Introducing the Astell&Kern A&ultima SP2000T

[aaf evo]

I wonder if the tube(s) is the reason for the chassis being so large. Probably too big for my tastes, but I’ll still check it out at canjam.

I am sure that’s partly why. Given that it isn’t too much bigger than SP2000 minus height and it weighs significantly less, I am quite hopeful over its size and overall feel.

 

[bflat]

Couple questions on latest AK firmware:

1) Does Apple Music with lossless work flawlessly including downloads?

2) Does PEQ feature apply system wide including Apple Music?

thanks!

 

[kel77]

Any News about the output Power of the Tubes?

Based on HK forums, the output power is the same as sp2000.

 

[efftee]

Couple questions on latest AK firmware:

1) Does Apple Music with lossless work flawlessly including downloads?

2) Does PEQ feature apply system wide including Apple Music?

thanks!

I've got the latest AK firmware on my SP1KM, which would be the same across the AK range, and it works fine with Apple Lossless. I must say, though, I am not quite able to discern any Spatial Audio difference...

 

[rlw6534]

I've got the latest AK firmware on my SP1KM, which would be the same across the AK range, and it works fine with Apple Lossless. I must say, though, I am not quite able to discern any Spatial Audio difference...

AFAIK, spatial audio only works on Android if the device is Atmos compatible. This is not common and I don't know of any DAPs that have it.

 

[efftee]

AFAIK, spatial audio only works on Android if the device is Atmos compatible. This is not common and I don't know of any DAPs that have it.

Haha! Well, that bloody explains it! Though, on second thought, I cannot discern ATMOS on my iPod-HM1000 rig too hmm…

 

[rlw6534]

Haha! Well, that bloody explains it! Though, on second thought, I cannot discern ATMOS on my iPod-HM1000 rig too hmm…

Spatial also doesn't work for external DACs on MacOS. For iPhones it seems to be hit or miss. Maybe related to age of device, i.e. newer devices might work. I haven't seen any clear answer on this anywhere.

 

[efftee]

Spatial also doesn't work for external DACs on MacOS. For iPhones it seems to be hit or miss. Maybe related to age of device, i.e. newer devices might work. I haven't seen any clear answer on this anywhere.

Really?? I can understand Apple wanting to deprive Android users, but on iOS devices too? What's the point of offering a supposedly better musical experience that can only played back with a lo-fi device? Zero sum game, at best.

 

[rlw6534]

Really?? I can understand Apple wanting to deprive Android users, but on iOS devices too? What's the point of offering a supposedly better musical experience that can only played back with a lo-fi device? Zero sum game, at best.

It seems to do something on an iPhone with an external DAC but it doesn't indicate Atmos or sound the same as my AirPods Pro. Maybe it's working and I just can't tell the difference...

It's hard to A/B because the volume changes when you switch modes.

Note that Atmos seems to work fine through the headphone jack on both my MacBook and older iPhone (with jack).

 

[JasonNYC]

The latest iPhones and iPads support Dolby Atmos, so they can do spatial audio. Only a few Android smartphones support Atmos. Currently AK does not and I do not know of any other DAP manufacturer that is supporting it at this time. I would assume if spatial audio grows in popularity, there will be more devices that support it. I do not think there is extra hardware needed, it is a just a matter of paying Dolby the licensing fees and adding the codec to decode Atmos audio.

 

[Reactcore]

I guess it is OUR fault - we are encouraging the crazy prices by buying those crazy priced items...

Yea we should all strike and push them under the 1k treshold

 

[HiFiGuy528]

ATMOS from Apple Music is not Lossless. For me, lossless is more important so I turned ATMOS OFF on the Mac. I normally use with ext. DAC and DAP in DAC/amp mode with a Mac.

I turn ON ATMOS on iPhone because I use AirPods Pro and Max with iPhone. ATMOS is more important/enjoyable than Lossless when I'm out and about or causally listening to music.

I don't think AK needs to support ATMOS on flagship DAPs. A $2K+ DAP should be focused on the highest level of sound quality not features.

 

[GiullianSN]

Not sure. As this has LDAC support, it is running at minimum Android 9. I will update when I have a definite answer.

Hey Jason,

Did you have a chance to confirm the Android level for the SP2000T? I share the same concern as the other user about future proof.

 

[crazyhank]

Hi @JasonNYC Not that I'm complaining, but why is the SP2000t $2400 vs the SP2000 (I own and love) at $3500. Is it not meant to be the next flagship replacement? I initially assumed with all incredible features and specs, it is the new flagship. Will there be another true flagship soon like SP3000? Will SP2000 remain in production? As far as detail and resolution, how does SP2000t compare to SP2000? Thank you so much! (apologies for so many questions, just always super excited for AK releases)

 

[JasonNYC]

Personally, I feel the SP2000T fits between the futura and ultima lines. It has features unique to both lines. The SP2000T is definitely NOT a flagship AK player. I like to think of it as a "reimagined" or "interpretation" of the SP2000.

Between no AKM DAC chip production and global components shortages, the next flagship probably will not be released until late 2022.