[Mike-WI]

Moved my short impressions from the other thread...

______________________________________​

SE100 > DHC Silver (unbalanced) > Westone W80

First impressions...

Best balanced portable DAP I've ever heard. Been listening to iBasso DX200 for a year or so now. And while it sounds good... it sounds a bit hyped and over bearing in the high and low end...compared to the SE100. And yet... the SE100 is so detailed and layered in it's presentation... it's not boring in any sense... unless maybe you like sizzly highs. While there's great extension in the highs, it's never pronounced, as if it's not trying to add anything to the presentation... just play it back as is. And there's plenty of warmth and low end. I was afraid it might be a little too sterile for my tastes, as I'm a bit of a basshead. But no issues to me whatsoever. And the midrange is exquisite, pretty much everywhere.

And then there's the UI and screen, which is leagues better than the DX200. The screen and user interface are flawless in function... unlike the DX200. The only thing I'd wish for in terms of the UI is a few more sorting options (like being able to sort artist/albums by date rather than alaphabetical), and then when at artist/album, be able to hide the tracks for each album so that I only see the individual albums, with the songs listed for each album if I select an album.

Other than that, very happy with the SE100 so far. Really impressed that they got the 9038, which is perceived as a very clinical DAC, to be so warm, impactful, layered and detailed, but not harsh in the high end in the least, and with plenty of low end and lower midrange warmth for my tastes.
______________________________________

Screen protector is not pre-installed, but included in the packaging (2 sets). There's 2 for the front and 2 for the back. I f'd mine up, thinking there were 4 included and trying to get a good clean install. Too late, I discovered the last 2 I had were for the back (A&K noob). I ordered a couple of SP1000 screen protectors (can't find SE100 yet), hoping they'll fit. Still waiting on them. Doesn't really matter, though, as I already have a case, and the way I use mine, there's little to zero chance of the screen getting dinged.

While I'm here... the SE100 is everything I had hoped the DX200 would be (and isn't), only better. The sound quality to me is significantly better. The UI is super smooth and quick. And no nasty clicks, pops, or artifacts between track plays or switching sample rates at all... all totally silent.

The ONLY things I like better about the DX200 are 1) the volume knob is a little easier to turn on the DX200 when the device is laying flat on a desk (no problems when holding the SE100, or tilting it slightly... the SE100 volume knob seems to work a little easier with your hand behind the device), and 2) I like the DX200 placement of the headphone jack on bottom and the USB cable on top, as when I'm at my desk, it's more natural for the headphone cable to come out from the bottom of the unit, and the charger to come from an outlet at my cubicle from far side of my desk. I can see how the SE100 jack placement might really be better for carrying the device in a pocket, though.

I don't find the sound lacking in dynamics at all (as another poster said not as dynamic as the SP1000). Could be because of the great Westone W80s I'm using. I can see how maybe, with lesser headphones, it might be lacking in low and top end emphasis because the frequency range seems so flat, which might make some lesser headphones sound less dynamic or more "dull" due to lack of range in those areas. Also great to be able to hear all the detail and space between the notes so effortlessly. Reverb and room tones easy to pick out and hear. To me, the SE100 sounds killer/awesome... every bit as detailed and rich as the Benchmark DAC2 DX I use in the studio, with plenty of low end... but the low end is not intrusive at all to other frequencies (to me, anyway). Just sounds "right". Totally worth the price for me.
______________________________________

As an audio player... the se100 is better than the DX200... in every way. Sound is more balanced... not bloated in the low end, highs not as exaggerated. Not to say the se100 is boring or dull... it's not at all. Better dynamics, more clear and balanced throughout the frequency range. UI and software works without a hiccup. No strange noises, pops, or clicks when switching sample rates or track lists. Just gorgeous, clear, balanced sound quality, from top to bottom. SE100 > DHC silver (se) > Westone W80... no EQ... if there's better, I haven't heard it yet.
______________________________________

I only use unbalanced w/ IEMs. Have stock amp 1, amp 2, amp 5. I like the se100 unbalanced better than any of the various unbalanced dx200 amps.
______________________________________

Nicely said. And I haven't put on my screen protectors yet, so appreciate your notes.
Miter case should be here today. Do I need/want screen protectors on if I have a case?

