Astell&Kern A&Norma SR25 High Resolution Audio Player Moon Silver

This is an excellent piece of kit. I was an A&K buff for sometime but they priced themselves out, and having paid that money there were various irritating issues. So I moved to Fiio and Shanling and they are ok. This, though, leaves the competition in its rear view mirror. The price is ok, nowhere near as eye watering as some of their previous models. Capacity (1 terrabite card) is excellent. The interface and os is very user friendly. Most importantly, though, the sound quality. It is superb. Very happy with it and would recommend it to anyone.

The players sound was ok but very overrated. Just after a year the battery swelled so I sent the player back to A&K for a battery replacement this swelled after about 4 months!! I give up !! There is better out there but this is supposed to be a quality brand but I wouldn't buy anything fom them ever again , it's rubbish . My s10 plus sounded better than this .👎

It's a great DAP so far, but the product description clearly states it's SR25 Mk2 when it's not. It's the original SR25. I'm not going to return it as I got it significantly cheaper than the Mk2 price and they're not all that different, but as I write this the price has gone up to within £20 of the Mk2. Currently the product description says "Astell & Kern SR25 Mk2 The Astell & Kern SR25 Mk2 is the latest and greatest “entry levelInches player yet from Astell & Kern boasting enhanced power, connectivity and speed. The A&norma line of portable audio players from Astell&Kern are designed to be an industry standard to play back high-resolution audio for the masses. The A&norma line is a “Mass PremiumInches product that futures a stunning, high-end, luxurious design and reproduces sound as it was intended by the artist and engineer who originally recorded it, at an affordable price. The Astell & Kenr SR25 MK II is a refresh of the widely popular SR25 player released in 2020. Like the SR25, the SR25 MK II features two Cirrus Logic 43198 MasterClass DACs in dual-mono configuration, but adds a number of new features. The SR25 supports native playback of DSD256 and 32-bit/384KHz PCM high-resolution audio. New features to the A&norma line included in the SR25 MK II are: ReplayGain, which allows the player to automatically adjust the volume between tracks and maintain a consistent playback level. BT Sink allows the SR25 MK II to connect to an external device via Bluetooth, and function as a Bluetooth DAC. Music from an external device, such as a smartphone can now be played back in high-quality, taking full advantage of the hi-res audio decoding in the SR25 MK II. With AK File Drop, transferring your music files from a computer or NAS is even easier and more convenient. Using AK File Drop, you can freely transfer files wirelessly through a PC, smartphone, or FTP program located on the same network. Music file management is now possible with a cableless, wireless solution. Users can wirelessly stream 24-bit hi-res audio to compatible speakers, headphones or IEMs with support for LDAC and aptX HD Bluetooth codecs. Other features include a 3.6-inch HD touchscreen, 64GB of internal memory with support for microSD cards up to 1TB, Wi-Fi, DLNA networking, USB digital audio output, and the ability to use the SR25 as a USB DAC for your Mac or Windows-based PC. The SR25 MK II supports MQA, and with a full decoder built in, can unfold all the way to the original resolution of the file. MQA playback is supported both via downloaded MQA audio files and through the Tidal app, allowing users to stream high resolution audio via Tidal Masters. Astell&Kern’s latest user interface and support for Open App service is included in the SR25 MK II, which adds Android APK support, allowing users to install additional music streaming services to their player by simply copying and installing the corresponding APK file for the music service they wish to add. Services supported include Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, Tidal, SoundCloud, Qobuz, SiriusXM, Tune-In, myTuner, Bandcamp and Deezer (supported streaming services varies by country). Offline content for supported apps can be stored in either internal or external player memory so you can listen to your favorite music streaming service tracks on the go. A Pocket Powerhouse True to the core values of Astell&Kern, high fidelity sound lies at the heart of the SR25 MKII, delivering exceptional audio performance to a diverse range of music lovers. The most distinctive feature of the Astell&Kern A&norma product line is its compact form factor. However, the SR25 MKII offers more detailed sound than its predecessor, allowing the clear expression of each and every instrument and vocal note. The SR25 MKII offers more versatile connectivity options with the addition of a 4.4mm balanced output for the first time in an A&norma player, LDAC, as well as QualcommaptX HD, which support and deliver true audiophile sound quality. The SR25 MKII is a true mass premium productImproved audio quality compared to the SR25Versatile connectivity with addition of 4.4mm balanced output supportEnergy-efficient design resulting in 20 hours of continuous playbackSupports two-way Bluetooth and high-definition codecs (QualcommaptX HD, LDAC)ReplayGain automatically maintains constant volume The SR25 MKII keeps everything we love about the SR25 and adds new design features. It will produce the best sound quality anywhere, anytime. Better Sound. Familiar Feel. Not all DACs sound the same. The SR25 MKII delivers improved performance across the board compared to the SR25, including bass response, dynamic range, soundstage, imaging and more. The SR25 MKII utilizes Astell&Kern’s latest audio design technology for clear and natural high-resolution sound with more clearly defined upper and lower ranges providing listeners with a deeper, more rounded sound. The SR25 MKII is capable of bit-to-bit playback for files up to 32bit/384kHz and Native DSD up to 11.2MHz, allowing for uncompressed sound quality, staying true to the artist’s original intention, in high-resolution and with minimal distortion. With seamless playback performance supporting Native DSD256 up to 32bit/384kHz, you will derive even more pleasure from your music. Multiple Output Options The SR25 MKII supports 4.4mm balanced output. With 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm output options, you can connect an even wider variety of devices. The 4.4mm balanced output provides improved dynamic range and bass response, supports a wide soundstage, offers clear imaging, and captures subtle details in the audio source. Enjoy your music without worrying about adaptors. Astell Kern SR25 output Excellent Continuous Playback Time No need to worry about battery life. The Astell & Kern SR25 MK2 can play continuously for 20 hours with just one full charge, thanks to its optimized, energy-efficient circuitry. Enjoy your own personal musical performance anytime, anywhere with the SR25 MKII’s extended playback time and portability. Music in FLAC format, 16 bit, 44.1 kHz, unbalanced, volume at 50, EQ Off, LCD Off Playback time may vary depending on the user environment. Silver Plating Shield Can Astell&Kern products apply shield cans so that noise and electromagnetic interference, which occur when the countless parts are in operation, do not affect the audio block. The SR25 MKII has taken it a step further by applying highly conductive, hyper-pure silver plating on the existing shield cans for perfect shielding that provides excellent audio performance. Wireless Hi-Fi Sound Through BT Sink The newly introduced BT Sink function connects the SR25 MKII to an external device via Bluetooth, similar to connecting a smartphone with a BT speaker. Music from an external device, such as a smartphone can now be played back in high-quality on the SR25 MKII using the BT Sink function. AK File Drop to Enjoy Wireless Transfers The new AK File Drop function in the SR25 MKII makes files transfers easier and more convenient. Using AK File Drop, you can freely transfer files wirelessly through a PC, smartphone, or FTP program located on the same network. Music file management is now possible with a cableless, wireless solution. ReplayGain Automatically and Uniformly Adjust Playback Volume ReplayGain, which adjusts sound sources with different volumes to an identical level, has been applied. Now, enjoy your own playlists seamlessly through the ReplayGain feature on SR25 MKII."

