Astell & Kern A&norma SR25 (Black) is rated
out of
5 by
9.
Astell & Kern A&norma SR25 (Black)
Portable High Resolution Audio Player
£399.95
Limited edition finish
Already a class-leader, the SR25 becomes even more distinctive, with this limited edition finish. The textured, black anodised casing contrasts with a hexagonal print at the rear, giving a hi-tech, industrial vibe that reflects the high specification electronics contained within.
Award-winner made better
It’s not easy improving upon a class-leader, but that’s just what Astell & Kern have done with the A&norma SR25. A faster, Quad-Core processor and newly designed circuitry give improved sound quality. Native support for DSD256 is now standard for enhanced quality with DSD files. The addition of Bluetooth LDAC improves the quality of wireless sound through compatible headphones. Finally, the new Performance Mode optimises playback.
Quad Core and Dual DACs
Featuring a new Quad-Core CPU, the SR25 has the power to get the most from your Hi-Res music files. Hi-Fi quality, Cirrus Logic Master HiFi DACs (Digital to Analogue Convertors) provide the SR25 with exceptional resolution. Meeting the highest standards for sonic precision, the DACs guarantee a reference level of sound. Using one DAC for the left channel and another for the right, the SR25 offers channel precision and stereo imaging that's well beyond most rivals.
Flexible format player
There are many HD Audio recordings already available to download online and you may already have started a collection on your computer or NAS drive. Where the SR25 really scores is being able to take those recordings with you - in the highest quality possible. The SR25 supports a wide range of file formats, including WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF and MQA.
Native DSD256 support
With native DSD support now at DSD256, the SR25 offers a big step-up from the DSD64 native support offered by the SR15. As an alternative to PCM sampling, many of the large music labels, including Sony, support DSD files. DSD is renowned for its huge dynamic range, ‘inky’ quiet backdrop and subtle detail that gives music ‘life’ and realism.
Performance Mode
Making the most of high quality files, the new Performance Mode optimises the player’s memory allocation according to the size of file being played. This helps minimise data loss, meaning you get to hear every subtle detail of music. Combined with the improved circuitry, it makes the SR25 a more revealing player than ever. Simply put, if it’s on the recording, you’ll hear every note.
Connect to your wireless headphones with Bluetooth LDAC
Bluetooth LDAC enhances the quality of a Bluetooth connection for more detailed and dynamic sound. Pair with compatible headphones, such as Sony LDAC models, and enjoy a much more detailed sound than standard Bluetooth connectivity.
Improved battery life
With a battery life of around 21 hours, the SR25 doubles the 10-hour life of the previous SR15 model – making it much more convenient on longer trips away. Charging time is around 2.5 hours.
Store it all - 64GB internal memory and now with support for a massive 1TB
With 64GB of internal memory, the SR25 stores about 625 tracks (24 bit/96kHz, 4 minute-long, 90MB) songs on its flash memory. With the addition of a micro SD card, this can be increased by up to a massive 1TB – enough for a lifetime’s collection of music.
Support for balanced headphones
With its 4-pol, 2.5mm headphone socket, the SR25 is ideal for use with balanced headphones. Using a balanced signal between the source and headphones reduces noise and interference and is especially handy on the move. A standard 3.5mm unbalanced socket is also standard.
Android 9.0 operating system
With firmware based on the Android 9.0 operating system, the SR25 is compatible with a wide range of music streaming apps. Spotify, TIDAL, Amazon Music and Deezer are the popular titles, amongst many others. Wi-fi connectivity ensures the SR25 makes an impressive music streamer as well as Hi-Res player.
If you love music on the move, you’ll find the Astell & Kern SR25 provides you with the detail your smartphone’s been missing.
Smart Features
Quad Core Processor
Yes
Connectivity
Bluetooth
Yes
USB
1 (USB-C)
General
Manufacturer's Warranty
1 year
Audio
Frequency Response (Hz)
20 - 70,000
High Resolution Audio
Yes
Features
Audio Formats
WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA
DAC
Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198
Flash Memory Capacity
64GB
Memory Card Supported
Up to 1TB via micro SD
Energy Consumption
Battery Life
Up to 21 hours
Dimensions
Dimensions WxHxD (mm)
64 x 108 x 16
Weight
Weight (KG)
178g
Rated 5 out of
5
by
HALLFI2773 from
Easy to to use, fantastic sound
After reading a number of reviews I decided to take the plunge and my god am I glad I did :) I installed qobuz and started listening and it sounded really good then switched to tidal and it went to another level on my home hi fi it's close but I'm wondering if the astell and kern have a preference to tidal as its a pre installed app whatever it is it just sounds fantastic
Date published: 2021-10-11
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Pratt01 from
Great player!
The sound on the Astell and kerns is one of the best I’ve heard. Good detail, wide soundstage, and smooth response to everything I’ve thrown at it. Classical, rock, blues, jazz, even Christian praise music. Works well with Spotify, once I found the right version of software,(could take a bit of trial and error). They sound fantastic on my Sony 1000mx4.
Date published: 2021-10-09
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Wayne55 from
Excellent sound easy to use and transfer music
Bought to replace ipod and glad I did much better sound easy to use and transfer music via pc. Highly recommended.
Date published: 2021-10-02
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Bootsy11 from
The sound is incredible.
After years of relying on my MP3 player I decided to take the plunge, after reading every review I possibly could, after all this isn't a cheap purchase. But the sound quality is worth every penny, especially with the Tidal app.
Date published: 2021-09-02
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Mala59 from
Sounds great
Sounds great easy to use once you get used to it only been streaming on tidal and amazon music never drops out bought with Almiron home headphones so glad I did
Date published: 2021-07-16
Rated 1 out of
5
by
RidesBikes from
Great sound, flawed product, disappointing service
I purchased in November based on the fantastic reviews all over the net. This is my first DAP having used smart phones in the past. The unit feels premium until I turned the screen on which is low quality for the money but anyway I bought it to listen. The unit does sound fantastic with wired headphones. Wireless was not as great but recent firmware seems to offer improvements.
I always had issue with the WIFI dropping out using Tidal, even when the wifi router was in sight, we have a 60mb connection to the house so no issue there. In the same room I have a Naim Atom and Samsung smart TV which have no issues.
When I reported the issue to Richer Sounds they advised me the warranty is not with them and to call a number in Germany for support. Which is fine but I would rather not have to do that.
Date published: 2021-02-01
Rated 1 out of
5
by
Grumpy cad from
Astell & Kern SR25
Will not update firmware, no support on Astell & Kern web site, all Richer Sounds has told me to do is get in touch with a London Company & wait till sometime in Jan 2021 for a reply.
Date published: 2020-12-30
Rated 5 out of
5
by
NIck90 from
The ultimate mobile music source
Spectacular sound quality, limited only by the source recording. Bluetooth, Balanced Output and headphone amplifier built in. It is the Ipod concept taken to it’s ultimate conclusion. With the ability to store over 1tbit pf FLAC data, this is a remarkable piece of kit whether used domestically or on the hoof.
Date published: 2020-12-18


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