The new SE180 is the third model in Astell & Kern’s near-flagship A&futura range, following the inaugural SE100 and SE200, both of which gained What Hi-Fi? Awards in 2019 and 2020 respectively. The latter introduced a multi-DAC concept that saw two user-selectable DAC configurations built into the player, and the SE180 here expands on that with an interchangeable DAC module design. The SE180’s appeal doesn’t live and breathe solely on its quirky concept. It’s also the first model to boast Astell & Kern’s new Teraton Alpha audio technology, which progresses the company’s Teraton solution and has been further designed to remove noise and optimise efficiency right through the chain, from power to amplification to the output section where the digital-to-analogue signal conversion takes place.

"The iBasso DX200 is a well built, excellent sounding, high performing priced dap in a overgrown field of over priced under performing daps."

"The new SE180 is the third model in Astell & Kern’s near-flagship A&futura range, following the inaugural SE100 and SE200, both of which gained What Hi-Fi? Awards in 2019 and 2020 respectively. The latter introduced a multi-DAC concept that saw two user-selectable DAC configurations built into the player, and the SE180 here expands on that with an interchangeable DAC module design. " "Of course, these modules can be considered optional extras; potential upgrade or experimental paths that can be taken advantage of or completely ignored. After all, the SE180 is an all-in-one player in itself, with the default module containing the ESS ES9038PRO DAC. It supports 32-bit/384kHz PCM, native DSD256 and MQA audio and, like the optional SEM2 module, has 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs to cater for a wide range of headphones." "The SE180’s appeal doesn’t live and breathe solely on its quirky concept. It’s also the first model to boast Astell & Kern’s new Teraton Alpha audio technology, which progresses the company’s Teraton solution and has been further designed to remove noise and optimise efficiency right through the chain, from power to amplification to the output section where the digital-to-analogue signal conversion takes place."