[Giraku]

Sorry for the newb question, but what's an SP1K/Cu DAP? I thought there were only an SP1K/SS, SP1K/M, and SP1K/G?

AK SP1000 comes in 2 variations, stainless steel (SS) and copper (Cu).

 

[Giraku]

https://www.astellnkern.com/eng/con...scg=CG210180&spos=0&tcg=&tpos=0&gcode=SC10600
Click on "Buy", then play with the "Color" option to see SS and Cu.

 

[DeepSouth]

SP1000 CU is the copper SP1000, I suppose CU is coined from the elemental abbreviation for copper being CU. The copper is supposed to be the warmer sounding variant of SP1000 with the SS stainless being more neutral. To my ears the copper is more natural; and the stainless seems brighter, in some songs my ears cringe from brightness. SS doesn't have a problem, I'm just sensitive to brightness. When I demoed between both, I suppose SS didn't have good synergy with the headphones I demoed with. I bought the copper, no regrets in sound quality or battery life. My wife prefered the SS version when she demoed side by side with me.

If you have time, twister has some amazing write ups between the two. Other head-fi'ers wrote reviews too, but twister's review is side by side, and rather special.

SP1000 SS and CU are the flagship models, SP1000M are the compact versions, still premium, I think some are anodized blue aluminum body, and the other could be gold plated brass. The SP1000M is smaller, sounds nearly the same but I don't have much time with one, cheaper by a little, lighter, but smaller file capacity on the blue, the gold is a little heavier than the blue and offers a bigger storage.

 

[DeepSouth]

AK SP1000 comes in 2 variations, stainless steel (SS) and copper (Cu).

I think they had limited edition black for a short period too.

 

[CreditingKarma]

Sorry to say but I'm happy that I went from the blue to gold.

You also loose the optical out on the spkm versions. If you plan to use this as a source for another dac like the Hugo TT2.

 

[aaf evo]

I think they had limited edition black for a short period too.

The black is still available for purchase. I don’t believe it’s a limited edition

 

[Giraku]

I think they had limited edition black for a short period too.

Yes. But I'm talking about the case material. Black version is stainless steel. Material affects the sound, but the coating/color does not.

 

[Giraku]

The black is still available for purchase. I don’t believe it’s a limited edition

AK ended the production of the black version. You can still spot them in the wild, but it is limited.

 

[Giraku]

BTW, in Japan, SPKMG is limited to 200 units only. AK hasn't said anything about "Limited" for the units in the US market.

 

[aaf evo]

AK ended the production of the black version. You can still spot them in the wild, but it is limited.

Oh I had no idea. Onyx Black in both M and regular SP1000 is available to buy in A&K US website.

 

[Giraku]

Oh I had no idea. Onyx Black in both M and regular SP1000 is available to buy in A&K US website.

Onyx Black SPK is sold out worldwide. I just checked US site and confirmed.

 

[aaf evo]

Onyx Black SPK is sold out worldwide. I just checked US site and confirmed.

Whoops you are right.

 

[mattmc1228]

I just purchased a SP1000 in black on eBay for $1900.
Had the SP1000m, but much prefer the 1000

 

[aaf evo]

I just purchased a SP1000 in black on eBay for $1900.
Had the SP1000m, but much prefer the 1000

That is an amazing price, what do you prefer about the regular 1000?

 

[mattmc1228]

I caught it at the right time.
No box or accessories, but in brand new condition.
Couldn't resist.
SP1000 is a brick. I have never felt quality like that before.
I am running the Tia's with it
This pairing is it for me.
Great soundstage, full bodied sound, so detailed,
Just an overall better sound signature for me.