Elegant, aesthetically striking and irreproachably built (in aluminium), the A&futura SE180 shines with its own light thanks to its architecture organised
in two blocks: the main body on one side and, on the other, a separate interchangeable DAC module that offers the user the possibility of selecting different sonic "personalities" by choosing between D/A conversion "chips" of different brands. This solution is conceptually similar to that of the unique A&futura SE200, but with the significant addition of placing the D/A conversion and amplification subsystem in a block completely independent from the rest, thus eliminating any possible influence on the audio signal from both RF noise and noise coming from the main block's power supply system.
On the other hand, the configuration in separate modules increases the convenience of connection between the main body of the player and the DAC module, a convenience that is reinforced by an effective double clamping system that securely connects the two blocks while providing extreme smoothness of operation thanks to the total sensation of physical discontinuity between them. By applying different DAC/AMP (the exclusive amplification topology developed by Astell&Kern), tuning and output configurations
for each module, the user can choose the most suitable module to satisfy his particular search for absolute sound.
The SEM4 is an optional DAC module specifically designed for Astell&Kern's A&futura SE180 Hi-Res portable audio player.
Equipped with two AK4497EQ D/A conversion chips from Japan's AKM, it supports PCM files up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD up to DSD512 (22.4 MHz), the ultimate in Hi-Res audio, while its circuit architecture allows the owner of the A&futura SE180 to experience a different sound personality than that provided by the standard built-in DAC module (SEM1). The optional SEM4 module features highly imaginative engineering innovations from Astell&Kern that help define its exceptional performance. These include the TERATON ALPHA chip, which is specifically designed to maximise sound quality through the combined use of a highly effective noise suppression scheme, efficient power management and minimal distortion amplifier circuitry.
Meanwhile, the latest generation of Astell&Kern's AMP amplification scheme ensures outstanding musicality thanks to the careful selection of the operational amplifiers employed and the complete redesign of both the circuitry and the organisation of the boards that house them in order to minimise crosstalk.
Features:
- Hi-Res portable audio player of absolute reference.
- Modular structure consisting of main body and interchangeable DAC block.
- Capable of bit-by-bit reproduction of PCM signals up to 32-bit/384 kHz (up to 768 kHz with optional Sem4 DAC module)
- "TERATON ALPHA chip exclusive to Astell&Kern.
- Printed circuit board with optimised signal paths.
- Compatible with MQA audio coding.
- Hi-Res" wireless connectivity via Bluetooth 5.0 and BT Sink function.
- Balanced (2) and unbalanced (1) headphone outputs.
- 256 GB internal memory (1 TB additional memory via microSD card).
- All-aluminium main body.
- 5-inch (127 mm) "Full HD" touch screen.
- Frequency response of 20-70,000 Hz, +/-0.06 dB (balanced mode).
- Crosstalk of -147 dB at 1 kHz (balanced mode).
- 129 dB signal-to-noise ratio at 1 kHz (balanced mode).
- 10.5 hours battery life (16-bit FLAC/44.1 kHz).
- Dimensions (with DAC module): 77x137'2x19'9 mm (W x H x D).
- Weight: 280 g.
Model clearance offer for last new unsealed units. Check availability.
