Astell & Kern SR25: The next A&norma player

[T.R.A.N.C.E.]

21hrs seems in line with what the ZX507 offers (i think)

Yes it is, also I used to own the SR15, imo the ZX507 walks all over it. Actually been thinking of putting my SP1000M up for sale since getting the ZX507. Feel free to pm me offers, will take 1.1k if I don't have to make a classifieds, perfect condition with dignis case and original box etc, first owner too.

 

[Hanesu]

21hrs seems in line with what the ZX507 offers (i think)

At least in theory

 

[NomadCRY]

Well, that's something. I was almost about to get SR15, good to see this news. And it comes out at the same price as the SR15!

https://us.astellnkern.com/products/a-norma-sr25?variant=33223129137211

And SR25 has LDAC Bluetooth! 21 hrs playback is also awesome thing. Definitely worth to wait.

 

[Focux]

At least in theory

aww c'mon..

 

[abitdeef]

Yes it is, also I used to own the SR15, imo the ZX507 walks all over it. Actually been thinking of putting my SP1000M up for sale since getting the ZX507. Feel free to pm me offers, will take 1.1k if I don't have to make a classifieds, perfect condition with dignis case and original box etc, first owner too.

The new NW A105 even sounds better than the sr15 to my ears. As long as you're not using demanding cans. The one thing I loved about the sr15 (the small size) is gone, still the battery life is good and the price is pretty good (for AK.

 

[twister6]

Wasn't aware we had another SR25 thread, since I only followed the link from HF front page. So, I already posted a number of pictures and a few rapid impressions in there. I got a loaner for a few weeks, only spent a day with it, and it is actually a nice little DAP. As I mentioned in the other thread, even so SR25 positioned as entry level A&K DAP, it has a solid mid-fi performance. Never heard the original SR15, though I'm aware how people describing its sound. This one sounds different.

 

[T.R.A.N.C.E.]

has a solid mid-fi performance. Never heard the original SR15, though I'm aware how people describing its sound. This one sounds different.

Not sure where you heard the SR15 had thin sound as that's not the case, quite the opposite. I'd describe it as warm, smooth, musical, just not the most detailed thing in the world, extension on both ends not as deep as the best in class. I think for the SR25 they are using same dac/amp setup but have switched to femto clock which should up detail a bit over SR15.

 

[Tristy]

Wasn't aware we had another SR25 thread, since I only followed the link from HF front page. So, I already posted a number of pictures and a few rapid impressions in there. I got a loaner for a few weeks, only spent a day with it, and it is actually a nice little DAP. As I mentioned in the other thread, even so SR25 positioned as entry level A&K DAP, it has a solid mid-fi performance. Never heard the original SR15, though I'm aware how people describing its sound. This one sounds different.

How do normal folk get on the loaner tour?

 

[ipaddy]

The new NW A105 even sounds better than the sr15 to my ears. As long as you're not using demanding cans. The one thing I loved about the sr15 (the small size) is gone, still the battery life is good and the price is pretty good (for AK.

Yeah.

As an owner of AK70, then AK70 MKII, then SR15, the trend is to get bigger.

Just like with "small" micro 4/3 cameras.

Once they start getting bigger, there's no point.

 

[twister6]

Not sure where you heard the SR15 had thin sound as that's not the case, quite the opposite. I'd describe it as warm, smooth, musical, just not the most detailed thing in the world, extension on both ends not as deep as the best in class. I think for the SR25 they are using same dac/amp setup but have switched to femto clock which should up detail a bit over SR15.

Like I said, have no idea how it sounds but people keep pinging me and asking if SR25 sounds as thin as the original SR15. Could be their pair up synergy. I can only speak for SR25 and I was pleasantly surprised. Also, seems like quite a number of improvements over SR15: bigger higher res display (from 3.3" 480x800 to 3.6" 720x1280), usb-c (vs micro
USB), DSD256 (previously DSD128), 21hr playback (doubled from 10hr), and addition of LDAC (previously only aptX HD).

Btw, it does need a case. The corners are not as sharp, but sharp enough to feel uncomfortable in my hand with a tight grip.

 

[abitdeef]

Not feeling the silver myself, I'm assuming this is going to come in other colours.

Oh, and Twister I'm wondering if you've compared it to the ibasso dx160? I'm asking because I think that one sounds the best so far using that particular dual dac setup. Just curious.

 

[Focux]

Not feeling the silver myself, I'm assuming this is going to come in other colours.

Oh, and Twister I'm wondering if you've compared it to the ibasso dx160? I'm asking because I think that one sounds the best so far using that particular dual dac setup. Just curious.

my sentiments too

 

[thelaughingman]

21hrs seems in line with what the ZX507 offers (i think)

20 hours, and only at MP3 quality. SR25 is advertised for 21 hours at FLAC 16bit. so quite a gap right there

 

[Hanesu]

Like I said, have no idea how it sounds but people keep pinging me and asking if SR25 sounds as thin as the original SR15. Could be their pair up synergy. I can only speak for SR25 and I was pleasantly surprised. Also, seems like quite a number of improvements over SR15: bigger higher res display (from 3.3" 480x800 to 3.6" 720x1280), usb-c (vs micro
USB), DSD256 (previously DSD128), 21hr playback (doubled from 10hr), and addition of LDAC (previously only aptX HD).

Btw, it does need a case. The corners are not as sharp, but sharp enough to feel uncomfortable in my hand with a tight grip.

100% agree with T.R.A.N.C.E. I have no clue why some folks are writing the SR15 sounds thin. Must be a lack of comparison. In fact the opposite is the case. In my opinion it is the warmest sounding DAP in A&Ks current lineup.

 

[T.R.A.N.C.E.]

20 hours, and only at MP3 quality. SR25 is advertised for 21 hours at FLAC 16bit. so quite a gap right there

No they are basically rated the same. ZX507 is rated at 18 hours 96khz FLAC, while SR25 is 21 hours with 44khz FLAC, and you lose around 2 hours battery life for every doubling of sample rate, the SR25 will be around 19 hours with FLAC 96khz.