[NewEve]

Holy smoke, if you can get the SP1000M for nearly half price, jump all over that!

Yeah—I know—though at the same time, I'm listening to my ZX300 & CA Andromeda Gold now and it's pure bliss…

 

[Whymez]

Holy smoke, if you can get the SP1000M for nearly half price, jump all over that!

Yeah the deals are out there! There is a local shop near me that were (maybe still is) selling both B-Stock SP1000 and M for half price!
Hence why I jumped on it so quick when I could.

 

[NewEve]

Because I recently had it and liked it: any comparisons in-between the SR15 / SA700 / SP1000M?

Edit: I mean in terms of overall sound signature.

 

[Whymez]

Because I recently had it and liked it: any comparisons in-between the SR15 / SA700 / SP1000M?

Not sure if I can comment on the SR-15 since it's been well over a year since I last listened to it.
I only remember being slightly disappointed as I was coming off my AK120 II and it felt quite flat in comparison. I discounted it pretty quickly and chose between discounted WM1A's and Kahn's.
I chose the WM1A at the time because I found it warmer and more musical. Not too sure if I would make the same decision again.
Although I've never listened to a ZX300, I'm not too sure if the SR15 is worthy of the upgrade compared to other options.

 

[NewEve]

Not sure if I can comment on the SR-15 since it's been well over a year since I last listened to it.
I only remember being slightly disappointed as I was coming off my AK120 II and it felt like it was a downgrade. I discounted it pretty quickly and chose between discounted WM1A's and Kahn's.
Although I've never listened to a ZX300, I'm not too sure if the SR15 is worthy of the upgrade compared to other options.

It wasn't… aside for the added benefit of streaming which is the only reason I'm looking for a new DAP to be honest.

It's also more powerful than the ZX300 with a very low noise floor which is good with sensitive IEMs such as the Andromeda Gold.

I hate Android DAPs, and love and dedicated UI for music such as A&K's and Sony's. As mentioned earlier, A&Ks UI matched my flow well.

Perhaps @Andrew DiMarcangelo can weigh in — he seems to sell all three in his store.

 

[Andrew DiMarcangelo]

I've used the SA700 and SP1000M quite extensively, but never the SR15 (aside from a quick demo at a CanJam last year). I haven't done a side-by-side shootout between the SA700 and SP1000M, but aside from the latter definitely being faster, my guess it is also slightly cleaner and more resolving. But there's no doubt that at the current US pricing, I'd recommend the SA700 every time. Sound is amongst the best of any "midrange" DAPs on the market and in my opinion, it's hands down the sexiest. Thing is drop dead gorgeous, especially in stainless steel.

 

[NewEve]

Noted, thanks !

 

[Focux]

I've used the SA700 and SP1000M quite extensively, but never the SR15 (aside from a quick demo at a CanJam last year). I haven't done a side-by-side shootout between the SA700 and SP1000M, but aside from the latter definitely being faster, my guess it is also slightly cleaner and more resolving. But there's no doubt that at the current US pricing, I'd recommend the SA700 every time. Sound is amongst the best of any "midrange" DAPs on the market and in my opinion, it's hands down the sexiest. Thing is drop dead gorgeous, especially in stainless steel.

how’s it against SE100 or even DX220?

 

[Andrew DiMarcangelo]

how’s it against SE100 or even DX220?

No real experience with either, unfortunately.

 

[Licht]

how’s it against SE100 or even DX220?

To me, just auditioned at the shop, but IMO SE100 felt typical Aluminum body ESS DAC, which is very resolving/analytical and does not have heavy clear sound of stainless steel body.
DX220, IMO, sound wasn't attractive to me at all on Android OS. When played in Mango OS, it was good, but that restriction annoyed me and kept away of.
My preferred players at that price range was, HiFiMAN R2R 2000 Red, Cayin N6ii/T01, and Astell&Kern SA700, and bought SA700.
R2R was typical old good multibit sound, T01 (TI DAC) sounded like typical 2ch stereo, but I couldn't resist Astell&Kern house sound.

 

[cleg]

My video review about SA700

 

[argentinafa]

Nice review. How many hours are you getting from your SA700 roughly? Close to the advertised 8.5hrs?

 

[cleg]

Nice review. How many hours are you getting from your SA700 roughly? Close to the advertised 8.5hrs?

From 7 to a bit below 8 on single-ended out with Khan

 

[argentinafa]

Ok. Same here. Around 7.5hrs on 3.5mm unbal. I’ll try 2.5mm bal cable next.

I turned off the LED indicator at the turn wheel for I noticed after playing for 1-2hrs up, whole unit is hot.

 

[Martin J]

sold my Kann, going to get an open box unit SA700 for about USD $720 equivalent here. Couldn't resist the price and the unit is almost new condition. Was looking at the official sa700 case from AK, man that's expensive. For those the use it, does the metal back of the case help with heat? I'm told this unit gets quite warm.