abitdeef
Formerly known as ihatepopupads
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2003
- Posts
- 7,407
- Likes
- 4,240
Listening to my brand new SR15. No problem in the detail department, and nicely balanced sound across the frequency range, sound stage is composed and nicely shaped, adequately wide and deep. So far it's only fault is it lacks correct timbre, sounds digital compared to what I'm used to. I will run it in with the hopes of the sound improving for now. This is where some nice elna silmic capacitors would really help the naturalness of the sound. The SR15 does get most things impressively right though.
Not related to sound, the form factor is nice, UI is efficient and easy to navigate, touchscreen isn't the most responsive though, speed and fluidity not up to smart phone standards either but I have no problems with it though. The screen itself is sharp, bright and has decent viewing angles, but it has pretty bad contrast and black depth, I wish AK had kept the OLED screen the original AK70 had, but not so important in a music player after all. The build is very solid and looks great, the bottom right corner is sharp and digs into my right hand though.
One last thing, these DAC chips have 5 switchable digital filters to change the sound on an intrinsic level, but AK doesn't give us the option to change them, while many other portable audio players do, which is just a massive shame on AK's part, no good reason for limiting us.
PS: As I continue to listen I can hear the sound improving slowly, the layering and texture is emerging impressively, timbre also getting better but still needs a ways to go, but I've decided to keep this guy based on where it's headed. Ordered a Dignis Italian Nubuck Leather case for it.
PPS: It is summer here and the SR15 is getting what feels like dangerously hot, but I've heard this will subside after break in.
PPPS: Has anyone noticed a change in sound after firmware updating?
I’ve got about 60 hours on mine and I’ve been listening straight for about 2 hours and the metal top is cold to the touch- it wasn’t like that when I first got it, it ran pretty damn warm.
It still gets a bit warm if I stream or run DSD balanced, but nothing out of the ordinary. Also the sound has settled in and the timbre has become more natural. Piano is sounding really nice at this point, with great attack and decay and weight. It sounds real.
If I listen to my nano or my AP80 or SE zx300 right after listening to the SR15 the piano sounds off and is lacking something- hard to describe but I’ve been playing since I was 10 and I love the sound of ‘live’ piano.
Anyways glad the sound is settling in for you. I liked it out of the box, but I too thought the timbre was a bit off and the mids seemed a bit further out than I’m used to. But now I really like it. I am surprised they only used small caps but I’m digging the sound.
Still wish it had Sony battery life.