Mike

 

[lesc]

Reverb and room tones easy to pick out and hear. To me, the SE100 sounds killer/awesome... every bit as detailed and rich as the Benchmark DAC2 DX I use in the studio, with plenty of low end... but the low end is not intrusive at all to other frequencies (to me, anyway). Just sounds "right". Totally worth the price for me.

Ah... Thank you for this description. That is indeed a high praise. I wonder if SE100 is on the warmer/cooler side of SP1000... Can anyone comment? I am considering this player for my home stereo system, more so than as a personal player, and my only concern is that "clarity" doesn't mean "etched" or fatiguing. I'm gathering that SE100 is on the "cooler" side compared to KANN at least.

Also, some newbie questions: With AK Connect, I presume I will be able to connect and control the SE100 directly. Does anyone have any experience using AK Connect? Also, if SE100 is continuously charged, will it degrade/damage the battery? Does Astell have a battery replacement policy?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Tinnitus Man]

Battery technology is a lot better these days. The chances are that it'll last a lot longer than you own the device for.

Choosing the SP1000 is largely dependent on your budget. It's easy enough to spend twice as much on equipment and unconciously bias yourself into thinking it sounds better. You might not be as constantly critical listening to music as a home HiFi system as you might do with headphones.

 

[diver110]

+1, please someone do in depth comparison vs SP1000..

+2

 

[diver110]

Ah... Thank you for this description. That is indeed a high praise. I wonder if SE100 is on the warmer/cooler side of SP1000... Can anyone comment? I am considering this player for my home stereo system, more so than as a personal player, and my only concern is that "clarity" doesn't mean "etched" or fatiguing. I'm gathering that SE100 is on the "cooler" side compared to KANN at least.

Also, some newbie questions: With AK Connect, I presume I will be able to connect and control the SE100 directly. Does anyone have any experience using AK Connect? Also, if SE100 is continuously charged, will it degrade/damage the battery? Does Astell have a battery replacement policy?

Thanks in advance.

I have used AK Connect. It is not all that intuitive, but it works okay as a remote. One negative is that you cannot change the volume.

 

[lesc]

Battery technology is a lot better these days. The chances are that it'll last a lot longer than you own the device for.

Choosing the SP1000 is largely dependent on your budget. It's easy enough to spend twice as much on equipment and unconciously bias yourself into thinking it sounds better. You might not be as constantly critical listening to music as a home HiFi system as you might do with headphones.

Good to hear about the battery tech these days.

Indeed. My only reason for comparing SE100 to the SP1000, which I can't afford anyway, is because of its purported refined qualities as reported in the Stereophile review. While I don't expect SE100 to match the SP1000 pound for pound, I would hope it's more alike than not. My only hope for SE100 is that it's not "etched" or overly glaring in sonic signature. (What I prefer.) That is my only concern now. I'm pretty much sold otherwise.

 

[lesc]

I have used AK Connect. It is not all that intuitive, but it works okay as a remote. One negative is that you cannot change the volume.

Thanks for the feedback. That's great to hear. Yeah, I'm only interested in using it as a glorified remote, for the lazy days...

 

[Tinnitus Man]

It's not etched or harsh in any way. It's neutral, open, and honest.

The problem with reading things on the internet is that you're at the mercy of other people's ears (and the fact they don't have to pay for review units), and they lead your preconceptions as a result. The good thing about the SE100 is that there's been no formal industry reviews yet. I bought mine unheard, and I've been extremely pleased with it. The SP1000 might well be better, but it's twice the price.

 

[lesc]

It's not etched or harsh in any way. It's neutral, open, and honest.

The problem with reading things on the internet is that you're at the mercy of other people's ears (and the fact they don't have to pay for review units), and they lead your preconceptions as a result. The good thing about the SE100 is that there's been no formal industry reviews yet. I bought mine unheard, and I've been extremely pleased with it. The SP1000 might well be better, but it's twice the price.

You are right, of course. In audio, one often has his/her gurus... and I was quite swayed by Michael Fremer's review of the SP1000 in Stereophile (https://www.stereophile.com/content/astellkern-aultima-sp1000-portable-audio-player). It got me to think that a portable unit could kill many birds and be the centerpiece of my audio system. (Really, why not?) I can't afford/justify the SP1000, but then the SE100 came along... And let's just say, I'm having a bit of a crush at the moment. Anyway, thanks again for chiming in.

