Astell & Kern A&Futura SE180 Portable Music Player with SEM2 Interchangeable All-in-One Module and SE180 Leather Case

This Package Includes

• A&Futura SE180 Portable High-Resolution Music Player
• SEM2 Interchangeable All-in-One Module for the SE180
• SE180 Leather Case

A&Futura SE180 Portable High-Resolution Music Player

SE180 Combines Innovation and Fun

The third product in the A&futura line, the SE180, continues the trend of exciting innovation for Astell&Kern products while providing the uncompromised sound quality Astell&Kern is famous for. With the SE180, in addition to superb audio technology, A&K wanted to show users an element of fun that is hard to find in most Hi-Fi products. The DNA of innovation found in the A&futura line continues with the SE180. It is an advanced audio system created with the technology Astell&Kern is known for around the world. 

With the SE180, premium Hi-Fi Sound is now available through the use of interchangeable, all-in-one modules, by Astell&Kern.

Features:

• Interchangeable All-in-One Module
• TERATON ALPHA Audio Technology from Astell&Kern
• Next Generation Astell&Kern AMP Technology
• Updated UI with Added Functions for Convenience
• 32bit/384kHz, Native DSD256; MQA
• USB Type-C input; 2.5mm, 3.5mm & 4.4mm ports
• 5-inch Full HD 1920 x 1080 touch display
• Nand 256GB Memory + microSD card slot (up to 1TB)
• Open APP Service / Music Streaming

Interchangeable All-in-One Module

With the SE180, Astell&Kern wanted to expand on the multi-DAC idea that was first introduced with the SE200. Like the SE200, different DACs can be used in one DAP but they wanted to do something different for the SE180. The introduction of Interchangeable All-in-One Modules, carry on the multi-DAC experience but adds a new and fun experience. This reflects the DNA of the innovation that the A&futura line is known for.

The SE180 is a module-separated type product that increases the convenience of connection between the main body of the player and the module. It features an innovative double-locking design that securely connects each component while providing smooth lines that naturally flow without any sense of separateness between the two pieces. By applying different DAC/AMP configurations, tuning, and outputs for each module, the user can choose the most suitable module for Premium Hi-Fi Sound.

The default configuration module contains the ESS ES9038PRO, an 8-channel DAC mainly used for premium home audio equipment. This DAC provides a wider dynamic range and more detailed sophistication. The module supports 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm connections to allow for a greater variety of headphones/IEMs.

Circuit Separation Structure of Main Body and Module

Physically separating the main body from the All-in-One module, completely blocks power and RF noise that may occur from the main body. This creates an independent structure that prevents noise from interfering with music playback.

Modules Double Lock for Ease of Use

The biggest difference between the SE180 and other products that use interchangeable modules is that the SE180 uses a double-locking mechanism rather than screws to fasten the module to the body.

The first locking structure attaches the module and the body. The second locking structure informs the user that the module has been securely fastened to the main body. The spring-supported internal connectors of the main body allow reliable audio signal connection and are used to prevent connection failure in case of external shock to the player when on the go.

Astell&Kern Audio Technology Forms the TERATON ALPHA Sound Solution

TERATON ALPHA is A&K's ultimate Sound Solution to produce audio playback that is close to the original sound through the audio output interface by use of effective power noise removal, 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 sound close to the original sound the artist and producer intended.

Adoption of Full HD Display for Improved Image Quality

The SE180 features a full HD screen to provide a higher-quality display.

Upgrades to Enhance the User Experience

It is extremely difficult to push beyond your previous best. With the SE180, A&K applied Next Generation AMP technology to push beyond the sound quality others feel is acceptable for Premium Hi-Fi Sound to produce the best sound possible. From the selection of OP-AMP parts to circuit design, board layout, and tuning, everything has been completely redesigned to produce the best sound. It is difficult to improve the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) while maintaining a high output.

• Navigation Bar for Easier Navigation: To provide more convenient movement through the player user interface that is consistent with an Android smartphone experience, the SE180 features a new navigation bar, the first in an Astell&Kern player. Now you can easily navigate with a single touch and deliver music playback information from any screen. The new swipe feature moves you to the previous screen.

• AK File Drop to Enjoy Wireless Transfers: The new AK File Drop function in the SE180 makes file transfers easier and more convenient. Using AK File Drop, you can freely transfer files wirelessly through a PC, smartphone, or FTP program located on the same network. Music file management is now possible with a cable-less, wireless solution.

Wireless Hi-Fi Sound Through BT Sync

The newly introduced BT Sync function connects the SE180 to an external device via Bluetooth, similar to connecting a smartphone with a BT speaker. Music from an external device, such as a smartphone can now be played back in high quality on the SE180 using the BT Sync function.

Real-Time Information Confirmed by Light

The SE180 features a LED volume wheel that displays various playback information, including volume level and bit rate of the track currently playing.

Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 and Support for Wireless 24-bit aptX-HD, LDAC Codecs

The latest Bluetooth version provides high sound quality with the convenience of wireless playback to headphones and IEMs. Bluetooth 5.0 features a faster transmission speed, greater range, and a more stable wireless connection when compared to Bluetooth 4.2. Both LDAC and aptX HD are supported to provide audiophiles with the best wireless sound possible. 

SEM2 Interchangeable All-in-One Module for the SE180

Shape Your Sound With SEM2

SEM2 is an Interchangeable All-in-One module for the SE180. Shape your Sound with the Asahi Kasei AK4497EQ Dual DAC SEM2 module. The SEM2 module allows you to give your SE180 a different sound than the bundled module. The SEM2 supports up to 32bit/768kHz bit-to-bit playback and Native DSD512.

Next-Generation Advanced AMP Technology

Next-generation AMP technology is also applied in the SEM2 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.

Even with a high output, the signal-to-noise (SNR), one of the important measurements of audio performance, boasts an amazing 127dB (based on AK4497EQ Dual, Balanced, High Gain).

Circuit Separation Structure of Main Body and Module

By physically separating the main body from the All-in-One module, it completely blocks power and RF noise that may occur 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 independent circuit design without interference.

Astell&Kern Audio Technology Forms the  TERATON ALPHA Sound Solution

TERATON ALPHA is AK's ultimate Sound Solution to produce audio playback that is close to the original sound through the audio output interface by use of effective power noise removal, 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 sound close to the original sound the artist and producer intended.

SE180 Leather Case

Exceptional SE180 Leather Case

In order to raise the bar of the SE180 even higher, much attention was devoted to the selection of leather for the case.

The leather case for the SE180 was made from a process called "Full Vegetable Tanning". This traditional method has been used in Italy for over 200 years. The process brings out special characteristics of leather while creating a natural tanning look. A variety of trees and plants are involved in this tanning process which takes about 40 days to complete and only the most experienced professionals in Italy possess the skills to do it.

Badalassi Carlo was made by Professor Carlo Badalassi, who is known for his excellent skills with leather. Unlike modern methods, he uses a traditional method of making leather that requires extensive time and devotion. His reputation is well-known among top expensive brands due to his focus on leather quality over quantity.

This special leather material has a lot of oil in it that will allow the leather to shine the more it is used. Many tests and trials have been done with the creation of the leather case in order to highlight the unique design of the SE180.