The third product in the A&futura line, the SE180, continues the trend of exciting innovation for Astell&Kern products, while providing the uncompromised sound quality Astell&Kern is famous for.
Finance example
£279.80 initial 20% deposit then £93.27 per month for 12 months. Other finance terms available. Finance subject to statusSE180
£1,399
With the SE180, in addition to superb audio technology, we wanted to show users an element of fun that is hard to find in most Hi-Fi products. The DNA of innovation found in the A&futura line continues with the SE180. It is an advanced audio system created with the technology Astell&Kern is known for around the world. With the SE180, premium Hi-Fi Sound is now available through the use of interchangeable, all-in-one modules, by Astell&Kern.
It is extremely difficult push beyond your previous best.
With the SE180, we applied Next Generation AMP technology to push beyond the sound quality others feel is acceptable for Premium Hi-Fi Sound to produce the best sound possible.
From the selection of OP-AMP parts, to circuit design, board layout and tuning, everything has been completely redesigned to produce the best sound.
It is difficult to improve the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) while maintaining a high output.
Interchangeable All-in-one Module
With the SE180, we wanted to expand on the multi-DAC idea that was first introduced with the SE200.
Like the SE200, different DACs can be used in one DAP, but we wanted to do something different for the SE180. The introduction of Interchangeable All-in-One Modules, carry on the multi-DAC experience, but add a new and fun experience. This reflects the DNA of the innovation that the A&futura line is known for.
The SE180 is a module-separated product that increases the convenience of connection between the main body of the player and the module. It features an innovative double-locking design that securely connects each component while providing smooth lines that naturally flow without any sense of separateness between the two pieces.
By applying different DAC/AMP configurations, adjusting tuning and outputs for each module, the user can choose the most suitable module for Premium Hi-Fi Sound. The default configuration module contains the ESS ES9038PRO, an 8-channel DAC mainly used for premium home audio equipment.
This DAC provides a wider dynamic range and more detailed sophistication. The module supports 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm connections to allow for a greater variety of headphones/IEMs.
Navigation bar for easier navigation
To provide more convenient movement through the player user interface that is consistent with an Android smartphone experience, the SE180 features a new navigation bar, the first in an Astell&Kern player.
Now you can easily navigate with a single touch and deliver music playback information from any screen. The new one swipe feature moves you to the previous screen.
AK File Drop to enjoy wireless transfers
The new AK File Drop function in the SE180 makes files transfers easier and more convenient.
Using AK File Drop, you can freely transfer files wirelessly through a PC, smartphone, or FTP program located on the same network. Music file management is now possible with a cableless, wireless solution.
Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 and Support for Wireless 24-bit aptX-HD, LDAC Codecs
The latest Bluetooth version provides high sound quality with the convenience of wireless playback to headphones and IEMs.
Bluetooth 5.0 features faster transmission speed, greater range and a more stable wireless connection when compared to Bluetooth 4.2. Both LDAC and aptX HD is supported to provide audiophiles with the best wireless sound possible.
DESIGN
A&futura SE180 is Astell&Kern's first DAC interchangeable DAP, created under the pioneering spirit of the A&futura lineup.
The design of the SE180 resembles the traces of the wind left behind as natural and flowing lines represent an immersed listening experience of great tunes. A smooth yet expanding silhouette is the key design element of the SE180. The continuous and seamless outline of the SE180 and almost infinite number of acoustic settings users can create represents the infinite possibility of tonal scalability.
The volume knob is located in the center of the curves. It symbolizes the way that various tones are gathered and harmonized to emit not only the sound but also light as well. The control buttons on the left side have been eliminated and a single multi-function button has been added for the convenience of one-handed operation.
The A&futura SE180’s ceramic rear cover is reminiscent of a finely crafted art sculpture. You can feel the quality and craftsmanship devoted to your device through the subtle beauty. Gold rings are applied to each audio output port, 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm connectors, for harmony and unity through its details.
Tech spec
Body
Aluminium (Moon Silver)
Dimensions/Weight
3.03 ”(77 mm) [W] x 5.09 ”(129.2 mm) [H] x 0.78 ”(19.9 mm) [D] (Only body) /9.88 oz (280g)
Display
5.0inch 1920x1080 FHD Touch screen
Supported Audio Formats
WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA
Sample rate (SEM4)
PCM : 8kHz ~ 768kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample) /DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo /
Decoding (SEM4)
DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo /DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo /DSD512(1bit 22.4MHz), Stereo /
Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) Max PCM rate 384 kHz/DSD256
Output Level (SEM4)
Support up to 32-bit /768kHz Bit-to-Bit Playback
[Normal Gain] Unbalanced 2Vrms /Balanced 4Vrms (Condition No Load)
[High Gain] Unbalanced 3Vrms /Balanced 6Vrms (Condition No Load)
DAC (SEM4)
Input
AKM AK4493SEQ x2 (Dual DAC)
Outputs
USB Type-C input (for charging & PC & MAC)
Unbalanced Out (3.5mm) /Balanced Out (2.5mm, only 4-pole supported /4.4mm, only 5-pole supported)
Wi-Fi
802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz)
Bluetooth
V5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, LDAC)
Playback Time
about 14hours (Standard : FLAC, 16bit, 44.1kHz, Unbalanced, Vol.50, LCD Off)
Memory
256GB [NAND], microSD x1 (Max. 1TB)