapdragon 8-Core CPU
Snapdragon 6125 Octa-core processor paired with 8GB of DDR4 memory into a single SoC delivers fast system response, smooth UI, and optimal efficiency.

Sound Design with DAC Filters
Enjoy creating your own sound style by selecting up to 6 different DAC filters.

Digital Audio Remaster
SP3000M is equipped with Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology, developed to deliver fine, vivid sound at higher sample rates.

Wireless Hi-Fi Sound via BT Sink
Enjoy playback from an external device (ie. smartphone) in high-quality using the BT Sink function.

Automatic 'ReplayGain' and Uniform Volume Adjust
ReplayGain adjusts sound sources with different volumes to identical levels so you can enjoy your own playlists seamlessly.

Native DSD512
SP3000M supports Native DSD512 and up to 32bit/768kHz!

Silver-Plated Shield Can
Shield can is applied to prevent noise and EMI from affecting the audio block.

Teraton Alpha, the Essence of A&K Audio
TERATON ALPHA technology ensures playback that faithfully reproduces the original sound through noise removal, power management, amplification, and seamless audio output interface.

VU Meter GUI
Introduced with the SP3000T, this iconic tool displays voice signal voltage levels for precise volume monitoring while adding retro charm to the device’s design.