[heruofan]

Quad ES9068AS compared with dual AK4499EQ

How much output power with balanced? (Higher than SP2000?)

actually I think the device is like next generation of SP1000M, not replace the SP2000

 

[Focux]

is there a reason AK decided to use a much cheaper dac compared to the 4499 for the flagship Ultima line? I mean the 180 is using a 9038, and there isn't a supply issue for ESS chips unlike AKM..

 

[SnooDucksAudio]

Just tested the SP2000T.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
A lot bassier and slammier than SP2000.
OP AMP Mode is cleaner.
Tube Mode is lusher.
Hybrid is what you expect.

With 3.5mm, Hybrid Mode has a larger soundstage. But it does not apply to Balanced Mode.

 

[Imusicman]

actually I think the device is like next generation of SP1000M, not replace the SP2000

+1

 

[warrenpchi]

As I skipped the SP2000, I'd quite interested to hear what this offers compared to my SP1000.

Also, I've set up an impressions thread at https://www.head-fi.org/threads/astell-kern-a-ultima-sp2000t-impressions-thread.959008/ so that we can keep this thread relatively clear for important updates - like final specs, availability, pricing, etc.

 

[Death_Block]

good gosh, who needs a kidney?

 

[Whitigir]

Quad ES9068AS compared with dual AK4499EQ

How much output power with balanced? (Higher than SP2000?)

It only shows 3 digital filters , I think it is the Japan chips

 

[Vitaly2017]

It will only be available in aluminum, not copper or stainless steel, so less than the SP2000. I believe it is around 10 oz. Still waiting on final specs.

So aluminum and SS no gold like vegas?
Is that what makes the new sp2k less expensive?

 

[Omashhour]

 

[jamato8]

What is the tube section, what does it use for this?

 

[twister6]

is there a reason AK decided to use a much cheaper dac compared to the 4499 for the flagship Ultima line? I mean the 180 is using a 9038, and there isn't a supply issue for ESS chips unlike AKM..

As everybody probably aware, AKM (Asahi Kasei Microsystems) factory in Japan burned down in October of 2020, meaning the remaining stock of existing AKM DACs is very limited and quadrupled in price. And also, AK4490, AK4495, AK4497, and AK4499 just been issued official EOL (end-of-life) notice. Thus, DAP developers are working on non-AKM DAC models. Once AKM factory is rebuild and they start producing next gen DACs, thing will change, but for now it is what it is. ES9068AS is ESS flagship DAC, introduced last year.

For those who tried SP2000T at HKAV show today, can you please confirm if Tube (assuming NuTube korg modules) and Hybrid modes are SE or BAL? This will suggest how many NuTube modules are being used

 

[ThanatosVI]

This is an interesting DAP.
I'd probably still prefer R2R DAC Inside, but since it has tubes it might counter the usually rather bright sound of ESS DACs

 

[Focux]

As everybody probably aware, AKM (Asahi Kasei Microsystems) factory in Japan burned down in October of 2020, meaning the remaining stock of existing AKM DACs is very limited and quadrupled in price. And also, AK4490, AK4495, AK4497, and AK4499 just been issued official EOL (end-of-life) notice. Thus, DAP developers are working on non-AKM DAC models. Once AKM factory is rebuild and they start producing next gen DACs, thing will change, but for now it is what it is. ES9068AS is ESS flagship DAC, introduced last year.

For those who tried SP2000T at HKAV show today, can you please confirm if Tube (assuming NuTube korg modules) and Hybrid modes are SE or BAL? This will suggest how many NuTube modules are being used

don't mind can you share where it states that 9068 is ESS flagship? I only see 9038 as flagship on their spec sheet found on ESS web, thank you

 

[JasonNYC]

As everybody probably aware, AKM (Asahi Kasei Microsystems) factory in Japan burned down in October of 2020, meaning the remaining stock of existing AKM DACs is very limited and quadrupled in price. And also, AK4490, AK4495, AK4497, and AK4499 just been issued official EOL (end-of-life) notice. Thus, DAP developers are working on non-AKM DAC models. Once AKM factory is rebuild and they start producing next gen DACs, thing will change, but for now it is what it is. ES9068AS is ESS flagship DAC, introduced last year.

For those who tried SP2000T at HKAV show today, can you please confirm if Tube (assuming NuTube korg modules) and Hybrid modes are SE or BAL? This will suggest how many NuTube modules are being used

All three modes - tube, op-amp and hybrid are available in SE and balanced.

 

[ThanatosVI]

don't mind can you share where it states that 9068 is ESS flagship? I only see 9038 as flagship on their spec sheet found on ESS web, thank you

Here is an Overview of ESS DAC Chips.
While the 9038 is their flagship in the PRO series, the 9068AS is he flagship in the audiophile DAC category.

https://www.esstech.com/products-overview/digital-to-analog-converters/sabre-audiophile-dacs/

The 9038 is a 8 Channel DAC while the 9068AS is Stereo.
The 9068AS has Hardware MQA rendering though