{"product_id":"astell-kern-sp4000","title":"Astell\u0026Kern A\u0026Ultima SP4000 | Digital Audio Player","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 40%;\" alt=\"Astell\u0026amp;Kern product logo red\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/astell-kern-horizontal-logo-cf203a-red.jpg?v=1676570802\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eA\u0026amp;K's SP4000 Shatters the Limit Set by the SP3000, Harnessing Advanced Octa Circuitry to Deliver a Purer, More Powerful Sound Experience\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDigital Audio Player with \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Qualcomm Snapdragon 6125 processor\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qualcomm.com\/products\/internet-of-things\/commercial-processors\/qcs6125\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSnapdragon 6125 Octa-core processor\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFirst Astell\u0026amp;Kern Device to Feature Advanced DAR Technology\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupports High Driving Mode for delivering premium sound quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUltra Low Noise LDO Regulator for top-tier noise suppression\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMinimizes group delay with proprietary ESA (Enhanced Signal Alignment) technology\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Astell\u0026amp;Kern SP4000 DAP standing rear right 3 quarter angle on black wooden stable with wood cabinet behind and vinyl record on one wall\" height=\"1360\" width=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/ak-sp4000-banner_d4e6b297-d7f7-438e-b417-32567eae94da.webp?v=1750345794\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bloom-take\"\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"90%\" bgcolor=\"”#f6f6f6”\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #a30e0b;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom's Take\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAstell\u0026amp;Kern has always treated their flagship DAPs as a platform to redefine what’s possible in portable audio and with the SP4000, they’ve done it again. While it may not deliver the same leap forward that the SP3000 brought over the SP2000, the SP4000 feels like a culmination of every innovation that came before it, refined to its absolute limit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe build quality is, as expected from A\u0026amp;K, sublime—equal parts futuristic and artisanal. Yes, it’s massive, yes, it’s heavy, and no, your pockets won’t thank you, but one listen and you’ll forget all that. Under the hood, the Quad-DAC setup, improved DAR processing, and High Driving Mode push its sonic performance into rarified territory. With IEMs or even challenging over-ear headphones, it delivers a vivid, expansive soundstage and a hyper-detailed yet cohesive image that feels more like a live performance than a playback.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFunctionally, the SP4000 also marks a shift in Astell\u0026amp;Kern’s traditionally closed ecosystem. With Google Play preinstalled and true multitasking finally on board, the SP4000 softens the company’s “walled garden” approach and opens up to modern app use without compromising its player-first experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the A\u0026amp;K lineup, the SP4000 doesn’t just sit at the top, it transcends it. While the SP3000 brought the revolution, the SP4000 perfects it. It’s not merely Astell\u0026amp;Kern’s best DAP yet, it’s the DAP to beat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Astell\u0026amp;Kern SP4000 DAP Review\" href=\"https:\/\/bloomaudio.mom\/blogs\/articles\/how-do-you-top-the-best-dap-in-the-world-astell-kern-sp4000-review\"\u003eRead our full review\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3Ynmn-hXt60?si=DtBYoEo5kWmzK4Oi\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRemarkably Close to Perfection\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe A\u0026amp;ultima SP4000 is Astell\u0026amp;Kern’s newest flagship digital audio player, the result of three years of relentless research and innovation following the development of the SP3000.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt upon an advanced Octa audio circuit architecture, the SP4000 distills the purest essence of audio engineering, delivering a sound experience unlike anything before it—refined, powerful, and remarkably close to perfection. Discover the SP4000 and experience sound on an entirely new level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSnapdragon Octa-Core CPU\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA\u0026amp;ultima SP4000 is equipped with a Snapdragon 6125 Octa-core processor. With its faster system response and a redesigned generation user interface, you can spend less time waiting for the music to load and more time enjoying the incredible sound. Combining with the high-performance CPU with 8GB of DDR4 memory lets SP4000 deliver fast and fluid movement with improved multi-tasking through Android OS.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo maximize the efficiency of the circuit and reduce heat, the CPU, memory and wireless communication parts are configured as one module, with the digital circuit parts arranged in the same area creating a single system on a chip (SoC).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Astell\u0026amp;Kern SP4000 DAP lying face down rotated right 180 degrees on top of Audio-Technica Narukami tube amp\" height=\"1200\" width=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/ak-sp4000-lifestyle_7ada4ce8-05d0-4450-9b68-a8efae4d15e2.webp?v=1750345572\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEnhanced Signal Processing with Octa Audio Circuit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the SP3000, the digital-to-analog signal processing structure was separated in a 1:2 ratio. With the SP4000, it has evolved into a 1:1 architecture. This new structure, where one AK4191 digital processor is paired with one \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.akm.com\/content\/dam\/documents\/products\/audio\/audio-dac\/ak4499exeq\/ak4499exeq-en-productbrief.pdf\" title=\"AKM AK4499EX DAC\"\u003eAK4499EX DAC\u003c\/a\u003e, allows digital signals to be delivered precisely to a single DAC without the need to distribute noise, enabling improved signal separation and processing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough continuous research and innovation in circuit technology, the SP4000 successfully implements a true Quad DAC—a feat previously considered impossible due to noise and other issues. As a result, the SP4000 achieves an impressive SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) of 131dB, on par with the independent dual audio circuit of its predecessor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"AstellKern SP4000 DAP Octa audio circuit architecture graphic\" height=\"1200\" width=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/ak-sp4000-dacs.webp?v=1749229333\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAdvanced Engineering for Unmatched Clarity\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh Driving Mode\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe SP4000 features twice as many OPAMPs arranged in parallel compared to its predecessor, delivering richer and more detailed sound. High Driving Mode provides powerful and stable output—much like a four-wheel-drive vehicle confidently navigating rough terrain. It’s designed to reproduce even the most delicate sonic details with precision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnhanced Signal Alignment Technology\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe SP4000 features proprietary ESA (Enhanced Signal Alignment) technology, which significantly improves one of audio’s long-standing challenges, group delay. ESA technology aligns frequency signals to arrive more uniformly, minimizing frequency distortion and dramatically enhancing sound clarity and purity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTop-Tier Noise Suppression\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe SP4000 features a newly implemented LDO (Low Dropout) Regulator in its power supply, which reduces noise by up to 97% compared to previous models. LDO Regulators help stabilize battery voltage and effectively suppress noise, resulting in cleaner, purer sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrecision Sound with Any Layer HDI PCB\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTo minimize signal loss, the SP4000 incorporates top-tier Any Layer HDI (High-Density Interconnect) PCB technology. Commonly used in smartphones and high-performance electronic devices, this advanced circuit board allows for the precise design of complex circuitry within a compact space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/ak-sp4000-lifestyle.webp?v=1749229596\" width=\"2048\" height=\"500\" alt=\"AstellKern SP4000 DAP x4 closeup images of stainless steel body and volume wheel\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAdditional Features and Enhancements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSound Design Through DAC Filters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith the SP4000, you can enjoy the fun of creating your own sound style by directly selecting various DAC filters provided by the DAC manufacturer. Design your own sound through 6 DAC filters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.5th Generation UI\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe SP4000 features an upgraded UI that balances both functionality and emotional experience. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA\u0026amp;K's First Full Android OS Integration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAstell\u0026amp;Kern has overcome Android OS’s sampling limitation (SRC) through its proprietary customization technology, ADP (Astell\u0026amp;Kern Direct Path).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFirst-Ever Implementation of Advanced DAR by Astell\u0026amp;Kern\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe SP4000 introduces Advanced DAR, Astell\u0026amp;Kern’s second-generation DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) technology, delivering sound that is even more natural and refined.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/ak-sp4000-dar.webp?v=1749229437\" width=\"2048\" height=\"700\" alt=\"AstellKern SP4000 DAP digital audio remaster second generation graphic\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99.9% Pure Copper Shield Can\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor the first time in A\u0026amp;K's lineup, the SP4000 is equipped with a precision-engineered Shield Can to block various types of noise and electromagnetic interference that could affect the audio block.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e6-inch 2K Display\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExperience the SP4000 more conveniently and comfortably with a wide 6-inch, large-screen 2180x1080 2K display. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAK File Drop\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith the new AK File Drop function in the SP4000, you can freely transfer files wirelessly through a PC, smartphone, or FTP program located on the same network\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAutomatic 'ReplayGain' and Uniform Volume Adjust\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReplayGain adjusts sound sources with different volumes to identical levels so you can enjoy your own playlists seamlessly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWireless Hi-Fi Sound via BT Sink\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEnjoy playback from an external device (ie. smartphone) in high-quality using the BT Sink function.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePD 3.0 Fast Charging Supported\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe SP4000 supports Qualcomm QC 3.0 fast charging, so you can charge your DAP faster and more efficiently than previous models, reaching a full charge in about 4 hours.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCrossfeed Technology\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThrough the use of detailed settings such as Shelf Cutoff, Shelf Gain, and Mixer Level, you can set the level of crossfeed according to your listening preferences.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial Innovations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe SP4000 uses 904L stainless steel material that has never been attempted before in a portable audio player. Using this material has expanded its value from just a digital device to the realm of a luxury good.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShrunken Calfskin Leather Case\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe SP4000 comes with a deluxe case crafted from shrunken calf leather sourced from Perlinger in Germany, ensuring a level of style and quality that matches the quality of the device.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/ak-sp4000-case-lifestyle.webp?v=1749229798\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2048\" alt=\"AstellKern SP4000 standing back left 3 quarter angle with leather case\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Astell\u0026Kern","offers":[{"title":"Black","offer_id":41519212625995,"sku":"AK-SP4000-BLK","price":4290.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silver","offer_id":41519212658763,"sku":"AK-SP4000-SLV","price":4290.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Copper","offer_id":42105534021707,"sku":"AK-SP4000-COP","price":4499.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black - Open Box","offer_id":41802513514571,"sku":"AK-SP4000-BLK-OB","price":3869.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Silver - Open Box","offer_id":41829201313867,"sku":"AK-SP4000-SLV-OB","price":3869.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Copper - Open Box","offer_id":42171538210891,"sku":"AK-SP4000-COP-OB","price":4499.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/ak-sp4000-main-thumb.webp?v=1770214917","url":"https:\/\/bloomaudio.mom\/products\/astell-kern-sp4000","provider":"Bloom Audio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}