 

[natemact]

Moved my short impressions from the other thread...

______________________________________​

SE100 > DHC Silver (unbalanced) > Westone W80

First impressions...

Best balanced portable DAP I've ever heard. Been listening to iBasso DX200 for a year or so now. And while it sounds good... it sounds a bit hyped and over bearing in the high and low end...compared to the SE100. And yet... the SE100 is so detailed and layered in it's presentation... it's not boring in any sense... unless maybe you like sizzly highs. While there's great extension in the highs, it's never pronounced, as if it's not trying to add anything to the presentation... just play it back as is. And there's plenty of warmth and low end. I was afraid it might be a little too sterile for my tastes, as I'm a bit of a basshead. But no issues to me whatsoever. And the midrange is exquisite, pretty much everywhere.

And then there's the UI and screen, which is leagues better than the DX200. The screen and user interface are flawless in function... unlike the DX200. The only thing I'd wish for in terms of the UI is a few more sorting options (like being able to sort artist/albums by date rather than alaphabetical), and then when at artist/album, be able to hide the tracks for each album so that I only see the individual albums, with the songs listed for each album if I select an album.

Other than that, very happy with the SE100 so far. Really impressed that they got the 9038, which is perceived as a very clinical DAC, to be so warm, impactful, layered and detailed, but not harsh in the high end in the least, and with plenty of low end and lower midrange warmth for my tastes.
______________________________________

Screen protector is not pre-installed, but included in the packaging (2 sets). There's 2 for the front and 2 for the back. I f'd mine up, thinking there were 4 included and trying to get a good clean install. Too late, I discovered the last 2 I had were for the back (A&K noob). I ordered a couple of SP1000 screen protectors (can't find SE100 yet), hoping they'll fit. Still waiting on them. Doesn't really matter, though, as I already have a case, and the way I use mine, there's little to zero chance of the screen getting dinged.

While I'm here... the SE100 is everything I had hoped the DX200 would be (and isn't), only better. The sound quality to me is significantly better. The UI is super smooth and quick. And no nasty clicks, pops, or artifacts between track plays or switching sample rates at all... all totally silent.

The ONLY things I like better about the DX200 are 1) the volume knob is a little easier to turn on the DX200 when the device is laying flat on a desk (no problems when holding the SE100, or tilting it slightly... the SE100 volume knob seems to work a little easier with your hand behind the device), and 2) I like the DX200 placement of the headphone jack on bottom and the USB cable on top, as when I'm at my desk, it's more natural for the headphone cable to come out from the bottom of the unit, and the charger to come from an outlet at my cubicle from far side of my desk. I can see how the SE100 jack placement might really be better for carrying the device in a pocket, though.

I don't find the sound lacking in dynamics at all (as another poster said not as dynamic as the SP1000). Could be because of the great Westone W80s I'm using. I can see how maybe, with lesser headphones, it might be lacking in low and top end emphasis because the frequency range seems so flat, which might make some lesser headphones sound less dynamic or more "dull" due to lack of range in those areas. Also great to be able to hear all the detail and space between the notes so effortlessly. Reverb and room tones easy to pick out and hear. To me, the SE100 sounds killer/awesome... every bit as detailed and rich as the Benchmark DAC2 DX I use in the studio, with plenty of low end... but the low end is not intrusive at all to other frequencies (to me, anyway). Just sounds "right". Totally worth the price for me.
______________________________________

As an audio player... the se100 is better than the DX200... in every way. Sound is more balanced... not bloated in the low end, highs not as exaggerated. Not to say the se100 is boring or dull... it's not at all. Better dynamics, more clear and balanced throughout the frequency range. UI and software works without a hiccup. No strange noises, pops, or clicks when switching sample rates or track lists. Just gorgeous, clear, balanced sound quality, from top to bottom. SE100 > DHC silver (se) > Westone W80... no EQ... if there's better, I haven't heard it yet.
______________________________________

I only use unbalanced w/ IEMs. Have stock amp 1, amp 2, amp 5. I like the se100 unbalanced better than any of the various unbalanced dx200 amps.
______________________________________

Wow! Those are some mighty absolutes right there!! Don't you think it's pretty tough to lay the smackdown on the DX200 when amps 3, 4, or 4s weren't used though?

