Astell&Kern SE180

Astell&Kern TERATON ALPHA Audio Technology Delivers the Ultimate Sound Solution

TERATON ALPHA is AK’s ultimate sound solution for producing audio playback close to the original sound via the audio output interface using effective power noise suppression, efficient power management, and amplification with minimal distortion. TERATON ALPHA features Astell&Kern’s patented technologies, which are the result of tens of thousands of hours of continuous research and development to produce a sound close to the original that the artist and producer intended.

Interchangeable All-in-One Module

Like the SE200, different DACs can be used, but Astell & Kern wanted to do something different for the SE180. The introduction of interchangeable all-in-one modules extends the multi-DAC experience but adds a new and fun experience. This reflects the DNA of innovation for which the A&futura line is known. The SE180 is a module-separated product that increases the convenience of the connection between the main body of the player and the module. It features an innovative dual-lock design that firmly links each component while providing smooth lines that flow naturally without any feeling of separation between the two pieces. By applying different DAC/AMP configurations, adjusting the setting and outputs for each module, the user can choose the most appropriate module for Premium Hi-Fi sound. The default configuration module contains the ESS ES9038PRO, an 8-channel DAC primarily used for high-end home audio equipment.

Navigation Bar for Easier Navigation

To provide more convenient movement through the player’s user interface that is compatible with an Android smartphone experience, the SE180 features a new navigation bar, the first in an Astell & Kern player. You can now easily navigate with a simple press and provide music playback information from any screen. The new One Swipe feature takes you to the previous screen.

Next-Generation Advanced AMP Technology

With the SE180, we have applied next-generation AMP technology to go beyond the sound quality that others deem acceptable for Premium Hi-Fi sound to produce the best possible sound. From the selection of OP-AMP parts to circuit design, board layout, and tuning, everything has been completely rethought to produce the best sound.

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Audiophile Music Player

• 12.7 cm touchscreen (1920 x 1080)
• Interchangeable all-in-one module
• Astell&Kern TERATON ALPHA audio technology
• Next-generation Astell&Kern AMP technology
• Updated user interface with additional features
• ESS Sabre ES9038Pro DAC
• 256 GB built-in memory [NAND]
• Supported Operating Systems:
  • Windows 8, 10 (32/64bit)
  • Mac OS X 10.7 and higher

Formats

• Compatible: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA, DSD
• PCM up to: 32bit/384 kHz & native DSD 11.2 MHz

Bluetooth

• Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD & LDAC
  • Compatible codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD and LDAC

SME1 Module

• Body material: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Polycarbonate
• ESS ES9038PRO DAC (single DAC)
• Supports bit-to-bit playback up to 32 bits/384 kHz
• Sampling rate
  • PCM: 8 kHz ~ 384 kHz (8/16/24/32 bits per sample)
  • Native DSD: DSD64 (1 bit 2.8 MHz), stereo / DSD128 (1 bit 5.6 MHz), stereo / DSD256 (1 bit 11.2 MHz), stereo
• Outputs Unbalanced output (3.5 mm)
• Balanced output (2.5 mm, only 4-pole supported / 4.4 mm, only 5-pole supported)
• Output level [Normal gain]
  • Unbalanced 2 Vrms
  • Balanced 4 Vrms (no-load condition)
• [High gain]
  • Unbalanced 3 Vrms
  • Balanced 6 Vrms (no-load condition)
• Dimensions (W x H x D) 77 x 76 x 19.9 mm
• Weight 100 g

Measurements

• Frequency response
  • ± 0.04 dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced
  • ± 0.07 dB (Condition: 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced
  • ± 0.04 dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced
  • ± 0.06 dB (Condition: 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced
• Signal-to-noise ratio
• [Normal gain]
  • 122 dB @ 1kHz, unbalanced
  • 126 dB @ 1kHz, balanced
• [High gain]
  • 125 dB @ 1kHz, unbalanced
  • 129 dB @ 1kHz, balanced
• Crosstalk
• [Normal gain]
  • • 138 dB @ 1kHz, unbalanced
  • • 145 dB @ 1kHz, balanced
• [High gain]
  • • 138 dB @ 1kHz, unbalanced
  • • 147 dB @ 1kHz, balanced
• THD+N
• [Normal gain]
  • 0.0005% @ 1 kHz, unbalanced
  • 0.0004% @ 1 kHz, balanced
• [High gain]
  • 0.0007% @ 1 kHz, unbalanced
  • 0.0006% @ 1 kHz, balanced
• Output impedance 3.5 mm (1 ohm) / 2.5 mm (1.5 ohm) / 4.4 mm (1.5 ohm)

Power

• Battery capacity 3,800 mAh 3.8 V Li-polymer battery
• Charging time approximately
  • 5 hours (Standard: 5V/2A charging)
  • About 3 hours (Fast: 9V/1.67A charging)

Connectivity

• 1x unbalanced 3.5 mm mini-jack headphone output
• 1x balanced 2.5 mm and 4.4 mm headphone output
• 1x USB Type-C input (for PC and MAC)
• 1x external microSD memory port (max. 1 TB)

General

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 77 x 129 x 19.9 mm
• Weight: 280 g

Included accessories

• x1 SEM1 Module
• x4 Protective films
• x1 microSD card cover
• x1 USB Type-C cable
• x1 Warranty card
• x1 Quick start guide