To ensure the 24K gold is properly applied to the player's casing, the surface is first enhanced with a nickel plating process to boost the metal's luster and durability. Then, a thick 24K pure gold plating layer of 0.5um +/- 20% is applied, followed by the addition of an AF anti-fingerprint coating. After meticulous polishing, the 24K gold radiates with a soft and bright golden hue, coupled with Astell&Kern's signature light and shadow cutting design, which imbues the SP3000 24K Gold Limited Edition with a sense of classical and timeless elegance.

The 904L stainless steel itself possesses excellent shielding properties, not only effectively blocking external interference and noise from the circuit to keep the sound background pure but also significantly removing the noise floor and impacts on acoustic performance. Combined with the superb malleability and electrical conductivity of 24K gold, it can further reduce resistance and signal loss, thereby improving grounding and achieving an almost "zero noise" background quietness. This contributes to a clearer and more authentic sound quality, creating a high sound density and a sense of being in the presence of a live performance. Furthermore, the high oxidation resistance and outstanding corrosion resistance of pure gold protect the internal electronic components from oxidation issues caused by sweat, humidity, or other environmental factors, maintaining component stability.

Most digital players process digital and analog signals together inside the DAC. However, the SP3000’s advanced HEXA-Audio Circuitry structure reduces the noise of the digital signal input through the AK4191EQ, a separate digital delta-sigma modulator, and the AK4499EX DAC is then designed to process the analog signals separately. By applying this unique design, digital and analog signal processing that is physically separated has been achieved for the first time in a digital audio player, and the overwhelming SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) is maximized, making it possible to experience an incredible level of sound that has never been experienced before.

With the newly developed UX/UI, the SP3000 is focused on the process and experience of listening to music, and we wanted to become a ‘Player for music’ that one can feel this process. The new theme is designed with a focus on the experience of rediscovering songs that you have forgotten; you can quickly browse through music categories with simple gestures. A convenient search feature along with album art has been added so that you can enjoy a digital display of CD album covers of your music collection. It is designed to give you not only the pleasure of listening to music, but also to create fun when operating the device. In addition, the Crimson theme, one of the main features of the new generation UI, is designed so that you can feel the appearance of the SP3000 on the screen. The graphics are simple and unintrusive, focusing on usability and intuitiveness. Three key concepts, Edge, Simple, and Dark Mode, were used to improve usability and increase clarity with a style unique to AK. The black and red theme colors are chosen to reduce eye fatigue, maximize battery usage and reduce heat generation.

ReplayGain, which adjusts sound sources with different volumes to an identical level, has been applied. Now, enjoy your own playlists seamlessly through the ReplayGain feature on SP3000. * ReplayGain supports up to 24-bit/192 kHz sound sources.

BT Sink function connects the SP3000 to an external device via Bluetooth, similar to connecting a smartphone with a BT speaker. Music from an external device, such as a smartphone can now be played back in high-quality on the SP3000 using the BT Sink function.