Astell & Kern Futura SE180 + Astell & Kern SEM 4

Portable player

Elegant and groundbreaking in its aesthetics and irreproachably built (in aluminum), the A&futura SE180 shines with its own light thanks to its organized architecture
in two blocks: the main body on the one hand and, on the other, a separate interchangeable DAC module that offers the user the possibility of selecting different sound “personalities” by choosing between D/A conversion “chips” from different brands. It is a solution conceptually similar to that of the exceptional A&futura SE200, but with the significant addition of the location of the D/A conversion and amplification subsystem in a block completely independent of the rest, thus eliminating any possible influence on the signal. audio from both radio frequency noise and that coming from the main block power system.

On the other hand, the configuration in separate modules allows increasing the comfort of connection between the main body of the player and the DAC module, a comfort that is reinforced by an effective double fixing system that safely connects the two blocks while providing extreme smoothness of operation thanks to the total sensation of physical discontinuity between them. Applying different DAC/AMP configurations (the exclusive amplification topology developed by Astell&Kern), tuning and output
For each module, the user can choose the most suitable module to satisfy their particular search for absolute sound.

The SEM4 is an optional DAC module specifically designed for the Astell&Kern A&futura SE180 “Hi-Res” portable audio player.
Equipped with two AK4497EQ D/A conversion “chips” from the Japanese company AKM, it is compatible with PCM files up to 32 bits/768 kHz and DSD up to DSD512 (22.4 MHz), currently it does not go beyond “Hi-Res” audio. , while its circuit architecture allows the owner of the A&futura SE180 to experience a sound personality different from that provided by the DAC module incorporated as standard in the device (SEM1). The optional SEM4 module features Astell&Kern's highly imaginative engineering innovations that help define its exceptional performance. This is the case of the TERATON ALPHA “chip”, expressly designed to maximize sound quality through the combined use of a highly effective noise suppression scheme, efficient power management and amplification circuitry with minimal distortion.

For its part, the most recent generation of Astell&Kern's AMP amplification scheme ensures extraordinary musicality thanks to the careful selection of the operational amplifiers used and the complete redesign of both the circuits and the organization of the boards that house them in order to minimize crosstalk.

Characteristics:

• Absolute reference “Hi-Res” portable audio player.
  
• Modular structure consisting of main body and interchangeable DAC block.
  
• Capable of reproducing bit by bit PCM signals up to 32 bits/384 kHz. (Up to 768kHz with optional Sem4 DAC module)
  
• TERATON ALPHA “Chip” exclusive to Astell&Kern.
  
• Printed circuit board with optimized signal paths.
  
• Supports MQA audio encoding.
  
• “Hi-Res” wireless connectivity via Bluetooth 5.0 and BT Sink function.
  
• Balanced (2) and unbalanced (1) headphone outputs.
  
• 256 GB internal memory (1 TB additional via microSD card).
  
• Main block built entirely in aluminum.
  
• 5-inch (127 mm) “Full HD” touch screen.
  
• Frequency response of 20-70,000 Hz, +/-0.06 dB (balanced mode).
  
• -147 dB crosstalk at 1 kHz (balanced mode).
  
• Signal-to-noise ratio of 129 dB at 1 kHz (balanced mode).
  
• Battery with 10.5 hours of autonomy (FLAC at 16 bits/44.1 kHz).
  
• Dimensions (with DAC module): 77x137'2x19'9 mm (WxHxD).
  
• Weight: 280g.