Astell&Kern KANN CUBE

[audio-]

@JasonNYC

I just upgraded to the 1.14CM firmware.

I am usually very reticent to do firmware updates (on any device, not just the Kann Cube).

In this case, the 1.14CM firmware is platinum (for me). Just as a lark, I tried connecting my Cube to all the different Bluetooth receivers I have. They all performed *perfectly*. Even my car had a perfect Bluetooth reception and I tested with everything from mp3s to 24/192 flac. The only thing I did not test was streaming as I don’t do streaming. But I tested for several hours, not one dropout or error. Simply blissful perfect audio.

Hope I can offer a big THANK YOU to you and everyone else at A&K.

But also I have one request. Could you pass along a request to the software team to tag this state of the repository (I’m assuming they are using git or any other taggable RCS) as “Bluetooth works”?

To be frank I actually know a tiny bit about Bluetooth and I also have many Bluetooth sources and receivers. When everything in my collection worked flawlessly except for the Kann Cube, I knew something had to be amiss with the Cube.

In any case, as I said, KC is working perfectly with all the other Bluetooth devices I have so your software/driver team might like to know that the 1.14CM is just awesome and tag that state of the repo.

A huge thank you again!

 

[audio-]

There is however a minor issue where the Cube decides to no longer send any data over Bluetooth. At that point, all sound stops. And never recovers.

If I choose a new playlist, the connection starts working again.

Seems like a low water FIFO watchdog failure on the outgoing Bluetooth buffer.

Hope this helps.

 

[maxwillis]

Thinking of getting Kann Cube to use with My shure 846. I was thinking of using the cube as my commute setup and also to power my desktop rig (beyerdynamic A1 amp + beyerdynamic T1 headphones). Any thoughts?

Quick Question: I have a beyerdynamic A1 headphone amp + beyerdynamic T1 headphones. A1 takes in rca (stereo) input, and I looked up the specs, it says input impedance is 50 KOhm. I understand that I could use the 3.5 mm unbalanced to RCA into the A1 and that might be sort of acceptable. Second option would be to get a 2.5 TRRS to dual RCA cable - not sure if that will be any better. Third option is I could get the A&K mini-xlr to dual-XLR cable, and then get a dual-XLR to dual-RCA cable. From what I understand, it will convert the 3-pin balanced XLRs to unbalanced. Most of these adapter cables seem to short the (-) to ground. Do you think this is a good idea? Any potential problems?

The main reason I want to get kann cube is because I wanted to power this A1 amp + T1 headphones (I got rid of my nuforce USB DAC that I was using earlier to feed the A1/T1 - I would very much like one single player to power my Shure SE846, as well as my A1/T1 combo).

I saw some posts where people are thinking of using the 3.5 or 2.5 output, but no one seems to have mentioned XLR to RCA adapters. Why?

 

[maxwillis]

Also, maybe Astell & Kern should think of coming up with a mini-5-pin-xlr to dual RCA cable. Some home equipment doesn't have XLR inputs. My beyerdynamic A1 amp certainly has only RCA inputs. Am I missing something? Is there supposed to be some kind of a box (preamp?) sitting between the Kann Cube and My (beyerdynamic A1) headphone amp?

Or should I simply get some kind of an adapter for the beyerdynamic T1 headphones and connect them directly to kann cube? I am not sure if T1's cable is balanced or unbalanced - they were the original version with fixed cable (not the second gen which has removable cable).

 

[maxwillis]

Finally, how much of an upgrade would Kann Cube be compared to H1by R6 Pro?

Thanks

 

[Cat Music]

Finally, how much of an upgrade would Kann Cube be compared to H1by R6 Pro?

Thanks

I have the same doubt

 

[maxwillis]

I have the same doubt

I did like the h1by r6 pro - it was fun listening to the Tchaikovsky symphony no. 5 - Mravinsky / Leningrad Philharmonic recording, one of my favs.

 

[thecrow]

I found the kann cube was significantly better than the dx220 and fiio m11 if that helps converting that to the h1 (which i have not heard).

and the se846 sounded great with the kann cube when i demoed it. IMHO. YMMV.

As I’m in no rush i am waiting for any black friday specials that may appear on the kann cube and have no interest in the dx220 or the m11 which are respectfully cheaper and easier to carry - only downside to the kann cube....as well as some bluetooth issues i hear about (that I’m happy to overlook as that is not crucial for me)

 

[Newsee]

Thinking of getting Kann Cube to use with My shure 846. I was thinking of using the cube as my commute setup and also to power my desktop rig (beyerdynamic A1 amp + beyerdynamic T1 headphones). Any thoughts?

