Astell&Kern A&ultima SP1000

The Astell&Kern A&ultima SP1000 is powered by a powerful octa-core processor, which was a massive upgrade for digital audio players at the time of its release. This high-speed processing power allows the device to flawlessly decode massive, uncompressed high-resolution audio files without any lag or stuttering in the user interface.

As a dedicated high-resolution audio player, the SP1000 supports an extensive range of audiophile-grade formats, including native DSD (Direct Stream Digital) files and high-res PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz. This allows it to playback studio-master-quality sound files that vastly exceed the capabilities of standard CD-quality audio.

The A&ultima SP1000 utilizes dual premium ESS Sabre DAC chips (specifically the ES9038PRO) to handle its high-resolution audio decoding. By using a dual-DAC configuration, the player can deliver exceptionally detailed, rich sound with incredibly low noise distortion and true balanced audio output.

Yes, to fully take advantage of its audiophile-grade components, the A&ultima SP1000 includes a dedicated 2.5mm balanced output alongside the standard 3.5mm single-ended headphone jack. Using the balanced output separates the ground signals for the left and right audio channels, significantly reducing crosstalk and improving sound clarity for high-end headphones.