ASTELL&KERN A&ULTIMA SP4000 COPPER LAUNCHED ALONGSIDE COLLECTOR’S ATELIER CASE
Astell&Kern has announced several new products for early 2026, led by the launch of the Astell&Kern A&ultima SP4000 Copper digital audio player.
The company has also introduced the Collector’s Atelier leather valet case, while confirming availability of the previously previewed AK HC5 USB DAC and STELLA earphones.
ASTELL&KERN A&ULTIMA SP4000 COPPER FLAGSHIP DAP
The Astell&Kern A&ultima SP4000 Copper sits at the top of the brand’s portable player range and is positioned as a limited-edition variant of the standard SP4000. It shares the same core platform as the existing model, including a quad-DAC design and octa-circuit architecture, but uses a different chassis material.
The player is constructed from 99.98% pure copper, a material chosen for its electrical conductivity and shielding properties. According to Astell&Kern, working with copper required a multi-layer stabilisation process and precise machining to ensure durability and long-term stability.
ASTELL&KERN A&ULTIMA SP4000 COPPER DESIGN AND MATERIAL CHOICES
Copper is rarely used in portable audio products at this level due to its softness and susceptibility to oxidation. Astell&Kern states that the SP4000 Copper undergoes additional treatment to maintain its finish over time. The result is a visually distinctive version of the SP4000 that differs both in weight and appearance from the standard model.
The underlying electronics and user interface remain consistent with the existing SP4000, ensuring compatibility with current firmware, playback formats, and features already associated with the platform.
The Astell&Kern A&ultima SP4000 Copper is described as a limited-edition release aimed at listeners looking for a premium variant of the company’s flagship digital audio player. It is available now and joins the wider A&ultima line at the top of Astell&Kern’s portable range.
COLLECTOR’S ATELIER LEATHER STORAGE CASE
Alongside the new player, Astell&Kern has launched the Collector’s Atelier, a dedicated leather valet case designed to store a digital audio player, earphones, and accessories. The case is intended for use with Astell&Kern products but is not limited to a specific model.
The Collector’s Atelier is made using leather supplied by German tannery PERLINGER, which has been in operation since 1864. The leather is sourced from male calf hides from the Togo region of Africa and treated using PERLINGER’s shrunken leather process. This method avoids the use of heat, instead relying on a chemical shrinking process to preserve the leather’s natural grain and softness.
According to Astell&Kern, the shrunken leather construction offers elasticity and resistance to minor surface marks, with the material expected to soften further and develop a deeper patina over time. The Collector’s Atelier is positioned as a storage and presentation solution rather than a portable carry case.
AK HC5 USB DAC AND STELLA EARPHONES CONFIRMED
Astell&Kern has also confirmed that two products previewed late last year are now available. The AK HC5 is a compact USB DAC designed for portable use, while STELLA is a new reference earphone developed in collaboration with VOLK Audio and mastering engineer Michael Graves. Both products were previously announced and now join the company’s current line-up.
ASTELL&KERN A&ULTIMA SP4000 COPPER DIGITAL AUDIO PLAYER PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
The Astell&Kern A&ultima SP4000 Copper is available now with a suggested retail price of £3,999. The Collector’s Atelier leather case is priced at £229. The AK HC5 USB DAC is listed at £399, while the STELLA earphones are priced at £3,899.
HiFi PiG Says: A real luxury portable player from A&K.
