Astell & Kern SP2000T Review – Finding Harmony in Dichotomy

Comparisons –

Astell & Kern SP2000 ($2999): The SP2000 and SP2000T are very similar devices and offer a similar sound profile too. The SP2000 strikes me as a slightly more spacious sounding source while the SP2000T has a hair more energy in the bass and offers a slightly more upfront vocal presentation. The SP2000 has a slight advantage when it comes to treble resolution and detail presence, offering a little more sparkle and headroom which also contributes to its greater sense of openness.

The SP2000T, perhaps by contrast to its slightly darker treble, appears slightly more robust in the mid-bass, providing a fuller punch. The SP2000 definitely provides a stronger sub-bass slam below, that said. It is more pressurized and physical with tighter control making it he more dynamic source. This gives the SP2000T an overall more forgiving presentation with the SP2000 offering greater separation, clarity and engagement. For busy passages, the SP2000 feels more resolving while the SP2000T feels more relaxed. In both hybrid and tube modes, the gap widens further in this direction.

Sony WM1z ($3199): The WM1z is a warmer and more powerful source with a greater emphasis on bass attack than the SP2000T. While the AK DAP is impressively dynamic, the Sony does come across as having some enhancement here which works in tandem with equally strong drive and extension to grant a more physical pressurization. It pairs this with a slightly higher contrast midrange that provides slightly greater separation and definition with the SP2000T sounding generally more linear and coherent. This gives the SP2000T an advantage with regards to texture and timbre while the Sony sounds more engaging by comparison.

The SP2000T provides a similar impression up top, being smoother and a little darker overall. The Sony has an equally clean background but a little more energy and crispness in its lower-treble which gives it more crunch but subjectively less refinement. Some may find that the Sony sounds a little more detailed as a result but I didn’t think that was the case in terms of raw information. Both are also impressively well-matched when it comes to soundstage dimensions. The difference lies mostly in imaging, the SP2000T is more layered while the WM1z is slightly more multi-dimensional with regards to imaging. It tends to push slightly more laterally which gives the impression of a wider stage.

Verdict –

Though you pay a high price, you receive high performance in turn. It is unfortunate that the choppy UI seen on the company’s lower-end models persist and the taller form factor has its quirks such as the back-facing status LED and awkward controls. Other than that, the same ultra-premium build remains, realised through a more elegant approach to design. Sonically, the DAP is up there with the best, showcasing a highly natural tonality, excellent resolving power and strong drive and dynamics. To me, it presents as one of the most well-rounded between qualities and is undoubtedly highly refined in its delivery. AK’s signature background cleanliness is in full display, now augmented with an even more effortless detail presentation. The AMP modes also offer greater versatility than before and are, to me, a more efficient way of tuning the sound than modules or separate audio paths. There is no fiddling with cables or reboots, but fine control of the tonality through the UI. So long as you aren’t expecting smartphone-like smoothness, the SP2000T is a premium flagship DAP that performs accordingly, crafting an impressive listening experience with efficient tunability.

The Astell & Kern SP2000T is available from Addicted to Audio for $3599 AUD at the time of writing. You can browse Busisoft to find other local distributors. I am not associated with Addicted to Audio or Busisoft and receive no earnings from purchases through these links.