[guerillaw]

Tidal needs Android 7 (released in 2016) or higher, SP3000 uses android 11.

Sp3000 is the current flagship. Sp1000, sp2000, not so much. Every few months more a and k players lose tidal support as well as other functionality. Its something to consider when purchasing. If you paid close to 4k for an sp1000 and now it no longer worked with tidal itd be a dis’s appointment I think youd agree.

 

[aaf evo]

Sp3000 is the current flagship. Sp1000, sp2000, not so much. Every few months more a and k players lose tidal support as well as other functionality. Its something to consider when purchasing. If you paid close to 4k for an sp1000 and now it no longer worked with tidal itd be a dis’s appointment I think youd agree.

I honestly wouldn’t. The SP1000 came out in 2017 and is out dated at this point. If you need tidal you can get DAPs that outperform SP1000 and have far better hardware that will last you another 5+ years.

 

[guerillaw]

I honestly wouldn’t. The SP1000 came out in 2017 and is out dated at this point. If you need tidal you can get DAPs that outperform SP1000 and have far better hardware that will last you another 5+ years.

They sold it through 2019 and into 2020. Some stores even after that. Marketing was that they were “compliments” to each other. That means a bunch of people pay top-of-the-line money for some thing that is useless in a few years, which I think puts you in the minority, and saying you’re not disappointed in that situation.

The point being, which version of android a player has is absolutely something to consider because you wanna avoid issues and disappointments down the road.

And I would encourage you to listen to some of these blank ships when you have the opportunity because the idea that you can get something cheaper now that performs just as well has not been my experience. The android version of the SP1000 is now darn near useless, but the sound is still absolutely top of the line and we’ll go toe to toe with any type out there bar none.

 

[aaf evo]

They sold it through 2019 and into 2020. Some stores even after that. Marketing was that they were “compliments” to each other. That means a bunch of people pay top-of-the-line money for some thing that is useless in a few years, which I think puts you in the minority, and saying you’re not disappointed in that situation.

The point being, which version of android a player has is absolutely something to consider because you wanna avoid issues and disappointments down the road.

And I would encourage you to listen to some of these blank ships when you have the opportunity because the idea that you can get something cheaper now that performs just as well has not been my experience. The android version of the SP1000 is now darn near useless, but the sound is still absolutely top of the line and we’ll go toe to toe with any type out there bar none.

I’m sorry but if you’re buying an SP1000 in 2020 to begin with at MSRP then you’ve already lost.

I’m not disagreeing that android version isn’t important. The fact is the highest android available on any DAP right now is android 12, being on android 11 instead is not going to make a difference within the next 3-4 years.

I’ve heard plenty of daps at different price points that are less than the SP1000 MSRP. I’d take several of them over the SP1000.

 

[guerillaw]

I’m sorry but if you’re buying an SP1000 in 2020 to begin with at MSRP then you’ve already lost.

I’m not disagreeing that android version isn’t important. The fact is the highest android available on any DAP right now is android 12, being on android 11 instead is not going to make a difference within the next 3-4 years.

I’ve heard plenty of daps at different price points that are less than the SP1000 MSRP. I’d take several of them over the SP1000.

This is a headphone forum, please share. Let us know about the plenty of DAP's that are cheaper and better sounding. Im sure I am not alone in wanting to know.

In my experience A and K is an industry leader for a reason. But we are all here to learn and try new things so I look forward to your suggestions.

 

[aaf evo]

This is a headphone forum, please share. Let us know about the plenty of DAP's that are cheaper and better sounding. Im sure I am not alone in wanting to know.

In my experience A and K is an industry leader for a reason. But we are all here to learn and try new things so I look forward to your suggestions.

I'd take the DX320, Shanling M6 U, Cayin N7 all over the SP1000 and SP2000. I am just one set of ears, you're better testing for yourself and seeing if you can find something that fits your needs.

 

[Andrew DiMarcangelo]

Just an update on availability, we expect our shipment of DX320MAX Ti tomorrow and still have a couple available that haven't already been reserved. https://bloomaudio.com/products/ibasso-dx320max-ti

 

[bmichels]

Has anyone already been able to listen to the 320max ?

