Astell & Kern KANN - DAP with Massive Storage & Battery

Jun 15, 2020 at 1:36 PM Post #2,431 of 2,712
Just jumping into this thread... a couple of question: (i) With all the firmware discussions, is it expected that the new firmware will allow OpenApp support? (ii) Is it possible to get a docking station for the Kann?
 
Jun 15, 2020 at 2:28 PM Post #2,432 of 2,712
Just jumping into this thread... a couple of question: (i) With all the firmware discussions, is it expected that the new firmware will allow OpenApp support? (ii) Is it possible to get a docking station for the Kann?
1. No
2. Not that I know. Would be complicated with two USB connectors.
 
Jun 15, 2020 at 6:53 PM Post #2,434 of 2,712
Hmmm... and the Kann Cube... can you get a docking station for that? I mean it's not something that's going to be regularly carried around, surely? :)
Yes, I do carry it around, at least at home. That is what DAPs are made for, isn't it? :o2smile: I have a tailor made belt attached leather case for that purpose. For regular packets it is a bit big and heavy. But why docking station? It is against mobility. Ok, for charging might be nice, or for USB DAC. But you do not want this thing standing when a headphone cable is attached to the top. Except if the holder has a massive grip. But better in laying position.
 
Jun 16, 2020 at 2:19 AM Post #2,435 of 2,712
As for the KANN, I find it pleasant to hold - makes a nice hand warmer - but too large for jeans pockets.

There are smaller DAPs for that, but they lack the lovely tactile rolling volume control.

The KANN stays in the house for seated listening around the place. Its bulk is justified by stout audio capabilities which make it a superb simple deliverer of audiophile quality music files to decent ear gear or even via line out to HiFi.

I sense, though, that it is now no longer up to date as far as A&K software is concerned - in that it is very much a stand alone player stuck with its older OS. Streaming is for newer players to excel with.

Personally, I cannot contemplate ever wanting a 1TB card to use as, with my computer hardware, copying takes long enough anyway. I can stream on my phone if needs be, although that will be long gone when I still envisage using my KANN for several years to come.

I therefore may well stick with the stable v1.12 unless the new firmware (to replace the flawed v1.13) offers something really new. If it does emerge, I suspect, if stable, it will be the last FW update for the KANN.
 
Jun 16, 2020 at 6:17 PM Post #2,436 of 2,712
Giving Kann some love
I also own ak70,2,,, kann has tubelike liquid mids
I stream Tidal, no issues
Mine working flawlessly
I use mine with AK Rosies, updated 8 bal armature model, good listening sessions
Cheers
 

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Jun 18, 2020 at 5:52 AM Post #2,438 of 2,712
Is the Kann still a tenable DAP several years on as a trans-portable unit? Also, any integration with Roon yet?
 
Jun 18, 2020 at 6:02 AM Post #2,440 of 2,712
If they would fix the failed update to support 1tb cards It would indeed be a tenable dap. I wouldn't hold my breath for roon support but if there would be 2tb storage available I wouldn't care
Hm, thanks. So the larger SDXC slot doesn't support 1tb? That's a shame given how much cheaper 1tb SDXC is over a 1tb micro.
 
Jun 18, 2020 at 6:03 AM Post #2,441 of 2,712
If they would fix the failed update to support 1tb cards It would indeed be a tenable dap. I wouldn't hold my breath for roon support but if there would be 2tb storage available I wouldn't care
How does it compare in terms of detail retrieval and resolution to your Cayin N6Mk2, if I may ask?
 
Jun 18, 2020 at 6:11 AM Post #2,442 of 2,712
Here’s something totally unrelated to any of the above threads but......

the other night I was listening to my KANN....fully charged and both card slots filled. Then all of a sudden the music stopped and I realised that the SDXC card had ejected itself?! No problem I thought.....turned the unit off and tried to put the card back in. NO DICE!! The card wouldn’t stay in.....tired a new card...still no go....Throws the dummy card that comes with the unit....that wouldn’t stay in?! Called the place I bought it from.....8 weeks ago....and they’d never heard of this issue. Sounds like I have to send it to the shop and then they will send it back to Korea and I will be without it for 8 weeks....equivalent to the time I’ve owned it!! Anyone else had this issue before or heard of it happening.....or am I just lucky?!
 
Jun 18, 2020 at 6:41 AM Post #2,443 of 2,712
How does it compare in terms of detail retrieval and resolution to your Cayin N6Mk2, if I may ask?
I would only be able to give a general answer to that question. I have different uses for each dap but I would have to try very hard to determine one better than the other, it's ALL subjective as you know.
 
Jun 18, 2020 at 2:56 PM Post #2,444 of 2,712
I would only be able to give a general answer to that question. I have different uses for each dap but I would have to try very hard to determine one better than the other, it's ALL subjective as you know.
16 different uses? :o2smile: :beerchug:
 
Jun 21, 2020 at 3:52 AM Post #2,445 of 2,712
Does Kann play Hi-Fi music from Tidal (16-44.1)?
I believe it won’t play MQA?
Thank you in advance!
 

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