[ChisChas]

I'm UK based and went with OIDIO sound. Can't comment on the quality yet but they have a thread running on Head-fi; the service is brilliant though as I changed the spec several times. https://oidiosound.co.uk/headphone-cables/focal/stellia/mongrel-focal-elear.html but with the Litz Copper cable

Thanks, I've never heard of OIDO, just goes to show. The website is saying 'out of stock' for Focal Utopia cable, I've sent them a message. Useful they are UK based, did you consider Atlas Cables?

 

[Topbanana]

Thanks, I've never heard of OIDO, just goes to show. The website is saying 'out of stock' for Focal Utopia cable, I've sent them a message. Useful they are UK based, did you consider Atlas Cables?

Not considered Atlas, but only because I wasn't aware. His Stock fluctuates a lot, about a two-week wait but he'll look after you and the prices are very good.

My gut says I should have gone with this one https://oidiosound.co.uk/headphone-cables/pellucid-plus-sony-z7.html but we'll see

 

[raypin]

Mm...not sure. Anothing thing.....SP2K cu = too in your face. DMP Z1 = relaxed, effortless. Using Erlkonig and Stellia.

 

[SP1000_WOW]

Which balanced cable are you using? I use the MA Black Dragon but might wish to buy a shorter balnced cable 3ft v 5ft so I am looking at choices now (Moon Audio, Plussound, Double Helix, Audio Art).

I have a 5ft from MA Black Dragon V2 (specifically for Focal Utopia) for sale that is 2.5mm balanced Rhodium Straight Furutech. Good working condition. PM with a reasonable price and it is yours. I upgraded to a premium cable that just blows V2 away but it is $3.5K. Night and Day difference!!!!

 

[Omega139]

Hey guys, just wanted to plug for my SP1000 SS for sale

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/for-sale-a-ultima-sp1000-ss-accessories.909243/#post-15139512

 

[noplsestar]

I have a 5ft from MA Black Dragon V2 (specifically for Focal Utopia) for sale that is 2.5mm balanced Rhodium Straight Furutech. Good working condition. PM with a reasonable price and it is yours. I upgraded to a premium cable that just blows V2 away but it is $3.5K. Night and Day difference!!!!

of course it HAS to be night and day when spending such a fortune (at least your brain tells you that)

 

[noplsestar]

Mm...not sure. Anothing thing.....SP2K cu = too in your face. DMP Z1 = relaxed, effortless. Using Erlkonig and Stellia.

For me that sounds like you‘re gonna let go of your SP2k rather soon? I hope the balanced out fixes some of that „too in your face“ thing (or a future firmware update) ... anyways, please let us know how the Stellia sounds balanced when you get the chance.

Edit: Though the Stellia is rather easy to drive, it really does benefit from the additional power!

 

[SP1000_WOW]

of course it HAS to be night and day when spending such a fortune (at least your brain tells you that)

I know, I know. This is a crazy hobby; I don't know what I got into for the past 2 years. But no regrets....

 

[Jalo]

Mm...not sure. Anothing thing.....SP2K cu = too in your face. DMP Z1 = relaxed, effortless. Using Erlkonig and Stellia.

Please let me know if you want to let go of the SP2K. The Erlkonig and Stellia are both more in your face type of phones ( less U shape) that is why I like them. The SP2K is so transparent with high resolution that keep presenting details to me. I am an active listener and that is how I like to listen to music. That is why systems like the Sennheiser HE-1 or even the DMP-1Z do not excite me as much, they have a high end and refine sound but they lack dynamic and sounds like elevator music or background music to me. I can understand for those who just want to listen to music in a relaxed way without letting the music grabbing your attention may find them great, but when I listen let say to vocal, I like to hear when the singer switching from chest voice to head voice, vibrado, fading or when he breaths etc. SP2K is just perfect for that type of listening.

 

[musicday]

Not considered Atlas, but only because I wasn't aware. His Stock fluctuates a lot, about a two-week wait but he'll look after you and the prices are very good.

My gut says I should have gone with this one https://oidiosound.co.uk/headphone-cables/pellucid-plus-sony-z7.html but we'll see

Is this company a challenge to the Forza Audio? Prices very adorable and they seem to be quality. Also them being in UK is very helpful.

 

[cheznous]

I note that the 1tb micros sd card works in the SP2K but it takes a while for the AK to start and I get the Android warning about process system isn't working.
I click on wait and all is fine.

