Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000T

[hkppl]

I have the Sony WM1ZM2 and am considering buying this DAP, but I have few concerns before buying this, could anyone give me some insights? Thanks in advance

1. Would it be possible to switch off the tube lights in the back to save some battery life?
2. Would it become warm or even hot after playing with the "hybrid high current mode" for a while, say 30-60mins?
3. I can use the Sony WM1ZM2 as BT TX to my BT speaker in office and usually will use up to 30-40% battery after playing 1-2 hrs of Spotify/Apple music, how long would it play on this player?

 

[Mononeko]

The SP3000T does not support spatial audio right?
I know that SP3000 does not, and I can't find this information anywhere in the advertised materials so I assume it does not
Would be happy to be proven wrong though

 

[JasonNYC]

The SP3000T does not support spatial audio right?
I know that SP3000 does not, and I can't find this information anywhere in the advertised materials so I assume it does not
Would be happy to be proven wrong though

The SP3000T does not support spatial audio.

 

[aaf evo]

@JasonNYC is there any information on how much extra bulk the kickstand adds on the additional cases? Perhaps a full sideview?

 

[Mononeko]

Loving my unit so far. The only problem I have is that the Wi-Fi reception is a bit weak. I literally have to stand next to my router to get an excellent signal . Otherwise, it’s usually around 1-2 bars around the house, and there’s no reception in my bedroom (where I tend to use it the most).

 

[arftech]

Loving my unit so far. The only problem I have is that the Wi-Fi reception is a bit weak. I literally have to stand next to my router to get an excellent signal . Otherwise, it’s usually around 1-2 bars around the house, and there’s no reception in my bedroom (where I tend to use it the most).

The WiFi reception issue needs to be addressed by A&K. Maybe it was throttled down because of the tubes? I understand the player itself sounds amazing. Congrats.

 

[aaf evo]

The WiFi reception issue needs to be addressed by A&K. Maybe it was throttled down because of the tubes? I understand the player itself sounds amazing. Congrats.

My assumption would be that it’s heavily shielded to help mitigate tube noise. I use my 2.4ghz network as it has more range in my home than my 5ghz network does.

 

[mikaik]

My assumption would be that it’s heavily shielded to help mitigate tube noise. I use my 2.4ghz network as it has more range in my home than my 5ghz network does.

The signal is very weak indeed, but luckily it seems to stream even when displaying no bars in the wifi icon.

 

[salwani8888]

I have the Sony WM1ZM2 and am considering buying this DAP, but I have few concerns before buying this, could anyone give me some insights? Thanks in advance

1. Would it be possible to switch off the tube lights in the back to save some battery life?
2. Would it become warm or even hot after playing with the "hybrid high current mode" for a while, say 30-60mins?
3. I can use the Sony WM1ZM2 as BT TX to my BT speaker in office and usually will use up to 30-40% battery after playing 1-2 hrs of Spotify/Apple music, how long would it play on this player?

To reply to the first 2 points :
1) Yes you can turn the lights off - its connected with the volume wheel light.
2) Never felt my unit get hot

 

[aaf evo]

I purchased the additional black SP3000T with the kick stand. I’ll report back if that kick stand is annoying or adds too much bulk which is my concern. It looks much nicer than this yellow though so there’s that!

I am still loving the sound of this DAP. Hybrid level 1 or 2 with high current seems to be my favorite, however I rotate between hybrid and tube modes quite often. OP AMP is my least used mode with my current gear.

 

[Mononeko]

Roon Arc yes, but currently experiencing a log in issue that is also present on the SP3000. Roon team is aware and working on the issue.

Will eventually be Roon Ready once Roon finishes testing and certification. When I spoke to the Roon team last week, they did not have an ETA on when they would finish testing. Hoping soon.

Any update on Roon ready or ARC login issue?
I still can't login to ARC as of today

 

[JasonNYC]

Any update on Roon ready or ARC login issue?
I still can't login to ARC as of today

Not yet. I reached out to the Roon team for an update but haven't received one yet.

 

[Tomz1313]

I purchased the additional black SP3000T with the kick stand. I’ll report back if that kick stand is annoying or adds too much bulk which is my concern. It looks much nicer than this yellow though so there’s that!

I am still loving the sound of this DAP. Hybrid level 1 or 2 with high current seems to be my favorite, however I rotate between hybrid and tube modes quite often. OP AMP is my least used mode with my current gear.

 

[slumberman]

 

[aaf evo]

Oh so you did end up buying one?! What do you think! I am really hooked on the sound of this thing. The balance of (tweakable) warmth and detail to me is really satisfying. I love the tonality with the STORM + Sovereign Symphony too despite the hit to technicals and sheer drive.