Astell&Kern KANN CUBE

[aaf evo]

Apparently that was also the case with the original KANN - no case included.

Hmmm pretty odd to me.

 

[gto88]

Both n6ii & dx220 come with a case.
I guess that a&k is so confident on marketing point of view not to include it.

 

[DarginMahkum]

Today was supposed to be the release date of Cube. Also the Moon Audio website mentions the availability 10th of June.

Anyway... I noticed something interesting. SP2000 still supports Bluetooth v4.1 whereas Cube supports BT v4.2 (older KANN supports BT v4.0). As I understand, SP2000 reused the same platform of SP1000 and replaced the AK4497 with AK4499 (+ the amp section). Cube seems to have a newer SoC/controller compared to SP2000. Just to mention: 4-core or 8-core CPU does not really mean anything for a user device with limited applications, especially when these cores are A53 based. DACs (ES9038PRO) is technically on par with AK4499. A&K might have cut some corners with Cube (like 128 vs 512 GB storage, no case included, bigger/heavier body), but Cube has the potential to be soundwise on par with Ultima series, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it to be just a different tuning rather than a downgrade in the sound.

Which is why I changed my mind and initially decided to buy the Cube rather than the SP2000.

 

[someyoungguy]

Today was supposed to be the release date of Cube. Also the Moon Audio website mentions the availability 10th of June.

Yes I was wondering about the release date too. Would be nice to see some more reviews and impressions.

 

[DarginMahkum]

Yes I was wondering about the release date too. Would be nice to see some more reviews and impressions.

It is already available for order on the A&K website, with the note "Sold out! Estimated ship date is Friday, June 14th."

 

[JasonNYC]

It is already available for order on the A&K website, with the note "Sold out! Estimated ship date is Friday, June 14th."

KANN CUBE is officially available starting today, but we are currently sold out due to pre-orders. Dealers should have stock unless they sold out due to pre-orders. Global website is expected back in stock on the 14th and US website is expected back in stock on Monday, June 17th.

 

[Peter Hyatt]

I’m interested in hearing how it works w Beyerdynamic T1 (600ohm)

Streaming & SD card (s) is nice combination.

Size appears fine to me as “portable” yet I like that it appears substantial & well made.

I love Qobuz & use it to purchase downloads.

 

[DarginMahkum]

Another early review from High End Munich, in German. Here is the link with Google Translate:

https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=https://musicalhead.de/2019/04/26/hoercheck-astellkern-kann-cube/

"Especially the audibility of the KANN CUBE in the middle frequencies is outstanding. Even the finest structures are neatly peeled out of any musical mesh and reproduced with the perfectly proportioned volume. This sonic quality continues to the same extent on a meticulous detail work in the high frequency range. In fact, the resolution of the ESS9038PRO chipsets is exorbitant and far exceeds even the earlier (and sometimes much more expensive) DAPs of Koreans. Simply great class."

"The Korean manufacturer has managed a veritable hit in the DAP segment with the KANN CUBE. Anyone who does not mind the slightly too high weight and dimensions will get an adequate mobile replacement for stationary components at home with the new ASTELL & KERN Player. For a more than fair offer."

And the link in German:

https://musicalhead.de/2019/04/26/hoercheck-astellkern-kann-cube/

 

[Peter Hyatt]

Thank you for posting the English translation

I don’t see the size as a negative. Then again, I love my Hugo 2.

Cube looks great.

 

[Whitigir]

Thank you for posting the English translation

I don’t see the size as a negative. Then again, I love my Hugo 2.

Cube looks great.

I don’t think the Cube is as big as DMP...is it ?

 

[aaf evo]

I don’t think the Cube is as big as DMP...is it ?

100% no, I’ve seen the Cube described as “palm sized” but not necessarily pants pocket sized.

 

[Whitigir]

100% no, I’ve seen the Cube described as “palm sized” but not necessarily pants pocket sized.

I don’t even think you can fit DMP into a pant pocket sizes....LOL! I think in comparison, the Cube is like 1/2 of DMP

 

[aaf evo]

I don’t even think you can fit DMP into a pant pocket sizes....LOL! I think in comparison, the Cube is like 1/2 of DMP

The DMP looks like it needs its own little table to sit on, lol.

 

[jmills8]

I don’t think the Cube is as big as DMP...is it ?

I really hope the Cube will sound better.

 

[Whitigir]

I really hope the Cube will sound better.

I hope so too! What can be better if a $1,500 can outperform a $8,500 in price ?

I know for sure Cube can stream while DMP can not. Both can not do DSD512

I never auditioned the Cube, I won’t be able to tell, but I did audition DMP against others at Canjam. Subjectively speaking, I now have it for a reason .

One of the reason why I love this hobby, the subjectivity....otherwise we all will share 1 wife roflmao