Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000

[altomo]

@JasonNYC or anyone else, is there a file transfer tutorial for the Mac?

I use OpenMTP in MacOs, a free open source software that is reliable when transferring between PC <> SP3000. I found it to be the best option because it shows the progress for each files and we can identify problems on the files if it occurs. Plus it works with any android devices including any android based DAPs or phones.

Best thing you can do is to get an as adaptor and load all your music from Finder: it’s a much faster and more reliable method at all times (and with any DAP, not just AK)

I found it pretty annoying for AK to remove SD card often because the case need to be removed all the time to access the slot. I always access my library often and I want to keep my SP3000s body as clean as possible . Hence I use the OpenMTP to transfer my files but also kept an adaptor ready all the time just incase.

 

[damascato]

I use OpenMTP in MacOs, a free open source software that is reliable when transferring between PC <> SP3000. I found it to be the best option because it shows the progress for each files and we can identify problems on the files if it occurs. Plus it works with any android devices including any android based DAPs or phones.


I found it pretty annoying for AK to remove SD card often because the case need to be removed all the time to access the slot. I always access my library often and I want to keep my SP3000s body as clean as possible . Hence I use the OpenMTP to transfer my files but also kept an adaptor ready all the time just incase.

Open MTP works much better than Android file transfer but… it still fails quite often (for me at least)

Transferring straight to SD never fails… but I agree about it being annoying

 

[damascato]

I use OpenMTP in MacOs, a free open source software that is reliable when transferring between PC <> SP3000. I found it to be the best option because it shows the progress for each files and we can identify problems on the files if it occurs. Plus it works with any android devices including any android based DAPs or phones.


I found it pretty annoying for AK to remove SD card often because the case need to be removed all the time to access the slot. I always access my library often and I want to keep my SP3000s body as clean as possible . Hence I use the OpenMTP to transfer my files but also kept an adaptor ready all the time just incase.

Open MTP works much better than Android file transfer but… it still fails quite often (for me at least)

Transferring straight to SD never fails… but I agree about it being annoying to take the dd in and out… normally I do it every couple of weeks tops though

 

[T.R.A.N.C.E.]

@damascato How is the SP3K against the DX340 going, would be interested in Mest and U12 pairings.

 

[damascato]

@damascato How is the SP3K against the DX340 going, would be interested in Mest and U12 pairings.

Im planning to do a high end daps comparison soon

 

[T.R.A.N.C.E.]

I need to know which one to get before Jan 1st as my local audio store is having an end of year sale.

 

[rocketron]

I need to know which one to get before Jan 1st as my local audio store is having an end of year sale.

I have the SP3K and I’m completely happy with it.
The DX340 does look very interesting but I’m holding out for the D17 due soon.

In the meantime maybe look at a Chord Mojo 2?

 

[altomo]

I need to know which one to get before Jan 1st as my local audio store is having an end of year sale.

Hey I might be able to share my experience for this.

I recently had the chance to compare the DX340 demo with the SP3000M at my local store, as their SRPs are relatively close in my region. Sound-wise, the DX340 carries the typical iBasso characteristics: balanced tuning with excellent performance in the highs, excellent sound stage and great detail retrieval. Personally, I think the DX340 sounds better than the SP3000M, though it sacrifices portability due to its form factor and some of the sweet mid. In my opinion, the DX340 is almost on par with the SP3000 and definitely outperforms the SP3000M.

Now, when comparing the DX340 to the SP3000, the latter still comes out ahead in terms of sound quality. The SP3000 excels in technical aspects across the board, delivering greater detail and an expansive soundstage imaging. However, given that the DX340 is available at almost half the SRP of the SP3000 in my region, it’s hard to find much fault with it. Ultimately, it comes down to your sound preference: if you prefer AK’s sound signature, go for the SP3000; if you favor iBasso’s tuning, the DX340 is the better choice. That said, if you ever find the SP3000 on sale at a price closer to the DX340, it’s an absolute bargain.

 

[shznn]

I need to know which one to get before Jan 1st as my local audio store is having an end of year sale.

The SP3000 is weak in the amp section; it's a very well-known fact. What's not known is you can mod it. Comments like these prolly get deleted; no idea but the power supply can be modded and then it becomes 20-30% better. I know because all my stuff is modded and I have one. Maybe the ibasso could be modded too; no idea but the sound sig and details on the SP3000 are generally superior; it's mostly a power issue. Why you wanna buy it new instead of second hand is another question; you can probably get it closer to EUR2,000 second hand if you negotiate.

 

[slumberman]

The SP3000 is weak in the amp section; it's a very well-known fact. What's not known is you can mod it. Comments like these prolly get deleted; no idea but the power supply can be modded and then it becomes 20-30% better. I know because all my stuff is modded and I have one. Maybe the ibasso could be modded too; no idea but the sound sig and details on the SP3000 are generally superior; it's mostly a power issue. Why you wanna buy it new instead of second hand is another question; you can probably get it closer to EUR2,000 second hand if you negotiate.

Changing the caps In power supply can help the amp sound more akin to your taste, but it’s not going to make the amp more powerful: a “weak” amp will stay weak, but you might be able to improve the way it delivers the power it was designed to provide, no more, no less.

The power specs will stay exactly the same, unless you redesign the circuit.

 

[Steranko]

The SP3000 is weak in the amp section; it's a very well-known fact. What's not known is you can mod it. Comments like these prolly get deleted; no idea but the power supply can be modded and then it becomes 20-30% better. I know because all my stuff is modded and I have one. Maybe the ibasso could be modded too; no idea but the sound sig and details on the SP3000 are generally superior; it's mostly a power issue. Why you wanna buy it new instead of second hand is another question; you can probably get it closer to EUR2,000 second hand if you negotiate.

Which ibasso are you referring to since the DX320 Max Ti has enough power to blow your ears off on any IEM . Its better to use the AK PA10 amp with Sp3000 if lacking power. I have the SP3000 SS and yes agree it is the least powerful of most of the DAPs i own. Forget about OTE headphones. The problem with mods is you will find it hard to sell later and also its hard to put back to original after the mod. My local technician me advices against it.

 

[book23]

Can anyone recommend some headphones that can be driven by sp3000 or sp3000m (that can be driven close to the sound of a stationary amp)?
I'm currently thinking about either He1000se or New utopia.I don't know if both work perfectly.

 

[rocketron]

Can anyone recommend some headphones that can be driven by sp3000 or sp3000m (that can be driven close to the sound of a stationary amp)?
I'm currently thinking about either He1000se or New utopia.I don't know if both work perfectly.

Any Grado.
AkT5p

 

[shznn]

Changing the caps In power supply can help the amp sound more akin to your taste, but it’s not going to make the amp more powerful: a “weak” amp will stay weak, but you might be able to improve the way it delivers the power it was designed to provide, no more, no less.

The power specs will stay exactly the same, unless you redesign the circuit.

Your comment is beside the point. There’s also the possibility the weak amp was underpowered still and the psu upgrade solves some of that. You’re literally arguing with the person who’s heard both and right now listening to my modded SP3K and it’s indeed more powerful. Take this as you will

 

[slumberman]

Your comment is beside the point. There’s also the possibility the weak amp was underpowered still and the psu upgrade solves some of that. You’re literally arguing with the person who’s heard both and right now listening to my modded SP3K and it’s indeed more powerful. Take this as you will

I’m not arguing with you and you might as well like it with upgraded caps.
The only point I was making is the power output is exactly the same.

I, like you, own a couple of modded DAPs which now sound much better to me, though if they couldn’t power certain IEMs / headphones before, they still can’t.