When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Astell&Kern)
(Image credit: Astell&Kern)
If you’re looking for the verybest headphonesfor your hi-res audio player, Astell&Kern have just the thing. And if you’re in the market for a hi-res audio player as well, Astell&Kern can help with that too. The hi-res audio obsessives have announced two new products for serious music fans: the new AURA in-ear headphones and the A&futura SE300 music player.
It’s fair to say that if you’re looking for thebest cheap headphonesyou should look elsewhere: the AURA come in at a hefty £4,199 / €4,799 / $4,200 / AU$6,899. But these aren’t exactly designed for listening to podcasts on the tube.
The AURA headphones have been designed in collaboration with high-end in-ear monitoring specialists Vision Ears in Cologne, and they consist of two precise 8mm low dynamic drivers, eight balanced armature drivers for mid-range and a balanced armature super tweeter for the high end. Astell&Kern promises “breathtaking” performance, and as you can see they look pretty great too.
Astell&Kern have a new hi-res audio player too
The new A&futura SE300 is based around Astell&Kern’s own R-2R DAC and a dual AMP mode with Class A amplification for incredible accuracy and Class AB for crisp dynamism. But the thing you’ll notice first is that it has the firm’s new and striking user interface, with a crimson colour scheme that looks great set against the aluminium and stainless steel casing of the player. It’s a more streamlined design than some of Astell&Kern’s other hi-res audio players, but I think it’s a safe bet that it’ll feel just as solid in your hand.
The A&futura SE300 is £1,899 / €2,199/ $1,900 / AU$3,099.
The A&futura SE300 and the AURA headphones will make their debut at the High End Munich show, which runs from 18 to 21 May in Munich and you’ll be able to order them directly from Astell&Kern afterwards.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Build bigger arms in just 30 minutes with this 5-move dumbbell-only workoutIt’ll leave the biceps and triceps popping!
It’ll leave the biceps and triceps popping!
OMEGA puts the moon on your wrist with its new Speedmaster Moonphase MeteoriteOMEGA adds two new Moonphase Meteorite watches to its Speedmaster line-up
OMEGA adds two new Moonphase Meteorite watches to its Speedmaster line-up
Corsair HS65 Wireless review: a great value gaming headsetThe Corsair HS65 Wireless gives you plenty for your money
The Corsair HS65 Wireless gives you plenty for your money
Samsung QN90C review: worth the investment?Samsung’s step-down Neo QLED TV, the QN90C, has some positives, but share of negatives too – should it be your next TV?
Samsung’s step-down Neo QLED TV, the QN90C, has some positives, but share of negatives too – should it be your next TV?
Yale Floodlight Camera review: Lights, camera, siren!If you’ve got property to protect, the Yale Floodlight Camera is a solid investment for security monitoring purposes
If you’ve got property to protect, the Yale Floodlight Camera is a solid investment for security monitoring purposes
Which phone is best for music and why? The top 3 smartphones for audio exploredLeave your Bluetooth Speaker at home and hook up some Hi-Res Audio cans – these are the best smartphones for music in 2023
Leave your Bluetooth Speaker at home and hook up some Hi-Res Audio cans – these are the best smartphones for music in 2023
Should you buy a gaming phone? Only if it’s one of these twoIf you’re in the market for a gaming phone, only two have knocked our socks off this year – but which one’s right for you?
If you’re in the market for a gaming phone, only two have knocked our socks off this year – but which one’s right for you?
5 things I wish I’d known before buying a gaming laptopBuyer beware – don’t spend any money before reading this
Buyer beware – don’t spend any money before reading this
Forget the MacBook Air – I tried an Asus Zenbook and here’s how it betters AppleLighter and brighter: the Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED sometimes beats Apple’s iconic MacBook Air at its own game
Lighter and brighter: the Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED sometimes beats Apple’s iconic MacBook Air at its own game
These 3 Google Pixelbook 2 features would make it an instabuyIt’s time for Google to set the standard for Chromebooks again
It’s time for Google to set the standard for Chromebooks again
