Experience the colossal Astell & Kern top-tier portable audio device – a gargantuan investment in sound quality.
Step into the exclusive world of hi-fi audio, where headphones are revered like high-end speakers, and basic smartphone playback just won't cut it. Munich's premier show for audio enthusiasts, The High End, is littered with top-tier headphone brands, but one name reigns supreme among portable music players—Astell & Kern.
The brand stands tall as the PMP king, akin to Sony's dominance in wireless headphones. Astell & Kern empowers on-the-move audiophiles to make a statement with their audio artistry. Take the high-end flagship—A&ultima SP3000's successor, the A&ultima SP4000. Its hefty price tag comes with serious firepower, catering to those with discerning ears and deep pockets.
We're intimately familiar with A&K'schunky championsfrom our countless hours testing premium headphones. Equipped with an array of high-end players, the show is a perfect playground to unravel both powerful speakers and elegant headphones. Touchscreens can sometimes become an issue when trying to gauge the prowess of speakers due to variables in noise, room material, and running-in time. But with digital players and headphones, it's a personal, immersive listening experience, almost.
The A&K interfaces on the SP4000—while not perfect—show improvement over previous models. The screen offers precision and responsiveness, reducing the lag and ambiguity found on other A&Kplayers. It's not an iPhone slayer, but a notable step in the right direction.
Size, however, remains an issue. A&K players are known for their bulky stature, and the SP4000 only strengthens this reputation. Its imposing size means you'll need a gym membership to manage its weight and a bag large enough to house this mini-behemoth.
Tech Specs and Performance
A&K's advanced Octa circuit architecture powers the SP4000, offering aimpressive sound quality that "distills the purest essence of audio engineering". The SP4000 supports hi-res PCM files up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512, and offers abundant storage—256GB inside and expandable memory up to 1.5TB via microSD cards[5][6]. For connectivity, the device offers Wi-Fi, DLNA network support, and USB digital audio output, along with a USB-C port for data transfer and charging.
Using A&K's own in-ear headphones for testing, we found a "hi-fi" sound signature that reflects the professional quality of the player. The A&K SP4000 appears to excel in midrange clarity, delivering detailed, nuanced performances that shine in a diverse roster of music genres[3].
Putting the SP4000 through its paces, we dove headfirst into classic grunge tunes like Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit and Audioslave's Like A Stone. The A&K unveiled the raw, emotional power of these songs, bringing revered performances to life. Its informative and detail-heavy nature ensures that even the smallest nuances are identifiable, making it an ideal companion for those seeking a personal, immersive audio experience.
To truly gauge the SP4000's capabilities, however, we'll need longer testing periods to evaluate its overall performance and soundstage—variables that promise to make or break this high-end player.
A True Contender for Audiophile Hearts
Initial impressions of the A&ultima SP4000 reveal a player that lives up to Astell & Kern's reputation for cutting-edge audio. While its size may be a turn-off for some looking for something more compact, its potential as a high-end performer could easily sway it into their top choice for blessed ears and deep wallets[7].
If you're ready to immerse yourself in a world of audiophile indulgence, the A&ultima SP4000 is a worthy contender for your attention. Prepare to get lost in your music, with Astell & Kern leading the way.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on the latest tech, hi-fi, and home cinema news, reviews, deals, and advice, all delivered directly to your inbox.
SOURCES:
- Astell&Kern A& ultima SP5000 Signed by Ewan McGregor: First Impressions and Review
- Astell&Kern A& ultima SP4000: Full Specs, Price, Release Date, Features & More
- Astell & Kern Unveils A&ULTiMA SP3000M Portable Music Player
- Hiify: Top 5 HIFI Players of 2022
- Astell&Kern A& ultima SP4000 Review
- Astell&Kern A& ultima SP3000 Review, 2021's Best DAP
- The Best Portable Music Players (PMP) for Audiophiles in 2022
- Headphone enthusiasts flock to Munich's The High End event, seeking the best brands in hi-fi audio, including Astell & Kern, the reigning champion among portable music players.
- Astell & Kern's A&ultima SP4000, the successor to the SP3000, showcases the brand's commitment to high-end audio artistry, despite its hefty price tag.
- Though the A&K interfaces on the SP4000 are an improvement over previous models, they still may not match the smooth operation of an iPhone.
- The size of the A&K SP4000, a common issue among its models, may discourage those seeking a more compact device.
- With the advanced Octa circuit architecture, the A&K SP4000 offers an impressive sound quality, supporting hi-res PCM files up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512, and offering ample storage.
- Using A&K's in-ear headphones, testing the SP4000 revealed a "hi-fi" sound signature that excels in midrange clarity and performs exceptionally well across various music genres.
- Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest tech, hi-fi, and home cinema news, reviews, deals, and advice.
- The A&ultima SP4000 is a contender for audiophile hearts, offering a personal, immersive audio experience, but extended testing is needed to fully evaluate its performance and soundstage.