this product is helping me "rediscover" my music collection. In addition I have purchased good quality headphones. it also plugs into the soundcard of my computer although I prefer using Bluetooth. Apart from the high quality of reproduction a main benefit for me is that it seems to pair with anything without any problems whatsoever. Such as headphones, iPhone, and television. Indeed, it is so good that I only need to set up my headphones in pairing mode and switch on the player for pairing to be automatic. To connect headphones to my Samsung television requires 10 keypresses on the remote control.

I have read some some not so good reviews about the A&K SR 25, despite what HI-FI giving it 5 stars and saying the it performs as good as something twice the price. I can't find any faults, it sounds fantastic, easy to use basically it's very self explanatory . All I would say is if you are thinking of buying one, then do it, I doubt you will regret it. Update, I have had the SR25 for four months now and I still believe that it's a fantastic product. I have deducted one star from my original review due to the fact that A&K do not offer any form of help. If you encounter any problems then your on your own. I have contacted A&K 5 times and they reply without offering any advice, they do say contact the seller for help, Amazon don't offer any so I was told to contact the distributor in the UK for all A&K products. All I will say is if you try then you will get know where, very disappointed in a company that sells high end goods, After owning my A&K 25 for 6 months now, I would like to add the following to my original review. If you experience any issues with your A&K product you are on your own as A&K will not respond to your quires. A&k products used to be fantastic, now they are average, however the prices are not average. I have had issues with my SR25 and A&K are not interested, the best I get is to contact the A&K distributor for the country that you live in. I have tried to contact 4 different companies that A&K claim to be official distributors, in each case I failed to receive a reply. If my issues continue and I don't get the required assistance, I will be asking Amazon for a refund due to the item being faulty and no help being forthcoming .

