A&ultima SP3000T Digital Audio Player

True Analog Sound with
Real Vacuum Tube

The original vacuum tube is known for its warm sound, attributed to its distinctive rich harmonics, which have cemented its status as a cherished component of Hi-Fi audio. However, its impracticality in terms of miniaturization, primarily due to power control and footprint issues, presented a formidable obstacle, rendering it unsuitable for
use in portable audio players.
In Astell&Kern’s unyielding quest for innovation, we refused to settle for conventional sound and design, and instead worked to bridge the gap between stationary and portable audio by infusing the essence of analog sound into our devices.
These efforts eventually culminated in the pairing of the SP3000T with the RAYTHEON JAN6418 Miniature vacuum Tube. The RAYTHEON JAN6418 is a mini vacuum tube popular among audiophiles. Designed to meet military specifications and traditionally used in military communication equipment, it quickly garnered recognition for its distinctively warm and soft sound, leading to its integration into regular audio devices.

Sound Craftsmanship for the Ultimate Vacuum Tube Sound

Due to inherent differences in noise and amplification among original vacuum tubes, Astell&Kern adopted a meticulous selection process to adhere to our philosophy of addressing even the minutest differences in sound quality.
Astell&Kern carefully measures and pairs each JAN6418, a difficult process demanding both time and precision. This thorough selection method minimizes output deviation between the left and right channels, resulting in more natural sound reproduction.
Every shielding operation on the vacuum tube is carefully executed by hand to minimize potential noise interference.
Thanks to our unwavering dedication to sound craftsmanship, we have successfully brought the distinctive spatial sense and balance found in our existing audio players into the analog realm of vacuum tube sound.

Minimizing Microphonic Noise

The integration of vacuum tubes into compact, portable devices presents a formidable technical hurdle — maintaining low noise levels while delivering unparalleled resolution and robust output.
With the SP3000T, we’ve tackled this challenge head-on with a custom-made solution designed to minimize microphonic noise. Our team devoted extensive time to refining the structural integrity of the vacuum tubes, ensuring minimal noise even in the event of minor shocks or vibrations.

1. Independent modular, flexible PCB design engineered separately from the main PCB
2. Silicone module case designed to absorb primary shocks from the vacuum tube
3. Silicone tubing perfectly tailored to the vacuum tube leads to reduce shock transmission along the leads
4. Silicone dampers around the vacuum tube suspend the tube in the air from both ends

Tube Current option for premium analog sound

After testing the operational range of the vacuum tube, we developed an internal plate voltage control system, which can be adjusted in three stages and directly affects the amplification rate of the vacuum tube amplifier, resulting in nuanced changes in sound texture.
Experience the subtle shifts in density and spatial presence in your headphones or earphones as you fine-tune the current of the vacuum tube amplifier.

Vacuum Tube LED

While in vacuum tube mode or hybrid mode,
the vacuum tubes on the back of the SP3000T emit light, enhancing the device’s subtle and stylish analog feel.

TERATON ALPHA, AK’s Flagship Audio Technology

To take you on an unparalleled audio journey with our groundbreaking DAP, we’ve incorporated the latest DAC and vacuum tube specifications, and added our revolutionary audio technology, TERATON ALPHA, Astell&Kern’s ultimate sound solution.
TERATON ALPHA, the result of relentless research, encapsulates Astell&Kern’s unique approach to achieving sound fidelity akin to the original recording. Thanks to its effective power noise removal, efficient power consumption, vibration-free amplification and meticulously engineered audio output interfaces, TERATON ALPHA delivers a sound experience that is second to none.
The combination of the SP3000T’s innovative real vacuum tubes and separate digital and analog architecture with our TERATON ALPHA solution has produced a masterpiece of an audio player that embodies the essence of pure, unadulterated sound.