A&futura SE180

$ 899.00

$ 1,499.00

  

A&futura SE180

SE180 Combines Innovation and Fun

The third product in the A&futura line, the SE180, continues the trend of exciting innovation for Astell&Kern products, while providing the uncompromised sound quality Astell&Kern is famous for.   With the SE180, in addition to superb audio technology, we wanted to show users an element of fun that is hard to find in most Hi-Fi products.   The DNA of innovation found in the A&futura line continues with the SE180. It is an advanced audio system created with the technology Astell&Kern is known for around the world.   Interchangeable All-in-One Module
TERATON ALPHA Audio Technology from Astell&Kern
Next Generation Astell&Kern AMP Technology
Updated UI with Added Functions for Convenience   With the SE180, premium Hi-Fi Sound is now available through the use of interchangeable, all-in-one modules, by Astell&Kern.      

Interchangeable All-in-One Module

With the SE180, we wanted to expand on the multi-DAC idea that was first introduced with the SE200. 

Like the SE200, different DACs can be used in one DAP, but we wanted to do something different for the SE180. The introduction of Interchangeable All-in-One Modules, carry on the multi-DAC experience, but add a new and fun experience. This reflects the DNA of the innovation that the A&futura line is known for.

The SE180 is a module-separated type product that increases the convenience of connection between the main body of the player and the module. It features an innovative double locking design that securely connects each component while providing smooth lines that naturally flow without any sense of separateness between the two pieces.

By applying different DAC/AMP configurations, tuning and outputs for each module, the user can choose the most suitable module for Premium Hi-Fi Sound.

The default configuration module contains the ESS ES9038PRO, an 8-channel DAC mainly used for premium home audio equipment. This DAC provides a wider dynamic range and more detailed sophistication. The module supports 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm connections to allow for a greater variety of headphones/IEMs.

Shop alternative Interchangeable All-in-One Modules >> SEM2, SEM3 and SEM4

Circuit Separation Structure of Main Body and Module

By physically separating the main body from the All-in-One module, we completely block power and RF noise that may occur from the main body.

This creates an independent structure that prevents noise from interfering with music playback.

Modules Double Lock for Ease of Use

The biggest difference between the SE180 and other products that use interchangeable modules is that the SE180 uses a double-locking mechanism rather than screws to fasten the module to the body.

The first locking structure attaches the module and the body.

The second locking structure informs the user that the module has been securely fastened to the main body.

The spring supported internal connectors of the main body allow reliable audio signal connection and are used to prevent connection failure in case of  external shock to the player when on the go.

Astell&Kern Audio Technology Forms the  TERATON ALPHA Sound Solution

AK ULTIMATE SOUND SOLUTION, TERATON ALPHA

TERATON ALPHA is AK's ultimate Sound Solution to produce audio playback that is close to the original sound through the audio output interface by use of effective power noise removal, efficient power management and amplification with minimal distortion.

TERATON ALPHA features Astell&Kern's patented technologies, which are the result of tens of thousands of hours of continuous research and development to produce sound close to the original sound the artist and producer intended.

Learn more about TERATON ALPHA >>

Next Generation Advanced AMP technology

It is extremely difficult push beyond your previous best.

With the SE180, we applied Next Generation AMP technology to push beyond the sound quality others feel is acceptable for Premium Hi-Fi Sound to produce the best sound possible.

From the selection of OP-AMP parts, to circuit design, board layout and tuning, everything has been completely redesigned to produce the best sound.

It is difficult to improve the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) while maintaining a high output.

*Based on condition no load, there may be differences depending on the measurement method.

Adoption of Full HD Display for Improved Image Quality

The SE180 features a full HD screen to provide a higher quality display.

Upgrades to Enhance the User Experience

Navigation Bar for Easier Navigation

To provide more convenient movement through the player user interface that is consistent with an Android smartphone experience, the SE180 features a new navigation bar, the first in an Astell&Kern player.

Now you can easily navigate with a single touch and deliver music playback information from any screen. The new one swipe feature moves you to the previous screen.

AK File Drop to Enjoy Wireless Transfers

The new AK File Drop function in the SE180 makes files transfers easier and more convenient.

Using AK File Drop, you can freely transfer files wirelessly through a PC, smartphone, or FTP program located on the same network.

Music file management is now possible with a cable-less, wireless solution.

Wireless Hi-Fi Sound Through BT Sink

The newly introduced BT Sink function connects the SE180 to an external device via Bluetooth, similar to connecting a smartphone with a BT speaker.

Music from an external device, such as a smartphone can now be played back in high-quality on the SE180 using the BT Sink function.

 

Real-Time Information Confirmed by Light

The SE180 features a LED volume wheel which displays various playback information, including volume level and bit-rate of the track currently playing.

*LED can be turned on or off according to user setting.

Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 and Support for Wireless 24-bit aptX-HD, LDAC Codecs

The latest Bluetooth version provides high sound quality with the convenience of wireless playback to headphones and IEMs.

Bluetooth 5.0 features faster transmission speed, greater range and a more stable wireless connection when compared to Bluetooth 4.2.

Both LDAC and aptX HD is supported to provide audiophiles with the best wireless sound possible. 

