[forestitalia]

The dimension of the SR15 are perfect for portability, others really no.

 

[duaned]

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

Cheers, works fine! Does the SR25 also support Spotify? I have tried a few APK's and no luck.

 

[NewEve]

Cheers, works fine! Does the SR25 also support Spotify? I have tried a few APK's and no luck.

It does, you juste need to look for the following APK build: «armeabi-v7a »

Here’s the latest I use: https://m.apkpure.com/spotify-music/com.spotify.music/variant/8.5.58.954-APK

 

[NewEve]

The dimension of the SR15 are perfect for portability, others really no.

It really depends on one’s definition of portability.

For me, it’s screen under 5´´ and under 250g so SR15, 25 and SP1000M fit the bill in that regard.

 

[ipaddy]

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.

I should have been more clear.

The issue is not so much names, but sound quality.

Do we "hear more" with the SR25 than the SE100? Than the SA700? Than the Kann Cube? Etc..

 

[ipaddy]

Can someone comment on whether the user-installable Tidal APK offers more than the built-in Tidal app?

 

[NewEve]

I should have been more clear.

The issue is not so much names, but sound quality.

Do we "hear more" with the SR25 than the SE100? Than the SA700? Than the Kann Cube? Etc..

It is subjective to one’s hearing abilities and preferences. Best try in store and/or look for a reviewer with tastes similar as yours.

 

[NewEve]

Can someone comment on whether the user-installable Tidal APK offers more than the built-in Tidal app?

With the APK you can download music locally and use it offline.

 

[ipaddy]

It is subjective to one’s hearing abilities and preferences. Best try in store and/or look for a reviewer with tastes similar as yours.

Of course a person's individual subjective preferences play a large role.

However, there MUST be an objective difference in sound quality between a comparably-priced unit from 2015 and one from 2020. There MUST be an objective difference in sound quality between the SP2000 and the SR15. This despite that an odd, or random, persons may prefer the flavor of an AK70 to the SP2000.

 

[ipaddy]

With the APK you can download music locally and use it offline.

But in terms of sound quality I assume no difference, and in terms of usuability, if all I do i stream, the same?

 

[Mirimar]

Of course a person's individual subjective preferences play a large role.

However, there MUST be an objective difference in sound quality between a comparably-priced unit from 2015 and one from 2020. There MUST be an objective difference in sound quality between the SP2000 and the SR15. This despite that an odd, or random, persons may prefer the flavor of an AK70 to the SP2000.

Take this with a grain of salt as it’s just how I perceive the Astell&Kern line of DAPs.

The higher price is ultimately for more resolution (just because it’s more expensive doesn’t mean the sound will be to someone’s liking).

A&ultima — highest clarity, resolution & detail
A&futura — clarity, resolution & detail
A&norma — balanced, detailed & warm
SA700 — natural, wide & airy
KANN CUBE — powerful & dynamic

 

[Infoseeker]

I found the Astell product using Cirrus Logic chipsbto have the best sound to me personally.

Ak240 s15 and the new s25.

Remember the ak240 is a dap made with the same effort and unlimited budget as the sp1000 and sp2000.

 

[A-Nice-Cup-of-Clarity]

New review:

 

[ipaddy]

Take this with a grain of salt as it’s just how I perceive the Astell&Kern line of DAPs.

The higher price is ultimately for more resolution (just because it’s more expensive doesn’t mean the sound will be to someone’s liking).

A&ultima — highest clarity, resolution & detail
A&futura — clarity, resolution & detail
A&norma — balanced, detailed & warm
SA700 — natural, wide & airy
KANN CUBE — powerful & dynamic

I appreciate your interpretation, but all I see are adjectives. The goal of a music player should be to reproduce the music as it was recorded.

And as one goes up the line that ability should increase.

I can see that amplifier power can be an independent variable, so maybe the Kann Cube can reasonably carve out a niche, for those who have hard to drive headphones, but all that would mean to me is that the other players, even ultima, don't quite have enough power for those headphones.

 

[NewEve]

Of course a person's individual subjective preferences play a large role.

However, there MUST be an objective difference in sound quality between a comparably-priced unit from 2015 and one from 2020. There MUST be an objective difference in sound quality between the SP2000 and the SR15. This despite that an odd, or random, persons may prefer the flavor of an AK70 to the SP2000.

I would agree with @Mirimar ’s quote below though I made the jump from A&norma to A&ultima and back.

Take this with a grain of salt as it’s just how I perceive the Astell&Kern line of DAPs.

The higher price is ultimately for more resolution (just because it’s more expensive doesn’t mean the sound will be to someone’s liking).

A&ultima — highest clarity, resolution & detail
A&futura — clarity, resolution & detail
A&norma — balanced, detailed & warm
SA700 — natural, wide & airy
KANN CUBE — powerful & dynamic

Then you need to add the features such as size, weight, your needs etc. and that should help you make a decision.

Again, I always had to rely on Head-Fi and reviews to sort out what I want as I can’t demo here on Switzerland.