Astell & Kern SR15
The Astell & Kern SR15 turns portable listening into a richly textured, rhythmically alive experience, combining deep, controlled bass, crisp transparency and a generously spacious canvas. What Hi-Fi? praised its detailed, dynamic refinement, while dual DACs, balanced output and a pocketable aluminium build make it a polished high-resolution player for revealing earphones.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
89/100
Build Quality
91/100
Features Usability
90/100
Value for Money
90/100
Pros
Detailed, dynamic and transparent sound with strong rhythmic drive and subtle micro-detail.
Outstanding bass extension combines depth, punch and convincing integration with the rest of the frequency range.
Premium, compact aluminium construction with a capable balanced output and broad wireless/file-format support.
Cons
The angular, offset-screen styling may divide opinion.
It cannot function as a USB DAC input for a laptop, unlike its AK70 MKII predecessor.
Battery life can fall to around seven hours with demanding headphones at high volume.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 89/100
Reviewers consistently describe a refined, detailed and musical presentation with strong timing, bass integration and convincing spatial scale. It appears especially successful with revealing in-ear monitors, though the supplied reviews offer little direct evidence about background noise or performance across a wide variety of difficult headphone loads.
Transparency Resolution
94/100
What Hi-Fi praises a clearer, crisper and more transparent presentation than the AK70, with layers of subtle detail revealed in complex recordings. PortaFi likewise hears crisp, airy treble, strong layering and improved bass resolution over the previous model.
Tonal Balance Musicality
93/100
Hi-Fi Choice calls the SR15 sweet-sounding, noting vocal presence and tonal realism alongside a slight warmth that complements the revealing Sennheiser IE 800 S. PortaFi also finds its signature engaging, musical and well balanced between smoothness, naturalness and detail.
Dynamics
93/100
Reviewers repeatedly highlight timing, drive and rhythmic assurance. Hi-Fi Choice describes lifelike, effortless double bass and near-seismic punch with the IE 800 S, while What Hi-Fi finds the player detailed and dynamic with determined rhythmic delivery.
Noise Floor
80/100
The reviews do not directly discuss hiss, hum or background silence with sensitive earphones. Its excellent reported pairing with the Sennheiser IE 800 S is encouraging, but it is not a substitute for explicit listening comments on noise performance.
Headphone Compatibility
86/100
The 150-step volume control is said to retain plenty in reserve, and Hi-Fi Choice found the SR15 simply phenomenal with the sensitive Sennheiser IE 800 S. Balanced and single-ended outputs add flexibility, but the reviews provide limited evidence with high-impedance headphones or demanding planar models.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
91/100
Hi-Fi Choice praises immaculate metalwork, the high-quality feel and the tactile grip of the recessed volume wheel. PortaFi is similarly enthusiastic about the design and reports no apparent build concerns, although the angular styling may not suit every taste.
Features Usability
90/100
The SR15 combines single-ended and 2.5mm balanced outputs with Wi-Fi, aptX HD Bluetooth, broad file support, microSD expansion and USB digital output functionality. Reviewers also praise its operation, but What Hi-Fi notes that it cannot serve as a USB DAC for a computer as the AK70 MkII could, and there are no dedicated analogue line outputs.
Value for Money
90/100
HiFi Choice considers it among the most talented portable players at its price, citing a meaningful step up from the AK70 in sound and operation, while hifitest.de rates price/performance very highly. PortaFi rightly notes that $700 is not inexpensive in general terms, but regards it as a strong offering within Astell & Kern's range.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
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Specifications
- Model
- SR15
- Body Color
- Dark Gray
- Body Material
- Aluminum
- Display
- 3.3inch WVGA (480 x 800) TFT LCD
- Supported Audio Formats
- WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA
- Sample rate
- PCM : 8kHz ~ 192kHz (8/16/24bits per Sample) / DSD Native : DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD to PCM : DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz)
- Output Level
- Unbalance 2.0Vrms / Balance 4.0Vrms (Condition No Load)
- DAC
- Cirrus Logic CS43198 x2 (Dual DAC)
- Decoding
- Support up to 24bit / 192kHz Bit to Bit Decoding
- Input
- USB Micro-B input (for charging & data transfer (PC & MAC)) / Connection Mode : MTP (Media Device)
- Outputs
- PHONES (3.5mm) / Balanced Out (2.5mm, only 4-pole supported)
- Wi-Fi
- 802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz)
- Dimensions
- 2.26 ”(57.5 mm) [W] x 3.92 ”(99.7 mm) [H] x 0.63 ”(16.1 mm) [D]
- Weight
- about 5.43 oz (about 154 g)
- Feature Enhancements
- Firmware upgrades supported (OTA)
- Frequency Response
- ±0.030dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalance / ±0.024dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) Balance ±0.038dB (Condition: 10Hz~70kHz) Unbalance / ±0.065dB (Condition: 10Hz~70kHz) Balance
- Signal to Noise Ratio
- 122dB @ 1kHz, Unbalance & Balance
- Crosstalk
- 137dB @ 1kHz, Unbalance & Balance
- THD+N
- 0.0008% @ 1kHz, Unbalance / 0.0009% @ 1kHz, Balance
- IMD SMPTE
- 0.0004% 800Hz 10kHz(4:1) Unbalance & Balance
- Output Impedance
- Balanced out 2.5mm (1.6ohm) / PHONES 3.5mm (1.1ohm)
- Clock Jitter
- 70ps (Typ)
- Capacity
- 3,150mAh 3.7V Li-Polymer Battery
- Built-in Memory
- 64GB [NAND]
- External Memory
- microSD (Max. 1TB) x1
- Supported OS
- Windows 7,8,10 (32/64bit), MAC OS X 10.7 and up
- Specification
- - Audio was NOT muted during the measurement. - The image/specification may be changed without notice to improve product performance and quality.
Manufacturer's Description — Astell & Kern
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.
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