[raypin]

Mm...I thought it was a typo in the press release re:unusual format of the name of the new line. Also what does the SP stand for? Special Player? Also, what happens now to the AK xxx line, with the new ultima brand and the Kann brand? Ultima is for the TOTL while Kann is for their mid-tier
And bottom tier models (like the AK Jr.)?

 

[musicday]

Did anyone go to Munich High End Audio Show?
What other players were revealed?

 

[klove4252]

Mm..given that this is a new line for A&K and subsequent models have yet to be revealed, I am very hesitant to switch from the cu system. So, yes. Wait mode until next year as well.

I am in the same boat here. The new DAC seems very appealing, but I cant really tell if the SP is an actually strong upgrade to the AK380CU + amp besides for things like fast charging/transfer, and battery life. I really want to purchase, but the fact that I have these hesitations is a sign i probably should not.

 

[lesale08]

I kind of like the design language of the AK3xx series more.

 

[Dionysus]

Couple of images found online from Munich show.



Copper model image of the new SP1000.

 

[kerrys30]

Cool - Thanks for posting.

 

[R7photo]

Same here this is taller than 300 series

 

[Mimouille]

Yes what does A&Ultima even mean? Where did K go?

Anyways this seems like the flagship. It looks nice and 3.9 output power is far enough for a standalone device. I am more doubting the need to make it so much taller than the 380 which was already quite large.

 

[raypin]

Mm...somewhere out there, Kern is sulking!

Taken together, huge improvement over the 380: fast recharging, faster data transfer courtesy of USB C, nicer battery life (12 hours), more screen real estate, better designed crown (looks easier to use), bezel-free display, faster or lag-free playback. As for the improved UI, I'd like to see it in action. A&K ui is the best in the DAP world so improvement is a nice bonus.

I envy those who are in the market for a new totl-level DAP. The choice is easy. Price of the SS of SP1K is the same as the 380 cu. That's the clincher.

The nearest non-AK alternative is the WM1Z of Sony at 3.2k usd. Who do you think wins? I'm betting on the SP1K.

 

[tangents]

Is stainless steel supposed to be better case material than copper?

 

[raypin]

Mm..no consensus within the owners' community.

 

[AxelCloris]

I think the copper is more attractive, possibly even more so once the patina develops. I'd like the look of a titanium finish over stainless steel.

 

[Mimouille]

I hope this time they treated the copper so it won't tarnish like with the AK380cu

 

[EagleWings]

I hope this time they treated the copper so it won't tarnish like with the AK380cu

Do such treatments exist? From what I read, the only way to prevent tarnish, is to coat the copper surface.

 

[Mimouille]

Do such treatments exist? From what I read, the only way to prevent tarnish, is to coat the copper surface.

Then they should do that