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

[lemont]

First time trying out USB DAC function of my SE180 (v1.71) and whenever the song sampling frequency changes (eg FLAC to DSD in Roon, or in Windows audio setting test sound 16bit, 192k to 16bit 96k) will cause the DAC to have no sound heard. I have to toggle to USB Disk and back to DAC to recover. The DAC is still detected by the desktop, and ROON is still able to play, but no sound heard. Tested on Win11 and MacOS and both exhibited same issue.

I used a SP3000 and is able to playback with sound heard when the song sampling changes, so issue is not due to the source.

I want to try downgrading firmware of my SE180, but can't find any article and file to download from AK site.

Appreciate fellow SE180 users and AK experts to help

 

[imfurunveren]

Hello. I have 2 questions. Does the deezer app work on the Se180? My second question is: I'm undecided between 2 daps. Fiio M15s and A&K Se180. I can buy both for the same price. They both use the same dac chip. Which one do you think has better sound quality? I never expect a mobile phone performance from a dap device. Its powerful sound and quality are enough for me. I have a sennheiser ie900 and a hifiman sundara open. Which one do you think I should buy?
Thanks!

 

[jjazzy]

Hello. I have 2 questions. Does the deezer app work on the Se180? My second question is: I'm undecided between 2 daps. Fiio M15s and A&K Se180. I can buy both for the same price. They both use the same dac chip. Which one do you think has better sound quality? I never expect a mobile phone performance from a dap device. Its powerful sound and quality are enough for me. I have a sennheiser ie900 and a hifiman sundara open. Which one do you think I should buy?
Thanks!

with the se180 included SEM1 sounds better than the m15s (I know because I returned the M15s after 2 weeks). and with the se180 you can buy a Sem4, and than it blows the m15s away totally.

It will install Deezer. (will double check that for you)

Performance wise, interface the M15S is a little faster, but what is more important, sound quality or a faster interface. (the streaming apps are a little slower I mean, not the browser interface itself)

so if it is best sound you look for, the astell wins easily. (It runs my Arya Stealth also without issue, balanced)

 

[imfurunveren]

with the se180 included SEM1 sounds better than the m15s (I know because I returned the M15s after 2 weeks). and with the se180 you can buy a Sem4, and than it blows the m15s away totally.

It will install Deezer. (will double check that for you)

Performance wise, interface the M15S is a little faster, but what is more important, sound quality or a faster interface. (the streaming apps are a little slower I mean, not the browser interface itself)

so if it is best sound you look for, the astell wins easily. (It runs my Arya Stealth also without issue, balanced)

Thanks for reply

 

[karloil]

My second question is: I'm undecided between 2 daps. Fiio M15s and A&K Se180. I can buy both for the same price. They both use the same dac chip. Which one do you think has better sound quality?

I currently own both. Tough decision if you ask me.

SE180 has interchangeable DAC modules - which will change SQ BUT at significan't cost. Currently own the SEM1 and SEM3. With the SEM3, I find myself reaching for the SE180 more than the M15s

M15s, on desktop mode is more powerful - this is my main use when I'm travelling. My one stop DAP when I'm out.

M15s has quicker software than the SE180. You can survive with the SE180, don't get me wrong. But if you're the guy who hates apps stuttering - steer clear of the SE180 (regardless of it's SQ)

M15s has full Android, SE180 only sideload apps. Firmware support - to my knowledge, we both don't know if they will still release future firmware updates/improvements - can't comment there.

I have not heard the IE900 on either of these DAPs - so I can't comment. But have tried the Sundara Open on both - you can't go wrong with either DAP when paired with your Sundara.

IMO - smoother overall presentation on the SE180/SEM3. A bit more analytical on the M15s.

 

[RRos]

The interchangeable DAC modules are the obvious advantage. Yes they cost a fair bit, but if you scroll through the various messages above, there really isn’t a consensus as to which one sounds best. Because we all like different sound signatures, so it really allows you to have 1 or 2 difference DACs in once device. I personally find the SEM4 to be the best, but I understand why some would prefer the SEM3 or even the included SEM1 best. If you like the M15 sound signature better, get that. But if you want something that potentially sounds better, and more flex, then it’s an easy decision.

