Astell&Kern - A&norma SR25

This is truly one of the best entry level to midfi DAP available right now. Let me divide the review into 3 sections:
Aesthetics: This device is truly beautiful with an impeccable construction, akin to buying an apple product😊 the tilted screen takes some time to get used to but eventually you begin to appreciate the design language and convenience while holding in hand. The screen resolution is superb, perhaps the size could have been bigger as close to an inch at the bottom is non-functional due to the touch panel home button. Due to the small screen size, some people with thick fingers may struggle a bit while typing. Alert: Strongly recommend to buy a suitable case as the beautiful exterior is highly prone to scratches!
Hardware: Simply amazing battery life...getting an easy 21 hours with continous play and can really go without charge for days together with moderate usage. This has been the holy grail for all DAPs, but AK this time has done an amazing job to put together super efficient internals along with providing an all capable device with wifi capabilities & bluetooth streaming. The interface is smooth and fluid and due to the tight control on OS implementation, there is hardly any bugginess common with full android based DAPs. The APK implementation for third party apps has been compartamentalized and done very well, where you are able to have offline access from common streaming platforms.
Sound: Typical AK sound, sonically warm with a wide soundstage and good resolution. This truly shines from the 2.5mm balanced output with absolutely black background with sensitive IEMs (currently using CA Solaris 2020). During my experimentation, I tried the 3.5 mm SE out with a portable amp (Corda Quickstep) and the sound scales up amazingly well with tight control on bass along with beautiful midrange and vocals.
I could recommend it just for the battery life! but this is really much more with absolutely brilliant implementation of the user interface (along with all streaming functionalities) with an excellent easy to love sound!

I love the SR25 - Amazing clarity and detail retrieval and a very balanced and transparent sound with a wide soundstage plus superb imaging!!
It looks so good with the abstract design and the build quality is amazing!
The size of this DAP is so compact and feels nice to hold in the hand.
This thing can play almost all high res formats (including MQA) without any problems.
Tidal and other streaming services like Apple Music (with an option to download music for offline listening!) work flawlessly albeit a bit laggy.
Screen resolution is very good as well.

One of the best features: the Battery Life !! 20 Hours - very satisfied (also doesn't heat up so that's another great thing).

Paired with the SE846, this portable hifi setup is love!

{Thanks headphone gurus Raghav and Varun for helping me settle on the SR25 and for headphonezone for delivering it so quickly and at a good price :D}

Check out the pictures attached ; )
If you're looking for a DAP at this price range then I feel you can't go wrong with the SR25!

Amazing product, the design is out of the world and fit & finish is top notch. I liked the product.
Coming to sound, used with Diana earphones, it’s clean & clear sound reproduction is mind boggling.
Only thing holding me to rate 5 star is it’s software, it could have been better. Has limited app compatibility.
Otherwise it’s a wonderful product and highly recommend it

Astell&Kern - A&norma SR25

Astell&Kern - A&norma SR25

Astell&Kern - A&norma SR25