Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000
Jan 23, 2023 at 5:20 AM Post #1,727 of 2,464

damascato

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It makes DAC and thus it replaces the SP3000. To drive the SUSVARA with the SP3000 you would suggest an amplifier only, without DAC to take the analog output of the SP3000.
If I can remember correctly the Diablo can be used as amp only and bypass the DAC. In terms of portable amps only, I really cannot think
 
Jan 23, 2023 at 2:36 PM Post #1,729 of 2,464

Utah dude

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What about a Cayin C9? Works well with most headphones. Have tried it with Hifiman 1000 v2 and easily powers those as opposed to SP3000 on its own.
I have tried the C9 with the DCA Expanse. It makes a noticeable difference. I think the Expanse is still an enjoyable listen from the SP3000 directly, but the C9 brings more body to it and the bass is better.
 
Jan 23, 2023 at 2:49 PM Post #1,730 of 2,464

damascato

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I have tried the C9 with the DCA Expanse. It makes a noticeable difference. I think the Expanse is still an enjoyable listen from the SP3000 directly, but the C9 brings more body to it and the bass is better.
Yeah Expanse need a fair bit of power to shine.
 
Jan 23, 2023 at 3:21 PM Post #1,732 of 2,464
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Astell&Kern Stay updated on Astell&Kern at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
https://www.facebook.com/astellnkern/ https://twitter.com/astell_kern https://www.instagram.com/astellnkern.official/ https://astellnkern.com astellnkern@astellnkern.com
Jan 23, 2023 at 6:06 PM Post #1,733 of 2,464

NYanakiev

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Jan 24, 2023 at 10:56 AM Post #1,734 of 2,464

danpong

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It has been a while that this model come out. Has all the bug been fixed yet? I'm waiting for the Copper model to be released if they will ever come out one. I don't like either black or SS that is a fingerprint magnet.
 
Jan 24, 2023 at 12:05 PM Post #1,735 of 2,464

damascato

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It has been a while that this model come out. Has all the bug been fixed yet? I'm waiting for the Copper model to be released if they will ever come out one. I don't like either black or SS that is a fingerprint magnet.
Not yet… hopefully a firmware soon.
 
Jan 25, 2023 at 11:07 AM Post #1,739 of 2,464

CharlyBrown

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Hello,

has anyone compared the SP3000 with the RME ADI-2 and can say which one sounds better?
Both great devices. Difference is less in sound than in use-case.


One for mainly IEMs on the go the other for desktop-only use. One a fully integrated DAP the other DAC/Amp that needs an additional source.
 
Jan 25, 2023 at 8:18 PM Post #1,740 of 2,464

riclib

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Can someone recommend a reasonably priced 4.4mm cable for the Focal Utopia 2022? Curious to see what synergy it has with the sp3k- just fired up the DAVE+Mscaler and enjoying some Buena Vista Social Club after a night out at a Cuban place in London. Lovely stuff
I use one from @lavricables with great success, love it.
 

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