[eTHE2]

I recommend downloading the Spotify APK directly from Spotify as this version is their most stable - http://download.spotify.com/android/SpotifyAndroid.apk

I don't use Apple Music and do not have a KANN ALPHA at home with me, so I cannot comment. I will have one of our support reps test and get back to you.

Thank you @JasonNYC. My initial attempt to install streaming services was to install the APK directly without using an XAPK. Once all 3 of the APKs were copied into the device in the correct folder, only Amazon appeared in the streaming services menu on the device. I never could get Apple and Spotify to even appear as a service to install on the device—hence my desire to try the XAPK install approach. The links on page 21 are somewhat vague as to whether/when/benefits of using XAPK vs multiple APKs directly.

 

[newworld666]

Android does not work well with more than one external memory slot, which is why the majority of DAP manufactures who run Android OS limit their DAPs to 1 slot.

Even if it's not necessarily a deal breaker, at least, as we are in 2020, I am using a cheap Chinese Fiio M11 which can handle perfectly 3Tb with 2xSD of 1Tb and even a complementary USB3-C dongle with a 1Tb too.. without any hack and just using Neutron or UAPP loaded via googleplay.
It's not the main use, but fun in oversea travel to play with 3Tb for 20 to 24h planes and airport/train station waiting.

But .. Fiio M11 is limited with a 660 Kbps LDAC Bluetooth, which means not higher than 44.1khz 24 bits, so it's pity with Qobuz which handles easily 96Khz 24 Bits to a lot of tracks now.
I sometimes use this LDAC connexion on the way to a Qudelix 5K + IER-Z1R/Xelento with a short balanced cable.
And sound quality is far behind what I get with the WM1A

Now, I am evaluating the Kann Alpha, but, I couldn't clearly find some answers on points which can be issues for my expected uses :

1) I intend to use this DAP at home to move freely and listen to music anywhere inside or outside with a rather difficult Headphone like the Heddphone by Hedd (42ohms and 87db), I wonder if the 12V output in the 4.4mm can handle 42 ohms which means 3W ..
I don't understand what means "High: Unbalanced 6Vrms / Balanced 12Vrms (Condition No Load)"

Basically, the Heddphone is rather comfortable with more or less 1.5W at 42 Ohms. So it should be a good news for me if the Alpha could deliver more than 1.5W at 42Ohms.

2) Does Bluetooth LDAC handle 990kbps (both way, but not necessarily at the same time).

3) As, unfortunately all my IEM and Headphones do need some EQ (Heddphone, Ed15 Veritas, IER-Z1R, Xelento) to fit my taste (based more or less on AutoEQ project), I wonder if the Kann Alpha has a PEQ or not ? and if it's applicable to Qobuz ?

4) In case the EQ is limited to a Graphic one, It's still not clear if Neutron or Uapp can be used (as downloaded apk/xapk) and if they are able to use the Hires internal chipset or it will just be working in android low mode 44.1Khz 16 Bits ?

5) Is Wifi DLNA renderer active in Kann Alpha and can they be connected to Synology UPNP servers ? Can we use an app like Mconnect from smartphones to drive Kann Alpha DLNA ?

6) is possible to use a USB-C adapter with 1Tb SD card with the Kann Alpha like on my photo with the Fiio M11 ? It's not vital, but can be good to have in some situations.

7) Does internal EQ be applied to Bluetooth LDAC receiver ? and EQ applied to Bluetooth send to a true wireless IEM ?

I am sorry for my English which can make some of my points not really clear, but any answers to any points can help me to move from WM1A and M11 to this little boy !!!
So thank you for any answers.

 

[sabatar]

Imagine all the time spent by a manufacturer to "cook" a working, stripped down but lean and functional OS version from Android: this to provide a "closed environment" where most things are under control, or at least you try to reduce possibilities.
Then go through the question again, why someone would let that thing happen? Not to mention the warranty issues it might implies.

p.s.Btw I can EQ my isine 20 pretty fine, what is not convincing for you if I may?

