Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000

[Kiwimac]

Hi Kiwi,

Always benefitted of advice in the past, so wanted to share my humble 2cs with you.

I recently got the SP3000, as I decided to upgrade from my SP1000M. My go to headphones have been the Denon 9200, price-quality ratio considered some of the best closed headphones you can get. Balanced, great sound and tonality, and fantastic with all genres.

I was very happy with this setup, but due a health issue that will keep me staying at home a lot, I decided to give myself a gift, also thinking of it as a sort of musical therapy set up.

I listen mostly to Hi-res music I buy, and Qobuz, the only quality streaming that cuts it, imo. From classical, to all kinds of jazz and electronic. Most times not only because I like the music, but now also because I like how the music sounds in my gear!

Well, after a couple of months with the SP3000SS, I still can't believe my ears as to what an immense pleasure it is to listen to music inside the environment they create.
The usual praises: amazing balanced tonality, incredibly accurate and enjoyable 3d imaging. An immersive bubble of musical enjoyment.

Of course, as my Denons have been pushing it as far as they can, so just to finish my delight-therapy combo, I decided to get the Meze Elites, because it is obvious that there is just so much more in there I'm not receiving at the moment.

I'm sharing this with you because the combo SP3000-Elites is my decided solution for easy to drive, portable around the house, and in no need for any other gear solution. Quality and simplicity, which is something that it seems you might be going after as well.

My deciding factor was that you only live once, so if you can afford it, treat yourself where you can, to add quality to your living.

My experience with the SP3000 has blown away my expectations. I think it could be the same for many people. The caveat is that, if you decide and get it, I think you may see after some time as that the Clears may fall a bit short (here subjectivity is what counts), and at some point you too may want to upgrade headphones to get more. The SP3000 definitely deserves it.

Hope this helps!

Lui

Hi Lui

Thanks for that - very helpful. I’m sorry to learn that health issues caused you to stay home but at least you found a silver lining! I too had some major health issues a while ago and had to adapt so I know how it is.

I’ve not come across the Denons before; the reviews sound great and they might actually be well suited to my use case. Some headphones are a little delicate in terms of design and build which would make travel use less optimal. The Denons look fairly robust.

Glad to hear that I’m on the right track. It certainly seems a good deal more convenient than a couple of boxes and the attendant cables and so forth!

Someone locally has a pair of Empyreans for sale on the NZ equivalent of eBay but I’ve never heard them - and they do look like they might fulfil the too delicate to bump around in a motorhome criteria!

I’ll see how the Clears sound but as you know, those of us sucked into this hobby are rarely permanently satisfied….!

 

[Kiwimac]

You have all the rational worked out, maybe just add 4. amazing portable sound quality

Before move into the 3K, try to demo the SE300 (R2R DAC).
I did this move a few weeks ago, both amazing, but the R2R of the SE300 provide me more engagement, relax, fun than the valve amp of the 3K, whatever you choose you won't go wrong!

I've sold all my portable devices, even teh mojo2+poly which I tought that was never going to happen!

Thanks - yes. I should add (4)!

The problem is that demo ing these things in NZ isn’t easy. There’s only one source of A&K in NZ and they’re based in Auckland, 90 minutes by air from where I live on the South Island. They don’t permit returns either - although in NZ most retailers do not, so that’s not unusual although it is annoying.

Thus I have to make my choices in this instance by reading reviews and consulting everyone here!

 

[Kiwimac]

Ok. I bit the bullet and ordered one. I quite fancied the copper one so went for that

I’ve seen debate as to whether that affects sound; if it does (and if my hearing is good enough to notice!) it seems to be a slight bias to warmth. Could be psychosomatic though..!

Regardless, it looks spanking in photos and I’m sure will be in person when it arrives next week.

 

[Kobe4ever]

Ok. I bit the bullet and ordered one. I quite fancied the copper one so went for that

I’ve seen debate as to whether that affects sound; if it does (and if my hearing is good enough to notice!) it seems to be a slight bias to warmth. Could be psychosomatic though..!

Regardless, it looks spanking in photos and I’m sure will be in person when it arrives next week.

Congratulations for choosing a DAP, SS or CU it doesn't matter, which gives a fantastic sound

 

[HeavenlyD]

I have to say I’m about 2 weeks in with my SP3K and Odyssey IEM’s and it’s now got me to the point I didn’t expect it to be as good as it is. I’m now seriously contemplating selling my 2022 Utopias and Lazulli Ref+ cable as this new set up is just blowing me away.. the fact I can transport this everywhere is an extra bonus.
So pleased I met Mr Yanakiev on here and meeting up, my wife thinks he trying to bankrupt me

 

[CharlyBrown]

Ok. I bit the bullet and ordered one. I quite fancied the copper one so went for that

I’ve seen debate as to whether that affects sound; if it does (and if my hearing is good enough to notice!) it seems to be a slight bias to warmth. Could be psychosomatic though..!

Regardless, it looks spanking in photos and I’m sure will be in person when it arrives next week.

Great choice, congrats It looks as good in person btw

 

[bussola]

.

 

[CharlyBrown]

Pleqse AK guys, check for sound quality of firmware before updating, the last one has no bass and highs extension compared to previous firmwares. Jesus!

 

[subguy812]

Pleqse AK guys, check for sound quality of firmware before updating, the last one has no bass and highs extension compared to previous firmwares. Jesus!

He's back at it again...

 

[Progisus]

Pleqse AK guys, check for sound quality of firmware before updating, the last one has no bass and highs extension compared to previous firmwares. Jesus!

I notice these things and this time…. no change

 

[bussola]

Edit: I’m actually going to stop posting here altogether, what’s the point if I have to be ridiculed every time I post my impressions by people who think dac filters sound all the same? You’re a bunch of amateurs!

 

[subguy812]

yes, I’ll be back at it every time I hear it. Some of you can’t even distinguish the dac filters, maybe you should take a step back from this discussion.

 

[Dionysus]

I have to say I’m about 2 weeks in with my SP3K and Odyssey IEM’s and it’s now got me to the point I didn’t expect it to be as good as it is. I’m now seriously contemplating selling my 2022 Utopias and Lazulli Ref+ cable as this new set up is just blowing me away.. the fact I can transport this everywhere is an extra bonus.
So pleased I met Mr Yanakiev on here and meeting up, my wife thinks he trying to bankrupt me

Hahahha

 

[Kiwimac]

Hahahha

That’s the sort of thing my wife believes. I wonder if there is a reason…!

 

[Kiwimac]

I have to say I’m about 2 weeks in with my SP3K and Odyssey IEM’s and it’s now got me to the point I didn’t expect it to be as good as it is. I’m now seriously contemplating selling my 2022 Utopias and Lazulli Ref+ cable as this new set up is just blowing me away.. the fact I can transport this everywhere is an extra bonus.
So pleased I met Mr Yanakiev on here and meeting up, my wife thinks he trying to bankrupt me

I’ve never really got on with iems. I usually last perhaps an hour before they start to feel like torture devices.

I suppose I could try custom moulds but I’ve no idea how to arrange that here in NZ.