Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000

[ironkiwi]

I have also the SE846 with white filter and its day and night comparing to JH Layla customs, in my opinion better to change the iem first before changing the source, SE846 is a poor iem to give to SP3000

Thanks for your input

 

[MRT-Man]

Before dumping a whole lot of money on this I am after a few opinions.
I currently listen to music with an iPhone 13 with the Apple dongle, and a pair of shure se846s with the white filters.
Have been thinking about getting a dac to go with this setup.
Is it a massive difference in quality from my current setup (or lack thereof lol) to using a dac, and then going to something like the sp3000?
At the end of the day I know every opinion is going to be subjective, but it’s always good to get some feedback.
Thanks folks.

Yes. Massive. Though if you get an SP3000, the SE846 will likely be holding you back. I'd get a cheaper DAP to pair with the SE846, or otherwise buy the SP3000 with the intention of upgrading to a better IEM at a later date.

 

[Nomax]

Superb sound! But with my Stellia, I still need to pair my SP3000 with the C9 (pre amp, phone out) for maximum potential.

This is really not necessary...to get the maximum potential from the focals with Sp3000

NOMAX

PS.lol

 

[damascato]

Hey guys, is it normal that the AK3000 shuts down after some time of inactivity? I mean, it doesn't just go in standby, it actually does turn itself off.

I cannot see any option to change that....

I was used to other daps that just stay on when not used...

 

[kel77]

Hey guys, is it normal that the AK3000 shuts down after some time of inactivity? I mean, it doesn't just go in standby, it actually does turn itself off.

I cannot see any option to change that....

I was used to other daps that just stay on when not used...

Settings > Timer Settings. If it is not at always on it will shutdown from inactivity.

 

[Nails]

This is really not necessary...to get the maximum potential from the focals with Sp3000

NOMAX

PS.lol

I agree, SP3K drives mine fine, I’m having great sound using Focal Clear Mgs (55ohms) at around 70 volume depending on track/album. Some need more volume some less.

 

[damascato]

I can confirm that the AK3000 drives the Clear MG beautifully.

 

[raydenray]

I agree, SP3K drives mine fine, I’m having great sound using Focal Clear Mgs (55ohms) at around 70 volume depending on track/album. Some need more volume some less.

I agree, SP3K drive my Stellia fine. But somehow I prefer with C9... maybe it's just that tube sound

 

[Utah dude]

I am probably in the minority here, but when listening to the Expanse on the SP3000 I find it completely enjoyable. While it does not have the holographic presentation and the clear separation between the instruments like my good desktop amp, it still has lovely detail, could bass and an overall musicality to it, where I can just enjoy the music rather than thinking about what I am missing. Volume is set at 115 out of 150.
Doe not beat my IEMs, but sometimes I just want a full size headphone when traveling (in addition to the IEM).

 

[damascato]

I am probably in the minority here, but when listening to the Expanse on the SP3000 I find it completely enjoyable. While it does not have the holographic presentation and the clear separation between the instruments like my good desktop amp, it still has lovely detail, could bass and an overall musicality to it, where I can just enjoy the music rather than thinking about what I am missing. Volume is set at 115 out of 150.
Doe not beat my IEMs, but sometimes I just want a full size headphone when traveling (in addition to the IEM).

I agree, owning the Expanse as well.

The SP3000 does an ok job at driving them (with some compromise).

 

[F208Frank]

Does the black and silver version sound a bit different from each other similar to how sp2000 ss and sp2000 cu sounded slightly different?

 

[JasonNYC]

Does the black and silver version sound a bit different from each other similar to how sp2000 ss and sp2000 cu sounded slightly different?

No. Both the black and silver SP3000 are both the same stainless steel body material. The SP2000 had two different types of body materials- SP2000Cu was copper and the SP2000SS was stainless steel.

 

[F208Frank]

No. Both the black and silver SP3000 are both the same stainless steel body material. The SP2000 had two different types of body materials- SP2000Cu was copper and the SP2000SS was stainless steel.

So the black one has an extra coat of color versus the silver? Is this the correct way to look at it? (regarding sp3000)

 

[JasonNYC]

So the black one has an extra coat of color versus the silver? Is this the correct way to look at it? (regarding sp3000)

The black SP3000 has a PVD coating over the stainless steel body.

 

[F208Frank]

The black SP3000 has a PVD coating over the stainless steel body.

Sorry to be redundant, but as I am sure many would be interested to know...

So basically the silver version of the sp3000 has one less coating of material correct? (some may or may not prefer that extra layer of coating)

Do you in any way shape or form feel that the black version will have scratches show up easier when geting potentially nicked and dinged?

Once again sorry to be redundant.