Black FridayDealsBuying guidesBrandsStoresTermsPrivacydeal.ai apps

© Deal.ai Inc.

Deal.ai › Astell&Kern
Astell & Kern
Astell & Kern SP1000M Ultima Portable Music Player

Astell & Kern SP1000M Ultima Portable Music Player

5· 5 ratings

Last price we saw

$1,399.00at AudioVision San Francisco, last seen Nov 2

Prices change often: ask the agent below to check today's price at every store.

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Ask our shopping agent

Enter to send, Shift+Enter for a new line

Our take on the Astell & Kern SP1000M Ultima Portable Music Player

The Astell & Kern SP1000M Ultima is a high-end portable digital audio player built around an octa-core CPU, a 4.1-inch HD touchscreen and an all-aluminium body that weighs 203 g. It plays FLAC up to 24-bit/96kHz, 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256, and streams over aptX HD Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Battery life is rated at 10 hours from a 3,300 mAh cell, and storage expands through a microSD slot. It sits at the top of the portable-player market, so its price reflects audiophile-grade components rather than mainstream value.

Best forAudiophiles with high-impedance headphonesListeners who want DSD and hi-res PCM in a pocketable playerBuyers replacing a phone's headphone jack with a dedicated sourceUsers who stream to wireless headphones over aptX HD
Pros
  • Plays DSD256 and 32-bit/384kHz PCM natively
  • All-aluminium body at 203 g is lighter than many flagship players
  • 4.1-inch HD touchscreen with octa-core CPU for smooth navigation
  • aptX HD Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for streaming
  • microSD slot for expanding storage
Cons
  • 10-hour battery is short for long trips
  • No camera and no streaming apps guaranteed out of the box
  • Premium price puts it well above mainstream players
  • Same display resolution as the previous model, so no screen upgrade

Astell & Kern SP1000M Ultima Portable Music Player prices at every store

  • AudioVision San FranciscoCheck price at AudioVision San Francisco
  • eBayCheck price at eBay

Astell & Kern SP1000M Ultima Portable Music Player price history

Lowest price we've seen: $1,399.00 on Nov 2 at AudioVision San Francisco. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 2.

What reviewers say

Owner feedback is limited but strongly positive, with the five ratings averaging 5 out of 5. Buyers praise the sound quality and build, and treat the price and battery life as the main trade-offs.

Pros
  • Detailed, clean sound with hi-res and DSD files
  • Solid aluminium build that feels premium
  • Responsive touchscreen and fast processor
Cons
  • Battery life shorter than expected
  • High price for the feature set

Specifications

Storage Expansion
microSD card slot
Screen Size
4.1 in
Touchscreen
Yes
Display Resolution
Same resolution (as previous model)
Display Type
HD display
Battery Life
10 hours
Battery Capacity
3,300 mAh
Weight
203 g
Material
All-aluminium body
Supported File Formats
FLAC (24-bit, 96kHz), 32-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD256
Headphone Jack
Yes
Supported Codecs
aptX HD Bluetooth
Bluetooth
aptX HD Bluetooth
Wi-Fi
Yes
Use Case
Portable music player, Pocket-friendly
Target User
Audiophiles
Camera
No
Processor
Octa-Core CPU

Questions and answers

Is the SP1000M Ultima worth it over a phone?
If you own high-impedance headphones or a library of DSD and 32-bit files, the dedicated DAC and amp section justify it. For casual listening on easy-to-drive earbuds, a phone or a cheaper player gets close.
How does it compare with the previous SP1000M?
The Ultima keeps the same screen resolution and adds an octa-core CPU and updated audio tuning. The body stays all-aluminium at 203 g, so the upgrade is mostly internal.
How long does the battery actually last?
Astell & Kern rates it at 10 hours from a 3,300 mAh battery. Expect less with DSD files, high volume or Bluetooth, and more with lower-bitrate FLAC over wired headphones.
Does it support streaming apps?
It runs over Wi-Fi and supports aptX HD Bluetooth, but app support depends on the firmware. Check that the services you use are available before buying.
What file formats can it play?
FLAC up to 24-bit/96kHz, PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256. That covers most hi-res downloads and ripped CDs.
What comes in the box?
The player, a USB cable and basic documentation. A microSD card and headphones are not included, so budget for both.
What do buyers say about the Astell & Kern SP1000M Ultima Portable Music Player?
Rated 5 out of 5 from 5 ratings.
Where can I buy the Astell & Kern SP1000M Ultima Portable Music Player?
2 stores we checked sell it, including AudioVision San Francisco, eBay.

More from Astell&Kern

  • A
    Astell and Kern Aultima SP3000T
    Astell and Kern Aultima SP3000T
  • A
    Astell&Kern PD10
    Astell&Kern PD10
All Astell&Kern deals and products →