 

[jjazzy]

I currently own both. Tough decision if you ask me.

SE180 has interchangeable DAC modules - which will change SQ BUT at significan't cost. Currently own the SEM1 and SEM3. With the SEM3, I find myself reaching for the SE180 more than the M15s

M15s, on desktop mode is more powerful - this is my main use when I'm travelling. My one stop DAP when I'm out.

M15s has quicker software than the SE180. You can survive with the SE180, don't get me wrong. But if you're the guy who hates apps stuttering - steer clear of the SE180 (regardless of it's SQ)

M15s has full Android, SE180 only sideload apps. Firmware support - to my knowledge, we both don't know if they will still release future firmware updates/improvements - can't comment there.

I have not heard the IE900 on either of these DAPs - so I can't comment. But have tried the Sundara Open on both - you can't go wrong with either DAP when paired with your Sundara.

IMO - smoother overall presentation on the SE180/SEM3. A bit more analytical on the M15s.

I have the 3 and 4, the 4 wins hands on easy. That does not mean the 3 is bad, the 4 is just better.

Interface of the se180 does not stutter but the m15 is a little faster yes.

Right now will go for a sp3000 in te future, that one blows both away in sound quality.

I actually don’t know why so many like the m15s so much? To me it was a real dissapointment, yes it is powerfull but missing a lot of stage and depth, certainly compared to the sem4 module.
Se180+sem4 is not a sp2000, but it is very close

Or try to find a second had sp2000 also very good sounding

 

[karloil]

Interface of the se180 does not stutter but the m15 is a little faster yes.

That's why I was clear in my message - "apps", not interface.

Main interface of SE180 I agree, it doesn't stutter but compared to main interface of M15s - it's a no contest. M15s is much much snappier.

I actually don’t know why so many like the m15s so much?

We all have different ears. What's bad to your hearing may be awesome to others. (and vice versa)

 

[jjazzy]

That's why I was clear in my message - "apps", not interface.

Main interface of SE180 I agree, it doesn't stutter but compared to main interface of M15s - it's a no contest. M15s is much much snappier.



We all have different ears. What's bad to your hearing may be awesome to others. (and vice versa)

Propably has to do with ESS, I still have to find any dac (even very very expensive one's) that carries those. They say it does not matter, but it is quite typical that everytime I hear a dac I don't like it is mostly ESS. I am more a fan of Chord dacs (my mojo2, my tt2+mscaler) or good implemented AKM 4493/4499 dac's and third place decent r2r dacs.

 

[fogside]

Who want Crimson UI/UX in new updates to SE180 ?

 

[irishweather]

Hi,

I live in Dublin Ireland.

Is anyone interested in swapping a Sem3 for my Sem4?

Pm me if you would like to do a swap.

 

[twiceboss]

Does the BT sink mode sound the same with all SEM modules?

 

[twiceboss]

I just tried a longer listening BT sink mode but now using SEM4.

Dynamically, it's a night and day improvement over the direct sound. Kinda weird.

I can hear tons of details in BT sink mode than the regular. LMAO

 

[Cymruambyth]

I just tried a longer listening BT sink mode but now using SEM4.

Dynamically, it's a night and day improvement over the direct sound. Kinda weird.

I can hear tons of details in BT sink mode than the regular. LMAO

Bluetooth audio has to go through a DAC process so I'd have thought the DAC modules will sound different. I use the BT sink mode sometimes using SEM4 and LDAC from my phone and it sounds very good.

 

[twiceboss]

Bluetooth audio has to go through a DAC process so I'd have thought the DAC modules will sound different. I use the BT sink mode sometimes using SEM4 and LDAC from my phone and it sounds very good.

Yes, can agree. I also turn On and Off the DAR, sounds different too. Now im enjoying SEM4. So weird with audio, best to have options. Our brain will get used to the same thing and eager to get a new one instead of changing the modules.