Well, after imagining and envisioning the toil and sacred mission you are talking about, I still have the same question.
I'm not content with the amount of sound control the present multi-channel EQ offers.
I have other DAPs like Fiio M15. The non-Android mode on M15 has a player which IMO (or to my ears is of less SQ than Alpha's own). I do recognize the very good SQ of Alpha but I'm very much accustomed to my EQing sound image. On M15, the Android mode, I use a player called jetAudio+ which has an EQ AND add-ons. I don't use the EQ of jetAudio+ but I DO use the three add-ons (bass/trebel/crystallizer). Dude, the clarity is insane and the blackness of the image background is matchless with this combo.
My Z1R and Audeze LCD - XC SHINE in M15 whereas on Alpha they are SO lackluster. Oddly enough, my Mackie MP460 is cool with Alpha EQed but not resounding.
I'm hoping they'd update the software soon so that I get more oomph out of the DAP.

 

[JasonNYC]

As I recently purchased a Kann Alpha (my first A&K and loving it thus far), I am still working to get multiple streaming services to install and work on the Alpha. I know this has been covered but it seems there is lack of clarity regarding using XAPK vs APK files.

I’ve installed the XAPK referenced in the documentation - linked in Page 21 of this thread. I’ve subsequently attempted to install Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Spotify apps (all APKs copied into the Open Services folder on the Alpha) from the APKPURE linked website. Thus far only one will install and actually run (Amazon). Apple will install but crashes upon opening the streaming service. Spotify cannot even be installed as the XAPK indicates it can’t parse the installed Spotify APK file. What am I missing?
Can 3 streaming services be installed in the device? I thought the quad core could run 4.

Confirmed there is an issue with the latest version of Apple Music - v.3.4.1, but the previous version, v 3.4.0 works without issue on the KANN ALPHA. This is the direct link for 3.4.0 - Download Apple Music 3.4.0 Android APK (apkpure.com)

 

[eTHE2]

Thank you @JasonNYC. My initial attempt to install streaming services was to install the APK directly without using an XAPK. Once all 3 of the APKs were copied into the device in the correct folder, only Amazon appeared in the streaming services menu on the device. I never could get Apple and Spotify to even appear as a service to install on the device—hence my desire to try the XAPK install approach. The links on page 21 are somewhat vague as to whether/when/benefits of using XAPK vs multiple APKs directly.

Thank you @JasonNYC. I’ll give the Apple 3.4.0 version linked above.
Please provide some guidance regarding the count of streaming services allowed on the Alpha (assume 4 plus the three A&K factory installed?). I’ve installed the APKPURE XAPK installer linked and I’ve found it to be buggy. Should I be installing the streaming services APK files independently rather than using an XAPK installer?

 

[JasonNYC]

1) I intend to use this DAP at home to move freely and listen to music anywhere inside or outside with a rather difficult Headphone like the Heddphone by Hedd (42ohms and 87db), I wonder if the 12V output in the 4.4mm can handle 42 ohms which means 3W ..
I don't understand what means "High: Unbalanced 6Vrms / Balanced 12Vrms (Condition No Load)"

KANN ALPHA in High Gain mode will output around 3,429mW at 42ohms

2) Does Bluetooth LDAC handle 990kbps (both way, but not necessarily at the same time).

Yes, LDAC support up to 990kbps

3) As, unfortunately all my IEM and Headphones do need some EQ (Heddphone, Ed15 Veritas, IER-Z1R, Xelento) to fit my taste (based more or less on AutoEQ project), I wonder if the Kann Alpha has a PEQ or not ? and if it's applicable to Qobuz ?

KANN ALPHA has a PEQ

4) In case the EQ is limited to a Graphic one, It's still not clear if Neutron or Uapp can be used (as downloaded apk/xapk) and if they are able to use the Hires internal chipset or it will just be working in android low mode 44.1Khz 16 Bits ?

Neutron and UAPP are both paid apps that require Google Play Store for purchase. As AK players do not have Google Play Store installed, these apps cannot be installed on the players.

5) Is Wifi DLNA renderer active in Kann Alpha and can they be connected to Synology UPNP servers ? Can we use an app like Mconnect from smartphones to drive Kann Alpha DLNA ?

All Wi-Fi enabled players have DLNA networking built-in and will see any DLNA-enabled device or NAS on the network. Any DLNA-based app can be used on your smartphone to control AK players, as well as the AK Connect app, which is DLNA-compatible. KANN ALPHA also supports the Synology DS Audio app, which can be installed on the player to access music on your Synology NAS remotely.

6) is possible to use a USB-C adapter with 1Tb SD card with the Kann Alpha like on my photo with the Fiio M11 ? It's not vital, but can be good to have in some situations.

Yes, but it is not officially supported and we cannot offer troubleshooting or help with your particular situation, but using a USB OTG adapter, you can connect an external reader, flash drive or hard drive to the player.

