[JasonNYC]

With the Astell&Kern x Empire Ears Novus IEMs being in route to some authorized online dealers and therefore should ship out this week to customers who pre-ordered the Novus. On the Astell&Kern Ultima SP3000T do you recommend using the preset Novus EQ setting when listening with the Novus on the SP3000T? I was planning on using Hybrid mode with high current, but wasn't sure whether to use the Novus EQ or not. Also should DAR be used on hi-res lossless music or is it mainly for compressed lossy music?

Thank you.

The EQ preset for NOVUS is what our (AK's) sound engineers feel brings out the best in the NOVUS when paired with the SP3000T. Since sound is different for everyone and highly depends on the music you are listening to, what mode you are in, etc., I always recommend playing around with the different settings, try with the EQ setting enabled and with it disabled. Personally, I think you will find some stuff sounds better with the EQ setting and others you may like better without.

For DAR, I think it is pretty evenly split among owners of AK devices with the DAR option on whether they use it or not and if they do PCM upconversion or PCM to DSD conversion. Again, I it really all depends on your musical preference and your sound preferences. I highly recommend again trying all the options to find out what sounds best for you. I'm sorry, I know that is not too helpful, but again, personal preference has a lot to do with it. There is no right or wrong answer.

 

[UTVOL06]

Thank you, I will definitely start out with the Novus EQ preset enabled then.

 

[Mackiez]

Due to DSD files sizes, especially for DSD256 and DSD512, streaming the large file sizes over Wi-Fi can create a lot of buffering or studdering playback if someone does not have a robust Wi-Fi network, so the decision was made to limit DSD playback to DSD128 via Roon for best user experience. The majority Roon Ready endpoints have the ability to be hardwired via Ethernet, so streaming larger files via the network isn't as much of a concern as it is when connected via Wi-Fi.

On other device roon ready I achieve to stream DSD512 via wifi without any issue.

Do you plan to increase limitation and give user decide what best for?

 

[Mononeko]

When I use the sp3000t as a DAC by connecting it to the computer using a USB-A to USB-C cable, I notice that the battery is draining instead of charging. That means it cannot function as a desktop unit indefinitely because eventually, you will have to unplug it from the computer to charge it once the battery runs out.

Does anyone have a solution for this? I know it is not meant to be a desktop unit in the first place, but still.

 

[UTVOL06]

When I use the sp3000t as a DAC by connecting it to the computer using a USB-A to USB-C cable, I notice that the battery is draining instead of charging. That means it cannot function as a desktop unit indefinitely because eventually, you will have to unplug it from the computer to charge it once the battery runs out.

Does anyone have a solution for this? I know it is not meant to be a desktop unit in the first place, but still.

I wonder if this would work to charge and transmit data at the same time.
Amazon cable

 

[mrhizzo]

Due to DSD files sizes, especially for DSD256 and DSD512, streaming the large file sizes over Wi-Fi can create a lot of buffering or studdering playback if someone does not have a robust Wi-Fi network, so the decision was made to limit DSD playback to DSD128 via Roon for best user experience. The majority Roon Ready endpoints have the ability to be hardwired via Ethernet, so streaming larger files via the network isn't as much of a concern as it is when connected via Wi-Fi.

Maybe also the question of companies like A&K and others using SOC made in 2019, with support to wifi 5 only also contributes.

3000 dollars to have this kind of limitation due to a company making anything to squeeze more money in something that should last year's, it's really revolting.

 

[Mononeko]

I wonder if this would work to charge and transmit data at the same time.
Amazon cable

I have to try that, thank you!

 

[XcElLeNcE]

I am unable to access to Apple Music app after updating to 4.8 as it's only available on unrooted device.

 

[UTVOL06]

I can't seem to find an answer if it's safe to run the Novus with no EQ since on the VU meter is approaches close to the red area but never crosses? In the Novus Preset EQ it brings the VU meter way back. However I kind of feel that the Novus may sound slightly better without EQ. Or perhaps the soundstage sounds a little wider or maybe the drivers are getting more power and that's why they sound better since they are getting driven with more voltage?