Quick Question: I have a beyerdynamic A1 headphone amp + beyerdynamic T1 headphones. A1 takes in rca (stereo) input, and I looked up the specs, it says input impedance is 50 KOhm. I understand that I could use the 3.5 mm unbalanced to RCA into the A1 and that might be sort of acceptable. Second option would be to get a 2.5 TRRS to dual RCA cable - not sure if that will be any better. Third option is I could get the A&K mini-xlr to dual-XLR cable, and then get a dual-XLR to dual-RCA cable. From what I understand, it will convert the 3-pin balanced XLRs to unbalanced. Most of these adapter cables seem to short the (-) to ground. Do you think this is a good idea? Any potential problems?

The main reason I want to get kann cube is because I wanted to power this A1 amp + T1 headphones (I got rid of my nuforce USB DAC that I was using earlier to feed the A1/T1 - I would very much like one single player to power my Shure SE846, as well as my A1/T1 combo).

I saw some posts where people are thinking of using the 3.5 or 2.5 output, but no one seems to have mentioned XLR to RCA adapters. Why?

The Shure 846 sounds very good from the Cube.
However, to use it for commute you have to be very determined. You cannot just put the Cube into your pocket, because it is heavy, edgy and thick. I use a custom leather bag attached to my belt to carry it around comfortably.

If you use your T1 with A1, then your T1 must have an unbalanced cable, with 6.3 mm plug.
Take a 6.3mm to 3.5mm pigtail adapter, and connect to the Cube SE output. If you like the sound, you might not need your A1 amp any more. If you want to connect the Cube and the A1 you may go with the SE to RCA cable. Leave the balanced outputs for balanced input amps. Somewhere earlier on this or on the KANN thread it was mentioned, that A&K does not recommend to connect balanced output to unbalanced input as it may damage the amplifier section of the cube.

 

[maxwillis]

The Shure 846 sounds very good from the Cube.
However, to use it for commute you have to be very determined. You cannot just put the Cube into your pocket, because it is heavy, edgy and thick. I use a custom leather bag attached to my belt to carry it around comfortably.

If you use your T1 with A1, then your T1 must have an unbalanced cable, with 6.3 mm plug.
Take a 6.3mm to 3.5mm pigtail adapter, and connect to the Cube SE output. If you like the sound, you might not need your A1 amp any more. If you want to connect the Cube and the A1 you may go with the SE to RCA cable. Leave the balanced outputs for balanced input amps. Somewhere earlier on this or on the KANN thread it was mentioned, that A&K does not recommend to connect balanced output to unbalanced input as it may damage the amplifier section of the cube.

Thanks, Newsee; that was very helpful. Fortunately (also unfortunately), I lug a massive bag to office every day filled with whole day's food, notebooks, umbrella and what not.

I also might be the only guy who wears a shure se846, and then top it up with my bose noise canceling headphones (of course, just for noise canceling). The 846 forms the inner seal and the bose takes care of reducing the outside volume. The bose is also good for passive noise reduction. It really makes a huge difference. Together they cut the outside noise almost completely.

I'll get the 6.3 to 3.5 adapter. Thanks.

 

[Newsee]

I also might be the only guy who wears a shure se846, and then top it up with my bose noise canceling headphones (of course, just for noise canceling). The 846 forms the inner seal and the bose takes care of reducing the outside volume. The bose is also good for passive noise reduction. It really makes a huge difference. Together they cut the outside noise almost completely.

Sounds like a brilliant idea.

I was not a big fan of in-ear type of headphones. They always started to be painul after a short listen. However, out of curiosity, I tried some IEMs recently and realized how great they can sound out of the Cube. That is where I met the Shure 846. Also not so long ago I had the opportunity to try a Sony WH-1000 XM3 for an extended period. The efficiency of noise cancelling was amazing. Even standing beside a hoover, it sounded like the hoover is outside the house. The sound quality was also good, but too much bass for me, so finally I returned it. Now I know how to combine good noise cancelling and high quality headphone

Do not forget to share impressions how you find the Shure and the T5 on Cube compared to your previous gear.

 

[maxwillis]

Sounds like a brilliant idea.

I was not a big fan of in-ear type of headphones. They always started to be painul after a short listen. However, out of curiosity, I tried some IEMs recently and realized how great they can sound out of the Cube. That is where I met the Shure 846. Also not so long ago I had the opportunity to try a Sony WH-1000 XM3 for an extended period. The efficiency of noise cancelling was amazing. Even standing beside a hoover, it sounded like the hoover is outside the house. The sound quality was also good, but too much bass for me, so finally I returned it. Now I know how to combine good noise cancelling and high quality headphone

Do not forget to share impressions how you find the Shure and the T5 on Cube compared to your previous gear.

Yeah, I figured that one of the best things I could do for SQ is to get rid of external noise. Besides, trains can be very noisy even inside the cabin. Another big benefit being that you don't have to "spend" your volume trying to cover up the noise.


