Mm...recomend you just upgrade straight to SP 1000 and skip the 380 cu. No price difference (380 cu vs. sp1000 ss) and many improvements (improved ui, better SQ, larger screen etc.) over the 380 series.
Mm..nope. Waiting for reviews of the cu version of the SP 1000. My dealer has a tempting price for the SP 1000 SS. I am not biting. For now, my 380 cu stays. Besides, my priority is not portable audio but my desktop sets. Waiting for the Chord Blu MK 2 (partnering with the DAVE) to see if I can elevate the performance of the HE 1, Stax 009, Utopia etc.
But given with what every A&K user know, that every new generation brings new improvement in terms of performance and better SQ, I have no doubt that the SP 1000 outperforms the AK 380 series (including the 380 cu)..
Firmware updates will never change the sound of our players. We may tweak the PRO EQ setting or add an EQ setting like we've done in the past with the AKT5p setting, but we will never change the base sound of a player with a firmware update. If an EQ setting was changed or updated, it would be listed in the change log.
Well, that certainly goes against what some users have been claiming all this while - they've raved about the changes in sound through a slew of firmware updates. Still, I don't think I'd want to open this can of worms, so I'll just leave it at that. Thanks for your inputs, Jason.
Btw, are you considering adding themes in a future update? Not anything drastic, maybe a change in color scheme, perhaps?
Mm...it is an unsettled question re: change of chassis. I hear the difference between the 380 cu vs. 380 duralumin. Others don't. So, just trust your *own* ears and decide for yourself. Useless question to debate. Same sentiment with stock vs. custom cables. I always use third-party cables with in-ears and headphones (assuming they are detachable). Again, it is up to the individual to decide. Asking others to settle the question for you when you have your *own* ears that you can very well use is stupid.
I have not heard the CU SP1000, so I can't comment. I would have waited for the CU but I still remember the patina on my 380 and don't miss it at all. With regards to sound changes, I believe cables make a difference and not just subtle ones Wireworld comes to mind. But again let your ears determine what you hear and make up your own mind rather than listen to post on forums especially when your talking thousand of dollars in this hobby, I've learned.
By the way this is the Post on Astell & Kern Facebook page a couple days back, regarding the most recent firmware update,change log.
Astell&Kern Ultimate High Fidelity Sound System August 7 at 5:10pm ·
Firmware v1.04 is now available for the SP1000. Changes include:
- Improved stability of USB Audio functions
- ability to click and play songs listed in Play History
- various operation and stability fixes
Mm...it is an unsettled question re: change of chassis. I hear the difference between the 380 cu vs. 380 duralumin. Others don't. So, just trust your *own* ears and decide for yourself. Useless question to debate. Same sentiment with stock vs. custom cables. I always use third-party cables with in-ears and headphones (assuming they are detachable). Again, it is up to the individual to decide. Asking others to settle the question for you when you have your *own* ears that you can very well use is stupid.
The debate was actually more about the reason for the different sound signatures (chassis versus different tuning versus unit-to-unit variability).
But nevermind.
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