mvvRAZ
Headphoneus Supremus
AK SP2000T review and impressions post
Apologies for the delay on this one... I typed the whole thing up except one small section but then didn't save it anywhere and Head-Fi deleted it after like a day - big ugh
Anyways... Let's talk SP2000T, the first tube/hybrid player by AK!
Right off the bat, and I suppose I am sorry to disappoint, I have to say that the difference between the three modes is small. On the IE900 I can barely tell them apart if at all, while on the A18S I can catch some subtle differences such as the bass texture and treble quantity. This review only really covers the hybrid mode, since I find it is the most optimal of the three regardless of the IEM that’s hooked up to it, combining the clarity of the SS and the bass texture and dynamics of the tubes.
On sound, the SP2000T is mostly linear to my ears, maybe a hint of an L shape due to the tasteful bass boost that the tubes provide, but Imo the “value” that they deliver is more in the presentation, texture and dynamics than it is in the FR impact. It is a pretty significant departure from the house AK sound in that there’s no noticeable upper midrange or treble boost, and instead focuses on a more relaxed and pleasing sound, that delivers incredible technical ability through dynamics and staging instead of tuning.
The bass of the SP2000T deserves an honorable mention in that it’s pretty much the absolute best I’ve heard out of anything portable – it just oozes texture, detail, rumble and pure thump without boosting it nearly as far as something like the WM1Z. What astounds me most is that it is able to do all that while maintaining a clean, fast and agile presentation, able to keep up with any performance no matter how messy or muddy.
The midrange is pretty much linear and unaffected. No major bumps, with a healthy quantity of lower mids. Nothing especially big to mention here, which is great since I was quite worried about a huge upper midrange "clarity" bump.
The treble is a hint subdued at times and in certain pairings. I'm not sure if burn in helped with that or my mind just adjusted to it after having spent a long while with the N6II Ti, but I could personally use a touch more sparkle and zing. It's not bad at all, the quality is up there, it's just not quite as treble-head-y as I'm used to.
AK has never been a slouch where technical ability is concerned, and the SP2000T continues to deliver. The dynamics are, to me, its most outstanding quality, creating a pitch-black background allowing for the separation and detail to flow effortlessly. The staging is both wide and deep too, which combined with the dynamics, makes for a highly holographic experience.
On build quality and general UI, AK is among the very best, outperforming the Cayin N6II Ti in every way. The DAP is rather sleek and thin as well as decently light, so it’s been more comfortable having it in my pocket all day instead of the N6II. It’s still on the large side, but it’s not as much of a brick. Yay for 4.4, I guess it’s nice having 2.5 for demo units but 2.5 is dead anyways.
Haven’t tried streaming on it, and I doubt I will – installing and updating the APKs is pretty annoying and with Tidal rippers it’s a bit unnecessary anyways.
The choice for the color of the stock case is rather odd, a bit like a Lamborghini yellow. Honestly it looks much nicer in person than it does in all the photos I’ve seen, but I’ll still replace it with a Dignis once they release their SP2000T case. The onyx black is gorgeous, hats off to AK for that one.
Comparisons
Recommended within TOTL setups and generally when budget isn’t an issue. I love it personally, paid almost full retail for it and am quite glad I did.
Apologies for the delay on this one... I typed the whole thing up except one small section but then didn't save it anywhere and Head-Fi deleted it after like a day - big ugh
Anyways... Let's talk SP2000T, the first tube/hybrid player by AK!
Right off the bat, and I suppose I am sorry to disappoint, I have to say that the difference between the three modes is small. On the IE900 I can barely tell them apart if at all, while on the A18S I can catch some subtle differences such as the bass texture and treble quantity. This review only really covers the hybrid mode, since I find it is the most optimal of the three regardless of the IEM that’s hooked up to it, combining the clarity of the SS and the bass texture and dynamics of the tubes.
On sound, the SP2000T is mostly linear to my ears, maybe a hint of an L shape due to the tasteful bass boost that the tubes provide, but Imo the “value” that they deliver is more in the presentation, texture and dynamics than it is in the FR impact. It is a pretty significant departure from the house AK sound in that there’s no noticeable upper midrange or treble boost, and instead focuses on a more relaxed and pleasing sound, that delivers incredible technical ability through dynamics and staging instead of tuning.
The bass of the SP2000T deserves an honorable mention in that it’s pretty much the absolute best I’ve heard out of anything portable – it just oozes texture, detail, rumble and pure thump without boosting it nearly as far as something like the WM1Z. What astounds me most is that it is able to do all that while maintaining a clean, fast and agile presentation, able to keep up with any performance no matter how messy or muddy.
The midrange is pretty much linear and unaffected. No major bumps, with a healthy quantity of lower mids. Nothing especially big to mention here, which is great since I was quite worried about a huge upper midrange "clarity" bump.
The treble is a hint subdued at times and in certain pairings. I'm not sure if burn in helped with that or my mind just adjusted to it after having spent a long while with the N6II Ti, but I could personally use a touch more sparkle and zing. It's not bad at all, the quality is up there, it's just not quite as treble-head-y as I'm used to.
AK has never been a slouch where technical ability is concerned, and the SP2000T continues to deliver. The dynamics are, to me, its most outstanding quality, creating a pitch-black background allowing for the separation and detail to flow effortlessly. The staging is both wide and deep too, which combined with the dynamics, makes for a highly holographic experience.
On build quality and general UI, AK is among the very best, outperforming the Cayin N6II Ti in every way. The DAP is rather sleek and thin as well as decently light, so it’s been more comfortable having it in my pocket all day instead of the N6II. It’s still on the large side, but it’s not as much of a brick. Yay for 4.4, I guess it’s nice having 2.5 for demo units but 2.5 is dead anyways.
Haven’t tried streaming on it, and I doubt I will – installing and updating the APKs is pretty annoying and with Tidal rippers it’s a bit unnecessary anyways.
The choice for the color of the stock case is rather odd, a bit like a Lamborghini yellow. Honestly it looks much nicer in person than it does in all the photos I’ve seen, but I’ll still replace it with a Dignis once they release their SP2000T case. The onyx black is gorgeous, hats off to AK for that one.
Comparisons
- Cayin N6II Ti R01 – The R01 has some of the best treble I’ve ever heard, but it is somewhat forward and thin in comparison to the SP2000T. Quite good in certain pairings like the A12t, but was absolutely horrible with the Traillii because of how forward the combination became. Would personally favor the SP2000T quite heavily due to the more forgiving tuning and better staging and dynamics.
- Lotoo PAW6000 – the PAW6000 is absolutely incredible for its price. I’d personally consider the SP2000T to be the direct, straightforward upgrade to it.
Recommended within TOTL setups and generally when budget isn’t an issue. I love it personally, paid almost full retail for it and am quite glad I did.
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