A&ultima SP2000T
A&ultima SP2000T
SP2000T
Find Your Optimal Sound
Staying true to our philosophy of delivering original audio experiences without compromise, Astell&Kern strives to design portable music players that reach beyond the capabilities of a standard playback device to enhance the listener’s music enjoyment. The SP2000T combines the OP AMP configuration of our SP2000—the culmination of Astell&Kern's finest audio technology—with a nostalgic vacuum TUBE AMP, adding a vintage feel to the portable player. The Triple Amp System Takes Acoustics to a New Level Vacuum Tube Amplifier Compatible with 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm Output Jacks Equipped with ESS ES9068AS QUAD-DAC, for Balanced, Ultra Detailed Sound TERATON ALPHA, Astell&Kern's Ultimate Sound Solution Replay Gain Function to Maintain Consistent Playback Levels between Tracks Dual-Band Wi-fi Support for Uninterrupted Wireless Connection and Improved Compatibility Internal Mechanical Design to Minimize Noise Introducing the A&ultima SP2000T, the Ingenious New Solution."T" in SP2000T
The "T" in SP2000T does not stand for a specific word, but rather encompasses design approaches and directions made during the product development process.
Triple AMP System is the Next Generation of AMP Technology
The SP2000T exceeds the standard approach to AMP Mode selection, based on the type of music you are listening to.
Select between TUBE AMP mode, OP AMP mode or the brand new HYBRID AMP mode.
OP AMP mode puts Astell&Kern's AMP technology expertise to use, delivering extreme clarity and dynamic sound, while TUBE AMP mode provides a uniquely warm and musical sound.
HYBRID AMP mode - a first for digital audio players - enhances the resolution and clarity of the existing TUBE AMP mode to express more musical detail. HYBRID AMP mode combines the advantages of retro analog performance and high-resolution output, giving you the pleasure of a brand new tonal characteristic.
Experience the unique sound enhancements that AMP technology has to offer.
Vacuum Tube Amplifier Compatible with 2.5mm, 3.5mm & 4.4mm Output Jacks
The SP2000T supports all output types, with no restriction on the type of receiver used, so you can enjoy the unique characteristics of the vacuum tube.
Real Vacuum Tube
Equipped with the portable-friendly dual-triode KORG Nutube, for a unique TUBE AMP sound.
Nutube offers a reliable continuous playback time of approximately 30,000 hours.
It features an anode grid filament structure which operates the same as a triode vacuum tube.
It's much smaller, consumes far less power and yet delivers the same audio with rich overtones.
Hybrid AMP Mode
HYBRID AMP mode, supported for the first time by a DAP, is the essence of Astell&Kern's advanced AMP design technology.
New combinations of sounds can be enjoyed in HYBRID AMP mode, which is based on the OP AMP sound and addition of tasteful warm tones unique to TUBE AMP technology.
The five options mixed and matched with optimal ratios of the OP AMP and TUBE AMP present users with a new perspective and choice for the perfect sound characteristic to suite their tastes.
Internal Mechanical Design to Minimize Noise
Special Design to Minimize Microphonic Noise
SP2000T features a special design tailored to minimize microphonics (the phenomenon wherein the vacuum tubes generate noise even from a small external impact).
Multiple design iterations and verifications have been performed over a long period of time to fix the structural issues of vacuum tubes that generate microphonic noise even from a small impact or vibration.
For minimization of mechanical impact and vibration, both sides of the vacuum tube are fixed with flexible silicone covers, and the vacuum tube has been modularized so it is physically separate from the PCB.
Astell&Kern goes to great lengths to innovate and design these small components that make a big difference in the quality and sound of our products that no other manufacturer can match.
Separation Using Magnetic Polarity
A structure that uses magnetic forces to float the amp in the air, thus minimizing noise from the vacuum tube itself, which is generated when it is exposed to mechanical impact or vibration.
