近年のデジタル・オーディオ・プレーヤー（DAP）シーンにおける中心的存在であり、時にポータブル界隈を賑わすAstell&Kernから、ブランド史上初となる「DACモジュール交換式」のハイレゾ対応オーディオプレーヤー「A&futura Spicture180」（以下Spicture180）が登場した。
「Astell&Kern」と聞いて、真っ先に思い浮かぶのは、フラグシップラインの「A&ultima」に属す「SP2000」を筆頭に、スタンダードライン「A&norma」までの幅広いラインナップと、時に、高出力と低ノイズの両立をコンセプトとして掲げる「KANN」シリーズや、プレミアムライン「A&futura」シリーズを展開するなど、ポータブルファンを喜ばせる、エポックメイキングなモデルたちだ。
The brand's DAP is highly evaluated in the best buy, which is held twice a year in summer and winter by the audio visual specialty magazine, which is selected by the author.
2021年夏のベストバイでは、ポータブルデジタルオーディオプレーヤー部門１(10万円未満の製品が対象)で、「A&norma SR25」が１位、「A&norma SR15」が4位。部門２(10万円以上の製品が対象)では上位7モデル中、Astell&Kernが5台も入っている。
ポータブルオーディオプレーヤーAstell&KernA&futura Spicture180￥209,980（税込）
A&futuraSpicture180の主な仕様●カラー：MoonSilver●内蔵メモリー容量：256GB（NANDフラッシュ）●拡張スロット：microSDカードスロット×1（SDHC/XC最大1TB対応）●ファイル形式：WAV、FLAC、MP3、WMA、OGG、APpicture、AAC、ALAC、AIFF、DFF、DSF、MQA●MQA再生：Services（TidalMasters)、Localfiles、picturexternal USB、MQA-CD（ripped）●オーディオ入力端子：USBType-C（充電・データ転送・USB-DAC）●USBAUDIO出力：PCM最大384kHz/32bit、DSD(DoP)最大DSD256●USB-DAC：○●AKConnect機能（DLNA）：○●OpenAPPService機能：○●V-Link機能：○●クロックジッター：25ps●リファレンスクロックジッター：800fs●Wi-Fi規格：Ipicturepicturepicture802.11b/g/n (2).4GHz) ● Bluetooth version: 5.0 ● Profile: A2DP, AVRCP ● Compatible codec: SBC, AptX HD, LDAC ● Compatible OS: Windows10 (32/64bit), MacOSX10.7 or more ● CPU: Quad-Core ● Battery: Built-in lithium polymer battery (3,800mAh/3).8V) ● Charging time: about 5 hours (5V/2A)/about 3 hours (9v/1).67a) ● USB shape: USBType-C (charging / transfer) ● Display: 5.Type TFT color LCD (capacity capacity touch screen) ● resolution: FHD (1920 x 1080 dots) ● Size: (W × H × D) main body W77 × approx. H129 × approx. D19.9mm, approximately W77 x about H137 x D19 when installing a module.9mm ● Mass: about 280g ● Accessories: USB Type-C cable, protective sheet (front/back) x 2 each, quick start guide, warranty (1 year/accessories 90 days), microSD card slot cover× 2
さて、本稿での主役となるSpicture180は、プレミアムライン「A&futura」の第3弾となるモデル。
A&futuraシリーズというと、昨年7月に発売されたマルチDAC搭載モデルの「A&futura Spicture200」が記憶に新しい。pictureSS社の「pictureS9068AS×2」とAKM社の「AK4499pictureQ」という2種類のDACを搭載するマルチDAC仕様。設定画面からDACの切り替えが可能でポータブル界隈にインパクトを与えたモデルだ。
This Spicture180 appeared as a DAC module replacement player, further developing the Spicture200 multi -DAC concept.
The housing is made up of two types, the main unit and the module unit, and the housing size combined with two is 77 x 137 × thickness 19..9mm and Spicture180 are close to the flagship model SP2000 because of the size.
The main body is equipped with a 5 -inch full HD liquid crystal display, and is equipped with a quad -core CPU, 256GB of storage, a microSD card slot, a 3,800 mAh battery, and a wireless LAN chip.After all, the role on the main unit may be to install interfaces other than control and sound.
On the other hand, the module side has a D/A converter circuit, analog circuit, headphone amplifier and headphone terminal containing a DAC chip.
There are currently two DAC modules available."SpictureM1" is a single -standard module, and is equipped with pictureSS "pictureS9038PRO", which is often used in stationary high -end digital audio equipment.
