Last year, high-end audio hardware brand Astell&Kern launched the first digital audio player (DAP) to incorporate three digital-to-analog converters, with the SE200. Now the company has gone one better with the upcoming A&ultima SP2000T, while also debuting a triple amp design. Audiophiles who have been longing for the vintage sounds from tube-based amps but need a portable device can get their fill with the A&ultima SP2000T. Fans of Astell&Kern will be happy to learn that the SP2000T combines the OP AMP configuration of its SP2000. It shares many features with its siblings: MQA file support; dual-band wi-fi and Bluetooth; built-in access to Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Deezer apps (some come pre-loaded, some require installation); and the neat AK Connect which turns the player into a DLNA server or renderer, with control via the AK Connect app (iOS, Android) on a smartphone or tablet.
The Astell&Kern A&ultima SP2000T is a portable, triple amp system that includes a vacuum tube amplifier that works with output jacks in sizes ranging from 2.5mm to 4.4mm. Because the device includes a feature called Replay Gain, music will play at a consistent level from track to track. Anyone who has been annoyed by a jarringly loud tune after a song playing more softly will appreciate this feature. As for availability, the manufacturer announced it will go on sale sometime in October 2021.
For another Astell&Kern recent product release, check out the AK USB-C Dual DAC Cable.