First impressions about the SR25 MK2 I got on Monday.
As expected, the form factor makes this DAP a true portable device. In this category, we have the Dethonray DTR1, the Lotoo P6K, the Sony ZX300 and the Hiby R5 saber. Built quality is top-notch, but it's the minimum at this price point, in my opinion. As you can see on the picture below, I purchased the dedicated case in order to protect the player. After having applied the screen protector, I decided to remove it, as it slows down the response a bit while navigating through the folders.
From an user and technical perspective, I am satisfied so far, this DAP meets my expectations.
It took approx. 2 hours to fully charge the player, the battery showing 10% out of the box. Listening via 4.4mm, screen off 80% of the time, no WiFi, volume set between 65 and 95 (out of 150) depending on the IEMs, I get a solid 14 hours playing time, which is good enough for my needs. Someone going 3.5mm definitely should get 18-19 hours, even at a slightly above average volume level. It remains an assumption, though.
I tried Tidal and it works (offline mode not tested), but it crashes from time to time, eventhough I am 4 meter away from a potent WiFi source. I won't using streaming services anyway, so I don't care much, but it has to be mentioned for people looking for this feature. It's highly regrettable and might make this DAP less appealing than it is on the paper.
The navigation through the different folders is intuitive and the UI response quite fast, with very little latency. My SD-Card with 300GB of music (7'000 lossless tracks) has been scanned in no time. The screen is bright enough, even with the corresponding setting set on 50%.
As a local files listener only, the SR25 MK2 fits my bill so far. It's my first AK player and I am agreeably surprised. Worth of note is the entry ticket, which is on the higher side of the spectrum considering the (functioning) features and what's under the hood.
All of the above is important to me as a long-standing DAPs aficionado and owner. This actually is where the experience starts.
Well, what about the sound? After 20 hours, I would describe the SR25 MK2 as a "warmish yet detailed" sounding DAP. I am amazed by the level of details coming out from this small device. There are information coming from all sides. If the detail retrieval level hits my sweet post, the layering and the instrument/vocal separation are impressive, making this AK player a real pleasure to listen to. Adding a touch of velvet warmth into the mix is the icing on the cake. It's not the most technically advanced DAP on the market, that's clear, but the "magic sauce" applied by AK does it for me and irrespective of the IEMs I am using with the SR25 MK2, I am getting my goosebumps. Let's see if this feeling will last over the next few weeks/months.
The SR25 MK2 won't drive anything you will throw at it. Pick your IEMs or headphones carefully. For example, the planar Timeless 7HZ (via 4.4mm) are driven with enough authority, but even if I am listening to my music at pretty high volume, I have to scroll up the wheel until I reach the 100 mark (out of 150).
My early impressions are positive and I am looking forward to spending more time with this player.
SR25 MK2 / ORIVETI 0400