Astell&Kern A&futura SE300

Astell&Kern A&futura SE300

The Future of Analog Sound, SE300

A&futura from Astell&Kern is a product line that represents Astell&Kern’s ceaseless efforts for innovation. SE300, the fourth model in the A&futura range is a premium digital audio player that inherits this identity and expands the scope of sound with an entirely new implemented technology.

A&futura SE300 is equipped with an ultra-refined R-2R DAC, Class A/AB dual amps born with our proprietary TERATON ALPHA technology, and for the first time a self-developed FPGA optimized technology. With these unrivaled components, it offers the true sound philosophy and technology of Astell&Kern.

Immerse yourself into the true analog sound that the SE300 produces with Class-A AMP and R-2R DAC technologies, for the first time in an Astell&Kern player.

Innovative Materials Inspired by Astell&Kern’s craftsmanship

Constructed using Grade 5 Titanium alloy, the SE300 Titan Limited Edition is designed to increase both the internal corrosive resistance and strength inherent in pure titanium. Titanium Grade 5, an alloy blend of aluminum and vanadium, embodies exceptional strength while retaining a light weight.
Recognized for its increased resistance to corrosion and absence of toxicity unlike aluminum, this alloy is the material of choice in aerospace, medical, and a wide range of other applications. Its ability to withstand heat and electrical conductivity also positions it as an optimal substance for reducing temperature variations and electrical interference within R-2R DACs and analog amplifiers.

Despite these numerous advantages, the material’s intricate processing is attributed to its formidable strength and limited thermal conductivity.
As a result, its integration into the product relies exclusively on the finesse of ultra-precision manufacturing methods. Astell&Kern approaches this by taking on the challenge: The front cover, initially shaped with precision, undergoes meticulous processing with dedicated polishing equipment, while the side sections, adorned with wave-like patterns, are meticulously crafted to achieve a consistent surface texture. This was perfected by a combination of 6-axis control robots and the skilled hands of engineers, resulting in a flawless surface.
The wheel and side keys, undergo meticulous refinement through a Swiss-made 5-axis vibration-free CNC machine, a technique often employed in crafting premium wristwatches. The utilization of an AF coating further ensures the enduring allure and tactile experience of the Titan Edition.

Discover the SE300 Titan Limited Edition and embrace the cutting-edge analog sound experience from Astell&Kern right at your fingertips. The limited edition package for the SE300 Titan includes a leather case.

Fully Discrete 24bit R-2R DAC

To ensure the A&futura SE300 audio player better reproduces analog sounds, we set out to combine the DAC and AMP sections for the first time during the initial design phase.

The SE300 comes supplied with an R-2R DAC, instead of a Delta-Sigma DAC that is most commonly used in other audio players. R-2R DAC, also known as Ladder DAC, as it arranges resistors in a ladder form, offers natural yet dynamic Hi-Fi sounds, but it is extremely technical and difficult to execute as it requires complex refined resistor units and hard to manage current controls.
However, despite these technical challenges, after several years for development and a lot of trial and error we have managed to overcome this and create a new analog sound. In the process, we have meticulously selected each and every one of the 96 ultra-precision resistors and finalized our R-2R DAC technology.

SE300 takes us one step closer to realizing analog sound from a digital source and is the result of a long journey taken by Astell&Kern with uncompromising craftsmanship to find the ultimate sound solution.