xxx1313
500+ Head-Fier
I had an opportunity to compare my SP1000Cu against my friend's SP1000SS. I copied the same files to the internal storage of both units for comparison. There was a little but audible difference between the two. But there is one condition required. The recording should be very good with low noise. Old recordings tend to have some tape hiss that may obscure the subtle differences. Also it is better to use acoustic jazz/classical trio or quartet for comparison. Female vocal is also great if accompanied by small group of acoustic instruments. To my ears, Cu has a bit more air with a splash of warmth. Since my favorite genre is female jazz vocal, Cu is perfect fit for me.
Cu has a bit more warmth, SS has the wider sound stage. The differences are subtle, though.
What is really strange with all A&K DAPs that I own, owned or tried (AK380, AK380Cu, SP1000SS, SP1000Cu), is that their digital out shows exacly the same characteristics as the players themselves. You can even hear the sound difference between SP1000SS and SP1000Cu using USB out going into Chord DAVE. Really surprising, I cannot explain why this is the case. I made the same experience when comparing AK380's, AK380Cu's and SP1000SS's optical out into Chord Hugo.
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