High-end audio brand Astell & Kern introduces a top-tier portable music player, loaded with high-resolution streaming features, and featuring revamped internal circuitry.
Introducing the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000: A New Flagship Portable Music Player
Astell & Kern, a renowned name in the world of high-end audio, has unveiled its latest offering – the A&ultima SP4000, a flagship portable music player. The SP4000 is set to make its global debut at the High End Munich Show and is expected to hit the shelves this summer, with a price tag of around $5,399.
The SP4000 boasts a sleek design, crafted from stainless steel and featuring a PVD-coated ceramic back. It sports 256GB of internal memory and supports microSD cards up to 1.5TB, ensuring ample storage for your extensive music collection.
One of the standout features of the SP4000 is its 'BT Sink' function, which allows it to connect to an external device via Bluetooth and function as a wireless DAC. The player is capable of handling hi-res PCM files up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512, making it a versatile choice for audiophiles.
Inside, the SP4000 is powered by Astell&Kern's advanced 'Octa' circuit architecture, which delivers digital signals more precisely to a single DAC. The player also incorporates A&K's 'New Advanced Digital Audio Remaster' technology, enhancing the listening experience.
In addition to the SP4000, Astell & Kern is launching two new pairs of in-ear monitors – the Luna and the XIO. The Luna, featuring a full-range single micro planar magnetic driver, has landed on the market with a price of $2,700. The XIO, a collaboration with 64 Audio, is a 10-driver IEM featuring an isobaric cone-to-magnet driver configuration.
Both the XIO and the Luna will be officially unveiled in Q3 of 2025, with more information set to be revealed next week at Munich. The Luna comes with hi-fi grade silver-coated and copper cables and an included 4.4mm balanced plug. The XIO is housed in a stainless steel shell with a black coating.
The SP4000 offers approximately 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge and takes around 4 hours to fully charge. It supports the high-quality aptX Adaptive and LDAC Bluetooth codecs, ensuring wireless playback without compromising on sound quality.
The A&ultima SP4000 comes with a Perlinger leather case, adding a touch of luxury to this high-end device. With its impressive specifications and cutting-edge technology, the SP4000 is set to redefine the portable music player experience.
[1] Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 - Pricing and Availability [2] Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 - Features and Specifications [3] Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 - Global Debut at High End Munich Show [4] Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 - Press Release [5] Astell & Kern Luna and XIO In-Ear Monitors - Release and Unveiling Information
- The new Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 portable music player will be available for purchase this summer, following its debut at the High End Munich Show, priced around $5,399.
- For those interested in a deeper dive into the features and specifications of the SP4000, Astell & Kern has issued a press release with all the details.
- The sleek SP4000, crafted from stainless steel and PVD-coated ceramic, is equipped with 256GB of internal memory and supports microSD cards up to 1.5TB, perfect for storing extensive music collections.
- One unique feature of the SP4000 is its 'BT Sink' function, making it compatible with external devices via Bluetooth, functioning as a wireless DAC.
- The upcoming event in Munich will not only showcase the SP4000 but also the launch of two new in-ear monitors – the Luna and the XIO.
- Astell & Kern has not forgotten about audiophiles who prefer headphones, as the Luna and XIO in-ear monitors will also be unveiled in Q3 of 2025.
- The Luna model, featuring a full-range single micro planar magnetic driver, is already available at a price of $2,700, while more details about the XIO, a collaboration with 64 Audio, will be revealed next week at Munich.
- Always prioritizing sound quality, the SP4000 supports high-quality aptX Adaptive and LDAC Bluetooth codecs, ensuring wireless playback without compromise.
- For those looking to add a touch of luxury to their high-end audio collection, the A&ultima SP4000 comes with a Perlinger leather case.
