[JasonNYC]

Jason, Just a quick question about Tidal masters, MQA and AK SP1000M.

When will AK decide whether to support Tidal masters/MQA?
If AK does decide to do so will the SP1000M be capable of supporting it?

I would buy one like a shot if those questions receive affirmative answers

@Sooloos nothing new to report regarding MQA support other than it is something we are looking into, but no official announcement or ETA at the moment.

 

[gangfeng]

if the sp1000 can download apps, that will be awesome

 

[Ken.nz]

I think the amp is coming out late this year. I got this info from the local distributor. can't wait

 

[Omega139]

Hey guys, i'd hate to be that guy, but i'm selling my SP1000 Cordovan leather case. Check it out! https://www.head-fi.org/threads/fs-astell-kern-sp1000-cordovan-leather-case.886933/

 

[2002tiiguy]

@JasonNYC can you actually confirm that there will be an amp coming out? or too early?

 

[JasonNYC]

@JasonNYC can you actually confirm that there will be an amp coming out? or too early?

no plans for an amp for the SP1000 any time soon, at least in 2018.

 

[2002tiiguy]

no plans for an amp for the SP1000 any time soon, at least in 2018.

Lol ok, i had seen people hinting at it but never heard anything about it from you

 

[Marat Sar]

So what is going on with SP1000M? I thought it would be inferior in sound because no SS or Cu case, but now there's talk it's... superior? Really got me thinking of buying one. 1000 USD cheaper and smaller and sound on par with or superior to SS/Cu?

Colour me intrigued. Not many impressions out there though. Just one site...

 

[MRT-Man]

I think AK's official view is that the chassis material doesn't change the sound, though many people claim they hear differences. There's some who thought, for example, that the 240SS sounded better than the regular 240. So we should probably wait for some real-world reviews and comparisons before concluding that the SP1000M sound is identical (or better) to the SP1000 SS or Cu.

 

[R7photo]

Just posting

 

[cj3209]

So what is going on with SP1000M? I thought it would be inferior in sound because no SS or Cu case, but now there's talk it's... superior? Really got me thinking of buying one. 1000 USD cheaper and smaller and sound on par with or superior to SS/Cu?

Colour me intrigued. Not many impressions out there though. Just one site...

It should NOT sound better than the SP1000. That would be idiocy on AK's part. It's a smaller chassis with different outer (cheaper) material, similar internal components (I think), less battery life, etc...a smaller, more compact and (most important) less expensive SP1000. I believe AK is trying to reach a larger audience.

My 2 cents.

 

[JasonNYC]

I think AK's official view is that the chassis material doesn't change the sound, though many people claim they hear differences. There's some who thought, for example, that the 240SS sounded better than the regular 240. So we should probably wait for some real-world reviews and comparisons before concluding that the SP1000M sound is identical (or better) to the SP1000 SS or Cu.

Actually, it is AK's official view that yes, body material DOES affect the sound. Since we use the entire body as a ground, Stainless Steel and Copper are more conductive than aluminum, therefore provide a better ground.

I've heard a significant difference between the AK380 aluminum vs the AK380 SS and Cu. Personally, I hear a lot less difference between SS and Cu, but that I just me.

Spending a few weeks with the SP1000M, there is a notable difference, at least for me. Again, sound is very subjective, so what I hear may sound totally different to someone else. I would highly recommend listening for yourself with your daily headphones/IEMs to see what sounds best for you.

 

[MRT-Man]

Actually, it is AK's official view that yes, body material DOES affect the sound. Since we use the entire body as a ground, Stainless Steel and Copper are more conductive than aluminum, therefore provide a better ground.

I've heard a significant difference between the AK380 aluminum vs the AK380 SS and Cu. Personally, I hear a lot less difference between SS and Cu, but that I just me.

Spending a few weeks with the SP1000M, there is a notable difference, at least for me. Again, sound is very subjective, so what I hear may sound totally different to someone else. I would highly recommend listening for yourself with your daily headphones/IEMs to see what sounds best for you.

Thanks for clarifying that, Jason. Can you comment on the subjective differences that you hear between the SP1000M and the SP1000 SS and Cu (with the understanding that it represents your personal view, rather than the official view of your employer)? Or would you rather leave that to others?

 

[olddude]

I think he very carefully answered the question of sound as best he could.

I would not expect AK to bring out a cheaper version that sounds bette (or even as good). What idiocy would that be for a company still selling the more expensive one?

AK has been diversifying its models for a few years now, looking to appeal to all price points. The M is just a new model aimed to hit a different price point.

I only listened to the CU for a short while at a CanJam, but it seemed slightly warmer with slightly less treble than does my SS. Not enough for me to buy one and use them with different types of music.

 

[Imusicman]

I own the SS and also tried the CU at CanJam and to be honest the differences under show conditions for me were negligible. Both sounding fantastic!