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Astell and Kern bring out new SEM4 DAC module for Afutura SE180 player
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Astell&Kern has introduced a new DAC module – the SEM4 – for its well-regarded A&futura SE180 digital audio player, offering users another means of customising its performance.
The SEM4 DAC module is fourth module to be released so far, and it is the first to feature Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) upsampling technology. This enhances the sample rate of the audio source, with Astell&Kern saying it allows music fans to get closer to the analogue-like sound of the original source.
DAR can upsample the audio source up to a maximum PCM sample rate of384kHz/DSD256.Whatever you’re playing, the SEM4 looks to convert to a higher sample rate that “suits the source” for a refined, and richer sonic performance that reveals “detail and nuances in your favourite music otherwise unheard.”
There are, of course, a few rules to this upsampling process. For PCM files the maximum upsampling rate are the following:
The maximum rate for upsampling to DSD is:
Other details include the SEM4 being the first A&K equipped with a premium dual AK4493SEQ dual DAC from Asahi Kasei. It features Velvet Sound technology to help deliver a natural audio performance with less noise and distortion along with a wider dynamic range.
Battery life is said to be up to 14 hours, the most of the SE180 modules, thanks to carefully selected advanced switch and capacitor components used with the low-power consumption design.
The optional Astell&Kern SEM4 DAC is priced £369 / $400 / €429 and goes on sale in May from theAstell&Kern website. The Astell&Kern A&futura SE180, which we reviewed earlier in 2022,awarding it five stars, is priced £1,399 / $1,499 / €1,599.
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Kob began his career at What Hi-Fi?, starting in the dusty stockroom before rising up the ranks to join the editorial and production team as the Buyer’s Guide editor. Experienced in both magazine and …
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Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.
Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
