Astell&Kern SA700

AK120-inspired design, dual AK4492ECB DACs and stainless-steel body

Astell&Kern SA700 revisits the proportions and visual references of the brand's early players while pairing them with a Hi-Res platform based on two AK4492ECB DACs.

It is quite different from current A&ultima models: smaller and deliberately straightforward, with a stainless-steel body, 4.1-inch display and an LED ring around the volume wheel. It supports PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz and native DSD256, with both unbalanced and balanced headphone connections.

Key features

• Dual AKM AK4492ECB DACs.
• PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz and native DSD256.
• 3.5 mm unbalanced and 2.5 mm balanced outputs.
• Stainless-steel body.
• 4.1-inch touch display.
• LED around the volume wheel indicates level and file resolution.
• 128 GB internal storage with microSD expansion.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for streaming and wireless headphones.

A simpler architecture that remains audio-focused

The two AK4492ECB converters operate as a dual-DAC arrangement and handle the channels separately. SA700 does not pursue the HEXA or Octa complexity of newer models; instead it uses a more conventional signal path with smaller dimensions and direct physical controls.

The LED communicates operating information

The illuminated ring around the volume control is not purely decorative. Its indication changes with the bit depth of the playing track and it also represents volume through different levels of saturation. The feature links the player's heritage-inspired design to useful playback information.

For listeners who prefer a classic compact DAP

SA700 suits users focused mainly on local files who do not require the architecture or output capability of SP4000 and KANN ULTRA. Its balanced socket is 2.5 mm, making it especially relevant to owners of cables already terminated to that standard who want a solid, relatively compact player centred on core audio functions.