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

[JasonNYC]

first review of the SE300 from @twister6 - https://twister6.com/2023/05/17/astell-kern-ak-se300/

 

[salwani8888]

Would be nice to have a clarification on the price. Seen 3 prices on the SE300...$1900 on this thread, EUR2199, JPY320,000 (approx $2300) elsewhere.

 

[twister6]

first review of the SE300 from @twister6 - https://twister6.com/2023/05/17/astell-kern-ak-se300/

 

[qsk78]

first review of the SE300 from @twister6 - https://twister6.com/2023/05/17/astell-kern-ak-se300/

Well, it does not sound like the SE180 upgrade...(sidegrade?) Let's wait and listen...

 

[slumberman]

Sorry no photo of the real thing as I was too busy listening to it

 

[twister6]

Well, it does not sound like the SE180 upgrade...(sidegrade?) Let's wait and listen...

The advantage of SE180 is a modular design with different "modules" you can change to fine tune the sound, but that will add to the cost. I was using ESS/SEM1 module w/SE180 in comparison to SE300, and the latter one is a noticeable upgrade in everything from the sound tuning to the actual platform of the DAP. Of course, sound tuning is subjective and will depend on pair up synergy. For me personally, SE300 is an upgrade, and changing between NOS/OS, Class A and Class AB, or gain setting is all built into the DAP without a need to buy another module. Also, SE300 is built on the same fast platform as SP3000 flagship, faster interface, faster operation.

 

[etamin]

Does anyone know if the new OS allows sorting by "Album Artist" metadata? the lack of this was one of the main reasons I didn't give A&K a second look a few years ago.

 

[alwass89]

Does anyone know if the new OS allows sorting by "Album Artist" metadata? the lack of this was one of the main reasons I didn't give A&K a second look a few years ago.

The new SR35 entry level player allows Album Artist sorting, so I'm assuming this one will as well.

 

[Nomax]

I was very skeptical yesterday regarding the AURA IEM....not only tonally but also in terms of size and weight
Now the question is.... do I raise the thumb or do I lower it
Regarding the size and weight (Fit and Comfort)
Regarding the tonal performance/balance.....a bit much in the low end, but that's still within limits
Mids are balanced and not too present
Treble at no time sharp

Actually the biggest surprise at the whole High End for me personally in Munich
Justifies this the crazy price of 4800 euros ... that must each decide for themselves
But when I look at one or the other Planar Over ear model from the high-price segment today with their tonal presentation, this again seems cheap or
the other much too expensive

NOMAX

PS.lol

 

[CharlyBrown]

I'm just coming back from the High End and also tried the Aura, of course. Not my cup of tea, honestly. But of course, I could only listen to it under show circumstances. The fit and seal was perfect, though. It's just pure personal taste, it had too much mid bass (sacrificing sub-bass) and very good but not airy/extended treble imo. The EXT still matches my taste much better. Still a great pair of IEMs that has a clear "high-end" sound. Way way way too expensive.

The real surprise for me was the A&K SE300, this is the real deal! For my preferences the best A&K DAP to date (yes, better than the SP3k, just because of ergonomics and weight). It has the perfect weight and size, and for me the first A&K that's comfortable to hold because of the wave lines on the right side. Really great and it has the same snappy interface as the SP3k. For me the better SP3k and I'd take it over the SP3k any day!

Unfortunately, I was listening also to the Sennheiser HE-1 for the first time. OMG. I think I'm gonna sell my car for this. This is by far far far the best headphone I've ever listened to. They let my try it for a good time, I was lucky as I was the last one in line for some time. It was an incredible experience. Really.

 

[Nomax]

@CharlyBrown

Has its reasons why I did not give a thumbs up regarding the low end

(If you're ever in Austria let me know....then you may once again enjoy the sounds of my marble stone )

NOMAX

PS.lol

 

[CharlyBrown]

@CharlyBrown

Has its reasons why I did not give a thumbs up regarding the low end

(If you're ever in Austria let me know....then you may once again enjoy the sounds of my marble stone )

NOMAX

PS.lol

Only if I can take it home with me haha

You're really blessed with your HE-1. This is headphone heaven!

 

[Nomax]

This would not be a problem,since we do not have only one HE1 in Upper Austria

NOMAX

PS.lol

 

[Simpeler]

auditioned the Aura today, and man did I like it.
If you like the VE Phönix, the Aura probably will be to your liking as well but with that added DD bass. Not overly done, just more physical.
Probably also the most comfortable IEM I have tried all day. Not mentioned that often but this shell just fits so well.

These IEM’s give me all the detail I look for, yet stay musical. Will start saving for the release

 

[Imusicman]

Please keep the impressions coming guys. Much appreciated