Astell & Kern SR25: The next A&norma player

[rlw6534]

no one has the answer to this?

I would be interested in an official response to this question as well. I suspect that side-loaded apks are subject to android system SRC limitations (24/48).

 

[JasonNYC]

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

Yes, the sideloaded apps bypass the Android SRC and play back in full resolution, including Tidal Masters.

 

[mwhals]

Can Amazon HD be sideloaded onto the SR25 or any other AK dap?

 

[supervisor]

Yes, the sideloaded apps bypass the Android SRC and play back in full resolution, including Tidal Masters.

thanks!

 

[forestitalia]

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.

​

Looking the photo doesn't look really bigger than the SR15, screen was impossible to type with 'normal' fingers, and sold.

 

[twister6]

Looking the photo doesn't look really bigger than the SR15, screen was impossible to type with 'normal' fingers, and sold.

Here is side by side comparison (SR25 vs SR15), both in overall size, screen size, and a difference in display resolution

 

[NewEve]

Looking the photo doesn't look really bigger than the SR15, screen was impossible to type with 'normal' fingers, and sold.

If you constantly use the search feature in order to "browse" your music library and therefore type all the time — I'm sure there are better DAPs out there, i.e. with 5'' screens.

To log-in on Spotify and/or search a few things now and then, the SR25 is much better than the SR15.

With that said, if the typing experience is a deal-breaker for your, I'd wait for a demo in store and/or stick to a smartphone with a good DAC/Amp.

I've yet to come across a DAP with an excellent "typing" experience. This applies to TOTL DAPs such as the SP1000M which isn't anything particular if you need to type all the time either.

For my needs (i.e. now and then use) — the SR25 is more than satisfying.

 

[forestitalia]

I used it for Tidal, but searching was a pain, retyping all the time wrong letters.
The difference in the resolution is impressive.

 

[NewEve]

I used it for Tidal, but searching was a pain, retyping all the time wrong letters.
The difference in the resolution is impressive.

The higher resolution, smoother interface and bigger screen of the SR25 will help.

 

[Simple Man]

I’m thinking. I can by a SR25 for the fill price or a SR15, demo for €490,- to go/replace with my Fiio M11.
Can somebody convince me?

 

[forestitalia]

I’m thinking. I can by a SR25 for the fill price or a SR15, demo for €490,- to go/replace with my Fiio M11.
Can somebody convince me?

I'll take it, where is it?

 

[Simple Man]

Wait. Ho. Stop. There’s only one left. The rest is €580,-

 

[ipaddy]

Way too many models. Including recent ones. How does the SR25 compare against the new and almost twice as expensive SA700? Or the older 2x as expensive SE100?

There's just too much obfuscation here.

The lineup lacks much rationality. There used to be the low end, AK70, then mid-level, SE100, then SP1000. Then they decided to throw in a dwarf SP1000M. Then they decided to throw in a "more powerful" mid. Then they upgrade the SR15 to SR25, but where the heck does it sit?

 

[Kad998]

Ive been wondering about that as well! (SA700 vs SR25)

 

[NewEve]

The lineup is clear to me:

A&norma: SR15 (I expect it to slowly disappear) and SR25 which replaces the SR15

A&futura: SE100 (which I expect to be replaced soon)

A&ultima: SP1000/M and SP2000

Others I’d call special models with peculiar features: SA700 (design and sound signature similar to a past model I can’t remember the name of), Kann Cube (power, various outputs, etc.)

Special editions: SP1000M Gold

With that said, for my brain and ears, I can’t justify the price difference for what I can “hear more” with a SP1000M versus a SR25 —especially knowing that I can get a tremendous pair of headphones or IEMs for that difference.