Thank you! I just don't want to damage my new Astell&Kern x Empire Ears Novus IEMs. They weren't cheap. Lol

 

[energie]

hello, how weak is the wifi signal?
thanks

 

[UTVOL06]

hello, how weak is the wifi signal?
thanks

I haven't tested the range if the 5Ghz band wifi, but when using it as a hotspot I never had any issues. Just make sure your wifi security password isn't using the newer more secure WPA3 method. It won't stay connected for more than a few seconds. I had to make sure it was turned back to WPA2 password security on my hotspot in the truck. 5Ghz connection was fine. I never had any drop outs of signal or a song that wouldn't load on Qobuz. I typically try to download all my songs to the MicroSD card on Qobuz so I won't need the wifi to play a song in my current catalog of songs.

I would like to purchase all my favorite songs in FLAC off the Qobuz Download store, but it gets expensive pretty quickly when you have a larger list of songs. Also, as long as you have a Qobuz subscription you can download your favorites songs without being charged. As long as you keep the subscription they will always be there.

I'm sure if you are planning to be a little distance from your router or hotspot then you will want to make sure to switch over to 2.4Ghz band for better range. If you are in close proximity to your router or hotspot, like in the car then use 5Ghz for the faster download speeds. No issues and no interference in the music. The main thing ai wish the SP3000T had was the completely dark background of the SP3000. My SP3000T has a little hiss in the background on tracks that start quiet or have little pauses in the music you will hear it. On the SP3000 there is absolutely zero hiss. The only time you could here some is if the music recording has it in the audio file from a lower quality recording or artist intention.

 

[slumberman]

hello, how weak is the wifi signal?
thanks

I have never have any problems around my house, with a mesh network, even in less than ideal spots (the bathroom ).

 

[energie]

I haven't tested the range if the 5Ghz band wifi, but when using it as a hotspot I never had any issues. Just make sure your wifi security password isn't using the newer more secure WPA3 method. It won't stay connected for more than a few seconds. I had to make sure it was turned back to WPA2 password security on my hotspot in the truck. 5Ghz connection was fine. I never had any drop outs of signal or a song that wouldn't load on Qobuz. I typically try to download all my songs to the MicroSD card on Qobuz so I won't need the wifi to play a song in my current catalog of songs.

I would like to purchase all my favorite songs in FLAC off the Qobuz Download store, but it gets expensive pretty quickly when you have a larger list of songs. Also, as long as you have a Qobuz subscription you can download your favorites songs without being charged. As long as you keep the subscription they will always be there.

I'm sure if you are planning to be a little distance from your router or hotspot then you will want to make sure to switch over to 2.4Ghz band for better range. If you are in close proximity to your router or hotspot, like in the car then use 5Ghz for the faster download speeds. No issues and no interference in the music. The main thing ai wish the SP3000T had was the completely dark background of the SP3000. My SP3000T has a little hiss in the background on tracks that start quiet or have little pauses in the music you will hear it. On the SP3000 there is absolutely zero hiss. The only time you could here some is if the music recording has it in the audio file from a lower quality recording or artist intention.

Thanks for the answer, I’m still not sure which one to buy, is the sp3000 or sp3000t.
Will pair it with annihilator 2023 iem.
Anyway I’m using Tidal, hope this is not a problem.

 

[ljtriskajr]

I am unable to access to Apple Music app after updating to 4.8 as it's only available on unrooted device.

I had the same problem after updating to 4.8 and then 2 days later the older version of Apple music was available to download. Problem solved.

 

[UTVOL06]

Thanks for the answer, I’m still not sure which one to buy, is the sp3000 or sp3000t.
Will pair it with annihilator 2023 iem.
Anyway I’m using Tidal, hope this is not a problem.

100% the SP3000. The SP3000T is only advisable if you love smooth analog sounding music. The SP3000T'S digital mode has a small soundstage in comparison to the SP3000. The SP3000T's soundstage is 2Dimensional rather the the large 3Dimensional soundstage of the SP3000. Lastly, the SP3000T has some low level hiss in quiet music. The SP3000 has a completely dark background with zero hiss. The SP3000 is the clear winner in my book. It's a niche product for analog sound lovers. The only modes worth using are it's Hybrid (3) mode which combines both digital and Tube modes and it's Tube only mode.

Thanks