There’s been considerable talk here in this forum. But market lack of reviews from some of the sites we would expect to see pouncing on this. This is definitely the best DAP I’ve ever owned. Deeply satisfied by it in nearly all respects.

I don’t know. I’ve done it in the past on my previous Kann iterations. I haven’t done so on this model.

Glad you are enjoying what is arguably one of the very best DAPs currently on the market. The Kann Ultra has very long legs. It should serve you well for quite some time. As an aside, it is my opinion that the best third-party music app is actually the Hiby app. Nevertheless, you should be...

There’s definitely a balance that Hass to be struck between following the technology curves and just wastefully dumping money on gear. The portable DAP industry has definitely hit sweet spot when it comes to incremental, rather than monumental sonic advancements. The industry is definitely in...

The only ones I haven’t had are the Kann and the Kann Cube. I went Kann Max to Fiio M17. And truly, I felt the FiiO M17 was my terminal DAP for at least 5-7 years. But when I heard the Kann Ultra. It was a fun moment. Always make sure that I have a potential outgoing DAP on hand with what may...

Did you mean Kann Cube or Kann Ultra?

First of all, Stereocheck is not my go to resource for reviews. Everything’s relative. Keep in mind that if the headphones they used are non-energetic, then, whatever DAp they use is likely going to present as non-energetic in the base region, or whatever region for that matter. The Kann Ultra...

We are on the same page. This is a quote from my December 18, 2023 post: “One huge error that people often make when posting in groups, is they provide sound impressions while in the midst of literally changing DAPS and headphones simultaneously. This gives us readers a very skewed assessment...

I agree one hundred percent. I flatly refuse to EQ anything. I’m what one would call a ‘direct out purist’. Nevertheless, for those who are inclined to such things, MSEB is what I would steer them to try.

And…to add to this post, the Hiby Music App, which can be installed on the FiiO M17 and the Kann Ultra, introduces MSEB sound tweaks that go beyond what normal EQ settings can achieve. Food for thought. (Photos obtained online)

Hello! I owned the M11 Pro before the FiiO M17 that I recently sold after acquiring the Kann Ultra. I can easily say that this DAP would not be considered aggressive or bloated in the bass region. Rather, bass on the Kann Ultra is adequately present, with a liquid and full sub-bass that is...

Standard jargon from a time when that could be an issue. And if you are using some archaic charger that does not regulate output in that way, then perhaps a viable caveat. But anything recent, reputable and designed to function in the manner I described is going to be safe. I have the Kann...

https://www.stereocheck.com/test/hifi/astellkern-kann-ultra-review-the-definition-of-hi-res/ https://majorhifi.com/astell-kern-kaan-ultra-review/ https://bloomaudio.com/blogs/articles/ultimate-portable-audio-astell-kern-kann-ultra-review...

Chargers only deliver what is required. Any modern Anker charger or otherwise chip-enabled intelligent charger will be just fine. I use an Anker iQ charger.

I agree the N7 is smoothed over, albeit decently resolving. It just doesn’t have an overall tuning that resonates with my preferred sound.

Shanling is an interesting case.

I don’t disagree at all. I just know I wouldn’t like the signature of the CA1000 if it’s per se hard-edged. I was responding in context to Steve’s dislike for treble focused DAPs. :-)

Interesting observations. Hard-edged are not descriptors that I pursue in a DAP. Though, I fully understand that it’s a quality you seek. What I do get from this is that the A&K DAPs have a sound signature that is not as laid back and nuanced as the Cayin N7. Also, does that hard-edged...

The Meze are really great headphones. Never heard them with the Kann Ultra, but as I mentioned in another post, the Kann Ultra elevates everything it touches. No surprise you’re get a great pairing there. Enjoy!

Th Kann Ultra The Kann Ultra is an entirely different presentation, both aesthetically and sonically. The Kann Ultra has more of a premium feel throughout, and presents music that is more detailed with a focus on vocal presence, dynamics, bass control and depth. The N7 is more nuanced which is...

I’m a fan of Anker chargers for devices that do not come with their own power source. My understanding is that devices only draw the amount of current they need to charge. So using a 30 watt Anki charger will only deliver 15 watts to the Kann Ultra. I use a 100 watt power IQ model. They are...

My impressions are posted, and may need to be combined into a more comprehensive review. As @searchingtom indicates, this is a very polished and well-rounded device. It outperforms and classes the DX320X in all respects. It is an absolute go-to move. As I mentioned, in a prior post, the FiiO...

I bought the black, but I do really like the look of the blue. I need to stop being so conservative.

If high impedence and low sensitivity cans are you thing, snag the M17. There’s no guess work on the power, it’s stacked with really fine tech and the OS is implemented very well.

I did not find the M17 to be clinical and non-musical. And I’ve owned and enjoyed two Astell&Kern DAPS, a couple of Hiby’s and two Sony’s during my personal journey. One huge error that people often make when posting in groups, is they provide sound impressions while in the midst of literally...