Wow!.....just Wow! Bought to replace my aging IPod Classic 160Gb and before the rumoured demise of iTunes in favour Apple Music. Sound quality when files are ripped as WAV, FLAC or AAC is superb. I now listen to this in preference to my hi-fi with either A&K Billie Jean ear buds or Sennheiser HD660S headphones (using the 4.2mm balanced Jack). Music management can be a bit trial and error when transferring albums from iTunes music library or ripped using Windows Media player...thinking of investing in A&K’s dedicated CD ripper, but at £399 is very expensive!

Like - quality feel X quirky slanted design X battery life X playback OFF line. Dislike - playback ON line WiFi connectivity even with excellent strength broadband connection at random drops making playback frustratingly irregular at times interruption really annoying X Deezer limited to Premium status X Hi-fi status unsupported so you loose quality versus smart phone App X Only download direct via Spotify hence frustration with WiFi connectivity spoils Deezer X Tidal X You Tube Prime Music via Vlink X screen tiny keyboard making entries fiddly X slow X Astell&Kern still to respond to WiFi connectivity feedback X issues on connectivity are on certain review sites. Summary Off line it does what it says but quality no better than with quality smart phone X quality headphones On line WiFi connectivity ruins the quality making it unstable and let's down the performance. At £649 and supporting tan case X near £60 it's WiFi connectivity issues make it difficult to justify price via smartphone X my Sony phones

Fantastic player from the Rolls Royce of DAP manufacturers. Neutral to slightly warm sound signature, spacious soundstage, smooth but detailed frequencies. Snappy, beautiful HD screen. 1 TB micro SD card works like a dream. Spectacular battery performance upto 21 hours. I run this with ISN H40 IEMs and Penon Mix cable... and the result is simply immersive and magical - a very analogue sounding combo.

価格に比して音質が良いです。Bluetoothでカーステレオに接続しても動作が安定しおり、バッテリーも長持ちするので、長距離ドライブでも安心です。マイクロＳＤカード２５６Ｇを使用していますが、ファイルは十分入ります。 ＳＤカードは1ＴＢまで対応とのことですが、カードが高いので試してはいません。サイズもコンパクトで、造りもしっかりしており、持ち歩きにも邪魔になりません。良い買い物をしたと思っております。

J’ai l’habitude de tester beaucoup de baladeurs audiophiles. Que ce soit des modèles de chez Sony, Fiio et iBasso pour ne citer qu’eux. Ici on a affaire à un baladeur audiophiles comme j’en ai rarement vu. Avec un design extrêmement bien fini et très original. On retrouve une interfaces Android modifiée qui n’a rien à voir avec le Android qu’on retrouve dans beaucoup de smartphone. Ici pas de magasins d’application, il faudra, si on le souhaite, télécharger les applications sur son ordinateur et les copier sur la mémoire interne du baladeur. Pour parler de la qualité audio là aussi ça va au-delà de tout ce que j’ai pu tester jusqu’à présent. On retrouve une incroyable transparence avec une excellente précision. Sans pour autant retrouver de l’agressivité. C’est à la fois précis et très doux. (j’utilise les écouteurs Grado GR10e). Selon moi ce baladeur est en terme de qualité audio bien au-dessus d’un Fiio 11, d’un Fiio M11 pro mais aussi d’un iBasso DX160. En bref c’est un achat que je ne regrette absolument pas, aussi bien du point de vue du design que de la qualité audio, je vous le recommande à 100% !

A truly fantastic product. The sound is trustworthy Astell&Kern and the size and weight make it truly portable. And that is what it's all about. For home you may choose A&K SP1000 or Kann Cube, but in the pocket you want SR25. Of course the display is smaller than in its bigger brothers but one can live with that. And if you want to use some massive headphones you can couple the SR25 with e.g. Mojo or Hugo2 (fantastic combinations!). And the price is very friendly too.