Once my Amp8 arrives I'll put them head-to-head. No point with only my 4s.

 

[Mike-WI]

It's not etched or harsh in any way. It's neutral, open, and honest.

The problem with reading things on the internet is that you're at the mercy of other people's ears (and the fact they don't have to pay for review units), and they lead your preconceptions as a result. The good thing about the SE100 is that there's been no formal industry reviews yet. I bought mine unheard, and I've been extremely pleased with it. The SP1000 might well be better, but it's twice the price.

I agree. In my limited listening I have found it to be very clear with bass to treble extension.
Maybe even some treble "sparkles" I hadn't heard before, but not fatiguing or etched.
I just wanted to keep listening.

Mike

 

[javahut]

Wow! Those are some mighty absolutes right there!! Don't you think it's pretty tough to lay the smackdown on the DX200 when amps 3, 4, or 4s weren't used though?

Once my Amp8 arrives I'll put them head-to-head. No point with only my 4s.

No, I don't think it was "pretty tough" on the DX200. It's my impression of the SE100 versus the DX200. Many of the problems I have with the DX200 are not related to sound quality. And when I do compare the sound quality... it's a comparison of all the attempts at unbalanced sound quality with multiple unbalanced amps iBasso released for the DX200... versus the one attempt at unbalanced sound quality that was done "right", right out of the gate, with the initial release of the SE100... along with almost everything else that's better about the SE100 over the DX200. The SE100 is easily better than the DX200.

 

[mt-hifidelity]

I did another contrast/compare session with the SE100 and copper SP1000, this time using:
- JH Audio Layla CIEMs with the Silver Dragon v3 balanced cable
- 64 Audio U18t's with the Effect Audio Eros II 8 strand balanced cable
- Campfire Cascades with the balanced ALO Litz cable

In short, the SP1000 won out. I was hoping that wouldn't be the case. I just bought the SE100 and I admire it greatly. Unfortunately, sometimes the most expensive TOTL unit actually is the best one (for me anyway; YMMV).

First the good: the SE100 grabs your attention with clarity and punchy dynamics. On well-produced recordings it reveals a wonderful sense of space around each instrument and voice that few other daps can achieve. Compared to the SP1000, it's soundstage seems just as wide but a hair deeper, providing ample breathing room to discern excellent layering, separation, and imaging. The bass is potent with good texture and speed but not unnaturally so.

Certain tracks really popped out. Old standards such as BMarley & the Wailers' Easy Skanking, MJ's Wanna Be Starting Something, Don't Stop Till You Get Enough, Fleetwood Mac's Dreams, and the newly remastered Sgt Pepper outtakes, are all many decades old but sounded utterly fresh on the SE100. Each percussive element occupied a distinct spot in 3D space. Every breath was palpable.

Unfortunately, along with that resolution and sense of space comes overly-crispy highs, slightly grainy upper mids, and a touch of sibilance. Yes, I tested with highly revealing IEMs and cables, but I also used the Campfire Cascade which is bassy and warmish. On 'Songbird' and 'You Make Loving Fun' by Fleetwood Mac, and 'Hotel California' (sigh) by The Eagles, which I often use for testing because I know them so well, I picked up previously unrecognized nuances and dimension. Then Christine McVie hit the high notes. There was a touch of screechiness. Slightly 'digital-ish' sounding. Moving to the SP1000, the nuances remained but the harshness disappeared. I went back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. Ever see the movie Sideways? Where the main character shows his friend how to approach wine-tasting, closing his eyes, fingers in ears, nose sniffing deeply into the glass? I was the audiophile version of the oenophile.

This is where the SP1000 shines. It can do just about everything the SE100 can do but without any sibilance or grain. It unleashes heaps of detail without harshness and without sounding overly digital. It has the SE100's resolving airy sound but is also smooth. That is no easy feat! It doesn't have the Sony WM1Z's warm liquid tone, but then again its not trying to. The SP1000 is clearly aiming for a more reference sound. Its clear & spacious, with extended highs and excellent bass slam just like the SE100. But with every track I tried it was never grainy, brittle, or processed-sounding. I must say, I was hooked.

I should note that the SE100 had about 15-20 hours of burn-in time whereas the SP1000 had at least 200 hours. I still think it was a fair test. The SE100 will relax a bit more when it hits 200 hours -- but just a bit.

