Astell & Kern SE180
With a black-quiet background, expansive staging and commanding drive, the SE180 delivers desktop-grade poise in a portable player. What Hi-Fi? highlights its rich, clear, punchy yet refined presentation, while Hifi Pig praises its smooth, natural, fatigue-free musicality. Swappable DAC modules, balanced outputs and polished streaming usability make this a remarkably versatile high-end DAP.
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
94/100
Build Quality
89/100
Features Usability
95/100
Value for Money
90/100
Pros
Exceptionally transparent, detailed sound with a silent background, broad soundstage and convincing instrumental separation.
Drives both sensitive IEMs and demanding full-size headphones with authority, control and low noise.
Interchangeable DAC modules, comprehensive balanced outputs, streaming support and an intuitive Full HD interface provide unusual flexibility.
Cons
Around 10 hours of playback is modest for a premium portable player.
The substantial, heavy chassis is less pocket-friendly than smaller DAPs.
Removing the DAC module can be fiddly, and optional modules add significant cost.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 94/100
Reviewers consistently describe an exceptionally clear, spacious and refined presentation with strong musical engagement. The supplied SEM1 module is portrayed as neutral, precise and clean, while alternative modules can tailor the player toward a fuller, warmer character without losing its high level of detail.
Transparency Resolution
96/100
Audiokey Reviews heard a black-quiet background, microscopic detail retrieval and unusually convincing instrumental textures. HiFi Pig and What Hi-Fi likewise praised its openness, precision, subtle texture and the clearer spatial separation it brings over respected rivals.
Tonal Balance Musicality
93/100
The SEM1 module is described as neutral, clean, precise and natural, with a slightly leaner bass balance and more forward upper mids than the warmer SEM2. Across reviews, however, the SE180 is repeatedly praised for smoothness, tonal naturalness, long-session comfort and engrossing musicality.
Dynamics
94/100
What Hi-Fi heard greater punch, dynamic subtlety and refinement than the award-winning Kann Alpha. Other reviewers noted authoritative control, clear transient attack and decay, potent bass impact, and enough composure to make demanding music feel effortless rather than strained.
Noise Floor
94/100
Audiokey Reviews describes the background as noise-free and black-quiet, while Audiophile Heaven reports no hiss or background noise with IEMs. This quietness is especially meaningful given the player’s strong performance with both sensitive earphones and full-size headphones.
Headphone Compatibility
95/100
Reviewers report excellent results with a notably broad mix of IEMs and headphones, including Meze Empyrean models, ZMF dynamics, Rosson RAD-0, Hifiman Arya and Audeze LCD-series headphones. Its balanced and single-ended outputs, low output impedance and convincing drive with 250-ohm and harder-to-drive headphones make it unusually adaptable for a portable player.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
89/100
HiFi Pig found the milled-aluminium player heavy, strong and convincingly premium in hand. What Hi-Fi also calls the interchangeable-module connection solid and unlikely to break easily, though the reviews offer limited long-term durability evidence.
Features Usability
95/100
The SE180 combines 3.5mm single-ended, 2.5mm balanced and 4.4mm balanced outputs with interchangeable DAC modules, USB DAC functionality, Wi-Fi streaming, Bluetooth transmission and reception, and broad app support. Reviewers also praise its responsive Full HD display, logical interface, expandable storage and useful onboard parametric EQ.
Value for Money
90/100
At around £1,399/$1,499, it is plainly a premium portable player, and Audiophile Heaven notes that the price will not be easy to justify for every buyer. Still, What Hi-Fi calls it one of Astell & Kern’s best-value offerings, while other reviewers consider its sound quality, modularity and broad capability persuasive at the asking price.
