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Astell & Kern SR25 MKII
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 Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, which support and deliver true
audiophile sound quality.
The SR25 MKII keeps everything we love about the SR25 and adds new design features. It will produce the best
sound quality anywhere, anytime.
- The SR25 MKII is a true mass premium product
- Improved audio quality compared to the SR25
- Versatile connectivity, with addition of 4.4mm balanced output support
- Energy-efficient design resulting in 20 hours of continuous playback
- Supports two-way Bluetooth and high-definition codecs (Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, LDAC)
- ReplayGain automatically maintains constant volume
Performance Mode for Ultra High Resolution Sound
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.
Bit-to-Bit playback is available in models up to the SR25 MKII 32 bit 384 kHz. Native DSD audio is available up to 11.2 MHz, 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 32 bit/384 kHz, you will derive even more pleasure from your music.
32-bit bit-to-bit Playback by the SR25 MKII
32-bit Playback by Other Products
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.
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.
Excellent Continuous Playback Time
No need to worry about battery life.
The SR25 MKII 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 its 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.
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.
ReplayGain Automatically and Uniformly Adjusts 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.
- ReplayGain supports up to 24bit/192 kHz sound sources.
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.
DESIGN
The A&norma SR25 MKII inherits the overall design identity of the A&norma SR25 model, highlighting
the rhythmic freedom of music through the harmonious combination of design elements.
The top and bottom edges of the bezel are angled, giving the impression of a smaller
rectangle floating freely inside the chassis. The pattern on the side is designed to draw
attention to the volume wheel whilst conveying an impression of sound.
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Professional Reviews 91/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
92/100
Build Quality
94/100
Features Usability
90/100
Value for Money
87/100
With a warm, full-bodied presentation, the SR25 MKII blends fine detail and rhythmic drive into a truly engaging portable hi-fi experience. What Hi-Fi? calls it revealing, spacious, and easy to live with, while the aluminium build and balanced outputs reinforce its premium appeal for serious listeners on the move.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Warm, textured sound that stays lively and rhythmic without losing detail
Excellent detail, dynamic insight, and timing for a revealing portable player
Solid aluminium build with a responsive screen and satisfying volume wheel
Well equipped features, including streaming integration and full MQA decoding
&
Cons
Only 64GB of built-in storage, so many users will need a microSD card
Sharp lower corners can dig into the palm during long sessions
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
Reviewers describe the SR25 MKII as warm, full-bodied, and textured, with a lively, rhythmic presentation that keeps music engaging. What Hi-Fi? calls it revealing and says it feels like 'portable hi-fi,' with enough spaciousness and fullness to remain forgiving of poorer recordings.
Tonal Balance Musicality
93/100
The player is described as warm and full-bodied, with notes across the spectrum sounding 'fleshed out and textured.' Reviewers also praise its lively, rhythmic character and say musicality is given just as much weight as analysis.
Resolution Detail
91/100
What Hi-Fi? highlights detail, dynamic insight, precision, and timing, and explicitly calls it a 'revealing' music player. The comments suggest strong low-level retrieval without sacrificing ease or flow.
Digital Performance
91/100
Reviewers credit the MKII with improved sound quality and describe it as very clean and well controlled in use, with spaciousness that still handles low-quality recordings forgivingly. The review context points to a polished digital output, though the praise is framed more musically than in purely technical terms.
FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 90/100
The feature set is practical for a portable digital player, with wireless file transfer, BT Sink mode, Replay Gain, OTA firmware updates, and built-in MQA decoding. Reviewers focus more on how useful these additions are than on sheer quantity, and the player is presented as well equipped for everyday use.
Streaming Software
88/100
The reviews do not discuss a full streaming app ecosystem, but they do mention AK File Drop for easier wireless transfers, BT Sink, and firmware updates. Usability seems solid for a portable player, though there is limited evidence about deeper software polish or library management.
Features Connectivity
93/100
Connectivity is a strong point, with wireless file transfer, Bluetooth sink support, MQA playback, and support for hi-res files. Balanced and unbalanced outputs, microSD expansion, and USB-C charging/data handling make it flexible for a portable source.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
94/100
The SR25 MKII is repeatedly praised for its rock-solid build, classy metallic finish, and lovely aluminium chassis. The textured volume wheel is singled out for its satisfying click, and the player is described as both handsome and physically well made.
Value for Money
87/100
What Hi-Fi? calls it a 'safe recommendation' and describes it as 'as good as they get,' which supports the asking price more than it undercuts it. At around $750, it sits in a premium portable bracket, but the review tone suggests the sound and build make the cost defensible rather than excessive.
Reviews
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