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Astell & Kern SP1000M
Ultra Portable & Ultra Performance, A&ultima SP1000M
Astell&Kern constantly strives to master the philosophy of delivering original sound.
So far, we believe that the A&ultima SP1000 is the optimal product that produces the
highest-quality audio.
We were not sure whether it was possible to come up with a product that is different from the
SP1000 while delivering the same sound quality,
but we decided to take up the challenge so that more people could experience our products’
fidelity.
There were many trials and tribulations in making the SP1000, our best product, smaller.
We were determined to not compromise sound quality in the process, and we ultimately developed
the second A&ultima product, the SP1000M.
The lightweight and portability of the SP1000M enables the user to enjoy original sound playback
anytime and anywhere.
The A&ultima SP1000M achieves greater portability, without sacrificing the level of performance
found in the original SP1000.
- Octa-Core CPU for Next-Level Performance
- AK4497EQ Dual DAC for Highest Sound Quality
- 4.1 Inch HD Display
- Highest Quality Audio of SP1000
- Portable and Durable Aluminum Body
- DNLA-Based AK Connect App
- Open APP Service
SP1000M
The "M" in SP1000M does not stand for a specific word,
but rather encompasses directions that the product aims to pursue.
- MiniSmaller than the SP1000
- MobilityMore portable.
- MaximumProduces the highest-quality audio.
- ManiaFor users who have a mania for original sound.
- MatePerfect anytime and anywhere.
- MomentListeners are in the present with music.
Using Open APP Service
The Open APP Service enables the user to install specific APK music streaming apps to the
device.
Copy the desired APK into the Open Service folder of the product and install the relevant
App in the Menu-Service of the product.
Open APP
Service
Advanced User Interface
While the A&ultima SP1000M has the same intuitive menu composition as its predecessor, the
SP1000,
its user interface has been improved with the optional Virtual Back Key, which enables users to
control the device more easily and conveniently.
Use the Floating feature to place the Virtual Back Key at a desired location or disable it by simply
dragging it to the middle
of the screen or turning it off from the Settings menu.
Great Performance for the Ultimate Experience
The A&ultima SP1000M is equipped with an octa-core CPU which allows the player to produce the exact musical detail present in the original recording without distortion and provides a quick, lag-free operation. The A&ultima SP1000M features faster booting times, speedy file transfers, lag-free processing and a new intuitive user interface for the ultimate player experience.
Ultimate Sound Quality
The latest AK4497EQ dual-DAC design and the upgraded CPU in the A&ultima SP1000M allows for
accurate
playback of native 32bit/384kHz audio with no compromise on sound quality. The music is played
back,
bit-for-bit, just as the artist and engineer intended for it to be heard.
The A&ultima SP1000M also supports native bit-to-bit DSD playback up to 11.2MHz for the best
sound possible.
32-bit bit-to-bit Playback by the SP1000M
32-bit Playback by Other Products
Next generation USB Type-C support allows file transfer speeds up to 10Gbps and supports both data transfer and charging from the same cable. USB 3.0 protocol transfers data twice as fast when compared to other Astell&Kern players. Charging with a fast charger (at 9V/1.67A) takes only two hours and allows up to 12 hours of continuous playback.
- The maximum 10-hour continuous play is based on 16-bit/44 kHz, FLAC file format, screen off, 75 of volume playback.
- Fast charger (9V/1.67A) and general Charger (5V/2A) are not included in the package.
DESIGN
Inspiration for the design of the SP1000M comes from Iirregularly patterned
natural stones combined with Lapis Lazuli, one of the oldest of all gems,
createsto create the SP1000M's color - Lapis Blue.
Lapis Lazuli, whose history stretches back to 5,000 BC, was a precious gem used
in Mesopotamia and Egypt during ancient times.
The SP1000M's vivid blue represents youth, enthusiasm and power. The darker blue
highlights appear at different angles to add elegance to the A&ultima product.