Reviews & Sources
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Specifications
- Model
- SE180
- Body Color
- Moon Silver
- Body Material
- Aluminum
- Display
- 5.0inch 1920x1080 FHD
- Supported Audio Formats
- WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA
- MQA playback
- Services(Tidal Masters), Local files, External USB, MQA-CD(ripped)
- Input
- USB Type-C input (for PC & MAC)
- Charging
- 9V 1.67A / 5V 2A
- Wi-Fi
- 802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz)
- Bluetooth
- V5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP, Qualcomm® aptXTM HD, LDAC)
- Dimensions
- 3.03 ”(77 mm) [W] x 5.09 ”(129.2 mm) [H] x 0.78 ”(19.9 mm) [D] (Only body) 3.03 ”(77 mm) [W] x 5.4 ”(137.2 mm) [H] x 0.78 ”(19.9 mm) [D] (Combined with a module)
- Weight
- 9.88 oz (280 g)
- Feature Enhancements
- Firmware upgrades supported (OTA)
- SAR
- Body 10g SAR (W/Kg) _ WLAN 2.4Ghz : 0.016
- Wheel
- LED Light (LED Indicator)
- Capacity
- 3,800mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer Battery
- Charge Time
- about 5hours (Standard : 5V / 2A Charging), about 3hours (Fast : 9V / 1.67A Charging)
- Built-in Memory
- 256GB [NAND]
- External Memory
- microSD (Max. 1TB) x1
- Supported OS
- Windows 8,10(32/64bit) Mac OS X 10.7 and up
- Clock Jiter
- 25ps(Typ)
- Reference Clock Jitter
- 800 Femto Seconds
- Model
- SEM1
- Body Color
- Moon Silver
- Body Material
- Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Polycarbonate
- Sample Rate
- PCM: 8kHz ~ 384kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample) DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo
- Outputs
- Unbalanced Out (3.5mm), Balanced Out (2.5mm, only 4-pole supported / 4.4mm, only 5-pole supported)
- Output Level
- [Normal Gain] Unbalanced 2Vrms / Balanced 4Vrms (Condition No Load) [High Gain] Unbalanced 3Vrms / Balanced 6Vrms (Condition No Load)
- DAC
- ESS ES9038PRO (Single DAC)
- Decoding
- Support up to 32bit / 384kHz Bit-to-Bit playback
- Dimensions
- 3.03 ”(77 mm) [W] x 2.99 ”(76 mm) [H] x 0.78 ”(19.9 mm) [D]
- Weight
- 3.53 oz (100 g)
- Playback Time
- about 10.5hours (FLAC, 16bit, 44.1kHz, Vol.50, LCD Off)
- Frequency Response
- ±0.04dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced / ±0.04dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced ±0.07dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced / ±0.06dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced
- Signal to Noise Ratio
- [Normal Gain] 122dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 126dB @ 1kHz, Balanced / [High Gain] 125dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 129dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
- Crosstalk
- [Normal Gain] -138dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / -145dB @ 1kHz, Balanced / [High Gain] -138dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / -147dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
- THD+N
- [Normal Gain] 0.0005% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 0.0004% @ 1kHz, Balanced / [High Gain] 0.0007% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 0.0006% @ 1kHz, Balanced
- IMD SMPTE
- 0.0004%, 800Hz 10kHz (4:1), Unbalanced / 0.0004%, 800Hz 10kHz (4:1), Balanced
- Output Impedance
- 3.5mm (1ohm) / 2.5mm (1.5ohm) / 4.4mm (1.5ohm)
- Specification
- - Audio was NOT muted during the measurement. - The image/specification may be changed without notice to improve product performance and quality.
Manufacturer's Description — Astell & Kern
SE180 Combines Innovation and fun
The third product in the A&futura line, the SE180, continues the trend of exciting innovation for
Astell&Kern products, while providing the uncompromised sound quality Astell&Kern is famous for.
With the SE180, in addition to superb audio technology, we wanted to show users an element of fun that is
hard to find in most Hi-Fi products. The DNA of innovation found in the A&futura line continues with the
SE180. It is an advanced audio system created with the technology Astell&Kern is known for around the
world. With the SE180, premium Hi-Fi Sound is now available through the use of interchangeable, all-in-one
modules, by Astell&Kern.
- Interchangeable All-in-One Module
- TERATON ALPHA Audio Technology from Astell&Kern
- Next Generation Astell&Kern AMP Technology
- Updated UI with Added Functions for Convenience
Interchangeable All-in-one Module
With the SE180, we wanted to expand on the multi-DAC idea that was first introduced with the SE200.
Like the SE200, different DACs can be used in one DAP, but we wanted to do something different for the
SE180. The introduction of Interchangeable All-in-One Modules, carry on the multi-DAC experience, but add a
new and fun experience. This reflects the DNA of the innovation that the A&futura line is known for.
The SE180 is a module-separated product that increases the convenience of connection between the main body
of the player and the module. It features an innovative double-locking design that securely connects each
component while providing smooth lines that naturally flow without any sense of separateness between the two
pieces.
By applying different DAC/AMP configurations, adjusting tuning and outputs for each module, the user can
choose the most suitable module for Premium Hi-Fi Sound. The default configuration module contains the ESS
ES9038PRO, an 8-channel DAC mainly used for premium home audio equipment.
