Astell&Kern is releasing the SE200, which is the second model from the company’s A&futura premium line of Digital Audio Players.Â
World’s First Multi-DAC DAP
The A&futura SE200 is the world’s first Multi-DAC player. Since the release of the Dual DAC AK120 player in 2013, there have not been any products that feature more than Dual DACs in the last seven years.
The SE200 features the latest audiophile DACs from ESS, the Sabre ES9068AS in a Dual DAC configuration. A&K also added a single AK4499EQ, AKM’s flagship DAC that is used in their flagship SP2000. Combining the three DACs, Astell&Kern have produced the world’s first multi-DAC DAP.
This pairing exhibits the philosophy of the A&futura line to pursue fundamentally different sound than found in typical DAPs.
Customizable DAC Filters
The SE200 goes beyond just selecting the best DAC for the type of music you are listening to.
You can now further customize your sound by choosing from a variety of DAC filters provided by the DAC manufacturers allowing you to choose your own preferred sound profile.
Independent AMP Sections Designed to Match DAC Characteristics
The SE200 was not designed with one AMP circuit, but multiple, different AMP designs to optimize the different characteristics of the AKM and ESS DACs that are used in the player.
By separating the signals for each channel of Balanced and Unbalanced output, A&K has designed independent circuits that do not interfere with each other to provide the best sound possible.
New Design
The SE200 maintains a similar design identity to the SE100 which combines trapezoidal straight lines and curves. These curves are the result of ultra-precision metal processing that has been perfected by Astell&Kern.
After experimenting with different materials for the back plate of the SE200, A&K created a new ceramic rear cover, instead of the glass found on the previous generation SE100. This material not only improves wireless network performance, but produces a more premium feel to the player.
Preorders start July 2nd 2020. You can order the SE200 it at Audio 46
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