Flexible Silicone Covers
Silver Plating Shield Can
Astell&Kern products apply shield cans so that noise and electromagnetic interference, which occur when the countless parts are in operation, do not affect the audio block.
The SP2000T has taken it a step further by applying highly conductive, hyper-pure silver plating on the existing shield cans for perfect shielding that provides excellent audio performance.
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 >>
Adoption of Full HD Display for Improved Image Quality
The SP2000T features a full HD screen to provide a higher quality display.
Quad-DAC for Perfection of Superior Sound
The SP2000T is equipped with four ES9068AS DACs, this allows two DACs per channel for dedicated decoding.
The SP2000T achieves a more detailed and balanced sound with great depth and spatial realism.
ReplayGain Automatically and Uniformly Adjusts Playback Volume
ReplayGain, which adjusts sound sources with different volumes to an identical level, has been applied.
Now, enjoy your own playlists seamlessly through the ReplayGain feature on the SP2000T.
*ReplayGain supports up to 24-bit/192kHz sound sources.
Dual-Band WiFi (2.4/5 GHz)
Dual-Band Wi-Fi is supported for users who enjoy streaming services, providing enhanced network performance.
With streaming music services becoming more popular, stronger and more reliable network reception becomes even more important for your audio experience.
The SP2000T supports Dual Band Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz, a/b/g/n/ac).
AK File Drop to Enjoy Wireless Transfers
The new AK File Drop function in the SP2000T makes file transfers easier and more convenient.
Using AK File Drop, you can freely transfer files wireless through a PC, smartphone, or FTP program located on the same network.
Music file management is now possible with a cableless, wireless solution.
Wireless Hi-Fi Sound Through BT Sink
The newly introduced BT Sink function connects the SP2000T 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 SP2000T using the BT Sink function.
Real-Time Playback and AMP Mode Information Reflected by Light
Through the softly dispersing LED light, users are notified of the bit depth information of the song being played or the current AMP mode.
*LED light may be turned on or off in the user settings, and one can choose between the sound source information or AMP mode information displays.
The radial pattern of the volume wheel reflects bursts of light, and the protective surface has been modified to distinguish it from other models. The side lines fan outward as they extend downwards from the wheel.
Similarly to the SP2000, the edge extends to the rear panel, emphasizing the connection between the two models.
The proportions of the face have been adjusted to accommodate the larger form, and the CMF (Color, Materials and Finish) have all been selected to make the SP2000T stand out from the SP2000.
To reinforce the idea of light illuminating space, we combined the image of the amp's light filling the empty space of the vacuum tube with Astell&Kern's light and shadow concept.
The protector around the volume wheel is encircled, providing an image of a space that has been created from light.
Although the glass on the rear is one piece, it looks like two separate pieces, and the boundary of the two is designed to look consistent with the wheel protector.
Rather than evoking the coldness of glass, the underside has been designed to express warmth, and the top features a subtle, shimmering design that flares to life when the amp is switched on.
