Astell&Kern SR25 MKII (Mercury Dark Silver) is rated
out of
5 by
32.
Astell&Kern SR25 MKII (Mercury Dark Silver)
Portable High Resolution Audio Player
£699
Free case worth £49. Click here to view the package.
”A&K’s entry-level music player is unbeatable at this level.” ’What Hi-Fi?’ 2022 Product of the Year.Improving on a personal best
The original SR25 was a multi-award winner that took the market by storm. The Astell&Kern SR25 MKII offers improvements all round, making the best even better. Using A&K’s latest audio architecture, the MKII sounds more detailed. Other changes include a new 4.4mm headphone socket, Replay Gain function, AK File Drop and enhanced shielding. A new volume control and Mercury Dark Silver finish set the tone.
New, 4.4mm balanced output
New to the SR25 MKII is a top quality, 4.4mm, 5-pole balanced output. Alongside the 2.5mm, 4-pole balanced output, this gives wide-ranging compatibility with both headphones and headphone amps. 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.
Quad Core and Dual DACs
Featuring a Quad-Core CPU, the SR25 MKII has the power to get the most from your Hi-Res music files. Hi-Fi quality, Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs (Digital to Analogue Convertors) provide the SR25 MKII 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 MKII 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 MK II 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 at DSD256, the SR25 MK II makes the most of this hi-res format. 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.
ReplayGain
ReplayGain automatically adjusts all the sound sources to an identical level. This lets you listen to a variety of playlists, seamlessly and without distracting jumps in volume.
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.
AK File Drop for wireless transfer
With the new AK File Drop function, transferring files is easier than ever. The File Drop system lets you freely transfer files wirelessly through a PC, smartphone or FTP programme located on the same network.
BT sink for wireless music transfer
With the new BT sink function, you can now wirelessly stream music to the SR25 MKII, similar to the way the player streams to your wireless headphones or Bluetooth speaker. Simply pair with your music device, such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop and stream the music across – wirelessly.
Long-lasting battery life
With a battery life of around 20 hours, the SR25 MK II has the power to keep going for the longest journeys. 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 MKII 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.
Enjoy music from the best Hi-res player in its class, with the Astell&Kern SR25 MKII.
Smart Features
Quad Core Processor
Yes
Connectivity
Bluetooth
Yes
Headphone Output
3 x ( 3.5mm - Unbalanced / 2.5mm / 4.4mm Balanced)
USB
USB Type-C input (for charging only)
Wi-Fi Built In
Yes
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
1TB microSD Card
Energy Consumption
Battery Life
Up to 20 hours
Dimensions
Dimensions WxHxD (mm)
64 x 108 x 16
Weight
Weight (KG)
178g
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Andy47 from
Great Sound, let down by the WiFi
Ok first the the very good bits. This replaced an original Hiby R6 bought 4 years ago, the Hiby was decent quality BUT bluetooth was a joke and as I mainly wanted to use it with bluetooth headphones its always only been of very average use, now it no long holds a charge properly (common fault with Hiby) The Astell quality wise is probable at least 50% better than the Hiby and really sounds good in all area and all types of music. Now the good bits, the bluetooth is a lot better than the Hiby and is at least useable with bluetooth headphones but considering it's well over twice the price of the Hiby I was hoping for far fewer cuts outs and signal drops than I get, but at least i CAN use with mt Bowers & Wilkins PX8 headphones (which are excellent) Now the bad bits, the WiFi is next to useless. In a room that has the router from Virgin giving 135mbs, sitting 5 foot away from the router and in a 12 foot by 13 foot room and other wifi signal booster across the room for the TV and surround system, I was hoping for better. Trying to use it to stream Qobuz is a waste of time get 10 secs of music then it cuts out then comes back few seconds later, totally unusable. Unless I'm doing something wrong, and I can't see what. it's very disappointing that companies like Astel can't nowadays get the basic of Bluetooth and Wifi better. Although at £699 its a long way from being a top end DAP its also not cheap. If you don't need Wifi or not to serious about Bluetooth then i would recommend it on the sound quality but otherwise I would avoid it.
Date published: 2023-04-03
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Stirlingm78 from
Great sound but Bluetooth connection is choppy
I've only had it a week, but the sound is incredible, really happy with it. But occasionally there's a poor Bluetooth connection with my headphones and it goes choppy. I have only used it in the house so far so the player is right next to me at all times.
I tried going into the store to ask for advice but neither of the two assistants could offer any advice at all, I don't even think they'd seen the player before. So was a bit disappointed didn't didn't live up to the "expert advice" poster on the shop door. Hopefully some Internet research will help instead. If I can't sort this problem though the player might yet get returned.
Date published: 2023-03-19
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Roughcollie from
Great device for streaming tidal master recordings
Bought this device to get the most of tidal master recordings while on the move. Easy to download tidal, offers much better sound than my I phone and even sounds good through Bluetooth on my home hi fi set up. I use it in the gym, car and at work. The original outlay was quite expensive but if you want good quality audio on the move it is worth it.
Date published: 2023-03-14
Rated 5 out of
5
by
OldBloke84 from
A big step up
I bought an Astell&Kern Kann from Richer Sounds over two years ago. Out of guarantee I took it back with two issues that had arisen. After Richer Sounds sent it away and not hearing anything back for two months they gave me a great deal on the SR25 MK11. Much thinner than the Kann it still delivers upgraded output for anyone comparing to music from a phone or MP3 player.
Whilst sad to lose the Kann, Richer Sounds come through with a cracking replacement.
Thanks to Josh for his persistence and sorting the matter out.
Date published: 2023-03-12
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Alex88888 from
Simply the best sound in your pocket
Had to replaced an older version and this one is even better. Clarity of sound (i used mainly for training with a Bose portable speaker and when on transports), auto-balance of the output (which is a nice feature to have the same sound level no matter where the songs came from), sd card slot. A&K is simply the best
Date published: 2023-03-08
Rated 5 out of
5
by
JonB52 from
Fine Hi Res music player
This is a fine hi res music player; it has everything I need, and sounds excellent. It's also simple to operate and load up with albums. Plus it's smaller and lighter than my old Onkyo DPA-X1. Load it up with hires content, and you're ready to go. And it's good enough for a seasoned hi end audio enthusiast (that's me) to accept without qualm.
I have only two additional comments -
1) The display is a bit smaller than I'd like
2) Best to use with a local 1TB micro SD; like must portable players, it's not at its best for streaming. But that's primarily down to intrinsically dodgy transmission tech and Codecs - not the player.
Date published: 2023-03-04
Rated 5 out of
5
by
AQSounds from
A great upgrade from the SR15
I bought this as an upgrade to the SR15 and love it. There is a marked increase in the audio quality and the screen and interface is more fluid and quicker to navigate. The screen size is still a bit small for anyone with bigger fingers but it's not enough to advise against buying.
Date published: 2023-03-03
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Mikelb29 from
Great Sound
I bought this a couple of weeks and the build quality and the sound has been outstanding. The people at Richer Sounds were very helpful in giving me assistance and being able to try the unit before I purchased it.
Date published: 2023-02-19
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