Introducing the Astell&Kern SP3000M Digital Audio Player, the Lighter, Smaller Successor to the Legendary Flagship SP3000 Leightweight, smaller footprint, Aluminum-body successor to the SP3000 Flagship DAP Features high-performance Snapdragon 6125 8-Core CPU Full separation of digital / analog processing Support for aptX™ HD and LDAC Genuine Astell&Kern SP3000M premium leather upgrade case available Bloom's Take The SP3000M brings a streamlined, compact experience to Astell&Kern’s flagship line, focusing on sonic precision and portability without sacrificing quality. While it may lose some of the SP3000’s grandiose low-end power, it retains its sibling’s acoustic detail and warmth in a more accessible, mobile format. This “less-is-more” approach results in a balanced, refined sound profile ideal for users seeking high-end performance on the go. The SP3000M is crafted for audiophiles who value immersive sound and premium build in a highly portable design. The SP3000M’s primary goal is clear: offer the renowned SP3000 sound in a more compact, portable form—and it absolutely delivers. While there’s a bit less luxury in the build and the 2.5mm output is absent, the $1,000 price reduction makes it an impressive blend of sound quality and functionality. This DAP is arguably one of Astell&Kern’s most balanced offerings yet. Read our full review here. SP3000M: Compact but Limitless Sound The “M” in SP3000M represents the diverse features offered in the player: Mini: Smaller in size than SP3000 Mobility: Better portability Maximum: The BEST audio performance Mania: For those passionate about SP3000M's vivid sound Mate: A companion with you anywhere, any time Moment: Adding sentiment to the mundane of life The SP3000M’s design draws inspiration from a diamond ring, with the volume knob and protector evoking the tension of a jewel in its prongs. Its back glass features etched cross patterns, blending elements of SP3000 with the unique concept of “Tension,” highlighting where patterns meet at the corners. SP3000 vs. SP3000M SP3000 (2022) SP3000M (2024) MSRP $3699 $2299 CPU Qualcomm 6125 Octa-Core Qualcomm 6125 Octa-Core DAC (x2) AK4191EQ & (x4) AK4499 (x2) AK4191EQ & (x4) AK4499 Display 5.5" 1080x1920 4.1" 720x1280 DAR 384kHz/DSD256 384kHz/DSD64 Outputs 2.5mm, 3.5mm (SPDIF), 4.4mm 3.5mm, 4.4mm PCM 32bit/768kHz 32bit/768kHz DSD Native DSD512 Native DSD512 SNR 130dB 130dB Crosstalk -145dB -144dB THD+N 0.0004% @1kHz 0.0003% @1kHz Memory 256GB 256GB WiFi 2.4/5GHz 2.4/5GHz Bluetooth 5.0 (aptX-HD, LDAC, LHDC) 5.0 (aptX-HD, LDAC, LHDC) Battery 5050mAh (about 10hrs) 4200mAh (about 10hrs) Charging USB-C, QC3.0 USB-C, QC3.0 Material Stainless Steel 904L Aluminum 316L Weight 17.4 oz 8.4 oz Size 3.2” x 5.5” x 0.7” 2.7" x 4.7 x 0.7" Wheel LED Yes No Complete HEXA Separation of Digital and Analog The SP3000M retains the innovative Hexa audio circuit design of the SP3000, featuring four flagship AKM AK4499EX DACs and two AK4191EQ chips for separate digital signal processing. Unlike most DAPs which rely on a single DAC for both unbalanced and balanced outputs, the SP3000M employs all 6 DACs to create separate circuits, eliminating the need for signal-reducing audio switches. This advanced structure reduces noise by isolating digital and analog signals, delivering unparalleled 130dB SNR for vivid, true-to-life sound. Despite its compact size, the SP3000M achieves the same exceptional audio quality as its predecessor. Additional Features and Enhancements Snapdragon 8-Core CPUSnapdragon 6125 Octa-core processor paired with 8GB of DDR4 memory into a single SoC delivers fast system response, smooth UI, and optimal efficiency. Sound Design with DAC FiltersEnjoy creating your own sound style by selecting up to 6 different DAC filters. Digital Audio RemasterSP3000M is equipped with Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology, developed to deliver fine, vivid sound at higher sample rates. Wireless Hi-Fi Sound via BT SinkEnjoy playback from an external device (ie. smartphone) in high-quality using the BT Sink function. Automatic 'ReplayGain' and Uniform Volume AdjustReplayGain adjusts sound sources with different volumes to identical levels so you can enjoy your own playlists seamlessly. Native DSD512SP3000M supports Native DSD512 and up to 32bit/768kHz! Silver-Plated Shield CanShield can is applied to prevent noise and EMI from affecting the audio block. Teraton Alpha, the Essence of A&K AudioTERATON ALPHA technology ensures playback that faithfully reproduces the original sound through noise removal, power management, amplification, and seamless audio output interface. VU Meter GUIIntroduced with the SP3000T, this iconic tool displays voice signal voltage levels for precise volume monitoring while adding retro charm to the device’s design. Specifications Display: HD 4.1” 720x1280 Touch Display Supported Formats: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF Sample Rate: PCM: 8kHz~768kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample) DSD: DSD64 (1bit 2.8MHz) Stereo | DSD128 (1bit 5.6MHz) Stereo | DSD256 (1bit 11.2MHz) Stereo | DSD512 (1bit, 22.4MHz) Stereo Output Level: UnBAL 3.3Vrms │ BAL 6.3Vrms (No Load) CPU: Octa-Core DAC: AKM AK4191EQ x2 & AK4499EX x4 Decoding: Support up to 32bit / 768kHz playback Input: USB-C (for charging & PC/MAC comm.) Outputs UnBAL (3.5mm) BAL 4.4m (only 5-pole supported) Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz) Dimensions: 2.72" x 4.70 x 0.74" Firmware upgrade supported (OTA) Build-in Memory: 256GB [NAND] External Memory: microSD x1 (Max. 1.5TB) Battery Capacity: 4200mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer Charge Time: about 3.5 hours (QC3.0 charging) Playback: about 10 hours In the Box A&ultima SP3000M DAP Leather case Astell&Kern 1 Year Warranty Card