Astell&Kern to unveil the A&Ultima SP4000 digital audio player

Astell&Kern (A&K) has announced the debut of its new flagship digital audio player, the A&Ultima SP4000, at High End Munich in Germany on May 15. The iRiver subsidiary also revealed plans to release two new in-ear monitors (IEM) in Q3 2025.

In a press release published on Thursday, A&K stated that the A&Ultima SP4000 will be the first digital audio player in the lineup to offer full Android support. This means users will have the ability to download any app from the Google Play Store, including Spotify, Soundcloud, Pandora, and enjoy lossless playback while streaming their favorite music.

Internally, the SP4000 features a new Octa audio circuit architecture that combines the AK4191 processor with a single AK4499EX analog DAC to reduce noise during signal delivery. It also includes a new LDO regulator that decreases noise by up to 97% compared to previous models like the A&Ultima SP3000 and SP3000M. Additionally, the device utilizes A&K’s second-gen digital audio remaster (DAR) technology to deliver more natural and refined sound quality. For the first time, the SP4000 incorporates a 99.9% pure copper Shield Can designed to block various types of noise and electromagnetic interference without compromising audio quality.

Regarding the new IEMs, A&K collaborated with 64 Audio to develop the 10-driver Universal Fit In-Ear Monitor. This headset features an advanced isobaric cone-to-magnet driver configuration for high sound fidelity. Additionally, their in-house IEM, Luna, is equipped with a full-range single transducer unipolar micro planar magnetic driver delivering a frequency response of 20Hz to 30KHz.

Attendees at High End Munich will have the opportunity to demo the SP4000 and the new IEMs from May 15 to May 18. Pricing details for the devices have not been disclosed, but A&K will provide this information closer to the release date.