7) Does internal EQ be applied to Bluetooth LDAC receiver ? and EQ applied to Bluetooth send to a true wireless IEM ?

EQ is not applied to Bluetooth output.

 

[JasonNYC]

Thank you @JasonNYC. I’ll give the Apple 3.4.0 version linked above.
Please provide some guidance regarding the count of streaming services allowed on the Alpha (assume 4 plus the three A&K factory installed?). I’ve installed the APKPURE XAPK installer linked and I’ve found it to be buggy. Should I be installing the streaming services APK files independently rather than using an XAPK installer?

4 max apps installed at the same time. Always recommend installing the APK version of an app over the XAPK if available. APKPure started to only provide XAPK files recently, but it looks like they are bringing back XPK files again for most apps.

 

[eTHE2]

4 max apps installed at the same time. Always recommend installing the APK version of an app over the XAPK if available. APKPure started to only provide XAPK files recently, but it looks like they are bringing back XPK files again for most apps.

Success!

Thank you again @JasonNYC for putting me on the right path.

Here's what I've done to get 3 Open Service Streaming Apps to function on the device.

1. I cleared all Apps from the device including the XAPK Installer Rush Wars APK.

2. I copied the linked Spotify APK (http://download.spotify.com/android/SpotifyAndroid.apk) onto the device and installed it. I verified the app works.

3. I copied the Amazon Music APK downloaded from the APKPURE site onto the device and installed it. I verified the app works and then confirmed Spotify app was still working - and it it is!

4. I then downloaded the file from this link supplied by Jason (Apple 3.4.0 Download Apple Music 3.4.0 Android APK (apkpure.com). I noticed this appeared as an XAPK file from the download. I then copied it over to the Alpha and the XAPK file did not appear I removed it from the device and went back to look for an Apple APK (rather then an XAPK file).

5. I downloaded the the APK file for Apple 3.3.2 (latest APK file I could find on APKPURE) and copied it onto the device. The Open Services did show it and I installed it. Once installed, I confirmed it worked along with the previously downloaded/installed apps for Amazon and Spotify were still working. They were!

So all three apps are successfully installed and functioning.

A couple of questions and answers:

1. It seems we can install 4 USER installed Streaming apps on the device. They seem to coexist with the three that are factory installed.

2. It seems once I install any XAPK (Amazon or Apple), all APK subsequently installed do not automatically show up in the open services app stack. I dont know very much about the XAPK stack, but it seems that any subsequent APK install requires the XAPK app to perform the installation - regardless if that app can actually install other apps. I believe I understand why the XAPK Installer Rush was mentioned in a previous comment as it has the capability to install other APK files - unfortunately its a bit buggy and doesnt seem to completely manage all other APKs.

3. I'm unsure what the outcome would be if two XAPK files were installed. Perhaps this is what I experienced with Installer Rush as it was a bit strange with managing the APK apps - one of which may have been another XAPK file.

Again, Thank you @JasonNYC with the guidance. I hope this helps with the sequence of installations.

If I made an incorrect assumption or misstep as outlined above, please comment as I would like to streamline this activity (knowing where the boundaries are) when I need to upgrade.

 

[JasonNYC]

Success!

Thank you again @JasonNYC for putting me on the right path.

Here's what I've done to get 3 Open Service Streaming Apps to function on the device.

1. I cleared all Apps from the device including the XAPK Installer Rush Wars APK.

2. I copied the linked Spotify APK (http://download.spotify.com/android/SpotifyAndroid.apk) onto the device and installed it. I verified the app works.

3. I copied the Amazon Music APK downloaded from the APKPURE site onto the device and installed it. I verified the app works and then confirmed Spotify app was still working - and it it is!

4. I then downloaded the file from this link supplied by Jason (Apple 3.4.0 Download Apple Music 3.4.0 Android APK (apkpure.com). I noticed this appeared as an XAPK file from the download. I then copied it over to the Alpha and the XAPK file did not appear I removed it from the device and went back to look for an Apple APK (rather then an XAPK file).

5. I downloaded the the APK file for Apple 3.3.2 (latest APK file I could find on APKPURE) and copied it onto the device. The Open Services did show it and I installed it. Once installed, I confirmed it worked along with the previously downloaded/installed apps for Amazon and Spotify were still working. They were!

So all three apps are successfully installed and functioning.

A couple of questions and answers:

1. It seems we can install 4 USER installed Streaming apps on the device. They seem to coexist with the three that are factory installed.