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the original master recording. The master MQA file is fully authenticated and is small enough to stream or download. Visit mqa.co.uk for more information. Astell&Kern A&futura SE180 includes MQA technology, which enables you to play back MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording.   MQA and the Sound Wave Device are registered trade marks of MQA Limited. © MQA Limited 2016  
Qualcomm® aptX™ HD is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.
Qualcomm is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries.
Qualcomm® aptX™ HD is a trademark of Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd., registered in the United States and other countries.   LDAC and LDAC logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
 

The A&futura SE180 is Astell&Kern's first DAC interchangeable DAP, created under the pioneering spirit of the A&futura lineup.
The design of the SE180 resembles the traces of the wind left behind as natural and flowing lines represent an immersed listening experience of great tunes.

A smooth yet expanding silhouette is the key design element of the SE180.
The continuous and seamless outline of the SE180 and almost infinite number of acoustic settings users can create represents the infinite possibility of tonal scalability.

The volume knob is located in the center of the curves.
It symbolizes the way that various tones are gathered and harmonized to emit not only the sound but also light as well. The control buttons on the left side have been eliminated and a single multi-function button has been added for the convenience of one-handed operation.

The A&futura SE180’s ceramic rear cover is reminiscent of a finely crafted art sculpture. You can feel the quality and craftsmanship devoted to your device through the subtle beauty. Gold rings are applied to each audio output port, 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm connectors, for harmony and unity through its details.

 

General Specifications

Model

SE180

Body Color

Moon Silver

Body Material

Aluminum

Display

5-inch 1,920 x 1,080 FHD Touch display

Supported Audio Formats

WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA

MQA Playback

Local Files, External USB, MQA-CD (Ripped), Services (Tidal Masters)

Input

USB Type-C Input (for PC & MAC)

Charging

9V/1.67A or 5V/2A

Wi-Fi

802.11 b/g/n (2.4)

Bluetooth

V5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, LDAC)

Dimensions

3.03" (77mm) [W] x 5.09" (129.2mm) [H] x 0.78 (19.9mm) [D] (Without Module)
3.03" (77mm) [W] x 5.4" (137.2mm) [H] x 0.78 (19.9mm) [D] (With Module)

Weight

9.88oz (280g)

Feature Enhancements

Firmware upgrades supported (OTA)

SAR

Body 10g SAR (W/Kg) _ WLAN 2.4Ghz : 0.016

Wheel

LED Light (LED Indicator)


Clock Source

Clock Jitter

25ps (Typ)

Reference Clock Jitter

800 Femto Seconds

 

Battery

Capacity

3,800mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer Battery

Charge Time

About 3 hours (Standard: 9V/1.67A Fast charging)
About 5 hours (Standard: 5V/2A General charging)

 

Memory

Built-In Memory

256GB [NAND]

External Memory

microSD (Max. 1TB) x 1

 

OS

Supported OS

Windows 8, 10 (32/64 bit), MAC OS X 10.7 and up


SEM1 Specifications

Model

SEM1

Body Color

Moon Silver

Body Material

Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Polycarbonate

Sample Rate

PCM: 8kHz ~ 384kHz (8/16/24/32-bits per Sample)

DSD Native: DSD64 (1-bit, 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128 (1-bit, 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256 (1-bit, 11.2MHz), Stereo

Outputs

Unbalanced Out (3.5mm), Balanced Out (2.5mm, only 4-pole supported / 4.4mm, only 5-pole supported)

Output Level

[Normal Gain] Unbalanced 2Vrms / Balanced 4Vrms (Condition No Load)
[High Gain] Unbalanced 3Vrms / Balanced 6Vrms (Condition No Load)

DAC

ESS ES9038PRO (Single-DAC)

Decoding

Support up to 32-bit / 384kHz Bit-to-Bit Playback

Dimensions

3.03” (77mm) [W] x 2.99” (76mm) [H] x 0.78” (19.9mm) [D]

Weight

3.53oz (100g)

Playback Time

About 10.5 hours (FLAC, 16-bit, 44.1kHz, Vol. 50, LCD off)

 

Audio Performance

Frequency Response

Condition 20Hz~20kHz: ±0.04dB Unbalanced / ±0.04dB Balanced
Condition 20Hz~70kHz: ±0.07dB Unbalanced / ±0.06dB Balanced

Signal to Noise Ratio

[Normal Gain] 122dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 126dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
[High Gain] 125dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 129dB @ 1kHz, Balanced

Crosstalk

[Normal Gain] -138dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / -145dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
[High Gain] -138dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / -147dB @ 1kHz, Balanced

THD+N

[Normal Gain] 0.0005% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 0.0004% @ 1kHz, Balanced
[High Gain] 0.0007 @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 0.0006% @ 1kHz, Balanced

IMD SMPTE

0.0004%, 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced & Balanced

Output Impedance

3.5mm (1 ohm), 2.5mm (1.5 ohm), 4.4mm (1.5 ohm)
*Audio was NOT muted during measurement *The image/specifications may be changed without notice to improve product performance and quality

 

Package contents include:

  • SE180 Device x 1 (Main Body)
  • SEM1 x 1 (Module)
  • USB Type-C Cable x 1
  • Quick Start Guide x 1
  • Warranty Card x 1
  • microSD card slot cover x 2
  • Protective Film (Front x 2, Back x 2)

*Case is not included in the product package. Cases for this model are available for purchase separately. Shop SE180 Cases here >>

 

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