Astell&Kern A&futura SE180 - The First Modular DAP from Astell&Kern
Dec 7, 2021 at 3:37 AM Post #304 of 648
My first impression of SEM3 was quite cold, just comparing in my memory and vs SEM2, it seemed a more neutral sound and apparently no improvement on the horizon.

However, I did a longer and more careful listening of SEM3 with the Anole VX and comparing it to the E02 module of the N6II (which has the same DAC but in dual version).

First of all, the base signature is similar, only that you hear more body in the sound especially in mids and lows for E02, the SEM3 is a similar tonality but more neutral, however, it maintains a good body in bass and clarity in mids, it is a more refined sound, with a greater soundstage and instrument separation than E02.

Surprisingly, I find that the SEM3 effectively surpasses the E02 in the technical section and in sound quality in general, SEM3 allows the instruments to have an air that is absent in E02, however E02 due to its warmer tonality, it can get more engaging to the listener and deceive the memory, but when i making the comparison face to face, it is undeniable which is superior (SEM3)

It's certainly a nice addition to the SE180, being at least at the level of the SEM2 and undoubtedly better than SEM1
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Dec 7, 2021 at 10:29 AM Post #305 of 648
Surprisingly, I find that the A&K version of the Cayin E02 effectively surpasses it in the technical section and in sound quality in general, it allows the instruments to have an air that is more absent in E02, however E02 due to its warmer tonality, it can get more engaging to the listener and deceive the memory, but when i making the comparison face to face, it is undeniable which is superior.

This is rather confusing, I guess you misspelled module names, could you please clarify?
 
Dec 7, 2021 at 12:48 PM Post #306 of 648
This is rather confusing, I guess you misspelled module names, could you please clarify?
Sorry my english, i think now it’s more clear…(i edited the post)
To me SEM3 = A&K version of the E02, since the SE180 uses the same DACs that already use the N6II in several modules
 
Dec 7, 2021 at 12:59 PM Post #307 of 648
Sorry my english, i think now it’s more clear…(i edited the post)
To me SEM3 = A&K version of the E02, since the SE180 uses the same DACs that already use the N6II in several modules

Same DAC that already used in several N6ii module? from ESS? This is interesting, I didn't know that.
 
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Dec 7, 2021 at 2:20 PM Post #308 of 648
Same DAC that already used in several N6ii module? from ESS? This is interesting, I didn't know that.

Yes, same DACs but different AMP section i suppose:

SEM1=E01 (ES9038PRO)
SEM2=A01 (AK4497EQ)
SEM3=E02 (ES9038Q2M)

Obviously different implementation of each one i think…
 
Dec 7, 2021 at 9:48 PM Post #309 of 648
Yes, same DACs but different AMP section i suppose:

SEM1=E01 (ES9038PRO)
SEM2=A01 (AK4497EQ)
SEM3=E02 (ES9038Q2M)

Obviously different implementation of each one i think…
Thank you for your clarification, quite different from what I gathered in your previous statement.
 
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http://en.cayin.cn/
Dec 17, 2021 at 2:01 PM Post #311 of 648
New firmware update released today, release 1.27
 
Dec 20, 2021 at 9:37 AM Post #313 of 648
So I decided to take a plunge on the SEM3 blind during the recent 12.12 sales based on the positive feedback by @Virtu Fortuna and @orifiel - in summary it's a definite upgrade from SEM1 😊

20211220_223307.jpg

Despite the inferior DAC on paper, the music is more lively, soundstage is wider and the bass has more oomph. Still on Day 1 of listening, but call me impressed👍
 
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Dec 22, 2021 at 10:56 AM Post #314 of 648
So I decided to take a plunge on the SEM3 blind during the recent 12.12 sales based on the positive feedback by @Virtu Fortuna and @orifiel - in summary it's a definite upgrade from SEM1 😊

20211220_223307.jpg

Despite the inferior DAC on paper, the music is more lively, soundstage is wider and the bass has more oomph. Still on Day 1 of listening, but call me impressed👍
Could you please elaborate on sem3 vs sem1 difference?
 
Dec 23, 2021 at 3:32 AM Post #315 of 648
Could you please elaborate on sem3 vs sem1 difference?
I'm not sure I have the capability to add much more to what I've listed above, but if it helps I tested the differences with my CA Solaris OG 😀
 

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