figjam Posted May 25, 2023 Posted May 25, 2023 I have a Kann Alpha, and have had no issues at all with streaming apps. On the latest firmware it will also let you know that updates are available for your streaming apps, and you can then download and install on the player. Certainly much easier than the original system where you had to connect the player up to a computer and transfer apk files to the services folder. 1 1
08Boss302 Posted May 25, 2023 Posted May 25, 2023 31 minutes ago, figjam said: I have a Kann Alpha, and have had no issues at all with streaming apps. On the latest firmware it will also let you know that updates are available for your streaming apps, and you can then download and install on the player. Certainly much easier than the original system where you had to connect the player up to a computer and transfer apk files to the services folder. Thank you @figjam that is very encouraging, I assume the same firmware on the Kann Alpha will also apply to the SE200?
Keith_W Posted May 26, 2023 Posted May 26, 2023 36 minutes ago, 08Boss302 said: Thank you @figjam that is very encouraging, I assume the same firmware on the Kann Alpha will also apply to the SE200? Probably not. My SP2000T uses different firmware to the SP2000. And the APK install instructions for the SP2000 don't work for the SP2000T. Like I said earlier, if this feature is important for you, make sure it is installed before you take delivery. If the dealer can't install it, chances are you won't be able to either. Don't accept promises that it should "theoretically" install. 1
figjam Posted May 26, 2023 Posted May 26, 2023 1 hour ago, 08Boss302 said: Thank you @figjam that is very encouraging, I assume the same firmware on the Kann Alpha will also apply to the SE200? I am not sure sorry, but I can tell you that my version is 1.40CM. 1
08Boss302 Posted May 28, 2023 Posted May 28, 2023 So yesterday I went and listened to a few DAPs, the SE200 included. I was impressed with sizing of the SE200, not as large as I had visioned. The sound was great from both sides (AKM & ESS) and it seemed functional in store. Chatting with with guys there though there had been a few warranty claims and they were aware of firmware issues and loading issues with A&K so made it clear to me that the product is great but its certainly not without its issues and hurdles. The SE200 is now discontinued to make way for the new 300 model. It represents IMO great value but I just had too much doubt creep in on the A&K after sales service which I'd read was slightly less than good, and also the many firmware issues users have had. This coupled with a discontinued model and no full android use bothered me considerably. In the end as much as I really liked the AKM/ESS option I also enjoyed the FIIO ESS DAPs I head and ended up grabbing the FIIO M11 Plus ESS. Its a little bigger in hand but far more user friendly, sounded superb. The store also confirmed with me their warranty experience was less than a handful and had super quick turnaround. That gave me enough confidence to proceed with it over the A&K. Shame really as I loved the prospect of the twin DAC set up but it just was not enough to sway me. My gut feel was that I'd end up either frustrated or with issues I'd have to live with or that would not be factory supported. Thank you for your replies and information it was a great help to me stepping into the DAP market Cheers, 3
betty boop Posted May 28, 2023 Author Posted May 28, 2023 @08Boss302 understand and congrats on your choice.... that said.also things like side loading hasnt been needed to be done or a bother it was initialy and since then things like apple music seems to update itself ? also with regards aftersales.. I cant frankly fault addicted to audio for after sales on A&K...see my note below, very prompt and reasonable if thats any indication .... https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/319370-astell-kern-owners-thread/?do=findComment&comment=6082458 but i totally accept in end its your cash and peace of mind cant be bought so best to buy what comfortable with if have any hint of concerns .... ps one cool thing i noticed and not sure mentioned.. but the A&K with apple music will also play music videos the other reason i am increasingly preferring to use the dap instead of my iPhone greatly these days ...is annoyingly apple seems to side shift stuff on my iphone if its not something on their library... and lot of my stuff can be not in the apple library ie stuff i have uploaded onto the library rather than apple musics collection whcih is quite vast but still can be limited in tracks and albums just like tidal is for instance... the other reason i note my DAP can pass apple music lossless across to my dac... something cant really do via iPhone to blue sound node for instance ... as good as iPhones are DAPs will be around a while still I expect ... 1