Just wondered if others have used 1tb cards

 

[raypin]

Please let me know if you want to let go of the SP2K. The Erlkonig and Stellia are both more in your face type of phones ( less U shape) that is why I like them. The SP2K is so transparent with high resolution that keep presenting details to me. I am an active listener and that is how I like to listen to music. That is why systems like the Sennheiser HE-1 or even the DMP-1Z do not excite me as much, they have a high end and refine sound but they lack dynamic and sounds like elevator music or background music to me. I can understand for those who just want to listen to music in a relaxed way without letting the music grabbing your attention may find them great, but when I listen let say to vocal, I like to hear when the singer switching from chest voice to head voice, vibrado, fading or when he breaths etc. SP2K is just perfect for that type of listening.

Mm....I can respect that opinion. I m not saying that the SP2K is bad but to my taste and preferences, it is not up to par to what I expected. It has its stellar qualities.....clarity, resolving power etc., stuff that are trademark Astell & Kern (since the launch of the AK 240) but it has its drawbacks specially with headphones. It is not there yet. So, I am reverting back to the DMP Z1 for headphones and in ears and the SP2K for my in-ears. There's a place for both so I ll never let go of my SP2K and I never ever sell (I hate losing money). Old gear gets handed down as gifts to those that I know will appreciate it and understand this hobby (there are so few of us).

Agree to disagree.

 

[SP1000_WOW]

Mm....I can respect that opinion. I m not saying that the SP2K is bad but to my taste and preferences, it is not up to par to what I expected. It has its stellar qualities.....clarity, resolving power etc., stuff that are trademark Astell & Kern (since the launch of the AK 240) but it has its drawbacks specially with headphones. It is not there yet. So, I am reverting back to the DMP Z1 for headphones and in ears and the SP2K for my in-ears. There's a place for both so I ll never let go of my SP2K and I never ever sell (I hate losing money). Old gear gets handed down as gifts to those that I know will appreciate it and understand this hobby (there are so few of us).

Agree to disagree.

From my handle, you know I LOVE SP1k. I have spent thousands for my SP1k. I am sure I will treasure your SP2k even more.... it will be beyond appreciation....but a love affair. Please consider gifting it to me.

 

[Jalo]

Mm....I can respect that opinion. I m not saying that the SP2K is bad but to my taste and preferences, it is not up to par to what I expected. It has its stellar qualities.....clarity, resolving power etc., stuff that are trademark Astell & Kern (since the launch of the AK 240) but it has its drawbacks specially with headphones. It is not there yet. So, I am reverting back to the DMP Z1 for headphones and in ears and the SP2K for my in-ears. There's a place for both so I ll never let go of my SP2K and I never ever sell (I hate losing money). Old gear gets handed down as gifts to those that I know will appreciate it and understand this hobby (there are so few of us).

Agree to disagree.

I totally agree with you that it is criteria number one that the DMP-1Z should be to your liking, personal taste and preference since you are the one that pays for it. However, when you say it is not up to par and its has drawbacks with headphones. I did a casual comparison of the spec between the two, the SP2K uses AKM4499EQ with fully independently channel throughput implementation, the 1Z uses the AKM4497EQ. The amp section for the SP2K (base on 16 Ohm) produces 2.25 Watts and the DMP-1Z produces 1.50 Ohm both based on balance output. The SP2K has a sensitivity (I mean signal to noise level) of a whopping 124 making it one of the extremely quiet players around even at high volume level, I don't know the spec for the DMP-1Z but based on my audition it wasn't too bad either. The SP2K has a 5 inch display versus the 3.1 inch display on the DMP-1Z. I will give the DMP-1Z for that beautiful volume pot. The only thing I complaint about the SP2K is the lack of the 4.4 balance output. Even setting weight, cost and personal preference aside, and only judging from sound alone, the SP2K is up to par even with full size headphones. And I will be able to enjoy it ten times more frequent as it is a much more portable unit. I am not saying the DMP-1Z is not good, I am merely addressing the issue that you raise concerning the "not up to par and draw back with headphone" issue. Again that is just my take and you certainly have many beautiful devices and some of them shared by me.

 

[raelamb]

5 more days...stock on the SP-2000 is supposed to be at my dealer on Thursday 9/19 and overnight shipping will get it to me by Friday by 10:30AM. I've already told all my friends and business associates not to expect to see or hear from me until after the weekend. Welcome to America