{"product_id":"astell-kern-se300-music-player","title":"Astell \u0026 Kern SE300 Music Player","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Astell\u0026amp;Kern A\u0026amp;futura SE300 is the fourth A\u0026amp;futura player, the line that carries Astell\u0026amp;Kern’s most innovative ideas, and the first Astell\u0026amp;Kern player with an R-2R DAC and a Class A amplifier. Its fully discrete 24-bit R-2R DAC is built from 96 ultra-precision resistors, the amplifier switches between Class A and Class AB, an FPGA developed by Astell\u0026amp;Kern offers OS and NOS modes, and TERATON ALPHA ties it all together, for a natural, analogue sound from digital sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/SE300_1000x554_207d2a2d-d7f0-49cd-a394-7e660e224d77.jpg?v=1767183443\" alt=\"Astell\u0026amp;Kern A\u0026amp;futura SE300 digital audio player\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFully discrete 24-bit R-2R DAC\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo reproduce analogue sound better, Astell\u0026amp;Kern designed the DAC and amplifier together from the start. Instead of the delta-sigma DAC chip found in most players, the SE300 uses an R-2R, or ladder, DAC, with resistors arranged like the rungs of a ladder. R-2R sounds natural yet dynamic, but it is hard to build, needing complex, precise resistor networks and careful current control. After several years of development and much trial and error, Astell\u0026amp;Kern hand-picked each of the 96 ultra-precision resistors and finalised its design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTrue 24-bit decoding:\u003c\/strong\u003e 48 pairs (23 × R and 25 × 2R) of the 96 resistors create the analogue signal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e0.01% tolerance:\u003c\/strong\u003e an R-2R DAC needs current values summed from resistors with the smallest possible error, so every resistor was inspected to 0.01%.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTCR10:\u003c\/strong\u003e to keep that precision as temperature changes, the resistors have a low temperature coefficient of 10ppm\/°C.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/astell-kern-se300-music-player-photo-block-diagram.jpg?v=1791403247\" alt=\"Astell\u0026amp;Kern SE300 block diagram: custom FPGA, discrete R-2R DACs and Class A\/AB amplifier\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eClass A or Class AB\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dual amplifier lets you choose by taste or genre. \u003cstrong\u003eClass A\u003c\/strong\u003e gives the most linear output, amplifying without distortion or loss for a soft, warm and natural sound; fed by the R-2R DAC’s refined analogue signal, it comes closest to the original analogue audio. \u003cstrong\u003eClass AB\u003c\/strong\u003e is powerful and efficient, with dynamic, crisp sound and low harmonic distortion. Astell\u0026amp;Kern’s own designs reduce power consumption while raising output and removing noise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo gain levels, Normal and High, match sensitive IEMs and hard-to-drive headphones, with high current for powerful sound and driver control, and up to 6Vrms balanced for high-impedance headphones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTERATON ALPHA\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Class A amplifier was thought impossible to miniaturise, and Astell\u0026amp;Kern says it could not have combined it with the precision R-2R DAC without TERATON ALPHA, its sound solution of effective power-noise removal, efficient power management, unwavering amplification and a fully converted output interface, here with current and temperature control and an optimised FPGA design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/astell-kern-se300-music-player-photo-teraton-alpha.jpg?v=1791403251\" alt=\"TERATON ALPHA elements in the Astell\u0026amp;Kern SE300\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFPGA with OS and NOS modes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstead of an off-the-shelf chipset, the SE300 uses an FPGA (field programmable gate array) developed by Astell\u0026amp;Kern, whose algorithm passes the digital signal to the R-2R DAC. It offers two modes, designed for the SE300’s hardware and software. \u003cstrong\u003eNOS (non-oversampling)\u003c\/strong\u003e plays the pure, unprocessed sound decoded by the R-2R DAC itself. \u003cstrong\u003eOS (oversampling)\u003c\/strong\u003e adds partial digital processing that extends the bandwidth, for impressive detail, a wide sense of space and a crisp, clear sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/astell-kern-se300-music-player-photo-os-nos.jpg?v=1791403255\" alt=\"OS and NOS modes through the customised FPGA of the Astell\u0026amp;Kern SE300\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eInterface and features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe redesigned Crimson interface makes the SE300 a true music player: browse categories quickly, rediscover songs and search album art. Its keywords are edge, simplicity and dark mode, in black with red highlights that reduce visual fatigue, and app services, artist view and album sorting were improved. Streaming apps install from the Services menu. The 5.46-inch Full HD screen is large and vivid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/astell-kern-se300-music-player-photo-ui.jpg?v=1791403259\" alt=\"Astell\u0026amp;Kern SE300 interface: now playing, Services and settings\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLED wheel:\u003c\/strong\u003e a light behind the volume wheel, like rising waves, shows the bit depth of the track or the current amplifier mode, and can be switched off.