Astell&Kern

Astell&Kern A&futura SE300 Digital Audio Player

£1,899.00
VAT included

Pickup available at The Barn

Usually ready in 24 hours

The Future of Analogue Sound

  • Fully Discrete 24 bit R-2R DAC for an entirely new, natural yet dynamic analogue sound
  • Equipped with 96 ultra-precision 0.01% & TCR10 resistors the key to Hi-Fi sound in an Ultra-precision resistor Design
  • New Dual AMP (Class A/AB) mode for crisp, dynamic sounds with high efficiency
  • Option for OS (Over Sampling) / NOS (Non-Oversampling) modes, choose between a digital processed signal or pure original untouched sound
  • Implemented self-developed and optimized FPGA technology relaying digital signals to the R-2R DAC through Astell&Kern's proprietary algorithm
  • The SE300 comes with a reimagined, crimson-themed, intuitive user interface featuring a new album artwork search function to allow audio connoisseurs to rediscover the joy of the art form
  • Supports Bluetooth 5.0 and LDAC for wireless Hi-Fi sound

Equipped with trailblazing audio technology developed in-house and uncompromising craftsmanship, the fourth model in the A&futura range reproduces an entirely new, natural yet dynamic sound. A&futura SE300 is equipped with an ultra-refined R-2R DAC, Class A/AB dual amps born with our proprietary TERATON ALPHA technology, and for the first time a self-developed FPGA optimized technology.

feature

Key Features

  • Fully Discrete 24 bit R-2R DAC for an entirely new, natural yet dynamic analogue sound.
  • Equipped with 96 ultra-precision 0.01% & TCR10 resistors, the key to Hi-Fi sound in an ultra-precision resistor design.
  • New Dual AMP (Class A/AB) mode for crisp, dynamic sounds with high efficiency.
  • Option for OS (Over Sampling) / NOS (Non-Oversampling) modes, choose between a digital processed signal or pure original untouched sound.
  • Implemented self-developed and optimized FPGA technology relaying digital signals to the R-2R DAC through Astell&Kern’s proprietary algorithm.

Flowing, ergonomic design

Crafted from a blend of aluminum and stainless steel, the A&futura SE300 has streamlined surfaces to create a firm yet flexible image to reflect the flow of music.

Reimagined user interface

The SE300 also comes with a redesigned Crimson-theme UI/UX so listeners can deeply connect with their music listening experience.

Fully Discrete 24bit R-2R DAC

The SE300 comes supplied with an R-2R DAC, instead of a Delta-Sigma DAC that is most commonly used in other audio players. R-2R DAC, also known as Ladder DAC, as it arranges resistors in a ladder form, offers natural yet dynamic Hi-Fi sounds, but it is extremely technical and difficult to execute as it requires complex refined resistor units and hard to manage current controls.
However, despite these technical challenges, after several years for development and a lot of trial and error we have managed to overcome this and create a new analog sound. In the process, we have meticulously selected each and every one of the 96 ultra-precision resistors and finalized our R-2R DAC technology.

The SE300 comes supplied with an R-2R DAC, instead of a Delta-Sigma DAC that is most commonly used in other audio players. R-2R DAC, also known as Ladder DAC, as it arranges resistors in a ladder form, offers natural yet dynamic Hi-Fi sounds, but it is extremely technical and difficult to execute as it requires complex refined resistor units and hard to manage current controls.
However, despite these technical challenges, after several years for development and a lot of trial and error we have managed to overcome this and create a new analog sound. In the process, we have meticulously selected each and every one of the 96 ultra-precision resistors and finalized our R-2R DAC technology.

Ultra-precision resistor Design, the Key to Hi-Fi Sound

It is key to total the accurate current value with resistors that has the smallest error ranges in order to create Hi-Fi sound with an R-2R DAC. To realize this, Astell&Kern inspected each specifically selected ultra-precision resistor of 0.01% error range to complete the design of SE300.

 Design, the Key to Hi-Fi Sound

It is key to total the accurate current value with resistors that has the smallest error ranges in order to create Hi-Fi sound with an R-2R DAC. To realize this, Astell&Kern inspected each specifically selected ultra-precision resistor of 0.01% error range to complete the design of SE300.

Supporting Class A/AB Dual AMP Mode

The SE300 comes with a Dual AMP mode. Class A amplification that creates low distortions and natural sounds and a Class AB amplification that plays dynamic sounds with high efficiency so users can pick and choose from the two amps according to their listening preferences and genre of music that they are playing.

 AMP Mode

The SE300 comes with a Dual AMP mode. Class A amplification that creates low distortions and natural sounds and a Class AB amplification that plays dynamic sounds with high efficiency so users can pick and choose from the two amps according to their listening preferences and genre of music that they are playing.

2-Step Gain Mode for the Perfect Hi-Fi Experience

For seamless use of sensitive IEMs and hard to drive headphones, a device must provide suitable output, respective of the connected device’s specification.
The SE300 supports a 2-step Gain Level mode to create the prefect match for a wide range of headphones and IEMs, maintaining an optimal sound output. The two-step gain setting with "Normal" and "High Gain" modes can generate a high current output to create a powerful sound and excellent driver control. With up to 6 Vrms from the balanced connections, driving high-impedance headphones has never been easier.

 Perfect Hi-Fi Experience

For seamless use of sensitive IEMs and hard to drive headphones, a device must provide suitable output, respective of the connected device’s specification.
The SE300 supports a 2-step Gain Level mode to create the prefect match for a wide range of headphones and IEMs, maintaining an optimal sound output. The two-step gain setting with "Normal" and "High Gain" modes can generate a high current output to create a powerful sound and excellent driver control. With up to 6 Vrms from the balanced connections, driving high-impedance headphones has never been easier.

Supporting Optimized FPGA

he SE300 comes with Astell&Kern’s exclusively developed FPGA and provides optimized OS / NOS modes. The SE300 uses an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that we self developed for optimized design instead of using common off the shelf commercial semiconductor chipsets, relaying digital signals to the R-2R DAC through its algorithm. Astell&Kern’s FPGA, developed specifically for the SE300, supports the most ideal OS (Over Sampling) / NOS (Non-Over Sampling). Enjoy the sound styles reproduced by NOS and OS modes, meticulously designed for the SE300's hardware and programs.

Included in the box

  • 1x Astell&Kern A&futura SE300 player
  • 1x USB-C to USB-C Cable
  • 3x Screen protectors
  • 1x Quick start guide
  • 1x Warranty Card

 



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