ASTELL&KERN A&NORMA SR25 MKII SECOND GEN ENTRY-LEVEL HI RES PORTABLE AUDIO PLAYER

Astell&Kern has unveiled the second generation model of its ultra-portable hi-res audio player the Astell&Kern A&norma SR25 MKII

Astell&Kern, has introduced the second generation model of its entry-level player, the Astell&Kern A&norma SR25 MKII.

The Astell&Kern A&norma SR25 MKII Hi Res Audio Player

ASTELL&KERN A&NORMA SR25 MKII HI RES AUDIO PLAYER

Popular features of the original SR25 have been retained with the new model improving on the audio performance, adding new features, such as a balanced 4.4mm headphone jack, and tweaking its design.

Astell&Kern A&norma SR25 MKII feature upgrades over the previous model include:

• Improved sound performance
• 4.4mm headphone jack
• Replay Gain function to uniformly adjust volume playback from sound sources up to 24-bit/192 kHz.
• AK File Drop for easier wireless file transfers.
• BT Sink function for simpler connection of the SR25 MKII to an external Bluetooth device
• Extra internal silver-plated shielding, first seen in the higher-end SP2000T, to protect from electromagnetic interference.
• New, more defined volume wheel design.
• New darker Mercury Dark Silver finish.

ASTELL&KERN A&NORMA SR25 MKII HEADPHONE JACKS

The addition of the balanced 4.4mm headphone jack, joining the 2.5mm (balanced) and 3.5mm (unbalanced) outputs, means music fans can connect an even wider variety of headphones, IEM’s and devices.

Front, back and side view of the pocket friendly Astell&Kern A&norma SR25 MKII Hi Res Audio Player

HI RES AND BLUETOOTH

As with the first-generation model, the SR25 MII handles an array of high-resolution music formats and includes support for native playback of DSD256 and 32-bit/384KHz PCM high-resolution audio.

The Astell&Kern A&norma SR25 MKII Hi Res Audio Player features the latest high definition Bluetooth wireless codecs: LDAC and aptX™ HD.

The SR25 MKII also adds Replay Gain functionality to the mix. This automatically and uniformly adjusts volume playback from sound sources up to 24-bit/192 kHz so playlists can be enjoyed throughout without reaching for the volume.

The Astell&Kern A&norma SR25 MKII Hi Res Audio Player is the brand’s new entry level

AK FILE DROP

First introduced in the A&futura SE180 player, AK File Drop ensure easier wireless file transfers. Users can wirelessly transfer files through a PC, smartphone, or FTP program located on the same network to make music management even more convenient. Secondly, the new BT Sink function connects the SR25 MKII to an external device, such as a smartphone, via Bluetooth, enabling music to be played back in high-quality on the Astell&Kern player.

PROTECT YOUR A&K PLAYER

A protective case in a choice of three finishes is available to compliment the Astell&Kern A&norma SR25 MKII Hi Res Audio Player and safeguard this premium player from the vagaries of a life on the road. Made from a soft and durable LASKINA® polyurethane fabric from Italy, this memory material offers protection against external shocks and scratches, while providing excellent grip. The fabric also mimics the texture of classic, high-end leather, for a luxurious and vibrant look, including natural leather-style creases and shine. Finishes include Denim Blue, Orange and Black.

The cool new faux leather cases

ASTELL&KERN A&NORMA SR25 MKII PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The Astell&Kern A&norma SR25 MKII is priced £699 / $749 / €799

The Astell&Kern A&norma SR25 MKII case is priced £59 / $60 / €69 and both will be available early November.

Astell&Kern A&norma SR25 MKII Hi Res Audio Player

ASTELL&KERN A&NORMA SR25 MKII TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Model: SR25 MKII

Body Colour: Mercury Dark Silver

Body Material: Aluminium

Display: 3.6-inch HD 720 x 1280 px touch screen

Supported Audio Formats: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA

Sample rate PCM : 8kHz ~ 384kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample) DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz),

Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo

Output Level: Unbalanced 2Vrms │ Balanced 4Vrms (Condition No Load)

CPU: Quad-core

DAC: Ciruss Logic CS43198 x2 (Dual-DAC)

Decoding: Support up to 32bit / 384kHz Bit to Bit playback

Input: USB Type-C input (for charging & PC & MAC)

Outputs: Unbalanced Out (3.5mm), Balanced Out (2.5mm, only 4-pole supported / 4.4m, only 5-pole supported)

Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz)

Bluetooth: V4.2 (A2DP, AVRCP, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, LDAC)

Dimensions: 2.5” (63.5mm)[W] x 4.26” (108.3mm)[H] x 0.63” (16.1mm)[D]

Weight: about 178g (6.27oz)

Firmware upgrade supported (OTA)

Operating Temperature: 0℃ ~ + 40℃ (32℉~ 104℉)

Audio performance

Frequency Response ±0.014dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced │ ±0.011dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz)

Balanced ±0.010dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced │ ±0.012dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz)

Balanced S/N 122dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced 124dB @ 1kHz, Balanced

Crosstalk -138dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced -144dB @ 1kHz, Balanced

THD+N 0.0006% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced 0.0005% @ 1kHz, Balanced

IMD SMPTE 0.0004% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced 0.0003% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Balanced

Output Impedance Unbalanced Out 3.5mm (1.2ohm) Balanced Out 2.5mm (1.8ohm), 4.4mm (1.7ohm)

Clock Source Clock Jitter: 25pS (Typ) Reference Clock Jitter: 70ps

Storage Capacity Built-in Memory: 64GB [NAND] External Memory: microSD x1 (Max. 1TB)

Battery Capacity: 3,150mAh 3.7V Li-Polymer, Charge Time: about 2.5hours (5V 2A General Charging),Playback Time: about 20hours (Standard : FLAC, 16bit, 44.1kHz, Unbalanced, Vol.50, EQ Off, LCDOff)

Supported OS: Windows 7,8,10(32/64bit) MAC OS X 10.7

Inside the Astell&Kern A&norma SR25 MKII Hi Res Audio Player

HiFi Pig Says: Tiny and portable odes not have to mean you miss out on Hi Res capabilities, advancement in tech mean you really can have a HiFi in your pocket these days.

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