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDSD256 and 32-bit\/384kHz\u003c\/strong\u003e playback, plus MQA files and streams.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReplayGain\u003c\/strong\u003e evens out volume across tracks (up to 24-bit\/192kHz).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAK File Drop\u003c\/strong\u003e transfers music wirelessly from a PC, phone or FTP program.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBT Sink\u003c\/strong\u003e plays music from your phone through the SE300; Bluetooth 5.0 sends LDAC and aptX HD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/astell-kern-se300-music-player-photo-wheel.jpg?v=1791403263\" alt=\"LED-lit volume wheel of the Astell\u0026amp;Kern SE300\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDesign: Stream\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe design concept is “Stream”: small ripples becoming crashing waves, for a player built around a Class A amplifier. The aluminium body has streamlined surfaces that suggest music flowing, contrasted with stainless steel and glass. The bottom curves outwards for a more ergonomic grip, and the polished stainless steel right side and the triangular-patterned volume wheel create a striking contrast; a straight pattern behind the wheel lets you see the volume change, and the hidden wheel light reflects off the side and the knurling. The rear glass has a new etched pattern of Astell\u0026amp;Kern “A” logos in different sizes and inclinations, adding depth and flow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/astell-kern-se300-music-player-photo-design.jpg?v=1791403269\" alt=\"Etched rear glass and stainless steel side of the Astell\u0026amp;Kern SE300\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDAC\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFully discrete 24-bit R-2R (96 resistors, 0.01%, TCR10) · customised FPGA (OS\/NOS) · quad-core CPU\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAmplifier\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eClass A \/ Class AB switchable · normal and high gain\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFormats\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF · PCM 8kHz–384kHz (up to 32-bit) · DSD64–DSD256\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eOutputs\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.5mm unbalanced and optical · 2.5mm balanced (4-pole) · 4.4mm balanced (5-pole) · all 1.3Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eOutput level\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNormal 2 \/ 4Vrms · High 3 \/ 6Vrms (unbalanced \/ balanced, no load)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFrequency response\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e±0.038dB (20Hz–20kHz) · ±0.45dB (20Hz–70kHz)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eS\/N · crosstalk\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e114 \/ 115dB (normal gain), 115 \/ 115dB (high gain) · −135 \/ −144dB (unbalanced \/ balanced, 1kHz)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTHD+N · IMD\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.006% · IMD SMPTE 0.005%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eClock jitter\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e25ps typical · reference clock 500 femtoseconds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWireless\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWi-Fi 802.11 a\/b\/g\/n\/ac (2.4\/5GHz) · Bluetooth 5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP, aptX HD, LDAC)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eScreen and storage\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.46-inch 1080 × 1920 touch · 256GB · microSD up to 1TB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBattery\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5,050mAh · about 12 hours · charge about 3.5 hours (9V 1.67A)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSize and weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e76.45 × 139.45 × 17.6mm (W × H × D) · about 317g · aluminium and stainless steel, Platinum Silver\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGood to know\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB-C charges the player and connects it to a Windows 10\/11 or Mac computer. Firmware updates over the air.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the box: SE300, USB-C cable, protective films, microSD slot cover and quick start guide.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/SE300_1000x616_b4e3223d-31ad-469b-be42-ba8f36b21e5d.jpg?v=1767183450\" alt=\"Astell\u0026amp;Kern SE300 with in-ear monitors\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/astell-kern-se300-music-player-photo-lifestyle.jpg?v=1791403273\" alt=\"Astell\u0026amp;Kern A\u0026amp;futura SE300\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Astell \u0026 Kern","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57116233236867,"sku":"AKSE300","price":1899.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/img_proxy_3763237b-2d99-4cf7-9e9a-058283c53dbc.jpg?v=1767183473","url":"https:\/\/www.advancedmp3players.co.uk\/products\/astell-kern-se300-music-player","provider":"amp3","version":"1.0","type":"link"}