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Astell & Kern SEM4 DAC Module

Astell&Kern SEM4 DAC Module

by Astell&Kern
€428.29 - €428.29
€428.29
€428.29
€428.29 - €428.29
€428.29

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Dual DAC module with audio upsampling.

Key Features

  • Equipped with an Asahi Kasei AK4493SEQ dual DAC for more natural playback
  • Specially developed Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) upsampling technology enhances sample rate and sound quality up to a maximum PCM rate of 384 kHz/DSD256
  • Features proprietary TERATON ALPHA Sound Solution technology
  • Supports play of up to 32-bit 768 kHz/Native DSD512 high-resolution digital audio files
  • Low-power consumption design provides 14 hours of playback

Dual DAC module with audio sampling

The A&futura SE180 digital audio player allows music fans to customise their sound with different audio-flavoured DAC modules to find the hi-fi-grade sonics that suit.

Shape your sound

Following the SEM2 and SEM3, the SEM4 Asahi Kasei AK4493SEQ dual DAC is the latest in a series of optional modules available for the A&futura SE180 digital audio player. This DAC possesses the ability to play high resolution audio files up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and native DSD512, so music fans can enjoy studio-grade sounds as the artist intended.

Introducing Digital Audio Remaster (DAR)

Specially developed for the SEM4, DAR upsamples the sound source up to a maximum PCM sample rate of 384 kHz/DSD256. Whatever file you are playing, the SEM4 will convert to a higher sample rate that suits the source. The result will be a more refined and richer sonic performance, revealing detail and nuances in your favourite music otherwise unheard.

DAC with Velvet Sound

The SEM4 is the first Astell&Kern product to be equipped with a premium dual AK4493SEQ DAC from Asahi Kasei. Featuring VELVET SOUND™ technology, this DAC aims to deliver a more natural audio with even lower noise and distortion, along with a wider dynamic range. Carefully selected advanced switch and capacitor components allows the low-power consumption design to provide a stunning low-noise playback performance of up to 14 hours - the longest among SE180 modules.

Hand-pick your headphone

The SEM4 DAC module supports 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphones connections for accommodating and driving a greater variety of headphones and in-ear monitors (IEM).

General Specifications

  • Body Material: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Polycarbonate
  • Body Colour: Moon Silver
  • Sample Rate: PCM: 8kHz ~ 768kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample) / DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo / DSD512(1bit 22.4MHz), Stereo
  • Outputs: Unbalanced Out (3.5mm), Balanced Out (2.5mm, only 4-pole supported / 4.4m, only 5-pole supported)
    Output Level: [Normal Gain] Unbalanced 2Vrms / Balanced 4Vrms (Condition No Load) / [High Gain] Unbalanced 3Vrms / Balanced 6Vrms (Condition No Load)
  • DAC: AKM AK4493SEQ x 2 (Dual DAC)
  • Decoding: Support up to 32bit / 768kHz Bit-to-Bit playback
  • Dimensions: 3.03"(77mm)[W] x 2.99"(76mm)[H] x 0.78"(19.9mm)[D]
  • Weight:90g
  • Playback Time: About 14hours (Standard: FLAC, 16bit, 44.1kHz, Unbalanced, Vol.50, LCD Off)

Upsampling Guide

  • Maximum upsampling PCM rate: 44.1kHz range PCM will be converted to 352.8kHz for playback / 48kHz range PCM will be converted to 384kHz for playback / No conversion will be made when playing DSD with this option selected
  • Maximum DSD upsampling rate: PCM files lower than 96kHz will be converted to DSD128 for playback / PCM files over 96kHz will be converted to DSD256 for playback / DSD files below DSD256 will be converted to DSD256 for playback with this option selected

Audio Performance

  • Frequency Response: ±0.09dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced / ±0.04dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced / ±0.65dB (Condition: 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced / ±0.65dB (Condition: 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced
  • S/N: [Normal Gain] 121dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 121dB @ 1kHz, Balanced / [High Gain] 125dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 125dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
  • Crosstalk: [Normal Gain] -134dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / -138dB @ 1kHz, Balanced / [High Gain] -135dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / -143dB @ 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%, 800Hz 10kHz (4:1), Unbalanced / 0.0003%, 800Hz 10kHz (4:1), Balanced
  • Output Impedance: 3.5mm (1ohm) / 2.5mm (1.5ohm) / 4.4mm (1.5ohm)
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