Case from taobao
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So A&K's $500 amplifier is better than the amplifier contained within the $3600 SP3000 ...
I've spent more time with the AK SP10 and the SP3000 and wanted to provide an update. While there is incremental gain in the overall weight of the note, you do lose out on some of the spatial qualities of the SP3K sound stage, so it's not as holographic and as wide. So far, for me the PA10 is a home run with the Sony, a home run with the SP2K but takes away the magical qualities of the SP3K.I received the PA10 a few days and have been swapping Daps to get some initial impressions > SP3000, SP2000cu, Sony ZX707. If I get a noticeable improvement (doesn't have to be transformative) in my listening experience I'm fine with paying more to get it. (listening was paired with Noble KK, Code23 cable)
SONY ZX707: Primarily used out of home, air travel, pocket listening. With PA10, it transforms the Sony into a TOTL listening experience. Soundstage expands massively, instruments are more separated, more layering, AK house sound is introduced but retains some of the warmth with Sony.
SP2K: Wow. I wasn't expecting much, but there is a noticeable improvement to an already great DAP. The soundstage expands in every direction, every note carries more weight, and the depth of the low end is deep and richly textured. They layering is top notch. The soundstage doesn't approach the SP3K level, but it's better in every way. There is also a little more smoothness/richness in the notes. With the Noble KK, the bass is just absolutely massive, visceral punch in the throat kind of experience.
SP3K: The soundstage gives me an out of body experience on the SP3K. Imagine a completely black, infinite space where the music seems to magically float in that space and you have this, hard to describe, truly 3D listening experience. With the PA10, the soundstage is retained, you have a little more smoothness, and each note has more authority.
The PA10 is one of my better acquisitions in the past year. Glad I pulled the trigger. (design-wise, AK hit another home run, albeit more minimalistic but it's a beauty.
Cons so far? First, it doesn't come with a 4.4mm cable, so you're SOL if your IEMs don't have one. I have one on order now. Second, no known case in the market that I can find.
Thanks for the info on the amp as I have been looking at picking one up myself. I was curious as to what cable you were using to connect the Sony to the amp. 4mm-4mm I assume and what volume output are you setting on the Sony since you are going out from the headphone output to the amp. Thanks in advance.I've spent more time with the AK SP10 and the SP3000 and wanted to provide an update. While there is incremental gain in the overall weight of the note, you do lose out on some of the spatial qualities of the SP3K sound stage, so it's not as holographic and as wide. So far, for me the PA10 is a home run with the Sony, a home run with the SP2K but takes away the magical qualities of the SP3K.
I'm using an iFi silver plated cable Here. Volume on Sony (Japan version) is about 50%, but am still dialing it up and down, and playing with the gain and current on the amp. Really nice amp.Thanks for the info on the amp as I have been looking at picking one up myself. I was curious as to what cable you were using to connect the Sony to the amp. 4mm-4mm I assume and what volume output are you setting on the Sony since you are going out from the headphone output to the amp. Thanks in advance.
Are you on high gain with the Sony 4.4mm headphone out as well ?I'm using an iFi silver plated cable Here. Volume on Sony (Japan version) is about 50%, but am still dialing it up and down, and playing with the gain and current on the amp. Really nice amp.
Is the PA10 more powerful than the amplifier inside the SP3000? Power spec's listed by A&K are the same for both.I've spent more time with the AK SP10 and the SP3000 and wanted to provide an update. While there is incremental gain in the overall weight of the note, you do lose out on some of the spatial qualities of the SP3K sound stage, so it's not as holographic and as wide. So far, for me the PA10 is a home run with the Sony, a home run with the SP2K but takes away the magical qualities of the SP3K.
I'm running this combo now, with Sennheiser IE 600 - sounds absolute amazing. Was skeptical with Lieven's review, but it's as good as advertised. FWIW, I used M11 Plus Ltd. with L&P W2 prior to PA10 - night and day difference.Will the use of Astell & Kern AP10 with DAP FIIO M11 Plus Ltd - significantly increase the sound quality?
Thank YouI'm running this combo now, with Sennheiser IE 600 - sounds absolute amazing. Was skeptical with Lieven's review, but it's as good as advertised. FWIW, I used M11 Plus Ltd. with L&P W2 prior to PA10 - night and day difference.