Astell&Kern SEM-4

SEM4 is an all-in-one interchangeable module for the SE180.

With its release, Astell&Kern has once again expanded the potential of the SE180. SEM4, born from the key concept of “Shape Your Sound”, is equipped with the AK4493SEQ dual DAC, the latest DAC from Asahi Kasei, which minimizes losses and sound interference from the original sound while offering 14 hours of playback performance - the longest among the SEM modules.

SEM4 supports up to 32-bit/768 kHz, native DSD512, and you can enjoy an even more vivid and original sound thanks to the introduction of Digital Audio Remastering (DAR) technology.

Asahi Kasei AK4493SEQ Dual DAC

The SEM4 module is equipped with an AK4493SEQ dual DAC, the latest product from Asahi Kasei, which has been implemented in an Astell&Kern product for the first time in the world. The AK4493SEQ DAC is a high-end DAC that uses AKM’s VELVET SOUND™ technology to reproduce natural sounds with even lower noise and distortion, offering the best low distortion characteristics and a wide dynamic range.

With technology such as the advanced switch and capacitor that are designed to achieve low power consumption, it offers incredible playback performance and low noise for 14 hours of playback, the longest among the SE180 modules.

Audio Performance

• Frequency response:
  • ± 0.09 dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced
  • ± 0.04 dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced
  • ± 0.65 dB (Condition: 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced
  • ± 0.65 dB (Condition: 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced
• Signal-to-noise ratio:
  • Normal gain: 121 dB @ 1kHz, unbalanced / 121 dB @ 1kHz, balanced
  • High gain: 125 dB @ 1kHz, unbalanced / 125 dB @ 1kHz, balanced
• Crosstalk:
  • Normal gain: - 134 dB @ 1kHz, unbalanced / - 138 dB @ 1kHz, balanced
  • High gain: - 135 dB @ 1kHz, unbalanced / - 143 dB @ 1kHz, balanced
• THD+N:
  • Normal gain: 0.0003% @ 1kHz, unbalanced / 0.0004% @ 1kHz, balanced
  • High gain: 0.0005% @ 1kHz, unbalanced / 0.0006% @ 1kHz, balanced
• IMD SMPTE:
  • 0.0003%, 800 Hz 10 kHz (4:1), unbalanced /
  • 0.0003%, 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)

Connectivity

• Unbalanced output (3.5mm)
• Balanced output:
  • 1x 2.5 mm, only 4-pole supported
  • 1x 4.4 mm, only 5-pole supported)

General

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 77 x 76 x 19.9 mm
• Weight: 90 g