Astell&Kern Launches New R-2R DAP and IEMs at High End Munich 2023

[Frabera]

It seems to be quiet obvious the Titanium version should sound better, in Europe the price difference is almost € 800.- which is a big price gap !

 

[123peter]

Point1. I am a fan of A&K and have liked their product for years.
But.....
Only the latest DAPs A&K SP3000 and Kann Ultra....SR35? have an acceptable interface speed -Amen.
That's why there are so many SE300 and SP2000, Max, Acro who simply can't stand the pressure of using them every day and sell them after comparing them with new ones.
And those who are planning to buy one often ask whether it is worth it.

No witcher prayers or requests for modifications will likely help, this is due to hardware limitations (a pity), the SE300 is simply irritatingly slow.
If you have really strong nerves or enough beerthen ignore the operation of older DAPs and go back to Point 1.

 

[S Crowther]

Point1. I am a fan of A&K and have liked their product for years.
But.....
Only the latest DAPs A&K SP3000 and Kann Ultra....SR35? have an acceptable interface speed -Amen.
That's why there are so many SE300 and SP2000, Max, Acro who simply can't stand the pressure of using them every day and sell them after comparing them with new ones.
And those who are planning to buy one often ask whether it is worth it.

No witcher prayers or requests for modifications will likely help, this is due to hardware limitations (a pity), the SE300 is simply irritatingly slow.
If you have really strong nerves or enough beerthen ignore the operation of older DAPs and go back to Point 1.

My SE300 does not seem slow to me at all.

 

[Huckle]

Interesting. I recently bought a SP3000 and after listening for a couple weeks, it's consistently sounding more shifted towards the upper mids and treble than I prefer, so I'm thinking of exchanging for a SE300.

I initially bought the SP3000 instead of the SE300 because I heard both at CanJam and preferred the spaciousness of the SP3000 (and the faster UI, but I think I can live with a slower UI), but I remember liking the SE300's tone, but can't remember if it was warmer and less incisive on the upper mids/treble than the SP3000. Some help from those who have heard both would be awesome, thanks! I'd mainly be using this to hold my library, stream using Apple Music and use its DAC into my other amps. Probably won't use the amp part much.

The SE300Ti is definitely an AK player. It shares the same sonic characteristics as their more recent models (with the notable exception of the SA700): a sound that's crystal clear, very articulate, with an upward tonal balance. However, the SE300 stands out with its R2R implementation (which gives it a very organic touch) and the ability to alter the sound. In NOS and Class A amp (which I listen to most often), it results in a warmer output, still incredibly detailed but never tiring. I'd pick the SE300Ti over the SP3000 anytime.

 

[Frabera]

The main point regarding your interestding and precious comments is about the Titanium version and not the Silver one which seems to sound differently...

 

[Huckle]

exactly... And I've never heard the regular version so I'm not able to compare it to the Ti one...

 

[AcousticMatt]

The SE300Ti is definitely an AK player. It shares the same sonic characteristics as their more recent models (with the notable exception of the SA700): a sound that's crystal clear, very articulate, with an upward tonal balance. However, the SE300 stands out with its R2R implementation (which gives it a very organic touch) and the ability to alter the sound. In NOS and Class A amp (which I listen to most often), it results in a warmer output, still incredibly detailed but never tiring. I'd pick the SE300Ti over the SP3000 anytime.

Ok, this is helpful to hear, thanks. Is the SE300 similarly shifted to the upper mids like the SP3000? I'd be looking for something that's less of that and with a more warm, less lean bass comparatively. Even using Hugo2 sounds more powerful and punchy compared to the SP3000 when they're being used just as DACs.

Would I be able to use Class A if I'm using just the DAC, or does using it in this way bypass both amp modes?

 

[Huckle]

Hi @JasonNYC

Like others have mentioned here and there, I believe that with the SE300, Astell & Kern has delivered their best-sounding DAP ever. And I’ve owned or listened to over 50% of your DAPs since the AK100 mk1, including the SP3000...

I'm thrilled to own the SE300 Titanium edition! It's the audio source I've been hunting for months, if not years. A huge shoutout for that.

However, this superb sound quality is crippled by the OS performance. Honestly, it's probably the worst experience I've ever had with an Astell & Kern device. We could take comfort in the fact that it's a new release, but it's been over six months now, and six OS versions already.

I've wrapped up my review of the product, but I'll only edit the final words after getting answers to the following points:

1. From powering on to accessing the content on my SD card (1TB, but currently only about 300GB full), it takes over a minute. I've never wasted so much time with any of my previous AK devices, even the older generations like the SE180. Have you identified this as an issue, and if so, when can we expect a firmware update to shorten this endless wait?

2. When the content finally shows up, and I select a track from an album, not only does it not start playing until I hit the Play button, but it also starts randomly somewhere in the middle of the song... Have you identified this issue, and if so, is a patch in the works? When?

3. It's unacceptable that Roon Arc isn't implemented, while it is on the Kann Ultra, a lower-tier device. I guess the SE300's weaker processor is to blame, but honestly, it can't be worse than with Qobuz or Apple Music. So, please ask your devs to allow us to install the Roon Arc apk, and let us decide whether it's functional or not.

4. And please, try to make the AK engineers understand that if we're willing to spend so much on a DAP, we're not going to quibble over an extra 50 dollars for a faster processor, or more RAM… What's the point of this unwise choice?

Additionally, I want to clarify that I've listened to two different SE300 units. My very own unit isn't defective. And don't get me wrong: I'll keep and enjoy my SE300 for many moons to come, despite everything I wrote. Soundwise, I maintain it's an outstanding device.

Thanks in advance for your answers mate!

Hi @JasonNYC !
Have you seen this post?
Best,

 

[JasonNYC]

Hi @JasonNYC !
Have you seen this post?
Best,

Yes, I have passed it onto the AK HQ team as part of my weekly Head-Fi summary on Friday and put together a separate summary today to the team specifically about the SE300 feedback over the last week plus.

 

[FPFi]

Amen, Huckle. You and I are on the same page on all of your points. Love the sound. Beautiful looking dap. The petrolio case is very attractive and fits like a glove. The options (nos/os, a or a/b) are really great. The gui layout is pretty good too. Then there is the slow, laggy interface.

I truly think they would sell a lot more of these if they could improve the interface. It’s something I am willing to tolerate but don’t think I should have to. Not sure if this can be addressed with firmware or not.

 

[Angidelsur]

Amen, Huckle. You and I are on the same page on all of your points. Love the sound. Beautiful looking dap. The petrolio case is very attractive and fits like a glove. The options (nos/os, a or a/b) are really great. The gui layout is pretty good too. Then there is the slow, laggy interface.

I truly think they would sell a lot more of these if they could improve the interface. It’s something I am willing to tolerate but don’t think I should have to. Not sure if this can be addressed with firmware or not.

I totally agree. I own the great se300. The sound is marvellous. I tried a lot before choosing this one. But The software run slow.
Have a great day

 

[Huckle]

Yes, I have passed it onto the AK HQ team as part of my weekly Head-Fi summary on Friday and put together a separate summary today to the team specifically about the SE300 feedback over the last week plus.

Thanks @JasonNYC. We'll wait to hear from you, then! Best

 

[Huckle]

pretty nice review :

 

[Richdgrant]

pretty nice review :

I just saw this too. A great review for the SE300! I absolutely love mine. A very happy customer.

 

[R7photo]

Ti SE300 inbound , may arrive soon but cant
Open till Christmas,( amazing wife),
inpresstions forthcoming