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

[jjazzy]

have a problem with module 4: sometimes when I turn on the player for the first time there is a short hiss and click in the headphones, after that it plays normally. What can be the problem and is it normal?

Should not be normal? Have you tried unplugging and cleaning the sem4 cartridge pins with alcohol and inserting again? See of it still happening?

 

[fogside]

Не повинно бути нормально? Чи пробували ви від’єднати та очистити контакти картриджа sem4 спиртом і вставити знову? Бачите, що це все ще відбувається?

Сem4 is brand new

 

[jjazzy]

Сem4 is brand new

Then I would exchange it for a new one, just to be on the safe side of things?

 

[jjazzy]

Somebody interested in a 3,5 month barely used SEM3?

 

[carlton22]

I listened to my SE180 last night for a couple of hours. When I picked it up this morning, it was quite hot to the touch. I then removed the SEM module, and it seems to be cooling down. I powered it up before I removed the SEM module, and it seems to still operate normally. Anyone else ever experience this? My first thought was the battery, but I don’t know why it would cool off when the SEM was removed. Battery life has still been very good up to this point.

 

[KindofBluer]

I listen to my SE180 frequently and have never had this issue, but I know people have reported issues with the battery swelling if charged with an after market cable. I gather it wasn’t plugged in overnight?

 

[carlton22]

I listen to my SE180 frequently and have never had this issue, but I know people have reported issues with the battery swelling if charged with an after market cable. I gather it wasn’t plugged in overnight?

It wasn’t plugged in. The heat went away completely after I removed the SEM module. I reinserted the SEM, and it is now operating normally with no issues. Weird.

 

[jjazzy]

I guess I'm the only one with the SEM4 around here so far.



The SEM1 and SEM3 modules (ESS based) are not necessarily the typical A&K sound. Especially SEM3 has an analytical presentation with great detail, sound stage and resolution. It has been the best module you can attach to the SEM3 in my opinion.

Or is it?

Well, as soon as the SEM4 arrived, it's not easy for me to pick just one. The new module sounds much more like A&K signature, with creamy mids, deep and wide staging, excellent imaging and treble extension with lots of micro details. Overall, the SEM4 makes the SE180 a great cheaper alternative to the SP2000 in my mind. I have used the SP2000 for over a year, so I can say that this setup is not SP2000, but it's not far away either. For SP2000T idk, I haven't got a chance to test it.

I haven't played around much with the "DAR" upsampling setting, but as a very first impression; it opens up the staging a bit with more spaciousness. It sounds immersive and wide. It converts basically everything to DSD, so yeah, very interesting feature.

Of course, the DAP costs around 1900$ with this module so it's up to you to decide if it's worth it. But if you're after a focused, analytical and sharp sound you can pick the SEM3. The SEM4 is for the people who are quite familiar with A&K sound. But boy, it sounds really good.

I'll do a review on HFN but I thought this quick impression would help.

Having tested a lot with my fir audio m5 or 64 audio 18t actually found out that the Sem4 is sharper then the SEM3. Yes the Sem4 has u huge stage, but can be sharp in the treble with those IEM. it is definately the SEM4, because on my mac pro, tt2+mscaler or mojo2 that does not happen

 

[KindofBluer]

I guess I'm the only one with the SEM4 around here so far.



The SEM1 and SEM3 modules (ESS based) are not necessarily the typical A&K sound. Especially SEM3 has an analytical presentation with great detail, sound stage and resolution. It has been the best module you can attach to the SEM3 in my opinion.

Or is it?

Well, as soon as the SEM4 arrived, it's not easy for me to pick just one. The new module sounds much more like A&K signature, with creamy mids, deep and wide staging, excellent imaging and treble extension with lots of micro details. Overall, the SEM4 makes the SE180 a great cheaper alternative to the SP2000 in my mind. I have used the SP2000 for over a year, so I can say that this setup is not SP2000, but it's not far away either. For SP2000T idk, I haven't got a chance to test it.

I haven't played around much with the "DAR" upsampling setting, but as a very first impression; it opens up the staging a bit with more spaciousness. It sounds immersive and wide. It converts basically everything to DSD, so yeah, very interesting feature.

Of course, the DAP costs around 1900$ with this module so it's up to you to decide if it's worth it. But if you're after a focused, analytical and sharp sound you can pick the SEM3. The SEM4 is for the people who are quite familiar with A&K sound. But boy, it sounds really good.

I'll do a review on HFN but I thought this quick impression would help.

 

[KindofBluer]

I have the SEM 1, 2 and 4. Of the 3 SEM4 is definitely my go to. I have been listening with Sennheiser IE900s on the go, and Focal Clear originals at home, but I recently bought the Solitaire T noise cancelling headphones with passive mode for home and travelling. A match made in heaven. I am waiting for SEM3 to arrive. I understand it is more analytic vs the warmer sound of SEM4. Looking forward to the comparison.

On another note, I am sad the SE180 didn't catch on. Was looking forward to a steady stream of new modules.

 

[shwnwllms]

I have the SEM 1, 2 and 4. Of the 3 SEM4 is definitely my go to.

Same. I actually sold my SEM2 though and stick with SEM4 now. It’s perfect for my needs. Never felt the urge to try SEM3 but curious to hear your impressions.

On another note, I am sad the SE180 didn't catch on. Was looking forward to a steady stream of new modules.

 

[carlton22]

Having tested a lot with my fir audio m5 or 64 audio 18t actually found out that the Sem4 is sharper then the SEM3. Yes the Sem4 has u huge stage, but can be sharp in the treble with those IEM. it is definately the SEM4, because on my mac pro, tt2+mscaler or mojo2 that does not happen

I have a few IEMs for which high gain seems to tame some of the treble brightness, but I don’t know if that would be a feasible option with the IEMs you mentioned. I hear the biggest difference with these IEMs when using SEM2 and SEM4 on high gain. Those IEMs still sound subjectively better to me on high gain with SEMs 1 & 3, but the difference isn’t as marked as with SEMs 2 & 4.

 

[jjazzy]

I have a few IEMs for which high gain seems to tame some of the treble brightness, but I don’t know if that would be a feasible option with the IEMs you mentioned. I hear the biggest difference with these IEMs when using SEM2 and SEM4 on high gain. Those IEMs still sound subjectively better to me on high gain with SEMs 1 & 3, but the difference isn’t as marked as with SEMs 2 & 4.

will give it a try on high gain ( I own the 1, 3 and 4, was always curious about the 2).

Just wondering if I upgrade, how much upgrade a sp2000 or sp3000 wil be, in what way will it sound better I mean.

 

[jjazzy]

I have a few IEMs for which high gain seems to tame some of the treble brightness, but I don’t know if that would be a feasible option with the IEMs you mentioned. I hear the biggest difference with these IEMs when using SEM2 and SEM4 on high gain. Those IEMs still sound subjectively better to me on high gain with SEMs 1 & 3, but the difference isn’t as marked as with SEMs 2 & 4.

You think balanced would benefit them?

 

[KindofBluer]

To my ears SEM4 is perfectly balanced with reference headphones. I don’t find it peaky at all.