Astell & Kern SR25: The next A&norma player

[Mirimar]

You’re the man! How are you liking it? I’d primarily use tidal offline side loaded onto the SD card. I will primarily use IEMs for listening; specifically: IER Z1R, Andromedas, and FH7s here and there

The stock app doesn’t do Tidal offline but you can install the Tidal APK on the Open APP service which works really well. I got some WIFI dropouts when streaming but downloading and listening offline is perfect (it’s only version one software). I actually got the SR25 to pair with my Solstice and the shop also said this would be a nice pairing. The idea I had was to get a DAP that is neutral sounding but warm rather than analytical. I think the SR25 will pair well with IEMs.

 

[Kad998]

The stock app doesn’t do Tidal offline but you can install the Tidal APK on the Open APP service which works really well. I got some WIFI dropouts when streaming but downloading and listening offline is perfect (it’s only version one software). I actually got the SR25 to pair with my Solstice and the shop also said this would be a nice pairing. The idea I had was to get a DAP that is neutral sounding but warm rather than analytical. I think the SR25 will pair well with IEMs.

So it sounds like the APK takes care of tidal so that wouldn’t be too big of a worry. Hmmm.... So if you could pair it to the M11’s sound, would you say that it was the warmer sound that you were looking for? In your opinion, would it be a big enough upgrade sonically or should there be a bigger jump?

 

[Mirimar]

So it sounds like the APK takes care of tidal so that wouldn’t be too big of a worry. Hmmm.... So if you could pair it to the M11’s sound, would you say that it was the warmer sound that you were looking for? In your opinion, would it be a big enough upgrade sonically or should there be a bigger jump?

I think the SR25 is warmer sounding and more neutral than the M11. The SR25 won’t “wow” you with anything in particular it just does everything nicely (IMO) and the build quality it very good. I guess it depends what you want from the DAP because I personally wouldn’t see the point in having both. If you use 4.4mm balanced cables then the M11 is the way to go but if you use 2.5mm and like a neutral sounding DAP with a touch of warmth then the SR25 is really nice. Also if you browse music a lot on the device stick with the M11 because you will notice the smaller screen on the SR25.

 

[supervisor]

is this player bitperfect and not subject to Android resampling across all third-party hi-res streaming apps? (Tidal, Qobuz, etc.)

no one has the answer to this?

 

[gazzington]

I’ve ordered one to. I own too many daps but I want to see how close this gets to the top tier before I decide what to sell

 

[Hanesu]

no one has the answer to this?

As far as I know all A&K devices don‘t downsample!

 

[duaned]

Been listening to my SR25 today and what a nice looking and sounding piece of technology! However 1 thing is bugging me. A&K, why only have a limited version of the Deezer App in services? I only get the options "Basic" or "Standard" for audio quality, not the HiFi option as I get ( and pay for) on all my other hardware. Please advise.

 

[Mirimar]

Been listening to my SR25 today and what a nice looking and sounding piece of technology! However 1 thing is bugging me. A&K, why only have a limited version of the Deezer App in services? I only get the options "Basic" or "Standard" for audio quality, not the HiFi option as I get ( and pay for) on all my other hardware. Please advise.

Try installing the Deezer APK...

 

[NewEve]

Just got my SR25 and here are a few first impressions — I'll be posting a review on Empeiros Audio in the coming days (weeks?).

Usual disclaimer: I have a preference for an open, lush/smooth/warm sound with some definition, texture and soundstage — none to excess. I am not into an analytical or clinical sound.

My past DAPs were, in this order: Cowon Plenue D, Cowon Plenue M2, Sony ZX300, HiBy R6 Pro, HiBy R5, Astell & Kern A&norma SR15, Astell & Kern A&ultima SP1000M.

My all time favourite always has been the Sony ZX300 which was dethroned by A&K's SR15 who's sound I preferred although it ended up sold as I found it too small.

The last DAP I owned was A&K's SP1000M so my comparison, from memory, will mainly be with this latest DAP, paired with Campfire Andromeda Special Edition: Gold (with their stock, SE, cable) which I'll finally keep.

Overall, I prefer the sound signature of the SR25 over the SP1000M, without hesitation.

I know this next comment might generate a stir but the SR25 is also as fast, if not faster, than the SP1000M — no question about it (the new Android base of the SR25 might be the reason).

The screen resolution and size are just about perfect for a genuinely portable DAP. Although the SR25 still is small-ish, it isn't as annoying/restrictive as the SR15.

