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Sound – Synergy

As said I in this review will focus on IEMs. The lucky ones chosen for this chapter are the Sennheiser IE 900, the Vision Ears EXT and the 64 Audio U18s. Both except for the latter were used in balanced mode with, and all with their stock cable. If you’re looking for a specific IEM or headphone combo, let me know in the comments section and I will see if I can make it happen.

The 64 Audio U18s in OP mode sounds more energetic with slightly more forward vocals. The precision, depth and layering here is exemplary, together with the mid timbre. The U18s is fast, controlled and clear sounding. In Hybrid mode (setting 5 with high tube current), the U18s is a little slower sounding, with softer vocals. Precision and layering are at a lower level, but you get the tube smoothness and warmth in return. There also is clarity but more weight at the bottom. Hybrid mode 1 is closest to the SS tuning. The top end here is very easy and overall it is a very musical and enjoyable signature. In Full tube mode, the clarity is exchanged for better general timbre and more body. This is the warmest, fullest and most tube like tuning. Depending on the music I listen to I switch between modes, as it is so easy to do. But all-in-all, I prefer the Hybrid circuit for this TOTL 64 Audio IEM.

The Vision Ears EXT in solid state mode here sounds very energetic, and the tonal extension and precision is at a superhigh level. If you like technicalities this combo will please you a lot. The control is perfect, as I the PRaT. I also love the body, layering and mid timbre here. In Hybrid mode you get more body, more bottom weight, lower clarity and a less energetic presentation. It’s softer and a lot easier on the ear but I already feel like I am missing out on technicalities here. In full tube mode, the difference with the Hybrid mode is smaller than with the U18s. Here I find the effect mostly to be in the softer vocal presentation. For me the EXT really shines in solid state mode, where it gives you the highest energy, precision and speed but all this still with a musical presentation.

With the super popular IE 900, Sennheiser’s flagship IEM, the SP3000T in solid state mode really shows what the IE 900 is capable. Like the EXT this is all about technicalities and you get high precision, clarity, speed and extension. Bass weight and presence is excellent here, mid body is just right an there is perfect control from top to bottom. The tonality is energetic with a focus on vocals, depth and layering. When switching to Hybrid mode, the IE 900 gets a bit more body and better spaciousness, resulting in a better tonal extension. The vocals are a bit softer here but it’s still a high technical level, but now with a softer, fuller and slightly slower and warmer presentation. In full tube mode these characteristics become stronger but it’s not a night and day difference. For me personally it’s difficult to choose between the SS and Hybrid mode, but in the end I think I prefer the Hybrid mode most because of the softer vocal presentation. I find the IE 900 to be a difficult IEM to match with a good source, but this combo is strongly recommended (foam tips).

Conclusion: Because of the three amplification modes and the additional settings in Hybrid mode (as well as the current setting), the SP3000T is a TOTL, high-performance source that is easy to match with all type of IEMs. It even can, and will make IEMs you don’t fully like, please you a whole lot more. This simply because of all the different tuning options. If you like a high technical level combined with a large number of tuning options, the AK SP3000T is a DAP you can’t go wrong with. Lovely!

Sound – Vs SP3000

For this comparison I used the UM Multiverse Mentor in balanced mode. In order to fully compare both models to each other we of course have to limit the comparison to the solid state mode. At the same time this immediately shows as well what extras the Astell&Kern SP3000T brings to the table.

The SP3000 uses quad AK4499EX from Asahi Kasei where the T version uses AK4191EQ x2 / AK4499EX x2. Both models share the same CPU with a Snapdragon 6125 octa-core processor. Size wise both units are comparable. My wife actually calls them murder weapons because of the size, weight and sharp edges. She might be on to something. Both units are very easy to use, and it really comes down to the tuning because of the different DAC chips, and of course the extras the T version brings to the party.

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Both players have the same neutral reference house sound, but I actually find the SP3000 to be the best technical performer. There’s that bit extra precision, detail, extension, depth and layering. From a weight and body point of view I find both DAPs to be comparable. The vocal presentation of the T-version is fuller, smoother and warmer but it isn’t as natural and relaxed sounding as on the SP3000. I also find the original non tube version to have the widest and deepest sound stage presentation. I do agree with some other reviewers that the SP3000 has the cleanest sound, and blackest background.

If pure technicalities and reference performing/tuning is all you need than the SP3000K in my opinion still is the best choice. The SP3000T of course offers so much more that the original doesn’t so it’s very important to know what you want from your DAP, and the different sound signatures you prefer or want to be able to listen to.

End Words

Even though tubes in portable devices aren’t new, Astell&Kern always manages to improve and bring new things to the table. With the SP3000T they now have a superb reference portable player, performing at a very high level.

The beauty of the Astell&Kern SP3000T is that it brings tubes and a Hybrid mode to the top level of AK, and that they have added a large possibility of finetuning by using EQ, DAC filters, Hybrid mode amplification settings and tube current mode settings. This makes the SP3000T a TOTL portable player, offering Roon Ready, AK Connect, network play and streaming. It’s a true reference do-it-all DAP.

If you are in the market for a top of the line DAP, then the Astell&Kern SP3000T absolutely needs to be on your short list. Together with the regular SP3000 it are my preferred players and as such it is very easy to give it my Recommended Buy Award for portable gear. The SP3000T is now added to our list of Best Portable Buys, where it is in very good company.

If Solid state amplification is all you need and you don’t want the tube or hybrid modes – or the VU Meters for that matter – than the recommended choice still is the original SP3000.

Conclusion

Pro’s

• Design
• Packaging & Accessories
• Triple Amplification options (with additional tuning)
• Tuning & Performance (Technical champion)
• Usability & Versatility

Cons

• Price
• Best with IEMs
• Left side controls + volume dial inside case 

Page 1: Astell&Kern, SP3000T, Design/Lay-out, Box/Accessories/Price

Page 2: Firmware/Usability/User Interface, Sound Pt. 1, Sound Pt. 2, Sound General

Page 3: Sound Synergy, Vs SP3000T, Synergy, End Words, Conclusion