[jscmd2000]

Gave my AK 380cu a bath with Tarnex since it got to be looking like a rotten penny while I was skipping an AK model... but who cares, it still sounds awesome! SP2k isn’t as raw looking so hopeful it won’t tarnish. Wow, everything is bigger with SP2k, but the sound stage is quite impressive, a little wider than AK 380 but much taller and deeper front to back. The echoes in concert halls sound really cool!

 

[cj3209]

Ot: mmm...no problem. Turn off the lights.

Still headfi choring on a Sunday...........plotting my next move.....thinking of the Bartok dac amp from DCS. Mm......sidegrade, upgrade, different flavor from chord dave/blu mk ii? Also, set appointment with msb dealer in HK via messenger....... They have demo units. Looking at the discrete dac r2r whatever..........keeping watch on my roasted chicken.....with a thai inspired satay sauce.....

I like your life...

 

[Chianti]

Mm....the copper's protective coating is holding up very well for me (area that is exposed and uncovered by the leather case). No signs of deterioration at all.....since Sept. 8th.
Black spot is shadow.

On the official Astell & Kern web site the copper version is showing a considerable amount of dings and scratches - truth in advertising? left image in the middle
I'm patiently (not!) awaiting my SP2000ss tomorrow - hopefully in time before my next coast to coast flight ...

 

[Deftone]

Mm....if only the HE 1 was portable/tranportable? Lol! No. I need an end-game, HE level transportable/portable for travel etc. That's why I am "messing" with other gears like the DMP and SP2K and Stellia and Erlkonig to learn first-hand if they fit my personal criterea. In other words, horses for courses.

Speaking of the HE 1.....after 3 years of use, the headband and earpads smell funky....like a wet dog...and needs replacement. I ve reached out to Sennheiser SG and their email for the orpheus......no reply. Disappointed.


A really good alternative to the SP2K cu? Just listened yesterday to my Woo Audio WA8/AK 380 cu usb audio out....driving the Stellia. Wow....I ve forgotten how luscious the Woo Audio tube amp dac sound....excellent pairing with the Stellia. Drives it with authority. Tube-alicious goodness.

My student and recipient of some of my headfi gear prefers the SP2K cu over the DMPZ1. He has younger ears. Me not happy.. Lol!

That's what happens when you let your pets wear your headphones when you leave the house, maybe only stick to the cat from now on?

 

[joshuachew]

SP2000 > Hugo 2 > DHC Symbiote Silver > UE Live

 

[jmills8]

SP2000 > Hugo 2 > DHC Symbiote Silver > UE Live

Yes the Hugo 2 is nice.

 

[Progisus]

SP2000 > Hugo 2 > DHC Symbiote Silver > UE Live

Same question as on the Hugo2 thread. Why spend all that cash on SP2000 to use as a transport? I too have done this with my SP1000 but then quickly return to it's great dac.

 

[jmills8]

Same question as on the Hugo2 thread. Why spend all that cash on SP2000 to use as a transport? I too have done this with my SP1000 but then quickly return to it's great dac.

So one can post pics.

 

[joshuachew]

Same question as on the Hugo2 thread. Why spend all that cash on SP2000 to use as a transport? I too have done this with my SP1000 but then quickly return to it's great dac.

Because I don't always get to use the Hugo 2, most of the time my on the go listening is just with the SP2000.
Sometimes, even from my Note 10+ with a Dragonfly Cobalt

 

[Chianti]

Same question as on the Hugo2 thread. Why spend all that cash on SP2000 to use as a transport? I too have done this with my SP1000 but then quickly return to it's great dac.

Hugo benefits from a great transport ... which the AKs are. Coming from a Chord-centric world view (which I am not - my Hugo 2 is mostly idle), this move would make sense ...

 

[TommyTunes]

Just got my SP2K cu delivered. The finish appears better than my last copper unit the 380. I’ve owned every A&K from the 240 through this release. I find them for my taste the best sounding although I liked the 380 cu better than the Sp1k ss. I attributed it to the copper.

 

[Chianti]

1 hour impressions ... so far no regrets (SP 2000 ss) ... as expected good synergy with Tia Fourte Noir (Leonidas II Octa - balanced).
I am finding value in using the equalizer - treating it as a fixed band (with Q=1.4).
Listening to Orff: Carmina Burana, Live from the Forbidden City (Tidal MQA) - nice test of voice, stage, details, layering, dynamics ... Not otherwise that remarkable, but since I hadn't heard it worth as "burn in material" (new recording from 2018, not 50 year old sonics).
Definitely different sound vs. Cayin N8 - which was one of the criteria to justify carrying both around ... also since both seem to run for 7-8 hours only, having two PMPs solves that ...

 

[cj3209]

Hugo benefits from a great transport ... which the AKs are. Coming from a Chord-centric world view (which I am not - my Hugo 2 is mostly idle), this move would make sense ...

I preferred my SP1000's DAC to the H2. Just my preference.

 

[cj3209]

I'd like to see more comments on comparing AK SP1k to SP2k...

 

[KPzypher]

1 hour impressions ... so far no regrets (SP 2000 ss) ... as expected good synergy with Tia Fourte Noir (Leonidas II Octa - balanced).
I am finding value in using the equalizer - treating it as a fixed band (with Q=1.4).
Listening to Orff: Carmina Burana, Live from the Forbidden City (Tidal MQA) - nice test of voice, stage, details, layering, dynamics ... Not otherwise that remarkable, but since I hadn't heard it worth as "burn in material" (new recording from 2018, not 50 year old sonics).
Definitely different sound vs. Cayin N8 - which was one of the criteria to justify carrying both around ... also since both seem to run for 7-8 hours only, having two PMPs solves that ...

How do you like it compared to N8?