The dakota leather used in the SP1000M bundle leather case is a premium vegetable leather made from an Italian tanner named 'Ra Perla Azura'.
It's a manufacture of Italian and French origin.
'La Perla Azura' was founded in 1967 and has a long history over 50 years.
It is located in 'Santa Croce sull´Arno' which is only high-end leather
production district in Italy.
The SP1000M Onyx Black case uses Beta leather from NUOVA ALBORA. Beta leather is
a high quality leather which contains a large amount of oil as a whole, strong
resiliency of scratches, and can sense changes with the passage of time.
WATT RECOMMENDS
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Professional Reviews 91/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
92/100
Build Quality
94/100
Features Usability
91/100
Value for Money
85/100
The SP1000M delivers a crisp, transparent window into music, pairing tightly controlled bass with textured vocals, expansive dynamics and an impressively quiet backdrop. What Hi-Fi? found it consistently articulate across genres, while the compact aluminium player adds balanced output, hi-res playback and streaming flexibility. This is reference-grade portable sound for listeners who prize insight without sacrificing musical drive.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptionally clean, detailed and transparent presentation with natural vocals and strong instrument separation.
Tight, weighty bass and effortless dynamics retain control from delicate acoustic passages to energetic orchestral and dance tracks.
Compact, premium aluminium build makes flagship-level portable playback more pocket-friendly.
&
Cons
Premium pricing makes it a significant investment.
Physical controls and touchscreen keyboard can feel fiddly, with occasional sluggish response.
Battery life is rated at up to 10 hours, reduced from the larger SP1000 model.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
Reviewers describe an exceptionally clean, detailed and controlled presentation, combining strong bass definition with natural vocals and an expansive sense of scale. It is praised for sounding equally composed with delicate material and forceful music, while the available pairing evidence is limited.
Transparency Resolution
95/100
What Hi-Fi praises crisp transparency, saying the SP1000M can make similarly priced players sound dull or muffled by comparison. PortaFi also highlights strong resolution, texture, well-defined images and plentiful detail.
Tonal Balance Musicality
94/100
What Hi-Fi found instruments, trumpet loops and vocals natural, textured and complete within the mix. PortaFi describes an engaging, musical midrange presentation and a highly realistic overall character, though this voicing is more characterful than strictly clinical.
Dynamics
94/100
The player is repeatedly described as punchy, effortless and capable of moving from gentle, insightful passages to aggressive musical peaks without strain. What Hi-Fi particularly notes tight, weighty bass and expansive orchestral climaxes, while PortaFi calls the low end lively and dynamic.
Noise Floor
91/100
PortaFi specifically reports a very dark background, against which notes emerge with especially clear relief. The supplied reviews do not document hiss performance across a range of highly sensitive IEMs, but the available listening report is strongly positive.
Headphone Compatibility
87/100
Its low stated output impedance and separate single-ended and balanced outputs suggest sensible compatibility with many portable headphones and IEMs. However, the reviews provide little direct evidence with demanding full-size headphones, exceptionally sensitive IEMs, or a broad set of real-world loads.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
94/100
PortaFi characterizes the design and assembly quality as top-tier. The compact aluminum-bodied player also has a premium physical specification, though the supplied reviews offer little detail on long-term durability or control reliability.
Features Usability
91/100
This is a notably complete portable player, with a touchscreen interface, 128GB internal storage plus microSD expansion, Wi-Fi, Tidal and Spotify playback support noted by What Hi-Fi, broad high-resolution format support, and both 3.5mm and 2.5mm balanced outputs. USB-C connectivity and over-the-air firmware updates further strengthen day-to-day ownership, although there is no modern 4.4mm balanced socket or remote control.
Value for Money
85/100
The reported asking price is approximately $2,400, placing the SP1000M firmly in the premium portable-player market. Reviewers strongly praise its sound, but the supplied material does not directly weigh in on whether it represents particularly strong value against similarly priced rivals.
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