Astell&Kern A&futura SE180 - The First Modular DAP from Astell&Kern

[Virtu Fortuna]

With the SEM3 module the SE180 advances even further in my view. They recently sent me the SEM3 and ever since I got it, I never returned to SEM2.

 

[Nace]

With the SEM3 module the SE180 advances even further in my view. They recently sent me the SEM3 and ever since I got it, I never returned to SEM2.

Have you reviewed it yet?

 

[Virtu Fortuna]

Have you reviewed it yet?

I haven't.

Will probably do it in 2022.

 

[orifiel]

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

 

[ILyaX]

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?

 

[orifiel]

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

 

[Andykong]

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.

 

[orifiel]

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…

 

[Andykong]

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.

 

[ce3eoa]

Thank you

 

[ce3eoa]

New firmware update released today, release 1.27

 

[ILyaX]

I don't see any significant changes with new firmware, except Tidal Masters on some tracks became laggy.
Apple music hi res still doesn't work properly.

 

[nichino]

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



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

 

[ILyaX]

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



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?

 

[nichino]

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