Ausgangslage: Ich verwende schon länger den iBasso DX80, der - nach meinem Geschmack - immer noch ausgezeichnet klingt. Zusammen mit dem DT1990pro für diese Preisklasse wirklich ein Traum. Da mir das Kopieren von Daten auf den Player zu umständlich geworden ist und inzwischen CD-Quality und HiRes Musik problemlos gestreamt werden kann, lief der DX80 in letzter Zeit hauptsächlich als externer DAC (über Kabel) am iPhone/iPad. Um das Gefummele mit dem Adapter+Kabel zwischen dem iPhone und dem DX80 loszuwerden, wollte ich einen neuen netzwerkfähigen Player und habe zuerst den FiiO M11pro und dann den AK SR25 bestellt. FiiO M11pro: + Display groß und sehr gut. + Solide Verarbeitung. +/- Für mich unnötig viele Anschlüssen - 1x 3.5mm würde mir reichen. - Klang mit DT1990pro schwächer als AK25 und DX80. Bei jeder Filtereinstellung ein wenig aggressiv und anstrengend - das mag mit anderen Kopfhörern anders sein. Die schlechtere Räumlichkeit bleibt aber wohl. - Gerät wird im Betrieb ziemlich warm. Das ist beim meinem stationären Class-A Verstärker ok, aber bei einem mobilen Gerät geht das zwingend zulasten der Akkulaufzeit. Zum Vergleich: Der DX80 und SR25 werden kaum warm. - Die Apps (z.B. Amazon Music HD) laufen einfach schlechter, als am iPhone. Nicht so flüssig, manchmal kleine Bugs... Wer also die Experience vom iPhone gewohnt ist, wird nicht ganz zufrieden sein. Fazit: Wegen dem - im Vergleich zu DX80 und AK25 - schlechteren Klang und der Erwärmung für mich nur 3 Sterne. AK SR25: + Klang mit DT1990pro traumhaft. Einen Hauch besser, weil noch ein wenig luftiger und breiter, als DX80. Der Unterschied ist aber minimal - DX80 und AK25 klingen sehr ähnlich - beide nutzen ja stark verwandte Cirrus Logic Wandler. +/- Gehäuse fühlt sich gut an. Der Lautstärkeregler hat einen angenehmen Klick, jedoch leichtes Spiel. Steckanschlüsse aus Plastik wirken billig. - Die Apps (z.B. Amazon Music HD) laufen einfach schlechter, als am iPhone. Nicht so flüssig, manchmal kleine Bugs... Wer also die Experience vom iPhone gewohnt ist, wird nicht ganz zufrieden sein. - Das Display ist einfach für heutige Verhältnisse zu klein. Apps sind für größere Schirme ausgelegt, dadurch geraten Schriften und angezeigte Bedienelemente zu klein. - Das WLAN hat wesentlich schlechteren Empfang als beim iPhone. Das hat den unangenehmen Effekt, dass beim Streaming die Qualität immer wieder von hiRes auf Standard zurückfällt! Fazit: Für den Klang gibt es 5 Sterne, als reiner offline-Player wohl auch 5 Sterne, aber wegen der Schwächen bei der Nutzung von Streaming (Displaygröße, WLAN, Bugs) ziehe ich einen Stern ab. Am Ende bin ich beim iBasso DX80 geblieben. Denn klanglich kann mehr überzeugen, als der FiiO M11 pro. Beim AK25 trüben die Schwächen in den Streaming-Apps (Displaygröße, WLAN, Bugs) den Musikgenuss mehr, als es das Kabel zwischen DX80 und iPhone tut. Hätte ich den DX80 nicht, hätte ich wegen dem Klang den AK SR25 behalten.

Cet AK SR25 a des qualités : - excellente sonorité très linéaire avec beaucoup de détails et d'ouverture - construction et finitions exemplaires - solidité Mais il aussi hélas des défauts : - un Wi-Fi "à la ramasse" qui le rend inapte au streaming (2.4 GHz / Lenteur et coupures à un mètre de l'antenne !). On n'achète pas un AK pour écouter des MP3... - un Androïd totalement fermé. - une police de caractères trop petite. Et la version 2 ne semble pas corriger ces défauts, malgré le prix en hausse. Amazon toujours à la hauteur pour l'expédition et le SAV.