Tanalasta
1000+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- May 15, 2003
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Finally got around to a proper listen with the SP3000 and Utopia 2022 (ROON, DAR on max PCM for its forward presentation). Volume on 90.
Initial impressions are a softness to the presentation that would appeal to those who prefer the 'low' gain settings on their amplifier. I've always enjoyed the A&K Ultima house sound. Especially with DAR, more forward and engaging than the SP2000. Thoughts take me away to an open amphitheatre. Ethereal yet musical comes to mind. Dynamics are fine although don't have the punch or vocal dynamics of a desktop amplifier (e.g. the Naim Headphone Edition). Relaxed and less fatiguing than the Utopia OG. Tonality is decidedly solid state (as opposed to the analogue, laid back organic tube presentation).
There's very little to fault with the tuning or tonality with this pairing.
Technically excellent as we've come to expect from the A&K Ultima series. Can I call Utopia under driven? Probably not. Could it be better? Yes. The Utopia can be more dynamic. The soundstage could be wider, with more air between the instruments. Layering could be improved. I've heard my Utopia be technically better. But am I unhappy with it Utopia straight from the SP3000? No. And it's quite a bit better than the SP2000 was.
Having spent most of the past few days listening to IEM's and the last few months going back and forth re: whether to buy a SP3000 ... I'm glad I did. SP3000 bloody magical with the MEST III and I'm looking forward to hearing Spartacus again tomorrow.
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