91%
Astell & Kern SR15
Hi-Fi Standards Redefined, A&norma SR15
A&norma sets the standard of Hi-Fi audio for novice listeners. The SR15, the first model of
A&norma, is the beginning point of the Hi-Fi Audio experience that allows you to enjoy the
philosophy and technologies of Astell&Kern, which is accolated by audiophiles around the world.
The SR15 is the first model of Astell&Kern's newly introduced standard line.
- Dual DAC of CS43198, MasterHIFI™ tier chipsets from Cirrus Logic
- Enhanced audio processing power and snappy UI with Quad-core CPU
- Native DSD playback and playback-focused User Interface
- Powerful audio performance curated by Astell&Kern's know-how
One Step Closer to the Original Performance
The A&norma SR15 uses two audio DAC chips for a Dual-DAC setup.
These chips are known for their use in Home Hi-Fi systems which offer greater
presence compared to the inferior DAC chips designed for mobile devices.
There are many devices that use DAC chips for audio processing, however there are
different tiers and quality of chips sought by Hi-Fi audio manufacturers to deliver an
experience close to the original performance.
A&norma SR15 has adopted the MasterHIFI™ class DAC, CS43198 for the first time in a
portable system. At Astell&Kern, we believe that true Hi-Fi should sound as close as
possible to the original performance. The CS43198 is one of few DAC chipsets that is
capable of bringing us even closer to the original when it's matched with the analog
amp design of Astell&Kern. In result, it brings even more liveliness and warmth of
sound without distortion.
Furthermore, A&norma SR15 supports native DSD bit-to-bit, and gets one step closer
to the Hi-Fi system.
Cirrus Logic and Hi-Fi Audio Evolution
Cirrus Logic has built its reputation as an expert in audio IC (Integrated Circuit) chips and
solutions for more than three decades and has established its distinguished recognition in the
audio industry.
Specializing in low power ICs for audio and voice signal processing applications, Cirrus Logic's
products span the entire audio signal chain, from capture to playback, providing innovative
products for the world's top smartphones, tablets, digital headsets, wearables and emerging
smart home applications. Now they have introduced the MasterHIFI™ chipset solutions for
excellent audio reproduction performance.
MasterHiFI™ class designation is only given to their chipsets that meet their highest audio
performance standard. It will deliver your music as the musicians and producers wanted you to
hear it.
24-bit, 192 kHz Bit-to-Bit Playback
The A&norma SR15 plays any resolution of digital files up to 24-bit/192 kHz, bit-for-bit.
For 32-bit audio, downsampling is performed by the SRC (Sample Rate Converter) method.
DSD is native up to 64 MHz and DSD 128 MHz is converted to PCM for playback.
* 32-bit, 384 kHz is downsampled to 24-bit, 192 kHz, and 32-bit, 352 kHz is downsampled to
24-bit, 176 kHz for playback.
* DSD 128 is converted via DSD-to-PCM to PCM 24-bit, 176 kHz for playback.
32bit SRC by the SR15
DSD-to-PCM Convdrsion by the SR15
An Evolving Legacy in High-Fidelity Audio
For more than three decades, Cirrus Logic has built its reputation as an expert in audio IC
innovation.
Cirrus Logic's audio innovation continues today with the development of MasterHIFI™ products
from the industry's best audio IC design engineers. These integrated circuits, along with
embedded software and DSP algorithms, are driving excellence in audio playback in new
generations of mobile products.
Cirrus Logic audio products with the MasterHIFI designation meet the company's highest standard
in high-fidelity audio playback.
MasterHIFI™ products deliver the very best performance in sound clarity and pure, euphoric audio
listening just like the artist intended.
The devices should not unintentionally "color" the audio, but should maintain the “brightest”
sounds expected from a recorded track.
Enhanced Audio Processing Power with Quad-core CPU
Some may think that only sound matters in Hi-Fi systems. While it does matter greatly, there are
other factors that influence your immersive music experience as well. A&norma is designed to
remove any distracting elements, including noise, distortion and unintuitive user interface.
The Quad-core CPU gives you even more processing power for your digital music and a lot faster,
natural UI experience.
Get lost in your music without distractions.
USB Audio
A simple USB connection will allow the A&norma SR15 to be used as a digital music storage
device and
/or pre-amp to output digital audio through USB.
The A&norma SR15 transfers DSD in native format through DoP (DSD over PCM) and converts DSD
to PCM for output
for external USB Audio that do not support DoP.
* USB audio (Digital Out) output is available only when an external device can accept
digital input through USB.
* DoP (DSD over PCM): This is the standard for transferring DSD data to a USB interface and
sends DSD data by mounting them onto PCM data frames.