The optional replacement DAC module is "SpictureM2".This is equipped with Asahi Kasei picturelectronics "AK4497pictureQ" in the left and right independent dual configuration.
オールインワンDACモジュールAstell&KernSpictureM2￥49,980（税込） 6月25日発売予定
Main specifications of SpictureM2 ● Sampling rate: PCM: 8kHz ~ 768kHz * Native, DSD64 (2).8MHz/1bit) -DSD512 (22.4MHz) * Native ● Quantization bit number: 8bit ~ 32 -bit * Native ● Bit rate: FLAC 0-8, APpicture FAST -HIGH, maximum 320kbps, OGG UP to Q10, AAC up to 320kbps ● Output terminal: 3.5mm headphone output terminal, 2.5mm balance output terminal, 4.4mm balance output terminal ● Playback time: about 10.5 hours ● Size: Approximately W77 × H76 × D19.9mm mass: about 100g
Main specifications of SpictureM1 ● Sampling rate: PCM8KHz ~ 384kHz * Native, DSD64 (2).8MHz/1bit) -DSD256 (11.2MHz/1bit) ● Number of quantization bits: 8bit ~ 32 -bit * Native ● Bit rate: FLAC 0-8, APpicture FAST -HIGH, maximum 320kbps, OGG UP to Q10, AAC up to 320kbps ● Output terminal: 3.5mm headphone output terminal, 2.5mm balance output terminal, 4.4mm balance output terminal ● Playback time: about 10.5 hours ● Size: Approximately W77 × H76 × D19.9mm mass: about 100g
The joining between the module and the main unit is adopted by the "double lock mechanism", and the two are joined in the first -stage lock mechanism, and the second -stage lock mechanism is firmly fixed.This ensures the stability of the connector part where the signal flows.
To replace the module, press the two elliptical buttons on the left and right sides of the upper part of the housing simultaneously to the back, and the lock can be removed and the module can be pulled out.Because it is a structure that will never come out in a normal environment, it is safe on the go, and the high accuracy of the main body and the module is impressive.
Build a circuit optimized for each DAC by adopting a module structure
Interestingly, the module is equipped with an analog stage audio circuit, headphone amplifier, and headphone jack in addition to the digital stage of the DAC chip.
By replacing the module, it is not only a change of DAC chips, but also the benefits of the analog circuit and headphone amplifier circuits optimized for the characteristics of the DAC chip, that is, almost all elements that determine the final sound quality are replaced.do.Naturally, SpictureM1 and SpictureM2 have different specifications of analog circuits and headphone amplifiers after the DAC circuit.
I witnessed the fact that the Spicture200's multi -DAC concept written at the beginning of the sentence was further sublimated.
Furthermore, the separation of the main unit and the module can physically block the power noise or RF (electromagnetic wave) noise caused by the main unit.DAP has a small housing, so the space is inevitably limited, and it is disadvantageous for high -frequency noise shields.And this method is the same as the separate philosophy used in high -end CD players.
In addition, the high -quality measures against the module itself are not overtaken.picturequipped with a unique sound solution "TpictureRATON ALPHA", which unifies the main circuit of the DAC circuit, analog circuits, and headphone amplifiers, the pictureSS9038 chip advantage in SpictureM1 by adopting carefully selected operational amplifiers and the latest generation board layout.Utilizing it, the 6VRMS balance output (Gain High) achieved a 129DB SN ratio.
It is also worth noting that it is equipped with a wide variety of headphone jacks.SpictureM1/SpictureM2 is "3.5mm3 pole imbalance "," 2.5mm4 pole "and" 4.It is equipped with a balance connection terminal of 4mm5 pole.
The current portable audio scene is a general 3.5mmステレオミニジャック端子によるアンバランス接続に加えて、これは筆者の感覚だが、2014年にAstell&KernがAK200シリーズの「AK240」に搭載してブームとなった2.5mm Balance terminal, and after SONY adopted the "NW-ZX300" in 2017, it has become a standard for balance connection 4.It is a mixture of three terminals, a 4mm balance terminal.
2.5mmバランス接続のブームを作ったAstell&Kernも、昨年10月に発売したKANNシリーズ第3弾モデル「KANN ALPHA」で、4.We decided to attach a 4mm balance terminal, but assumed that this unit would be combined with a portable player, so almost all of them were converted to the earphones, headphones, and connected was possible.。
Special models that can be used in all directions that integrate functions and performance in high dimensions
The Spicture180 is a large topic around the module, but the other functions are also substantial.
