[Benny030]

https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/astell-kern-a-ultima-sp2000t-digital-audio-player

This is AUD so I reckon $3000US or less

You have to add TAX in Australia or is it inclusive Tax

 

[Death_Block]

normally all displayed prices in AUS are inclusive of GST. Actually, I think it's law it has to be.
Edit
Component pricing as described by the ACCC is when you present prices to your customers. That must be the total price of the good or service as a singular figure. This should include any tax, duty, fee, levy or other additional charges (e.g. GST or airport tax). Therefore, it is illegal to advertise prices without including GST. Section 48 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) outlines this requirement.

 

[Focux]

Thanks so much @SnooDucksAudio! Out of curiosity, what do the numbers underneath the amp selection menu mean?



I think it's four ESS ES9068AS chips, which is exactly the kind of overkill I've come to expect from A&K.

4 9068's are still inferior to a single 9038 no?

how is that being overkill?

 

[Death_Block]

that makes it mega confusing with the number order LMAO

 

[SnooDucksAudio]

Quad DAC ? Hmm cirrus Chips ? Or the new Japan Chip? ROHM BD34301EKV

Quad ESS ES9068AS. It is very sabre like sound. Unlike the SP2000 which had more velvet soft sound.

 

[SnooDucksAudio]

Any idea of price yet?

Depending on reviews and feedback. 2499-2899 USD.

 

[SnooDucksAudio]

When you say "does not apply" are you saying that the soundstage is not as large in Balanced Mode - or is the hybrid mode not available in Balanced Mode?

No. All modes are available in single ended and balanced. 4.4 is much more equal. But in 3.5mm the Hybrid mode stand out a bit from the other 2. Hybrid mode had a larger soundstage.

 

[SnooDucksAudio]

I have to say that unlike the other few models of A&K. The build is very like a spaceship, a bit rugged-like. It's not shiny metallic or smooth, it's very industrial looking and feel.

 

[godlikegamer]

Depending on reviews and feedback. 2499-2899 USD.

$2400.00

 

[cpu235]

It kind of reminds me of the AK380 paint/finishing from the photos, looks nice though

 

[monsieurfromag3]

I wasn’t convinced by the SE180, but every time I turn my back on A&K they come back with a new development more enticing than the last... and always so, so expensive A variety of DACs is quite futile as far as I’m concerned, but different amplification modes? Now you have ALL my interest.

I wonder how they managed to make the tube work with the balanced outputs, something Cayin hasn’t managed even in the N8. I am glad it’s a proper vacuum tube instead of a digital one.

 

[chef8489]

I wasn’t convinced by the SE180, but every time I turn my back on A&K they come back with a new development more enticing than the last... and always so, so expensive A variety of DACs is quite futile as far as I’m concerned, but different amplification modes? Now you have ALL my interest.

I wonder how they managed to make the tube work with the balanced outputs, something Cayin hasn’t managed even in the N8. I am glad it’s a proper vacuum tube instead of a digital one.

I agree. Es180 didn't appeal to me it was too thick over my se100 and the se200, so I bought the se200 the other day used and it should ship Monday to upgrade my se100. I'll then pass my se100 on to my mother. Really wish this had been out as I probably would had got this over the se200.

 

[cpu235]

My friend in HK tried it and took a photo, he said it is not as big as the photo shows, similar size to se200 and it is not that heavy.

 

[littlexx26]

Those in HK heard 2000T in the show said it sounds bad. Nothing related to 2000

 

[chef8489]

Those in HK heard 2000T in the show said it sounds bad. Nothing related to 2000

A show really isn't a good place to audition anything and don't take those impressions with much credibility. I'll wait for the controlled impressions and reviews later.