I wonder how it compare with other TOL DAPs like A&K SP3000 which was on my list to replace my SP1000 +A&K AMP.

 

[stephenkostas]

Has anyone already been able to listen to the 320max ?

I wonder how it compare with other TOL DAPs like A&K SP3000 which was on my list to replace my SP1000 +A&K AMP.

I listened to it a bit yesterday and was very impressed. I plan on comparing with the SP3000 – and I think I can get my hands on a Cayin N8ii – later today.

 

[bmichels]

I listened to it a bit yesterday and was very impressed. I plan on comparing with the SP3000 – and I think I can get my hands on a Cayin N8ii – later today.

great ! we are looking forward your listening comparaison..;

 

[stephenkostas]

I'm working on some more extended thoughts, but here are some first impressions:

• Build is great. It's thick as a brick, but doesn't seem quite as heavy as previous iterations.
• The hardware controls feel great.
• I really dig the 4 position gain knob, but the volume uses an analog stepped attenuator so there's a small "blip" with each adjustment as a downside.

I listened side-by-side between N8ii, SP3000, and DX320MAX using some reference tracks (N8ii and SP3000 are well burned in, and I ran the DX320MAX though most of the day yesterday and overnight for burn-in):

• SQ and general tuning is super close between the three. I felt like with high-res Qobuz tracks I was straining to hear the small differences.
• Overall though, DX320MAX had the widest soundstage, and I thought the most natural overall tuning and timbre (N8ii in tube mode was close).
• DX320MAX had the best bass texture as well, but and N8ii has the best resolution in the highs (it felt like with instruments like saxophone, N8ii held the breath out a millisecond longer than the other two.
• SP3000 seemed the most relaxed of the three. The treble is slightly smoother, the bass has great texture but doesn't hit quite as hard.
• DX320MAX seemed the best for hard to drive headphones. We don't have a ton of really hard to drive stuff in the office at the moment, but with the ZMF Auteur Classic and HIFIMAN Arya, DX320MAX had more headroom and slammed a bit more than the other two.

Soundwise DX320MAX is definitely shoulder to shoulder with the big boys in the price range. In terms of who it's for, I'd say if you want a flagship level DAP with an open Android OS, you like the limited edition nature of the device, and you're looking for something that's more "transportable" than truly "portable." Also, the case seems like an upgrade over the previous MAX versions I've handled (not sure I ever got to play with a DX300MAX Ti).

I'll try to pop into this thread to answer any questions while I have the device handy and can test things out.

 

[Andrew DiMarcangelo]

Our written review is live: https://bloomaudio.com/blogs/articl...limited-edition-dap-ibasso-dx320max-ti-review

 

[Caruryn]

Our written review is live: https://bloomaudio.com/blogs/articl...limited-edition-dap-ibasso-dx320max-ti-review

Great write up!Out of the three which one would you say has the best synergy with the Focal closed backs like Stellia and Celeste?

 

[stephenkostas]

Great write up!Out of the three which one would you say has the best synergy with the Focal closed backs like Stellia and Celeste?

I tend to prefer the SP3000 with Focal in general. I think the slightly more tuned treble that Astell&Kern likes to do over iBasso plays very well with Focal's treble – particularly with Stellia.
I haven't had a chance to test Cayin N8iii's tube mode with Stellia or Celestee (too many variables to test with all these units!), but that might be similar to the SP3000 based on my other impressions of the device.

 

[decur]

Our written review is live: https://bloomaudio.com/blogs/articl...limited-edition-dap-ibasso-dx320max-ti-review

yes,great write up andrew,
in my experience,i agree with the comparison, of the rohm based cayin n8ii and 320max. i experienced the same thing with the treble(highs compared)with my meze elite's.
HOWEVER,i have noticed this from 0-75 hours burn in! i now have around 140 hours on my 320max and it continues to open up,especially in the treble.this gap difference between n8ii and 320max is closing.
the n8ii does have more sparkle and brightness to the top tho...
just my opinion....