The cube actually arrived last night, and I was able to try with the shure 846 this morning. Here are my initial impressions: The 846 pairs very well with the cube. The sound stage is massive and expansive. Seems to have good resolution power. I am able to tell different instruments very clearly, and the 3-D staging has increased. Very subtle instrument sounds are showing up better. The sound is powerful, raw as well as organic. At the same time, the sound is perfectly controlled and not running wild at all. Great experience so far.


Seems to be a decent upgrade over hiby r6 pro, so falls in line with that expectation. Better sound stage, separation, power and tonality.


I am using amazon music currently, but might buy some albums that I specifically like. I got the 1 year pack though, just when the HD was announced. But since the app plays in lower sample rate, it defeats the purpose a bit as of now.


One problem i'm seeing is that the amazon app seems to stop playing music randomly. I'm not sure what's causing this. I'm not sure if it's my microsd card that's loosing connection while I'm walking around, or maybe there are buffering issues for some particular albums? I wonder if anyone has experienced this?

 

[Newsee]

The cube actually arrived last night, and I was able to try with the shure 846 this morning. Here are my initial impressions: The 846 pairs very well with the cube. The sound stage is massive and expansive. Seems to have good resolution power. I am able to tell different instruments very clearly, and the 3-D staging has increased. Very subtle instrument sounds are showing up better. The sound is powerful, raw as well as organic. At the same time, the sound is perfectly controlled and not running wild at all. Great experience so far.


Seems to be a decent upgrade over hiby r6 pro, so falls in line with that expectation. Better sound stage, separation, power and tonality.


I am using amazon music currently, but might buy some albums that I specifically like. I got the 1 year pack though, just when the HD was announced. But since the app plays in lower sample rate, it defeats the purpose a bit as of now.


One problem i'm seeing is that the amazon app seems to stop playing music randomly. I'm not sure what's causing this. I'm not sure if it's my microsd card that's loosing connection while I'm walking around, or maybe there are buffering issues for some particular albums? I wonder if anyone has experienced this?

Thanks for the impressions. Wondering how the T5 will be.

I suppose you are using the sideloaded amazon app. I have no experience with it, I am using mostly quboz. I frequently provide the wlan from my mobile hotspot to the Cube. If am in a bad coverage area, where the mobile bandwidth is not enough, the music stops. It is mostly comes at hi-res or cd quality music, which needs significantly higher bandwidth than mp3. After a while it continues where it stopped.
Some users complained bad wifi reception at using leather case. Do you use any?

Have fun with the Cube!

 

[maxwillis]

Thanks for the impressions. Wondering how the T5 will be.

I suppose you are using the sideloaded amazon app. I have no experience with it, I am using mostly quboz. I frequently provide the wlan from my mobile hotspot to the Cube. If am in a bad coverage area, where the mobile bandwidth is not enough, the music stops. It is mostly comes at hi-res or cd quality music, which needs significantly higher bandwidth than mp3. After a while it continues where it stopped.
Some users complained bad wifi reception at using leather case. Do you use any?

Have fun with the Cube!

I haven't bought any case yet. I am pretty sure the amazon app has some buffering issues. It seems to stop randomly while playing hi-res albums, but is generally fine with lower res albums. I am not even streaming, just reading from the microsd card. Seems like some bad implementation probably. I will probably switch to Quobuz - i really liked them, or otherwise start buying stuff on HD tracks. Sort-of dissapointed in Amazon's app, specially since it plays everything downsampled.

I am assuming the sideloaded quobuz app will let you download for offline play, if you wanted. Haven't tried it on the cube yet.

 

[Nails]

@JasonNYC

I just upgraded to the 1.14CM firmware.

I am usually very reticent to do firmware updates (on any device, not just the Kann Cube).

In this case, the 1.14CM firmware is platinum (for me). Just as a lark, I tried connecting my Cube to all the different Bluetooth receivers I have. They all performed *perfectly*. Even my car had a perfect Bluetooth reception and I tested with everything from mp3s to 24/192 flac. The only thing I did not test was streaming as I don’t do streaming. But I tested for several hours, not one dropout or error. Simply blissful perfect audio.

Hope I can offer a big THANK YOU to you and everyone else at A&K.

But also I have one request. Could you pass along a request to the software team to tag this state of the repository (I’m assuming they are using git or any other taggable RCS) as “Bluetooth works”?

To be frank I actually know a tiny bit about Bluetooth and I also have many Bluetooth sources and receivers. When everything in my collection worked flawlessly except for the Kann Cube, I knew something had to be amiss with the Cube.

In any case, as I said, KC is working perfectly with all the other Bluetooth devices I have so your software/driver team might like to know that the 1.14CM is just awesome and tag that state of the repo.

A huge thank you again!

Hi Audio-, are you using a case on your Cube? I also have the latest update 1.14CM and without the case bluetooth is very good but with the case on it’s just terrible...