Astell & Kern reveals its latest high-end portable music player, boasting advanced hi-res streaming capabilities and an overhauled internal circuitry design.
Astell & Kern, a renowned name in the high-end audio industry, has announced the launch of its latest offerings: the A&ultima SP4000 portable music player and two new in-ear monitors (IEMs), the Luna and the XIO. These products are set to hit the market later this year, with the SP4000 set to debut at the High End Munich Show next week.
Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 Portable Music Player
While the exact specifications of the SP4000 are yet to be officially confirmed, Astell & Kern's A&ultima series typically represents their flagship portable digital audio players. These devices usually feature support for high-resolution audio formats, powerful outputs for driving demanding headphones, advanced DAC and amplifier circuitry, multi-band parametric EQ, sound customization features, premium build quality, large internal storage options, and wireless connectivity including Bluetooth with high-quality codecs.
The SP4000 is housed in a stainless steel shell with a black coating, offering a rugged, luxurious finish. It boasts a 'BT Sink' function, allowing it to connect to an external device via Bluetooth and function as a wireless DAC. The player also offers around 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge and charges in approximately 4 hours.
Astell & Kern Luna and XIO In-Ear Monitors
The Luna IEMs, developed in-house by Astell & Kern, feature a full-range single micro planar magnetic driver, hi-fi grade silver-coated and copper cables, and an included 4.4mm balanced plug. Details about the Luna IEMs were not found in the provided search results, but typical Astell & Kern IEMs focus on audiophile-grade sound with technologies similar to those seen in their XIO model.
The XIO IEMs, a collaboration with 64 Audio, feature a 10-driver IEM with an isobaric cone-to-magnet driver configuration. These IEMs are known for their tubeless In-Ear Audio (tia) design, which reduces resonance and distortion, apex venting system for reduced listening fatigue during long sessions, and m15 module for enhanced durability and quality. The housing is precision-milled from 904L stainless steel with a luxurious black Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating. The XIO IEMs are designed for natural, warm, and clear vocal and instrumental sound reproduction with a well-balanced and spacious soundstage.
Summary
The A&ultima SP4000, Luna IEM, and XIO IEM are high-end audio products known for their advanced technologies and premium build quality. The SP4000 supports hi-res PCM files up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512, and the XIO IEMs are renowned for their tubeless In-Ear Audio (tia) design, apex venting system, and m15 module. The exact specifications of the SP4000 and Luna IEMs are yet to be officially confirmed, and further information about these products will be revealed at the upcoming High End Munich Show.
- The High End Munich Show will feature the debut of Astell & Kern's new flagship portable digital audio player, the A&ultima SP4000.
- Astell & Kern's A&ultima series typically includes high-resolution audio support, powerful headphone outputs, advanced DAC and amplifier circuitry, and wireless Bluetooth connectivity.
- The SP4000 is housed in a stainless steel shell with a black coating and offers a 'BT Sink' function for wireless DAC use.
- The Luna in-ear monitors (IEMs) from Astell & Kern utilize a full-range single micro planar magnetic driver and hi-fi grade silver-coated and copper cables.
- The XIO IEMs, a collaboration with 64 Audio, use a 10-driver IEM design, tubeless In-Ear Audio (tia) technology, and an apex venting system for reduced listening fatigue.
- The XIO IEMs are also known for their m15 module for enhanced durability and quality, and they offer natural, warm, and clear sound reproduction.
- While details about the Luna IEMs are scarce, they are expected to deliver audiophile-grade sound similar to the XIO model.
- News and detailed reviews of these products will be discussed at technology events, audio gadgets sites, and streaming news platforms following the High End Munich Show.
- For those interested in high-end audio, these upcoming products from Astell & Kern, including the A&ultima SP4000, Luna IEM, and XIO IEM, are worthy of attention with their advanced technologies and premium build quality.
