The SE200 is the second model from the Astell&Kern A&futura premium line of Digital Audio Players. Equipped with the world's first Multi-DAC (2 x ESS ES9068AS + 1 x AKM AK4499EQ) Independent AMP structure designed to compliment each DAC's characteristics DAC Filters to choose your preferred sound profile Audio performance to feel premium Hi-Fi sound presented by AK Upgrades that add a Premium value experience
OVERVIEW
The A&futura SE200 is the world’s first Multi-DAC player. Since the release of the Dual DAC AK120 player in 2013, Astell & Kern have not seen any products feature more than Dual DACs in the last seven years. This prompted us to ask the question, “Why hasn’t there been more than two DACs in a player?” So, A&K set out to become the first manufacturer to use more than two DACs and the result is the SE200.
The SE200 features the latest audiophile DACs from ESS, the Sabre ES9068AS in a Dual DAC configuration. A&K then added a single AK4499EQ, AKM’s flagship DAC that is used in their flagship SP2000. Combining the three DACs, they have produced the world’s first multi-DAC DAP.
This pairing exhibits the philosophy of the A&futura line to pursue fundamentally different sound than found in typical DAPs.
To properly implement multiple DACs, Astell & Kern needed to spend twice the amount of time on development and double the amount of time in properly tuning the player.
Astell&Kern is not content to keeping things the same all the time. They are constantly working to improve on what they have already achieved which is to bring the most accurately reproduced and best sound to Astell & Kern products.
The SE200 was not designed with one AMP circuit, but multiple, different AMP designs to optimize the different characteristics of the AKM and ESS DACs that are used in the player.
By separating the signals for each channel of Balanced and Unbalanced output, A&K designed independent circuits that do not interfere with each other to provide the best sound possible.
FEATURES
The SE200 features a volume wheel LED that displays a variety of music playback information including volume range, bit-rate of track currently playing and the current DAC that is being used for playback of music.
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.
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the original master recording. The master MQA file is fully authenticated and is small enough to stream or download. Visit mqa.co.uk for more information. Astell&Kern A&futura SE200 includes MQA technology, which enables you to play back MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording.
The SE200 maintains a similar design identity to the SE100 which combines trapezoidal straight lines and curves. These curves are the result of ultra-precision metal processing that has been perfected by Astell&Kern.
After experimenting with different materials for the back plate of the SE200, A&K created a new ceramic rear cover, instead of the glass found on the previous generation SE100. This material not only improves wireless network performance, but produces a more premium feel to the player.
New manufacturing techniques were developed to precisely mold the high-gloss ceramic cover involving seven separate processes. A low-speed processing method is used to prevent cracking and produce a durable backing. The results are a rear cover that is not just beautiful, but functional.
The Aluminum body on the SE200 provides maximum sound quality, while suppressing noise as much as possible. Plus, the use of laser ground extension technology gives the best sound possible, without interference or distortion.
The vibration-free processing machines used by Astell&Kern are the same ones used by expensive Swiss luxury watch manufacturers. This is reflected in the crafting of the volume wheel which is processed precisely like the crown of a luxury watch for the best operating feel.
SPECIFICATIONS
• CPU: Octa-Core
• DAC: AKM AK4499EQ (Single DAC), ESS ES9068AS (Dual DAC)
• Display: 5” touchscreen (720x1280px)
• Decoding/Sample Rate: Support up to 32bit 384kHz Bit to Bit Decoding/Native DSD256
• Output Level: Unbalanced AKM 3.0Vrms/ESS 2.0Vrms, Balanced AKM 6.0Vrms/ESS 4.0Vrms (Condition No Load)
• Audio Output: 2.5mm x2 / 3.5mm x2
• Memory: 256GB
• Network: Wifi(2.4GHz)/Bluetooth (A2DP, AVRCP, aptX™ HD)
• Battery: AKM: 10 hours of continuous play, ESS: 14 hours of continuous play
• USB Interface: Type-C 3.0
• Charging: 9V/1.67A Fast Charging
• Material: Aluminum