It's overall build and design makes it the first DAP, together with the ZX300, which I want to use without a case just to feel the DAP for what it is: an exquisites piece of design and hardware.

A&K finally included matt screen protectors for the front and rear which are of good manufacture compared to the ones bundled with the SP1000M which were a disgrace.

EDIT: I also find the SR25 volume wheel to be better implemented than on the SP1000M.

EDIT 2: It's also nice not to have to handle a DAP like it is nitro-glycerine (with the SP1000M worth 2k… I kinda struggled with that).

EDIT 3: Quick picture — testing the SR25, balanced, with WiFi on.

​

 

[NewEve]

Been listening to my SR25 today and what a nice looking and sounding piece of technology! However 1 thing is bugging me. A&K, why only have a limited version of the Deezer App in services? I only get the options "Basic" or "Standard" for audio quality, not the HiFi option as I get ( and pay for) on all my other hardware. Please advise.

Here's how to do it: https://www.astellnkern.com/eng/content/support/faq/view.asp?li=1000606

You can download the latest APK version of Deezer here: https://apkpure.com/deezer-music-player-songs-playlists-podcasts/deezer.android.app/versions

 

[Tristy]

Just got my SR25 and here are a few first impressions — I'll be posting a review on Empeiros Audio in the coming days (weeks?).

Usual disclaimer: I have a preference for an open, lush/smooth/warm sound with some definition, texture and soundstage — none to excess. I am not into an analytical or clinical sound.

My past DAPs were, in this order: Cowon Plenue D, Cowon Plenue M2, Sony ZX300, HiBy R6 Pro, HiBy R5, Astell & Kern A&norma SR15, Astell & Kern A&ultima SP1000M.

My all time favourite always has been the Sony ZX300 which was dethroned by A&K's SR15 who's sound I preferred although it ended up sold as I found it too small.

The last DAP I owned was A&K's SP1000M so my comparison, from memory, will mainly be with this latest DAP, paired with Campfire Andromeda Special Edition: Gold (with their stock, SE, cable) which I'll finally keep.

Overall, I prefer the sound signature of the SR25 over the SP1000M, without hesitation.

I know this next comment might generate a stir but the SR25 is also as fast, if not faster, than the SP1000M — no question about it (the new Android base of the SR25 might be the reason).

The screen resolution and size are just about perfect for a genuinely portable DAP. Although the SR25 still is small-ish, it isn't as annoying/restrictive as the SR15.

It's overall build and design makes it the first DAP, together with the ZX300, which I want to use without a case just to the feel the DAP for what it is: an exquisites piece of design and hardware.

A&K finally included matt screen protectors for the front and rear which are of good manufacture compared to the ones bundled with the SP1000M which were a disgrace.

EDIT: I also find the SR25 volume wheel to be better implemented than on the SP1000M.

EDIT 2: It's also nice not to have to handle a DAP like it is nitro-glycerine (with the SP1000M worth 2k… I kinda struggled with that)

EDIT 3: Quick picture — testing the SR25, balanced, with WiFi on

​

How does it compare sound wise compared to the SR25 and SP1000m?

 

[NewEve]

Nota bene: this is from memory.

The SP1000M has perhaps a bit more clarity/detail/transparency but, as I wrote pretty much everywhere, not worth the price difference.

And I prefer the SR25 from a sound perspective. It's also a smoother DAP in terms of UI.

 

[Tristy]

Nota bene: this is from memory.

The SP1000M has perhaps a bit more clarity/detail/transparency but, as I wrote pretty much everywhere, not worth the price difference.

And I prefer the SR25.

Sorry, I misspelt. Also compared with the SR15?

 

[NewEve]

Sorry, I misspelt. Also compared with the SR15?

Can't tell you re: the sound, I sold my SP1000M a few days ago while I sold my SR15 months ago.

The only thing for sure is that, for the price difference (new), I'd take the SR25.
The UI is faster, smoother and the screen resolution and size makes a HUGE difference in terms of convenience for me, the SR15 was really too small.

 

[Tristy]

Can't tell you re: the sound, I sold my SP1000M a few days ago while I sold my SR15 months ago.

The only thing for sure is that, for the price difference (new), I'd take the SR25.
The UI is faster, smoother and the screen resolution and size makes a HUGE difference in terms of convenience for me, the SR15 was really too small.

That's what I thought, typing was horrendous on the Sr15. Thanks for the quick response.