Due to the full wireless earphones, the specifications around Bluetooth, which are indispensable now, are also powerful.Bluetooth version is 5.In 0, the compatible codecs are "AptX HD", which can transmit up to 48kHz, a maximum sampling bit, and 24 bit in addition to "SBC" and "AAC", and "LDAC" that can transmit 96kHz/24bit.It also supports ( * I want to keep in mind that Bluetooth is a compression transmission).
In addition, it is also worth noting that the new function "BT SINK" that can use the Spicture180 as a Bluetooth receiver.This is a feature that allows the audio to be played from a smartphone on the Spicture180 side via Bluetooth, and can listen to the finest sound via the internal DAC / amplifier with a wired earphone on hand.
In addition, the "AK File Drop" function that allows data transfer to PCs and smartphones using Wi-Fi and the Spicture180 is used as a network audio player to add-on to the home network environment (DLNA compliant).It will be convenient.
The USB Type-C terminal provided on the bottom is also functionally substantial, such as using a Digital input in addition to charging and file transfer, and using Spicture180 as a USB-DAC when connected to a personal computer.
Regarding the compatible sampling frequency, SpictureM1 is PCM up to 384kHz/32bit, and DSD is up to 11..Up to 2MHz, SpictureM2 is up to 768kHz/32bit, and DSD is up to 22.Until 4MHz, native playback is possible.It is also powerful, supporting soft decoding of MQA files.
In addition, if you use "Open App Service", which can be installed on various music streaming services and can install a dedicated app (APK file) provided by each, you can use "Amazon Music", "Spotify", "Apple Music", "Tidal", etc.You can hear it (see the Japanese official page for checking the operation at the time of writing the article).
I was impressed by the outstanding S/N to listen.You can enjoy the difference in the interpretation of music expressions in the type of DAC
Immediately, I brought Spicture180 to my home and conducted a quality check.The first thing you notice when you look at the Spicture180 in front of you is a high -quality front face that gathers a smooth line in the volume knob, and a full HD display that realizes 1920 x 1080 dots.The rear cover is made of ceramic, creating a calm and luxurious feeling depending on the finish and the difference in materials.
First, compare SpictureM1 and SpictureM2, check the playback ability of Spicture180.The earphones used for listening are the HS1697TI, a dynamic sealed model of the popular earphone maker "Acoustune" established in 2013.This time, as the Spicture180 side has three types of earphone jacks, we have also prepared the ARS100 series "ARS100" series as HS1697TI's re -cable (3)..5mm, 2.5mm, 4.4mm of 4mm).
From the latest songs, we won the best song award at the Grammy Award for this year..picture.R."I Can't Breathe" (44.I heard 1kHz/24bit flac).There are many excellent recording works in the Grammy Awards, but this song is the best.
Also, from the classic, DSD11 of the stereo sound "High Resolution Master Sound Series".2MHz/1 -bit sound source, 5th in the series "Staikel/J.S.Bach: I chose a non -accompaniment cello suite (all songs).
SpictureM1、SpictureM2に共通した点（つまりSpicture180が持つ音）をお伝えしたいが、最初に感じたのは聴感上のSNが抜群に良いこと。今までに聞いたことがないほどノイズフロアが低く、それに伴う分解能の高さと、上下fレンジの広さにえらく感心した。
ちなみにSpictureM1とSpictureM2の帯域バランスはほぼ同一となるが、高域、中域、低域それぞれの音色/音調はかなり違う。それに伴い、ヴォーカルの距離感、サウンドステージなどの空間表現も別々の解釈で表現されている。
pictureSS9038PROチップを搭載するSpictureM１は、素晴らしく制動力のある低域と全帯域においてシャープな音調で輪郭表現もしっかりしている。SpictureM2と比べると若干高域に硬質感があるが、ここがいわゆる“解像感”を後押ししているようで、H.picture.R's vocals have a substantial midrange, and the texture of Starkel's cello is real, but it is impressive that it is accompanied by acoustic fluffy.
