Expansion Card for Hi-Fi Electronics Astell&Kern SEM-3

Overview

SEM3 is an interchangeable all-in-one module for the SE180. Shape your sound with the SEM3 Quad ESS ES9038Q2M DAC. Give your SE180 a different sound from the included module. SEM3 supports up to 32-bit/768 kHz/native DSD512.

The new generation AMP technology is also applied in the SEM3 all-in-one module.

From the selection of OP-AMP parts to circuit design, board layout, and tuning, everything has been completely redesigned to produce the best sound.

By physically separating the main body from the all-in-one module, we completely block the power and RF noise that can come from the main body. This creates an independent structure that prevents noise from interfering with music playback. Balanced and unbalanced signals are separated for each channel to provide the best possible sound through an independent circuit design without interference.

The SEM3 is equipped with four ES9038Q2M DACs, allowing for two DACs per channel for dedicated decoding. The SEM3 produces a more detailed and balanced sound with great depth and spatial realism.

Audio Performance

Frequency response:
- ± 0.05 dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced
- ± 0.068 dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced
- ± 0.05 dB (Condition: 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced
- ± 0.068 dB (Condition: 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced
Signal-to-noise ratio:
- Normal gain: 121 dB @ 1kHz, unbalanced / 123 dB @ 1kHz, balanced
- High gain: 124 dB @ 1kHz, unbalanced / 126 dB @ 1kHz, balanced
Crosstalk:
- Normal gain: - 138 dB @ 1kHz, unbalanced / - 143 dB @ 1kHz, balanced
- High gain: - 138 dB @ 1kHz, unbalanced / - 145 dB @ 1kHz, balanced
THD+N:
- Normal gain: 0.0005% @ 1kHz, unbalanced / 0.0004% @ 1kHz, balanced
- High gain: 0.0007% @ 1kHz, unbalanced / 0.0006% @ 1kHz, balanced
IMD SMPTE:
- 0.0007%, 800 Hz 10 kHz (4:1), unbalanced
- 0.0008%, 800 Hz 10 kHz (4:1), balanced
Output impedance:
- 3.5 mm (1 ohm)
- 2.5 mm (1.5 ohm)
- 4.4 mm (1.5 ohm)