Astell & Kern Firmware Update for DAPs

RICKY KOVACS | MOON AUDIO STAFF/JUN 25TH 2019

New firmware update, new features, and new improvements

Yesterday Astell&Kern released a firmware update for the SP1000M and SE100 digital audio players. Bringing about a handful of new features including shareable EQ syncing and a new Car Mode, they have also implemented a number of system stabilizations and bug fixes

The new firmware update for the SP1000M and SE100 is available now for download.

Make sure to do the following before downloading and installing the firmware upgrade:

Make a backup of important files just in case
Make sure the battery level is at least 50%
Make sure you have at least 500MB of free storage for the file size
User setting is initialized after the upgrade

To upgrade to the latest firmware version, connect your Astell&Kern DAP to wi-Fi. Find the new firmware file for download under "Settings" > "Update" > "System Update"

If you have any problems or questions about how to upgrade your firmware, please do not hesitate to contact us by leaving a comment below.

A couple of months ago A&K also released their Open APP Service, allowing the DAPs to support Android-based (APK) streaming apps like Tidal, Qobuz and many more. More info about how to install the Open APP Service and accessing streaming applications can be found <HERE>.

*Note [Updated 11/5/19]: Open APP Service and APK apps will work on the following A&K Devices: (SA700 / SP2000 / KANN CUBE / SP1000 / SP1000M / SE100 / SR15)

Applications such as Spotify, Amazon Music, etc. will not be available on older models, only on the current/new models via Open App Service (sideloading). Open App Service is available on SR15, KANN Cube, SE100, SP1000M, SP1000, SP2000 and all future models unless specified that it will not be available.

For the embedded apps on the older players, Tidal is the only streaming service that can be used in the US (online mode only due to restrictions from the record labels since it is built into A&K's system). Although Qobuz was built into some of the players, at the time it was not available in the US therefore when it is selected it will say that it is not available in the territory and unfortunately this will continue to be the case. Tidal is available on AK70, AK100 II, AK120II, AK240, AK300 series (AK300, AK320, AK380) and all models after).

They also released the new KANN Cube, a powerhouse of a DAP with a plethora of features and improvements on the first-generation KANN. You can learn more about the new KANN Cube and see how it compares to the original KANN in our blog post here:

KANN CUBE - A Comparison With The Original

HOW DOES THE NEW KANN CUBE STACK UP TO THE ALREADY POPULAR KANN?

Ultimately, it is a good time to be an Astell&Kern product owner. The support, updates, and features for their DAPs are praiseworthy just as much as their products are. We'll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest from Astell&Kern and feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have. Happy listening!

Ricky Kovacs

My dad told me to be responsible and get a job that would allow me to finance my passion for music. Well, I did. That's why I spend all day in a proverbial candy store for music lovers. It's a dream job really.

Ricky Kovacs is a performer at heart but loves to bring his passion and experience with music to others. With a background in both politics and religion, Ricky has a knack for writing about divisive topics - which is why at the end of the day he loves writing about the one thing that brings us all together: music. Outside of Moon Audio, Ricky enjoys performing music in his band, recording, video games, virtual photography, reading, traveling, partaking in the finest scotch, and spending time with his wife, newborn, and doggy.

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