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Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000M specifications and in-depth review

Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000M

Manufacturer: Astell & Kern

The Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000M is a high-specification MP3 player built around an elaborate digital-to-analog conversion architecture. At the core of its audio engine sits a dual AKM AK4191 and quad AK4499EX DAC configuration, a multi-chip arrangement that reflects the engineering depth invested in this device. It supports a broad range of audio formats including MP3, WAV, FLAC, ALAC, DSD, DFF, DSF, and others, making it compatible with virtually any file type a listener is likely to work with. The unit weighs 237 g and measures 119.6 mm tall, 69.1 mm wide, and 18.8 mm thick.

The SP3000M features a 4.1-inch LCD touchscreen running at 720 x 1280 px with a pixel density of 358 ppi. Audio output is available through both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm jacks, and the device carries a signal-to-noise ratio of 130 dB. Internal storage sits at 256GB with an additional external memory slot for expansion. Wireless connectivity covers Bluetooth 5.0 with support for aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LDHC, and AAC codecs, alongside Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 4 compatibility. The 4200 mAh battery is rated for approximately 10 hours of playback and requires around 3.5 hours to fully recharge.

Pros
  • The DAC configuration of AKM AK4191 x2 and AK4499EX x4 chips, combined with a 130 dB signal-to-noise ratio, points to a highly capable audio processing setup
  • Supports a wide range of audio formats including MP3, WAV, FLAC, WMA, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, and DSD, covering both standard and high-resolution file types
  • Both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm audio output jacks are available, giving users flexibility when connecting different headphone types
  • 256GB of internal storage paired with an external memory slot allows for substantial music libraries without being limited to a fixed capacity
  • Bluetooth 5.0 with support for aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LDHC, and AAC covers a wide range of wireless audio codec options
  • Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 4 support enables fast wireless network connectivity for streaming or file transfers
Cons
  • At 237 g, the device is relatively heavy for a portable player, which may affect comfort during extended use
  • Battery life of 10 hours is modest for a device of this size and weight, potentially requiring mid-day recharging during heavy use
  • The 720 x 1280 px resolution on a 4.1-inch LCD screen is not particularly sharp by modern display standards
  • Wireless charging is not supported, so the device must rely entirely on wired charging
  • aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, and aptX Low Latency are not available, limiting compatibility with some newer Bluetooth audio devices
  • The device is not weather-sealed, making it vulnerable to moisture or dust exposure
Who is this for?

This player is well-suited to dedicated audio enthusiasts who prioritize high-resolution and lossless audio playback, given its extensive format support spanning DSD, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, and other demanding file types. The quad AK4499EX DAC configuration and 130 dB SNR make it a strong fit for users who value precise audio reproduction through quality headphones, particularly those using 4.4 mm balanced connections. The 256GB internal storage plus external memory slot also makes it practical for listeners who maintain large, high-bitrate music libraries and need ample on-device capacity.

Who is this NOT for?

Users looking for a lightweight, pocketable device for everyday on-the-go use may find the 237 g weight and 18.8 mm thickness uncomfortable for extended carry. Those who need all-day playback without recharging may be challenged by the 10-hour battery life, especially during long travel or multi-day trips away from a power source. Additionally, users who rely on newer Bluetooth audio standards such as aptX Adaptive or aptX Lossless, or who need weather resistance for outdoor or active use, will find this device lacking in those specific areas.

General info:

internal storage 256GB
Audio outputs 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm
DAC name AKM AK4191 x2 & AK4499EX x4
Audio file types MP3, WAV, FLAC, WMA, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, DSD
Battery life 10 hours
charge time 3.5 hours
has an external memory slot ✓
Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) 130 dB
has wireless charging ✕
is weather-sealed (splashproof) ✕
battery power 4200 mAh

The A&ultima SP3000M comes with 256GB of internal storage and an external memory slot for additional capacity. Its DAC configuration consists of AKM AK4191 x2 and AK4499EX x4 chips, and the device achieves a signal-to-noise ratio of 130 dB. Audio output is available through both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm jacks, and the player handles a wide range of formats including MP3, WAV, FLAC, WMA, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, and DSD. The 4200 mAh battery delivers up to 10 hours of playback and charges fully in approximately 3.5 hours. Wireless charging is not supported, and the unit is not weather-sealed.

Design:

screen size 4.1"
resolution 720 x 1280 px
pixel density 358 ppi
weight 237 g
Display type LCD
has a touch screen ✓
volume 155.369968 cm³
width 69.1 mm
thickness 18.8 mm
height 119.6 mm

The A&ultima SP3000M is built around a 4.1-inch LCD touchscreen with a resolution of 720 x 1280 px and a pixel density of 358 ppi. The device measures 119.6 mm in height, 69.1 mm in width, and 18.8 mm in thickness, with a total volume of approximately 155.37 cm³. At 237 g, it carries a solid, substantial feel consistent with its physical dimensions.

Connectivity:

Bluetooth version 5
has aptX ✓
has LDAC ✓
has LDHC ✓
has aptX HD ✓
has aptX Adaptive ✕
has aptX Lossless ✕
has AAC ✓
has aptX Low Latency ✕
has AirPlay ✕
Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
supports Wi-Fi ✓

The A&ultima SP3000M supports Bluetooth 5.0 with a broad set of wireless audio codecs, including aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LDHC, and AAC. aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, and aptX Low Latency are not supported, and AirPlay is absent as well. On the networking side, the device is Wi-Fi enabled, with support for both Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) standards.

Final Verdict

The Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000M is a purpose-built MP3 player aimed squarely at serious audio listeners who demand technical depth from their portable source. Its multi-chip DAC architecture combining AKM AK4191 x2 and AK4499EX x4 units, paired with a 130 dB signal-to-noise ratio and dual headphone output jacks, reflects a clear commitment to audio fidelity over generalist convenience. Broad format compatibility, generous storage options, and a solid Bluetooth codec lineup round out a specification set that holds up well for its intended purpose. The trade-offs — weight, battery endurance, and the absence of weather sealing — are real but will matter little to users whose priority is listening quality in controlled environments. For that audience, the SP3000M represents a well-specified and coherent choice.

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