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

[CharlyBrown]

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

That's exactly what I thought when listening to them yesterday. People who like the Erlky or the Phönix will probably also like/love the Aura!

Looks and haptics were great, as was the fit. But the sound characteristic is not for me personally. Just like the Phönix. A matter of taste.

 

[Simpeler]

Also listened to the new DAP, which I found quite interesting. I listened to them with the new Diana MR, the EE Odin and the Audio 64 fourte blanc.

Its interface is snappy though I did not get to try streaming apps (no wifi). The shape if the player is nice and feels premium. Though I do not like the trend of bigger and bigger for TOTL daps, starting to lose portability.

The choice of dac/amp mode makes this a highly tweakable sounding dap. This makes pairing with different gear fun.

Sound wise I found it harder to describe due to the amount of surrounding noise. But from what I heard, I liked it.

If you are in the market for a dap, deff worth auditioning.

 

[drftr]

Though I do not like the trend of bigger and bigger for TOTL daps

+10 This is the portable segment of the hifi market after all. I'm at the point where I'd prefer 40% off the size/weight to adding 10% in SQ.

drftr

 

[Palpatine79]

Great dap, fine synergy with Mest Mk2

 

[NewEve]

I waited so long for an R-2R from A&K but I've got to say that in-between the Sony WM1AM2 R-2R-esque sound signature, the usual longevity of Sony TOTL products and the over the top design of A&K high-end products in my book, I'll stick with my WM1AM2

Still glad they've done it though — it's nice to see alternatives out there.

 

[Imusicman]

Im DAPless atm and looking forward to demoing this at this years London CanJam along with some others on my shortlist.

My ideal DAP

Streams - The more common platforms
Sounds damn good - Doesn't have to be the last few % in SQ. I prefer warm/neutral but still good level of details. Nothing anyone would consider bright.
Battery life - Must be into double figures when balanced and on a high gain
Portable - No larger than my standard iPhone Pro (not max)
Intuitive - User friendly UI
Headphone ports - Ideally include 4.4 as an option
£££ - Needs to be south of 2k
Decent warranty - Minimum 2 years. Anything less on offer I would definitely avoid. Why would I trust your products longevity if you don't?

 

[558698]

Im DAPless atm and looking forward to demoing this at this years London CanJam along with some others on my shortlist.

My ideal DAP

Streams - The more common platforms
Sounds damn good - Doesn't have to be the last few % in SQ. I prefer warm/neutral but still good level of details. Nothing anyone would consider bright.
Battery life - Must be into double figures when balanced and on a high gain
Portable - No larger than my standard iPhone Pro (not max)
Intuitive - User friendly UI
Headphone ports - Ideally include 4.4 as an option
£££ - Needs to be south of 2k
Decent warranty - Minimum 2 years. Anything less on offer I would definitely avoid. Why would I trust your products longevity if you don't?

Something of note about Astell&Kern.
Their warranty may not be anything exceptional, but I heard from my local dealer that they still service their first players when people send them in for repairs.
Something to consider if you’re looking for something to use in the long term, e.g. even when streaming ceases to be supported on the device due to old android versions.

 

[morndewey]

In my experience A&K warranty support is top notch

 

[Kobe4ever]

I ordered SE300 , it will replace my SP1000M

 

[ctaxxxx]

When does this release in the US? I'm really tempted to order this.

There was a used N8ii in the Classifieds for the same price, but think I want to move away from the powerhouse brick daps like the M17 I have. If it can drive my HE1000 Stealth, then it'll be enough for me.

 

[JasonNYC]

When does this release in the US? I'm really tempted to order this.

There was a used N8ii in the Classifieds for the same price, but think I want to move away from the powerhouse brick daps like the M17 I have. If it can drive my HE1000 Stealth, then it'll be enough for me.

Mid-June in the US. I should have confirmation by the end of this week on exact release date.

 

[John Blackshear]

Mid-June in the US. I should have confirmation by the end of this week on exact release date.

Moon Audio shows today as arrival time, but that might be wishful thinking.

 

[siruspan]

I just posted my impressions/review of the SE300 here of headfi if anyone is interested. To put long story short: It's amazing.
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/astell-kern-a-futura-se300.26505/review/30928/

 

[Kobe4ever]

I just posted my impressions/review of the SE300 here of headfi if anyone is interested. To put long story short: It's amazing.
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/astell-kern-a-futura-se300.26505/review/30928/

I ordered my SE300, and I thank you for writing your impressions, in such an engaging way.
Now I can't wait to have it.
It will be my second DAP , which I will alternate with the fantastic SP3000

 

[MusicTeck]

The Astell&Kern SE300 is now in stock at MusicTeck and ready to ship!

https://shop.musicteck.com/collections/astell-kern/products/astell-kern-se300