ipaddy
human bean
Earlier AK units had for me huge BT issues. Wifi also. No issues with the Kann Max, however.
Astell&Kern Launches KANN Ultra DAP and AK HB1 Bluetooth Amp/DAC
- Thread starter JasonNYC
- Start date
ipaddy
human bean
You don't want to know how many AK devices I had.I remember the development and advancement of technology in subsequent versions of Bluetooth.
Dark times when I had to take my DAP or phone with me while walking a few meters - because the BT v4.2 range was too small for TWS headphones, and the electricity from the paired devices also ran out much faster.
I welcomed the new BT 5.0 with a smile .
Battery life for the source and receiver was significantly longer, I had to charge them less often, and the range was much longer and there was no channel fading or dropouts.
Who in 2023 is wondering whether if I want to switch to wireless headphones for some time and listen to music while cooking or doing other activities at home
(unless he is an avid audiophile and cooks lasagna with Focal Utopia on his head + long cable + DAP in his pocket),
where is the DAP or smartphone physically located ?,
if it has controls in the headphones themselves - new BT 5.0 it's simply convenient and better.
I am also waiting for information from Astell&Kern headquarters to JasonNYC
1. Isn't BT v4.2 in Ultra an error?
- and if it is not an error, why exactly?
Technically, what is the justification for this?
(I am in the Astell&Kern family log time with 3 DAPs and 2 headphones)
2.Astell&Kern Kann Ultra - what Android version is it based on?
I remember AK Junior, my first, so slow I could brew a cup of coffee waiting for it to respond to a command. AK 70, and Mk2, SR15, SE100, etc...
I''ve learned to appreciate the walled garden, but it should allow a boot to regular Android, like in the DX320.
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Also, AK HB1 uses outdated Bluetooth SoC based on CSR8675 chip.
And by moving to the specifications page of this chip, Qualcomm does not advise it to be used in new systems, and offers it a modern replacement by the QCC5144
https://www.qualcomm.com/products/internet-of-things/consumer/audio/csr8675
So it is somewhat strange why not use a more economical and faster chip in this device. It would be interesting to hear an explanation from the company.
And by moving to the specifications page of this chip, Qualcomm does not advise it to be used in new systems, and offers it a modern replacement by the QCC5144
https://www.qualcomm.com/products/internet-of-things/consumer/audio/csr8675
So it is somewhat strange why not use a more economical and faster chip in this device. It would be interesting to hear an explanation from the company.
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You made my day ipaddy - your post is great with making coffee and waiting for A&K answer.
It is enthusiasts like you who did not doubt the Astell&Kern company that create it.
Unfortunately, the company does not fully listen to their questions, requests and comments on what could be improved.
It is enthusiasts like you who did not doubt the Astell&Kern company that create it.
Unfortunately, the company does not fully listen to their questions, requests and comments on what could be improved.
You’re right.
Shame on you A&K !
I thought one day I might try an A&K product for all the hype the brand has (Odyssey doesn’t count as it is mostly made by EE) but nope.
Answer to our questions takes a long time
But
On the official website of Astell & Kern Kann Ultra "Premium Bluetooth for HiFi Sound" ad has been removed
However, on the Kann Max website - Astell&Kern explains in between BT 4.2 and BT 5.0 in their products
But Kann Max was released 1.5 years ago with BT v5.0 ,new Kann Ultra will appear in November 2023 with BT v4.2 ??
SynaestheticA
500+ Head-Fier
It is confusing. How a TWS earbud for $15 or $75 phone can have a better codec than a DAP is beyond me. The only reason I don't own one.
BLacklWf
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That's great. Can it decode Dolby Atmos as well?
ipaddy
human bean
Monday has long since ended in the far East, and yet no one has come up with a response to the 4.2 issue or the Android question someone else asked here.
Kordonrules
100+ Head-Fier
That’s because they care about us.
Confirming that KANN Ultra will ship next month with Bluetooth 4.2 and Android 12.
ipaddy
human bean
Ok, I guess that explains why AK is using 4.2 in this version of the Kann when the last version had 5.0
You’ve made your point. You don’t like old Bluetooth version so don’t buy it.
Now stop spamming the thread and let interested people discuss further. I’m sure there are many who don’t care about Bluetooth in a high-res DAP.
How is this “spamming”? It is an entirely reasonable question. It may be a reason NOT to buy for some, having established that it is 4.2 and not the hoped for typo. I still don’t understand the application of a long outdated version of Bluetooth in what otherwise appears to be a highly desirable upgrade to the Kann series. As I said in my original post, it’s all about perception. This revelation is off-putting. Bluetooth 4.2 is considered to be flaky at best.
And I have to say that I will be one of many who do care and will NOT be buying as a result of caring - I may not want Bluetooth for primary usage but I like to have options. Especially for £1600.
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