* The type of OTG cable to connect the SR15 with a portable amp differs depending on the
specs of the amp. An OTG cable is not included in the SR15 package.
DESIGN
A&norma SR15 was inspired by a composition of interconnected rectangles.
The slight angle and precise, mindful alignment show the empty space and tones that fills the space.
From any angle, or either hand you hold your device, it does not hinder the display screen and offers the
best grip.
The rectangle on the front connects to the glass on the back plate. The rectangular
reflection changes its shapes based on different angles of light creating 3-dimensional space.
WATT RECOMMENDS
Save your favorites. Compare them anytime.
Create a free HiFi Hub account to save products to your Wishlist and compare your favorites side by side.
Professional Reviews 91/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
91/100
Build Quality
93/100
Features Usability
90/100
Value for Money
89/100
The SR15 delivers a clear, detailed and slightly warm presentation with impressive bass authority, giving vocals presence and timing real snap. What Hi-Fi? calls it a refined all-rounder, while Hi-Fi Choice praises its space, scale, and drive. Beautifully built and feature-rich, it feels like a premium DAP that sounds every bit its class.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Clear, detailed sound with strong rhythmic drive and a slightly warm, musical balance.
Excellent bass extension and authority, with convincing punch and depth.
Beautifully made aluminum chassis with a premium, pocketable feel.
Strong feature set for portable use, including balanced output, Wi‑Fi streaming, microSD expansion, and broad hi-res file support.
&
Cons
The design is divisive and may not appeal to all listeners.
It cannot be used as a USB DAC input from a laptop or computer.
Battery life drops notably with demanding headphones or high volume levels.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 91/100
Reviewers consistently describe the SR15 as clear, detailed, sweet-sounding, and dynamically alive. It is praised for strong bass extension, good timing, a wide sense of space, and a presentation that feels more transparent and refined than its predecessor, while still keeping some warmth and musicality.
Transparency Resolution
93/100
Multiple reviews call it clear, subtle, crisp, and more transparent, with one comparing the jump in clarity to moving from DVD to Blu-ray. Reviewers also mention that it pulls out sonic intricacies and keeps fine details at the forefront of the music.
Tonal Balance Musicality
91/100
The SR15 is described as very sweet-sounding, with tonal realism and a slight warmth that complements revealing earphones well. Reviewers also note that voices keep their presence and that the overall presentation stays engaging rather than clinical.
Dynamics
92/100
Reviewers repeatedly point to strong timing, get-up-and-go, and a detailed but dynamic character. Bass is described as outstanding, deep, and full of drive, with punch that can feel almost seismic on the right pairing.
Noise Floor
89/100
The reviews do not report hiss or hum as a problem, and the player is presented as clean and refined in use. There is not much direct discussion of ultra-sensitive IEM noise performance, but nothing suggests a distracting background in normal listening.
Headphone Compatibility
92/100
Reviewers show it pairing very well with revealing in-ears such as the Sennheiser IE 800 S, and they note plenty of volume reserve. The balanced and single-ended outputs, plus the ability to handle a wide range of file types and listening scenarios, support a strong sense of real-world versatility.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
93/100
Reviewers praise the SR15 as beautifully made, with immaculate metalwork and a high-quality feel in hand. The aluminum chassis, solid pocketable weight, and well-implemented volume wheel also come through positively, though the design language itself is noted as somewhat divisive.
Features Usability
90/100
The SR15 offers a strong mix of features for a portable player: Wi-Fi streaming, substantial internal storage, microSD expansion, balanced and single-ended headphone outputs, OTA firmware updates, and broad file support including high-resolution and MQA playback. Reviewers do note the absence of USB input for use as a DAC with a laptop, so it is not as flexible in every desktop scenario.
Value for Money
89/100
Reviewers generally frame the SR15 as a meaningful step up in sound, usability, and file support that feels justified at its asking price. One calls it a no-brainer for the combination of sound and feature set, and another says it brings a balance of abilities that makes it one of the most talented portable players at the price.
Reviews
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
All Dealers
Zoom out the map to see more dealers
Authorized dealers for Astell & Kern SR15
- Addicted to Audio — online and in-store — Epping, Victoria, Australia (website)
- Advanced MP3 Players — in-store — Musselburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (website)
- ALAIN CHOUKROUN — online and in-store — Paris, Île-de-France, France (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- American Sound — in-store — Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Anquan — online and in-store — Glika Nera, Greece (website)
- Area Hifi — online and in-store — L'Eixample, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- Audio 46 — online and in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
- Audio Advice — online and in-store — Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (website)
and 69 more verified dealers