Astell&Kern SE300 A&futura

[AudioSep]

Just received my SE300, replacing my SE100 with it. More information on the screen. Beautiful colors, sharp screen. Fast and responsive system. Compared to the SE100.
Between the 2, the 100 seems smaller in my hand and is not as fast. Even with the increased weight the 300 does feel good in my hand.
SE300
Between the 2 amps I hear minimal difference in the sound. Easy to access by touching the top of the screen and pull down. Tap the amp option and switch on the fly. Super simple, same for the DAC options.

SE300; Transferring files is noticeably faster and just works. SE100 it would stop now and then. So improved.

Updated interface is nice, lot of options to install more apps.

Now that I own both would I buy the 300 again over the 100?
SE300 Major improvement in the interface, interface speed. Screen resolution, more space on-board.
SE100 Sound is very close. If I was only making a decision between the 2 on sound quality alone, I would not buy the 300.
Coupled with the screen, speed etc, I am glad I bought the SE300. Very happy with the purchase.

The SE300 is impeccable from the sound quality perspective, but its sluggish system response drives me crazy. If only the SE300 used the same processor as the SP3000, I would have chosen it without hesitation over the SP3000.

 

[saeldur]

How much more responsive is SP3000? I love my SE300, but the slow interface has been driving me crazy... With the more affordable SP3000M announced, I might just go for that one.

 

[eddie3vino]

I have owned both the SP3000 and SE300. Both were very responsive in my experience. The SP3000 was perhaps a little more responsive but not by much. The SP3000M sounds very tempting.

 

[musicplayer123]

I have owned both the SP3000 and SE300. Both were very responsive in my experience. The SP3000 was perhaps a little more responsive but not by much. The SP3000M sounds very tempting.

I own a SP3000, it’s UI is faster, it has a more advanced chip - spoke with A&K and they advised this info - check it out - but if I was on a budget I would buy the SP3000M…is a new model selling for $2300, it has many of the attributes of the 3000, with a smaller screen and lighter body

 

[saeldur]

Lighter body would be good... Now that it is colder, I have been carrying it in my jacket, but during summer months, I had to resort to using a man purse Or just use phone with a dongle DAC. Just checked spec sheets, and the SP3000M would be even lighter than SE300 - 237g vs 317g

 

[musicplayer123]

Yep - it’s a really good alternative than spending a lot more!

 

[WreckedEm2]

How does apple music run on this? Can someone also confirm that offline downloaded tracks play well, too? Looking to pull the trigger on this in the next day or two.

 

[WreckedEm2]

The SE300 is impeccable from the sound quality perspective, but its sluggish system response drives me crazy. If only the SE300 used the same processor as the SP3000, I would have chosen it without hesitation over the SP3000.

can y ou speak into how apple music works, both streaming and offline? That's my main app so I want to be able to use it decently and not without too much struggle. Thanks!

 

[saeldur]

can y ou speak into how apple music works, both streaming and offline? That's my main app so I want to be able to use it decently and not without too much struggle. Thanks!

Apple music works well enough on SE300. Tidal is rather sluggish.

 

[WreckedEm2]

Apple music works well enough on SE300. Tidal is rather sluggish.

Thanks. So not too much delay? Can you describe any faults or quirks that I should know as an AM main, please?

Couple of more questions:
1. Can you confirm Apple Music offline downloads can play without wireless, please?
2. Does updating to the latest firmware ensure that you can download the latest version of the Apple Music player? Is that all you need to do to stay current. Wondering what to do right out of the box to make sure I have the latest and fast version of AM that se300 can provide.


Thanks!

 

[saeldur]

Not sure about the latest version, but offline playback of downloaded music works.

 

[WreckedEm2]

Not sure about the latest version, but offline playback of downloaded music works.

Is there a file management system inside of the se300 that lets me delete downloaded music from the sd card, specifically from Apple Music? I bought a micro sd card but I'd rather not have to get a separate sd card reader.

 

[saeldur]

Is there a file management system inside of the se300 that lets me delete downloaded music from the sd card, specifically from Apple Music? I bought a micro sd card but I'd rather not have to get a separate sd card reader.

It has a file system interface, but I think the protected music from apple is hidden... But you can always "un-download" from apple music. Also note that SE300 will not recognize sd cards that isn't formatted with fat32

 

[WreckedEm2]

It has a file system interface, but I think the protected music from apple is hidden... But you can always "un-download" from apple music. Also note that SE300 will not recognize sd cards that isn't formatted with fat32

Roger that. I purchased this card:

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09X7DQJQL?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

Will the se300 let me format the card so I don't have to get a card reader? I read that on some AK devices, there is an erase sd card option in some players. Thanks again! I pulled the trigger last night, so just need to make sure I have all of my ducks in a row and get any necessary peripherals...etc

 

[WreckedEm2]

It has a file system interface, but I think the protected music from apple is hidden... But you can always "un-download" from apple music. Also note that SE300 will not recognize sd cards that isn't formatted with fat32

Will the se300 be able to tell you how full the card is, given it will primarily be full of AM downloads?