I still admire the SE100. Its minor deficiencies, which are absolutely minor, wouldn't be as noticeable if I hadn't done this recent pepsi challenge with the SP1000. But they are still there.

To sum up, I'm returning the SE100 this week and getting the SP1000 cu.

 

[natemact]

Sorry to sidetrack. Back in my box after this.

Why do I get the feeling that I should be made to apologize to you after reading your first two sentences? This was not the way I had envisioned it going lol...or maybe I just read too far into your use of quotes and stating that they're your impressions. Peace brother : )

My intentions were not to dismiss your thoughts. I was just the fool to merely add that the DX200 has more to offer SQ wise, something agreed on by those that own any of the my mentioned amps. That you didn't catch my drift surprised me, but that you took exception to it scared me....I get scared easily, so what? : )

While Amp5 is decent (little too thick and muddy) running DX200 single-ended kinda seems like a waste to me. Like buying a V6 Mustang. Amp7 might change that tho.

As an audio player... the se100 is better than the DX200... in every way

Well I can think of one way we don't know this is true yet

Happy Listening...and posting

 

[diver110]

I did another contrast/compare session with the SE100 and copper SP1000, this time using:
- JH Audio Layla CIEMs with the Silver Dragon v3 balanced cable
- 64 Audio U18t's with the Effect Audio Eros II 8 strand balanced cable
- Campfire Cascades with the balanced ALO Litz cable

In short, the SP1000 won out. I was hoping that wouldn't be the case since I just bought the SE100. Unfortunately, sometimes the most expensive TOTL unit actually is the best one (for me anyway; YMMV).

First the good: the SE100 grabs your attention with clarity and punchy dynamics. On well-produced recordings it reveals a wonderful sense of space around each instrument and voice that few other daps can achieve. Compared to the SP1000, it's soundstage seems just as wide but a hair deeper, providing ample breathing room to discern excellent layering, separation, and imaging. The bass is potent with good texture and speed but not unnaturally so.

Certain tracks really popped out. Faves such as The Wailers' Easy Skanking, MJ's Wanna Be Starting Something, Don't Stop Till You Get Enough, Fleetwood Mac's Dreams, and the newly remastered Sgt Pepper outtakes, are all many decades old but sounded utterly fresh on the SE100, especially with the U18t's. Each percussive element occupied a distinct spot in 3D space. Every breath was palpable.

Unfortunately, along with that resolution and sense of space comes too-crispy highs, slightly grainy upper mids, and a touch of sibilance. Yes, I tested with highly revealing IEMs and cables, but I also used the Campfire Cascade which are known to be bassy and warmish. On 'Songbird' and 'You Make Loving Fun' by Fleetwood Mac, and 'Hotel California' (sigh) by The Eagles, which I often use for testing because I know them so well, I picked up previously unrecognized nuances and dimension. But when Christine McVie hit the high notes there was a touch of screechiness. Moving to the SP1000, the nuances remained but the harshness disappeared. I went back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. Ever see the movie Sideways? Where the main character shows his friend how to approach wine-tasting, closing his eyes, fingers in ears, nose sniffing deeply into the glass? I was the audiophile version of the oenophile.

This is where the SP1000 shines. It can do just about everything the SE100 can do but without any sibilance or grain. It unleashes heaps of detail without harshness and without sounding overly digital. It has the SE100's resolving airy sound but is also smooth. That is no easy feat! It doesn't have the Sony WM1Z's warm liquid tone, but then again its not trying to. The SP1000 is clearly aiming for a more reference sound. Its clear, spacious, and punchy, but no matter what tracks I tried, it was never grainy, brittle, or processed-sounding. I must say, I was hooked.

I should note that the SE100 had about 15-20 hours of burn-in time whereas the SP1000 had at least 200 hours. I still think it was a fair test. The SE100 sound may relax a bit more but just a bit.
I still admire the SE100 great, and I know its minor deficencies wouldn't be as noticeable if I hadn't done this recent pepsi challenge with the SP1000. But they are still there.

To sum up, I'm returning the SE100 this week and getting the SP1000 cu.

Bummer. I was rooting for the SE 100. In percentage terms, how close was the SE100. 90%? Less? It sounds like the SE100 was brighter sounding? Many thanks for your insights.