The AK380/AK380 Copper/AK380SS are all tuned the same and use the same internal components. Since Astell&Kern uses the whole body of the player as a ground for internal circuitry, the type of material used makes a difference. The difference comes from the different conductivities of each material.What Happened to AK380 vs Copper 380 vs Stainless Steel ? Were they tuned different ? Or were the differences due to Copper chassis being the different materials ?
The sound signature is different on the Copper and Stainless Steel vs. the duralumin AK380 because Copper and SS are a better metal for grounding, thus affecting the sound that is produced from each vs an aluminum-bodied unit. There is a bit of a sound signature difference between the Stainless Steel and Copper, but it's not as big of a difference when going from aluminum to Copper/SS. The differences between those different material bodies are quite subtle, but definitely exist.
As I mentioned in a previous comment, our experience from shows is that some do hear a noticeable difference between the two SP1000 players, so do not. Some feel the Copper has a warmer sound than the Stainless Steel. Both have the same components and are tuned the same.
Of course, like anything with music, what sounds good or different to one person, another person will have a completely different experience. We encourage people to try to take a listen for themselves to find what fits best for them and their sound preference.
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