08Boss302 Posted May 28, 2023 Posted May 28, 2023 1 minute ago, betty boop said: @08Boss302 understand and congrats on your choice.... that said.also things like side loading hasnt been needed to be done or a bother it was initialy and since then things like apple music seems to update itself ? also with regards aftersales.. I cant frankly fault addicted to audio for after sales on A&K...see my note below, very prompt and reasonable if thats any indication .... https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/319370-astell-kern-owners-thread/?do=findComment&comment=6082458 but i totally accept in end its your cash and peace of mind cant be bought so best to buy what comfortable with if have any hint of concerns .... ps one cool thing i noticed and not sure mentioned.. but the A&K with apple music will also play music videos the other reason i am increasingly preferring to use the dap instead of my iPhone greatly these days ...is annoyingly apple seems to side shift stuff on my iphone if its not something on their library... and lot of my stuff can be not in the apple library ie stuff i have uploaded onto the library rather than apple musics collection whcih is quite vast but still can be limited in tracks and albums just like tidal is for instance... the other reason i note my DAP can pass apple music lossless across to my dac... something cant really do via iPhone to blue sound node for instance ... as good as iPhones are DAPs will be around a while still I expect ... thanks @betty boop the guys at A2A are great, they sold me a few things this past month and have helped me immensely with my options and their opinions. I've also been pleased to receive honest guidance from them on aftersales matters etc from retailer to manufacturer. I was super close to grabbing the A&K, it really appealed to me but just those quirky factors created doubts. Should I look for a change down the line and A&K introduce standard android experience I would definately look again at their line. It was one of those instances where everything lined up really well, but in the end one factor was large enough to swing me in another direction. The biggest appeal for me on the A&K was the twin DACs but the FIIO whilst not having the AKM/ESS option had so many other user friendly options and the sound to match the ESS side of the A&K which ultimately along with retailer advice helped me put my money down. I agree with you on the DAP market, I've been using my LG V30+ exclusively as a DAP for the past 18months, its been great, I've got a 1tb micro SD card and my FLAC files ripped via DB Poweramp using Media Monkey. The difference with the DAP is noticable though and the fact many of them can run line out as a DAC to your poweramp etc is a total bonus. I know the LG can do this too, but the quality of DAC chip etc is not the same. So I too hope the DAP market remains. I guess it largely depends on what phone manufacturers do and people being happy to buy a stand alone unit. Was never a question of doubt when the iPod hit the scene, but since phones became "smart" its changed things. I think once phones remove the option of additional storage DAPs will gain even more popularity maybe. 1
Almo99 Posted March 21, 2024 Posted March 21, 2024 I don't know if anyone is still active in this group but I'm having some issue with gapless playback on my SE2000. I imported my album from my hard drive that were ripped a long time ago using apple music. some seem to play fine with no gaps (I listen to a lot of DJ compilations so gapless is vital) but for others there is a gap which is highly annoying. The gapless toggle is on but not sure what else to do. Has anyone else encountered this and has anyone fixed it?
rafalc Posted September 10, 2024 Posted September 10, 2024 Hey all, I am looking at getting SE300, one question I have is can it drive reasonably full headphone such as Hifiman Arya Stealth & HD600S, I also have incoming ZMF Caldera Closed. This is for secondary setup for use around the house and on trips so do not expect loud or critical listening when on the go. Seems A&K do not publish output power specs, even then high power does not imply there is sufficient current to drive planars. Second question, when using it as Roon endpoint does it display what is playing on the A&K? How is experience with using it as Roon endpoint? Thanks
Mightygrey Posted September 11, 2024 Posted September 11, 2024 I had the predecessor, the SE200. It had plenty of drive for planars (Aeon Stealth) and high-impedance Senns (HD600).
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