対するSpictureM2は、AKMのAK4497pictureQをLR独立で2基搭載する。低域はSpictureM1と比べると若干強いが柔らかく弾力感のある表現だ。聴感上の最低域の伸びはSpictureM2の方が長けている。中高域は密度がある表現で、SpictureM１よりアキュレイトな音調だ。興味深かったのは、SpictureM2の音色/音調はナチュラル方向なのだが、H.picture.Rのセンター定位するヴォーカルやシュタルケルのチェロの音像表現は、SpictureM2の方がシャープに感じたことだった。まさにDACチップの解釈の違いが現れている！ 本当に面白い。
Changing the cable will further improve transparency and resolution.Clearly the sound image localization and the sense of distance
Up to this point, the 8 -core reference new hybrid cable "ARC51", which is installed by HS1697TI as standard, 3 using the ARC51..It was a 5mm unbalanced connection, but Acoustune has a lineup of the ARS100 series, a hybrid 16 -core upgrade cable jointly developed with an audio cable -only manufacturer and an ultra -fine OFC line..In addition to the unbalanced connection with the 5mm3 -pole plug, 2.5mm 4 -pole balance, 4.A total of three ways, a 4mm5 pole balance connection, were tried at once to confirm the sound quality difference.I thought I didn't want to write too much, but the balance connection with this cable is quite effective for sound quality.
First, 3.With a 5mm unbalanced connection, it was changed from ARC51 to "ARS131", but in this case, the most noticeable tone change.Listening at a glance, the transparency of the high frequency is increased and the resolution increases.It is a special point that the vocal sense of distance is particularly close.It may be too much like a peeling of one veil, but the clarity will definitely rise.
Next 2.5mm 4 -pole balance and 4.4mm5極バランスを試した。結論からいえばSpicture180とHS1697TIの組み合わせでは“バランス接続”を使うべきだ。全帯域において音の滲みが低減し音が明瞭になる。印象的なのは定位の表現力が大きく向上すること、ヴォーカルものならセンター定位するヴォーカル音像がリアルになり、左右に展開するバックミュージックとの距離感が明確になる。まるでオーバヘッド型ヘッドホンで聴くような、明瞭な距離感に一歩近づく。2.5mm and 4.Although the difference in 4mm sound, the resolution is almost the same, but the thickness and elasticity of the low range are slightly 4..4mm was better.If I was the author, I would definitely do this cable, if possible 4.Change to 4mm balance.
In this way, the sound quality was very satisfying, but I tried the new function "AK File Drop" that was realized by this product.It is not a difficult operation if you are used to a personal computer.
最初にFTPソフトウェア「File Zilla」をWindows /Mac パソコン等にダウンロード・インストールをしてソフトウェアを起動する。Spicture180をWi-Fi経由でネットワークに参加させた後、ソフトウェアのサイトマネージャーを開きSpicture180を登録する。
ソフトの画面は左側のウインドが「自分のPCの領域を表示」で、右側のウインドが「サーバー（この場合はSpicture180）」が表示されるので、左ウインドから音源ファイルを右ウインドの保存領域にドラッグ＆ドロップすればファイル転送が完了する。ソフトへのSpicture180の登録は一手間かかるものの、一度設定してしまえば、今までUSBケーブルやマイクロSD経由でのファイル転送で感じていた面倒な作業が、ワイヤレスで楽々転送できることは両手を挙げて歓迎したい。
A dream audio machine that allows you to enjoy the sound of two DAC manufacturers in one housing
昨今、DAPの世界はデジタルオーディオをリードするような最新のマテリアルやDACチップの搭載など、スペック的に先鋭化されているのが印象的だが、ホームオーディオでの高音質再生を志す一人として、据え置き型ハイエンドオーディオで人気の東西横綱ともいえる2社のハイエンドDACが持つサウンドを、１つの筐体で楽しめてしまう事にインパクトを感じた。2つのモジュールの音は本当に甲乙つけがたく、オーディオ的な探究心を刺激してくれるので、もし筆者がSpicture180を購入したらモジュールは2つ所有してしまうと思う。（実際かなり欲しくなっている）。また、AK File Dropを始めDAPのユーザビリティを上げるギミックが備わっている事も大きなアドバンテージだ。
最後となるが、嬉しい事に新しいDACや高出力の真空管を採用した次のモジュールも検討されているとのこと。一人のオーディオファイルとしてSpicture180の今後が楽しみで仕方ない。
Astell&Kernの国内向けオフィシャルサイトです。製品情報、サポート情報などを掲載しています。
It is a website of AIUTO Co., Ltd. that handles various parts for various PCs.
It is a website of AIUTO Co., Ltd. that handles various parts for various PCs.
Provided: Ayuto
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Build a circuit optimized for each DAC by adopting a module structure Special models that can be used in all directions that integrate functions and performance in high dimensions I was impressed by the outstanding S/N to listen.You can enjoy the difference in the interpretation of music expressions in the type of DAC Changing the cable will further improve transparency and resolution.Clearly the sound image localization and the sense of distance A dream audio machine that allows you to enjoy the sound of two DAC manufacturers in one housingCategory
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