This DAC provides a wider dynamic range and more detailed sophistication. The module supports 2.5mm, 3.5mm
and 4.4mm connections to allow for a greater variety of headphones/IEMs.
Circuit Separation Structure of Main Body and Module
By physically separating the main body from the All-in-One module, we completely block power and RF noise
that may occur from the main body.
This creates an independent structure that prevents noise from interfering with music playback.
Astell&Kern Audio Technology Forms the TERATON ALPHA Sound Solution
AK ULTIMATE SOUND SOLUTION, TERATON ALPHA
TERATON ALPHA is AK's Ultimate Sound Solution to produce audio playback that is close to the original
sound through the audio output interface by use of effective power noise removal, efficient power
management and amplification with minimal distortion.
TERATON ALPHA features Astell&Kern's patented technologies, which are the result of tens of
thousands of
hours of continuous research and development to produce sound close to the original sound the artist and
producer intended.
Modules Double Lock for Ease of Use
The biggest difference between the SE180 and other products that use interchangeable modules is that the
SE180 uses a double-locking mechanism rather than screws to fasten the module to the body.
The first locking structure attaches the module and the body. The second locking structure informs the
user that the module has been securely fastened to the main body.
The spring supported internal connectors of the main body allow reliable audio signal connection and are
used to prevent connection failure in case of external shock to the player when on the go.
Adoption of Full HD Display forImproved Image Quality
The SE180 features a full HD screen to provide a higher quality display.
- 441 PPI High pixel density
- 16.7M colors Large color gamut
- 5.0 inch Large display
- 1920*1080 High resolution
Upgrades to Enhance the User Experience
Navigation bar for easier navigation
To provide more convenient movement through the player user interface that is consistent with an
Android smartphone experience, the SE180 features a new navigation bar, the first in an
Astell&Kern player.
Now you can easily navigate with a single touch and deliver music playback information from any
screen. The new one swipe feature moves you to the previous screen.
AK File Drop to enjoy wireless transfers
The new AK File Drop function in the SE180 makes files transfers easier and more convenient.
Using AK File Drop, you can freely transfer files wirelessly through a PC, smartphone, or FTP
program located on the same network. Music file management is now possible with a cableless,
wireless solution.
Wireless Hi-Fi Sound Through BT Sink
The newly introduced BT Sink function connects the SE180 to an external device via Bluetooth, similar to connecting a smartphone with a BT speaker. Music from an external device, such as a smartphone can now be played back in high-quality on the SE180 using the BT Sink function.
Real-Time Information Confirmed by Light
The SE180 features a LED volume wheel which displays various playback information, including volume level and bit-rate of the track currently playing.
* LED can be turned on or off according to user setting.
Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 and Support for Wireless 24-bit aptX-HD, LDAC Codecs
The latest Bluetooth version provides high sound quality with the convenience of wireless playback to
headphones and IEMs.
Bluetooth 5.0 features faster transmission speed, greater range and a more stable wireless connection when
compared to Bluetooth 4.2. Both LDAC and aptX HD is supported to provide audiophiles with the best wireless
sound possible.
DESIGN
A&futura SE180 is Astell&Kern's first DAC interchangeable DAP, created under the pioneering spirit
of the A&futura lineup.
The design of the SE180 resembles the traces of the wind left behind as natural and flowing
lines represent an immersed listening experience of great tunes. A smooth yet expanding
silhouette is the key design element of the SE180. The continuous and seamless outline of
the SE180 and almost infinite number of acoustic settings users can create represents the
infinite possibility of tonal scalability.
The volume knob is located in the center of the curves. It symbolizes the way that various
tones are gathered and harmonized to emit not only the sound but also light as well. The
control buttons on the left side have been eliminated and a single multi-function button has
been added for the convenience of one-handed operation.
The A&futura SE180’s ceramic rear cover is reminiscent of a finely crafted art
sculpture. You can feel the quality and craftsmanship devoted to your device through the
subtle beauty. Gold rings are applied to each audio output port, 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm
connectors, for harmony and unity through its details.
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Astell & Kern SE180
- Addicted to Audio — online and in-store — Epping, Victoria, Australia (website)
- Advanced MP3 Players — online and in-store — Musselburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (website)
- ALAIN CHOUKROUN — online and in-store — Paris, Île-de-France, France (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- American Sound — in-store — Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Anquan — online and in-store — Glika Nera, Greece (website)
- Area Hifi — online and in-store — L'Eixample, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- Audio 46 — online and in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
- Audio Advice — online and in-store — Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (website)
and 69 more verified dealers