2. It seems once I install any XAPK (Amazon or Apple), all APK subsequently installed do not automatically show up in the open services app stack. I dont know very much about the XAPK stack, but it seems that any subsequent APK install requires the XAPK app to perform the installation - regardless if that app can actually install other apps. I believe I understand why the XAPK Installer Rush was mentioned in a previous comment as it has the capability to install other APK files - unfortunately its a bit buggy and doesnt seem to completely manage all other APKs.

3. I'm unsure what the outcome would be if two XAPK files were installed. Perhaps this is what I experienced with Installer Rush as it was a bit strange with managing the APK apps - one of which may have been another XAPK file.

Again, Thank you @JasonNYC with the guidance. I hope this helps with the sequence of installations.

If I made an incorrect assumption or misstep as outlined above, please comment as I would like to streamline this activity (knowing where the boundaries are) when I need to upgrade.

When you copy a supported xapk over, you will not see it in the OpenService list. You need to open the XAPK installer app on the player and you will see it listed there. Click install to install the xapk.

 

[eTHE2]

When you copy a supported xapk over, you will not see it in the OpenService list. You need to open the XAPK installer app on the player and you will see it listed there. Click install to install the xapk.

Thank you Jason. Where do you find the XAPK installer app? Is there a factory app or is that the required XAPK Installer Rush Wars referenced? If I did not use that file and copied an apple XAPK file over (which didnt appear), is there some other way to install it without the Installer Rush Wars app?

 

[JasonNYC]

Thank you Jason. Where do you find the XAPK installer app? Is there a factory app or is that the required XAPK Installer Rush Wars referenced? If I did not use that file and copied an apple XAPK file over (which didnt appear), is there some other way to install it without the Installer Rush Wars app?

You need to install the XAPK Installer Rush Wars app. Once installed, open it and you will see any xapks you have copied to the player. There will be an install option in the xapk installer app next to the Apple Music to install.

 

[eTHE2]

Jason. Thank you for the clarification. I in fact did see that when I used the Installer Rush Wars.

Given that I stumbled through this successfully referencing the links on Page 21, none of this is really stated. It simply states how to install an APK and that you can install an XAPK - but does not outline any of the use coexistence of these files (not recommend using XAPKs, etc). The documentation thats there is sufficient, but it could have provided much more detail of how to use an XAPK. Is that referenced in any other A&K doc and I simply missed it?

Thank you again!

 

[newworld666]

KANN ALPHA in High Gain mode will output around 3,429mW at 42ohms
Yes, LDAC support up to 990kbps
KANN ALPHA has a PEQ
Neutron and UAPP are both paid apps that require Google Play Store for purchase. As AK players do not have Google Play Store installed, these apps cannot be installed on the players.
All Wi-Fi enabled players have DLNA networking built-in and will see any DLNA-enabled device or NAS on the network. Any DLNA-based app can be used on your smartphone to control AK players, as well as the AK Connect app, which is DLNA-compatible. KANN ALPHA also supports the Synology DS Audio app, which can be installed on the player to access music on your Synology NAS remotely.
Yes, but it is not officially supported and we cannot offer troubleshooting or help with your particular situation, but using a USB OTG adapter, you can connect an external reader, flash drive or hard drive to the player.
EQ is not applied to Bluetooth output.

Thank you and sounds very good ..
Power looks impressive, I imagine battery life should be rather low in high gain. But that's the cost for all.
I knew there was no Google Play Store, but I was expecting to by again an APK software. But if there is a real PEQ it will cover my needs
I understand that EQ does not apply to BT (same with WM1A and M11) ...I use in the street a Qudelix 5K BT receiver with a PEQ too, so not a real issue after all.

Conclusion, I will order one and hoping it will arrive before Christmas In Europe.

 

[Matpar]

Anyone using the AK Connect with this DAP?
It has some highs and lows, but all in all It Is an interesting feature Indeed.

p.s. While I am enjoying mine very much, I prolly Need to switch to another kind of setup, so expect to see It in the ads listings here sooner or later

 

[Alpha1Ric]

Hello good morning.

Probably i will buy my first AK Alpha. But i have some questions:
Tidal app can play videos?
Can i see youtube videos?

I hva the Audeze LC2-C, I need to change the cable, Is it beter to change to 2.5mm or 4.4mm?

Keep it safe, togheter we can have nice weekend.

Thank u