Copper “Brick” Audio Player Worth a Car: Astell & Kern SP4000 Launches Ultra-Premium Version

Experience next-level sound with Astell & Kern’s SP4000 in a stunning copper shell for audiophiles craving both luxury and unbeatable audio.

A Copper Marvel for Audiophiles

You know how audiophiles get obsessive over materials, right? Well, Astell & Kern totally gets it and has once again stirred the hearts of sound purists. They took their already killer (and pricey) flagship player, the SP4000, and cloaked it in pure copper—yes, 99.98% pure copper. The brand claims this upgrade enhances the sound quality, but honestly, it just looks outrageously luxurious, hefty, and downright expensive.

This isn’t the first time the South Korean audio giant has armored its gadgets in shiny metal. Remember the AK380? That legendary model debuted about a decade ago and had a copper version too. It served as a posh alternative to the standard duralumin model. Looks like history is repeating itself, and the marketers are dusting off these old tricks to charm fans again.

Same Beast, New Armor

Underneath that gleaming copper shell, the SP4000 Copper is identical to the regular A&ultima SP4000. We first saw this device at last year’s Munich exhibition. It packs the same cutting-edge architecture: four DACs and an eight-channel setup that effortlessly handles high-res PCM files up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512. For those who cherish every nuance, this player is an absolute dream.

“The copper material boasts excellent conductivity and shielding, which helps preserve the tiniest musical details.”
— Astell & Kern

What’s So Special About Copper?

You might be wondering, “Why pay extra for a copper case?” According to Astell & Kern, copper performs magic with sound. This metal has superb conductivity and effective electromagnetic shielding, protecting the music’s intricate details from interference. The company promises a deep, commanding bass, lush midranges, and highs that decay naturally and effortlessly—all thanks to this unique metal shell.

Technically, the player keeps its full suite of features intact. It supports aptX Adaptive and LDAC codecs for flawless Bluetooth sound, should you feel like rocking out wirelessly with high-end headphones. And the battery? It provides about 10 hours of continuous playback—a solid companion for long listening sessions.

Limited Edition Luxury with a Price to Match

The A&ultima SP4000 Copper is a limited edition release, already hitting the shelves at an eye-watering price of $4,499 (roughly $4,499 USD). That’s a hefty jump from the standard version, which retails around $3,900. This price difference reflects both the exclusivity and the premium materials involved.

How to Get Your Hands on One

If you’re wondering about availability, the Copper edition is very much a niche product. While Astell & Kern gear is officially distributed in specialized stores, this copper version will likely arrive only on a special order basis due to its limited nature. Expect the price to reflect taxes and logistics—retailers might put it in the range of $4,500 or more.

For those hunting online, some sellers handle parallel imports, but be aware that warranty and servicing could get complicated in these cases.

Using the SP4000 Copper in Everyday Life

The player runs on a modified Android OS, so navigating it in your language should be smooth sailing. It supports Cyrillic (and other scripts) natively, so track names and tags display correctly right out of the box. Charging and data transfer use a standard USB-C port, so no need to hunt for obscure cables.

App installation is done through the Open APP Service, since Google Play isn’t available here. That means if you want to use streaming services that aren’t pre-installed, you’ll need to sideload APK files. But for many audiophiles, local music libraries are king. The SP4000 Copper’s generous internal storage combined with microSD card support allows you to carry a massive high-res collection wherever you go—perfect when Wi-Fi is flaky or you want to ditch streaming.

Final Thoughts: A Collector’s Dream or Audiophile’s Must-Have?

The SP4000 Copper isn’t just a player; it’s a showpiece, a statement, an audio artifact wrapped in artistry and metal. While the sound claims are impressive, the real magic might be in the tactile experience—holding a solid copper “brick” that feels like a genuine luxury item.

Are you the type who loves to combine top-tier sound with eye-catching design? Or is this just a flashy twist on an already excellent device? Either way, this copper-clad wonder is bound to capture the imaginations—and wallets—of serious audiophiles worldwide.

FAQ

• How much does the Astell & Kern SP4000 Copper cost?
  It retails at around $4,499, making it significantly more expensive than the standard SP4000 model.
• Does the copper shell actually improve sound quality?
  According to Astell & Kern, the copper’s superior conductivity and shielding help preserve finer musical details and deliver richer sound.
• Is the SP4000 Copper widely available?
  No, it’s a limited edition model typically available via special order at select audiophile stores.
• Can I use Bluetooth headphones with this player?
  Yes, it supports high-quality Bluetooth codecs like aptX Adaptive and LDAC for wireless listening.
• Does the player support popular music streaming apps?
  While it doesn’t have Google Play, you can install streaming apps via APK files or rely on local music storage.

Ready to bring home a piece of audiophile elegance? Shop your favorite album cover posters and more at our store here to complement your listening experience with stylish décor.