General Specifications
Model |
SP2000T |
Body Color |
Onyx Black or Copper Nickel |
Body Material |
Aluminum or Copper Nickel |
Display |
5-inch FHD 1920 x 1080 Touch display |
Supported Audio Formats |
WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA |
Sample Rate |
PCM: Support up to 32-Bit/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 / DSD512 (1-bit, 22.4MHz), Stereo |
Output Level |
Unbalanced 3.0Vrms / Balanced 6.0Vrms (Condition No Load) |
CPU |
Quad-Core |
DAC |
ESS ES9068AS x4 (Quad-DAC) |
Vacuum Tube |
KORG Nutube 6P1 |
Decoding |
Support up to 32-bit / 384kHz Bit-to-Bit Playback |
Input |
USB Type-C input (for charging, PC & MAC) |
Outputs |
Unbalanced Out (3.5mm) / Optical Out (3.5mm) / Balanced Out (2.5mm, only 4-pole supported / 4.4mm, only 5-pole supported) |
Wi-Fi |
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz) |
Bluetooth |
V5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, LDAC) |
Dimensions |
3.07” (78.1mm) [W] x 5.55” (141.1mm) [H] x 0.68” (17.5mm) [D] |
Weight |
Onyx Black: About 10.89oz (309g) Copper Nickel: About 17.81oz (505g) |
Audio Performance
Frequency Response |
Condition 20Hz~20kHz: ±0.024dB Unbalanced / ±0.038dB Balanced |
Signal to Noise Ratio |
121dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 123dB @ 1kHz, Balanced |
Crosstalk |
-137dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / -142dB @ 1kHz, Balanced |
THD+N |
0.0003% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 0.0003% @ 1kHz, Balanced |
IMD SMPTE |
0.0004%, 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced / 0.0003%, 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Balanced |
Output Impedance |
3.5mm (1ohm), 2.5mm (1.5ohm), 4.4mm (1.5ohm) |
Clock Source
Clock Jitter |
25ps (Typ) |
Reference Clock Jitter |
70ps |
Battery
Capacity |
4,200mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer Battery |
Playback Time |
About 9 hours (Standard: FLAC, 16-bit/44.1kHz, Unbalanced, Vol. 50, LCD off, LED on, OP AMP Mode) |
Charge Time |
About 3.5 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 |
Operating System
Supported OS |
Windows 7, 8, 10 (32/64 bit), MAC OS X 10.7 and up |
Package contents include:
- A&ultima SP2000T Device x 1
- Leather Case x 1
- SP2000T Onyx Black: Tan Case
- SP2000T Copper Nickel: Green Case
- 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)
SP2000T User Guide
- A&ultima SP2000T User Guide - English
- A&ultima SP2000T User Guide - Japanese
- A&ultima SP2000T User Guide - Russian
- A&ultima SP2000T User Guide - Korean
- A&ultima SP2000T User Guide - French
- A&ultima SP2000T User Guide - German
- A&ultima SP2000T User Guide - Chinese (Simplified)
- A&ultima SP2000T User Guide - Chinese (Traditional)
- A&ultima SP2000T User Guide - Spanish
SP2000T MAC OS Driver
SP2000T is compatible with MAC OS X 10.7 and up. In order for a Mac computer to communicate with our device a MTP program will need to be installed.
How to install the program for file transfer:
- Disconnect Device from PC
- Download the file transfer driver at Android File Transfer site: http://www.android.com/filetransfer
- Install the file downloaded according to the provided directions on website.
- After successful installation, connect the device with the computer.
SP2000T USB DAC Driver
Driver File: SP2000T USB DAC Driver
References
- This Driver is for Windows 7/8/10 (32/64bit), Windows 7/8(32/64bit). In case of MAC OS, it can recognize without Driver install.
- Driver is installed only the first time. After that, it will be recognized automatically.
- To use SP2000T USB DAC as Default device, please modify the setting as below:
- Windows 7/8/10: Control Panel - Sounds – Select the "SP2000T USB DAC" in the ‘Play’ tab, and then select as “set as the Default device”
- To play High quality sound in Windows 7/8/10: Control Panel–Sounds - Click the Properties of "SP2000T USB DAC" - ‘Advanced’ tab – Change Default to the “24bit, 192000Hz"
- For Native DSD playback, music playback program can play Native DSD. Depending on the music playback program, you have to change ‘Device’ into the ‘SP2000T USB DAC’ in the device settings.
- Please refer to the manual for other USB DAC information.
How to install Driver
- Disconnect the SP2000T from PC
- On the Home Screen of SP2000T, Touch the "DAC/DISK" and then change into the "DAC". Or, Setting–USB connection setting – “DAC Input”
- Click the Download button and download the USB DAC, and run the "setup.exe" file, then click the [Next >] button
- When the below screen is displayed, connect the SP2000 to PC, then Click the [Next >] button.
5. USB DAC connection screen will be displayed on SP2000T. Install location screen will be displayed on the install program. 6. Click the [Install] button.
7. When install is completed, please click [Finish] button.