Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000

[nfandi]

With the SP3000 I do not expect any further development, only buy fixes like for the LED issue. And ideally not with a 9 month wait.

The pattern you describe is similar across DAP brands. iBasso dropped the ball with the DX300 MAX, which has an issue with ultimate mode, that was introduced with the last firmware update. Despite multiple promises across several months iBasso never resolved this issue, and never will. Hurting my faith in that brand in the process. At least the 300MAX still sounds great in standard mode.

While iBasso showed us how not to do it, I do expect AK to fix the LED issue (and other issues that need fixing) before they stop issuing firmware updates for the SP3000 altogether.

As a happy SP3000 user can someone please briefly explain why the LED issue is so important. I’ve turned it off to hopefully maximise battery life/time so I’d like to understand why the colour of an LED is so important to the listening experience.

 

[Dionysus]

If nothing else I’m sure that everyone who owns this device at the prices we paid, want it to work properly for starters and as intended.

 

[the-kraken]

I realize that when I used the phrase “bug fix” in my previous post, it’s probably tempting to understand that as “fix all known and reported issues”, but in reality - it’s not that simple. Companies categorize bugs by their impact and importance, and select which to fix in each release (if at all). I looked, but couldn’t find a comprehensive list of issues that are slated for the upcoming SP3000 series FW release, nor do the prior FW releases itemize all fixes.

Here’s a general hierarchy of how fixes are categorized:

• Critical: issues that cause major crashes, complete system failure, or completely break core functionality; severe security vulnerabilities
• High: issues that may impact core functionality but workarounds or reduced quality of service exist; less severe security vulnerabilities
• Medium: issues to minor functionality, workarounds may or may not exist, issues may be cosmetic; non-severe security issues
• Low: minor issues, might annoy some users but impact to overall functionality is very low; may never be fixed

A&K will likely continue to slow SP3000 series FW releases, while almost assuredly narrowing focus to critical and high priority fixes only. Owners should expect 6-12+ months between FW releases as long as active support lasts, as that’s the standard set by A&K for products in this lifecycle stage and for non-critical/not high priority fixes. Not all bugs will be fixed (that’s not feasible).

Also keep in mind that while a customer might class a specific bug as “critical” or “high”, it’s likely not getting that designation from the product team at A&K. As an example, the LED sometimes illuminating the wrong color would almost certainly fall into medium or low.


NOTE: my posts are not AI generated/supported/created/edited in any way

 

[nfandi]

If nothing else I’m sure that everyone who owns this device at the prices we paid, want it to work properly for starters and as intended.

I didn’t ask the question ‘what would you like to write about’ I specifically asked why the LED issue is so important to the listening experience. Is that such a difficult question to answer?

 

[whattodo]

Color is not important for me.

However, I don't remember if there's alive " to fix" list for SP3000.

 

[bussola]

I realize that when I used the phrase “bug fix” in my previous post, it’s probably tempting to understand that as “fix all known and reported issues”, but in reality - it’s not that simple. Companies categorize bugs by their impact and importance, and select which to fix in each release (if at all). I looked, but couldn’t find a comprehensive list of issues that are slated for the upcoming SP3000 series FW release, nor do the prior FW releases itemize all fixes.

Here’s a general hierarchy of how fixes are categorized:

• Critical: issues that cause major crashes, complete system failure, or completely break core functionality; severe security vulnerabilities
• High: issues that may impact core functionality but workarounds or reduced quality of service exist; less severe security vulnerabilities
• Medium: issues to minor functionality, workarounds may or may not exist, issues may be cosmetic; non-severe security issues
• Low: minor issues, might annoy some users but impact to overall functionality is very low; may never be fixed

A&K will likely continue to slow SP3000 series FW releases, while almost assuredly narrowing focus to critical and high priority fixes only. Owners should expect 6-12+ months between FW releases as long as active support lasts, as that’s the standard set by A&K for products in this lifecycle stage and for non-critical/not high priority fixes. Not all bugs will be fixed (that’s not feasible).

Also keep in mind that while a customer might class a specific bug as “critical” or “high”, it’s likely not getting that designation from the product team at A&K. As an example, the LED sometimes illuminating the wrong color would almost certainly fall into medium or low.

Nice AI bro

 

[Dionysus]

I didn’t ask the question ‘what would you like to write about’ I specifically asked why the LED issue is so important to the listening experience. Is that such a difficult question to answer?

Really you asked why, that’s why period. That it works why is that so difficult for you? And it’s not an issue of whether it’s important to the sound no one thinks so, The customer wants it to be working as intended. And why do you want to know, I answered your question speaking for me. I never had an issue with it hope I’m clear.

 

[innocentblood]

I personally did not realise there was an issue with the LED indicator until now because all the while, I turn on DAR and the LED lights up as magenta. Does this issue happen when DAR is not turned on? Any reason you guys are not using DAR?

 

[JasonNYC]

I personally did not realise there was an issue with the LED indicator until now because all the while, I turn on DAR and the LED lights up as magenta. Does this issue happen when DAR is not turned on? Any reason you guys are not using DAR?

With DAR off, streaming 24 bit tracks will randomly display green LED color. It does not happen all the time and it is not always the same track and only Qobuz and Roon.

 

[MatW]

With DAR off, streaming 24 bit tracks will randomly display green LED color. It does not happen all the time and it is not always the same track and only Qobuz and Roon.

24 bit is supposed to be green. 16 bit should be red. Both are often shown as purple instead.

 

[JasonNYC]

24 bit is supposed to be green. 16 bit should be red. Both are often shown as purple instead.

Correct

 

[Samuel777]

As a happy SP3000 user can someone please briefly explain why the LED issue is so important. I’ve turned it off to hopefully maximise battery life/time so I’d like to understand why the colour of an LED is so important to the listening experience.

@nfandi What ever you and yours write, or you do, that is your concern and your problem. If you want open your sp3000 and cut off the led cable, that is your problem. AK will fix all issues and open android. When it is done if you are not happy you can destroy your sp3000. Thank you

 

[Fafner]

I didn’t ask the question ‘what would you like to write about’ I specifically asked why the LED issue is so important to the listening experience. Is that such a difficult question to answer?

It isn't vital, but as others have said, if the manufacturer promises me it's going to get fixed, I expect it to get fixed and in a reasonable amount of time. If they can't, I expect them to be transparent and clearly state it, not to make fun of customers with this "it's ready, no it's not, it's ready again but we need to update our servers first, it's holydays time, doh! it's not ready anymore and we won't tell you when it will be" show.


I own a T+A MP3000HV player since 2013. Recently, the internet radio provider it was relying on suddendly shut down. They released a firmware update to switch to Airable as new internet radio provider, for a TWELVE YEARS OLD device. They could just tell us "well, it's too old, we won't bother / we can't do it". But they did it. Now THAT is what I call support.

 

[damascato]

Not opening Android on the Sp3k is really a low blow, as it shares the same android platform (as "modern" as the SP4k). It would be like google not updating their 2-3 year old pixel phones to sell the new ones, which was a practice adopted till a few years ago and literally despised by consumers (so that Samsung and other manufacturers had to step up)

Even more so considering that some versions of the SP3k have been released in the last 12 months.

@JasonNYC let your people know that this is not how you treat your supposedly valued customers that fork out thousands for your flagships.

 

[nfandi]

@nfandi What ever you and yours write, or you do, that is your concern and your problem. If you want open your sp3000 and cut off the led cable, that is your problem. AK will fix all issues and open android. When it is done if you are not happy you can destroy your sp3000. Thank you

Thank you for your completely ill-considered unintelligent non-answer. It very much helps move this thread along.