Skip to content
Book a showroom consultation here!
Book a showroom consultation here!
Astell & Kern SEM4 DAC Module

Astell & Kern SEM4 DAC Module

by Astell & Kern
€439.00 - €439.00
€439.00
€439.00
€439.00 - €439.00
€439.00
0 in stock
for immediate dispatch or click & collect
Available to order (with lead time)
For latest lead times or to put down a deposit please contact us
In a rush? See what's available for immediate dispatch

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)
Visit our showrooms

Visit our showrooms

We know that there's nothing quite like seeing, hearing and feeling what a product is really like. Whether you're investigating a specific product or want to compare within a category, we can help.

Our experts teams will ensure that you have the best advice and products to choose from. Our Dublin Showroom is conveniently located with free parking. All with no obligation to buy.

Book a free personal consultation now

Blog posts

  • Headphones

    Headphones

      How Much Do I Need To Spend? Yes, it’s possible to get a fairly decent set of headphones for €50, but as with most things, you get what you pay for. If you want a pair of headphones that...

    Read now
  • How To Care For Your Vinyl

    How To Care For Your Vinyl

    Unlike your Spotify or Apple Music subscription, owning a collection of vinyl means protecting your LP to make sure it sounds its best. True music lovers enjoy listening to their vinyl, not just using them as décor props and taking...

    Read now
See more
Custom Smart Home Installations

Custom Smart Home Installations

Your Home. Simplified

Learn more