Astell & Kern SR25: The next A&norma player

[GlennCharles63]

So after a couple of days with my SR25 i have to say I am a bit underwhelmed. I think my expectations were just too high, especially compared to what I am used to with my Chord Mojo. The little Mojo just does a great job, but having to pair it with a phone was just too unwieldy for me, which is why i went with the AK. I have to try it with some other iem’s to fully evaluate before I decide if I will keep it or let it go. I do love the physical nature of the device, it is a stunning piece of craftsmanship. I must say, I did not expect to have as much problem with reading the screen as I do with my aging eyes. I actually had not even thought of that, but it is almost necessary for me to have my glasses on in order to really interact fully with the device.

 

[Signal2Noise]

... I must say, I did not expect to have as much problem with reading the screen as I do with my aging eyes. I actually had not even thought of that, but it is almost necessary for me to have my glasses on in order to really interact fully with the device.

This is the exact, and only, quibble I have with the SR25. And I don't wear glasses but sometimes I think I should be when viewing this screen. Especially the system info at that top, like battery % and such. But it's still a keeper for me.

 

[Desmnod]

This is the exact, and only, quibble I have with the SR25. And I don't wear glasses but sometimes I think I should be when viewing this screen. Especially the system info at that top, like battery % and such. But it's still a keeper for me.

I really don't like how sensitive the side buttons are on the unit. Putting it into my pocket after track selection while I'm out walking is a major undertaking, which has to be done very gingerly. Otherwise, it's stopping or skipping forward. Very annoying.

 

[Signal2Noise]

I really don't like how sensitive the side buttons are on the unit. Putting it into my pocket after track selection while I'm out walking is a major undertaking, which has to be done very gingerly. Otherwise, it's stopping or skipping forward. Very annoying.

I have not experienced that. Maybe it's the type of case, or lack of, being used? Mind you, I'm not up and about with it that much. Will test out with a dog-walk one day.

 

[1TrickPony]

I really don't like how sensitive the side buttons are on the unit. Putting it into my pocket after track selection while I'm out walking is a major undertaking, which has to be done very gingerly. Otherwise, it's stopping or skipping forward. Very annoying.

Get the case, that'll do.

 

[TjFont]

So after a couple of days with my SR25 i have to say I am a bit underwhelmed. I think my expectations were just too high, especially compared to what I am used to with my Chord Mojo. The little Mojo just does a great job, but having to pair it with a phone was just too unwieldy for me, which is why i went with the AK. I have to try it with some other iem’s to fully evaluate before I decide if I will keep it or let it go. I do love the physical nature of the device, it is a stunning piece of craftsmanship. I must say, I did not expect to have as much problem with reading the screen as I do with my aging eyes. I actually had not even thought of that, but it is almost necessary for me to have my glasses on in order to really interact fully with the device.

I switched from iPod + Dragonfly DAC to the SR25 for the convenience as well. I am pretty pleased with it - although I bought it with a high degree of skepticism given my experience with less expensive DAPs. As a guy with near-sighted aging eyes, the screen works okay for me. My main complaint is that I am very limited in my ability to adjust the volume when streaming Qobuz. At volume level 1 it plays loud for an evening listen - and I have aging ears, too!

 

[povidlo]

My main complaint is that I am very limited in my ability to adjust the volume when streaming Qobuz. At volume level 1 it plays loud for an evening listen - and I have aging ears, too!

Check out one of iFi products: EarBuddy, IEMatch, or IMatch+. They will allow you to have some volume range to play with.

 

[Desmnod]

Get the case, that'll do.

I have a case, the one recommended.

 

[1TrickPony]

I have a case, the one recommended.

Dunno man, change tight pants?

 

[CountXero]

So after a couple of days with my SR25 i have to say I am a bit underwhelmed. I think my expectations were just too high, especially compared to what I am used to with my Chord Mojo. The little Mojo just does a great job, but having to pair it with a phone was just too unwieldy for me, which is why i went with the AK. I have to try it with some other iem’s to fully evaluate before I decide if I will keep it or let it go. I do love the physical nature of the device, it is a stunning piece of craftsmanship. I must say, I did not expect to have as much problem with reading the screen as I do with my aging eyes. I actually had not even thought of that, but it is almost necessary for me to have my glasses on in order to really interact fully with the device.

I understand your view especially if you are used to the Chord Mojo. I see the SR25 as great for portability but the DAC performance compared to the Mojo or in my case Hugo 2 "shouldn´t" be compared

 

[iFi audio]

Check out one of iFi products: EarBuddy, IEMatch, or IMatch+. They will allow you to have some volume range to play with.

Affirmative, all these products were designed specifically to expand headroom and not impact on output impedance.

 

[Victory112]

I'm pretty torn up on how limited the V-Link app is. Maybe I'm missing something about setup, but YouTube not being able to play in the background due to the choice of browser (looks like Chrome?) is a pretty big setback for my streaming since much of what I like isn't found on other streaming apps available via OpenApp. @JasonNYC, do you happen to know if there is a way to get V-Link Video or Music to work in the background now or if it will come up in a future update?

 

[JasonNYC]

I'm pretty torn up on how limited the V-Link app is. Maybe I'm missing something about setup, but YouTube not being able to play in the background due to the choice of browser (looks like Chrome?) is a pretty big setback for my streaming since much of what I like isn't found on other streaming apps available via OpenApp. @JasonNYC, do you happen to know if there is a way to get V-Link Video or Music to work in the background now or if it will come up in a future update?

Most likely not unfortunately. Both YouTube and YouTube Music require Google Play Services and Google Play Store installed for authentication purposes. Since AK players do not have access to Google Play Store, this is the workaround that was developed for those that want to use YouTube and YouTube Music. If Google changes that requirement in the future like Apple did with the Apple Music app, then there could be additional options going forward for those two services.

 

[Victory112]

Most likely not unfortunately. Both YouTube and YouTube Music require Google Play Services and Google Play Store installed for authentication purposes. Since AK players do not have access to Google Play Store, this is the workaround that was developed for those that want to use YouTube and YouTube Music. If Google changes that requirement in the future like Apple did with the Apple Music app, then there could be additional options going forward for those two services.

Hmm, I know that Firefox on Android has uBlock origin and a "play video in background" as add-ons you can use by default. Not sure if V-Link can use that browser and those extensions.

Also, I might be treading old ground, but could you briefly describe why AK players don't have access to the Google Play Store? Are the permissions for it too expensive for upkeep?

 

[GlennCharles63]

I understand your view especially if you are used to the Chord Mojo. I see the SR25 as great for portability but the DAC performance compared to the Mojo or in my case Hugo 2 "shouldn´t" be compared

I agree, I just did not know that at the time. I did a ton of research, but as with so much of this, you really can’t figure it out until you get a chance to experience things. I will most likely hold on to the SR25 as a DAP, but used with my Mojo or even a Hugo2, which I am dying to try out. I am definitely not bashing the unit, lots too like, but the audio quality from it compared to the Mojo, is just not fare...