The A&futura lineup reflects Astell&Kern's tireless efforts to bring innovation to the market. The SE300, the fourth model in the series, inherits and develops this identity through its state-of-the-art R-2R DAC, dual A/AB amplifier based on TERATON ALPHA proprietary technology, and optimized FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) technology, all for the first time in Astell&Kern players.
Features:
- Fully discrete 24-bit R-2R DAC
- 96 resistors with 0.01% precision and TCR10
- New dual amplifier (A/AB class)
- Custom-designed FPGA
- OS/NOS playback modes
- Supports audio up to 32-bit/384kHz (PCM), DSD256, and MQA
- Display: 5.46" Full HD (1080x1920)
- Memory: 256GB + microSD slot (up to 1TB)
- Wi-Fi 2.4/5GHz and Bluetooth 5.0 with LDAC and aptX-HD codecs
- Battery life: up to 12 hours
- Aluminum body
- BT Sink function allows the SE300 to connect to external devices via Bluetooth and work as a Bluetooth DAC
- Volume control with LED backlight indicates the playback format
Original discrete 24-bit R-2R DAC
The majority of modern players and other audio devices use delta-sigma DACs. The A&futura SE300, however, uses a more exotic technology - the R-2R or resistor matrix DAC, also known as a ladder-type DAC.
The R-2R DAC, with its cascade of ladder-like resistors, provides natural and dynamic sound but is extremely technical and complex to produce. It took A&K engineers several years of development and numerous trials and errors to refine their own R-2R DAC technology, combining 48 pairs (23xR and 25x2R) of ultra-precise resistors to achieve true 24-bit decoding. The key to achieving the best Hi-Fi sound lies in selecting ultra-precise resistors with an error range of no more than 0.01% and a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of 10.
Choice between class A and AB amplification
The A&futura SE300 features a dual amplifier with the ability to switch between class A and AB. The "Class A" mode provides a more linear response, amplifying the signal without distortion or loss and delivering a smooth, warm, and natural sound. The refined analog signal, created directly through the R-2R matrix, reproduces sound that is as close as possible to the original. The "Class AB" mode provides a powerful output signal with increased efficiency. This mode delivers dynamic and clear sound with fewer harmonic distortions.
2-stage gain control
The two-stage gain control with "Normal" and "High Gain" modes allows listeners to easily switch between sensitive IEMs and high-impedance full-size headphones, confident that the SE300 will provide optimal output signals for powerful sound and excellent driver control. The balanced outputs can provide up to 6 Vrms of voltage.
Custom FPGA matrix with x8 upsampling capability
Instead of using off-the-shelf semiconductor chipsets to transmit digital signals to the R-2R DAC, Astell&Kern engineers have developed their own programmable gate array (FPGA) for the A&futura SE300. This allows the player to have two modes: OS (Oversampling) and NOS (Non-Oversampling). In NOS mode, the original sound is reproduced without any digital processing, while OS mode adds upsampling, expanding the original signal's bandwidth by 8 times (the signal frequency of 44.1kHz is increased to 352kHz, and the signal frequency of 48kHz is increased to 384kHz), providing impressive detail and a wide sense of space.
TERATON ALPHA - the essence of A&K technologies
To achieve pure class-A amplification and an original R-2R DAC in a compact player, A&K engineers have applied their proprietary TERATON ALPHA solution. Developed through endless research, this technology maximizes the reproduction fidelity, thanks to efficient power management with noise and interference suppression, stable amplification, and a completely revamped sound output interface.
New interface
The SE300 features a redesigned Crimson interface that allows users to fully immerse themselves in the music playback process. The Crimson theme is built around convenient and fast access to music categories and the ability to discover forgotten songs in your library. The interface has been improved to facilitate navigation, search for music, and work with applications, while the black background with raspberry accents reduces visual fatigue.
Wide wireless capabilities
Like other modern A&K players, the SE300 is equipped with dual-band Wi-Fi and supports Bluetooth with the aptX HD and LDAC codecs. The BT Sink function allows audio playback from external sources (e.g., smartphones); Open APP Service enables the installation of clients for popular streaming services; and the AK File Drop function enables quick and convenient updating of the player's music library over the air from devices within the same network.
Package:
- Player
- USB cable
- Documentation