betty boop Posted August 14, 2020 Share Posted August 14, 2020 Any Astell & Kern owners out there ? I just realised there isnt actually an Astell and Kern owners thread ? surely we would need one perhaps we can have a thread like this to talk of such things.... in appreciation off... getting the best out of in setup.... any woes and troubles... am sure many owners out there and we can help each other enjoy these lovely things ! to kick things off... am proud owner of a SP2000, and what a magnificent thing it is ... right from unwrapping with the lovely box comes in... which is now put away safely.... I got it in copper to match my headphones and with the lovely brown leather case it comes with. cant believe it comes with screen protectors as well ! I can only best describe it as an Ingot ! gosh its heavy and like been hewn from a slab of metal. so well made. and feels very slick in operation. and sounds superb with the headphones ! 4 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted August 14, 2020 Author Share Posted August 14, 2020 I managed to copy out a ton of CDs that i had already on my MacBook with the android file transfer utility. I figured out how to down load the apple music app from the apkpure website that has all the apps https://apkpure.com can't seem to figure out how to download spotify... but looks like tidal comes on board... no ways to load a youtube app ? I guess it is a DAP only not a video media player how are other A&K DAP owners finding things.... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martykt Posted August 14, 2020 Share Posted August 14, 2020 29 minutes ago, betty boop said: Any Astell & Kern owners out there ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martykt Posted August 14, 2020 Share Posted August 14, 2020 2 hours ago, betty boop said: I managed to copy out a ton of CDs that i had already on my MacBook with the android file transfer utility Similar story here though for me it was a bit of mucking around as my CDs were ripped to WAV through EAC and when I copied the files over to my SP1000 they all came up as "Unknown" and "Unknown Album".... After a little research I discovered that the AK's filing relies on additional metadata that EAC for some reason doesn't add so then had to manually enter the extra metadata in Foobar2000. (You can't edit the metadata in Windows.) Once I had the metadata sorted it was just a matter of copying the music over with no requirement any 3rd party app. Obviously not a fault with Astell & Kern and more to do with the WAV format. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted August 14, 2020 Author Share Posted August 14, 2020 5 hours ago, Martykt said: Similar story here though for me it was a bit of mucking around as my CDs were ripped to WAV through EAC and when I copied the files over to my SP1000 they all came up as "Unknown" and "Unknown Album".... After a little research I discovered that the AK's filing relies on additional metadata that EAC for some reason doesn't add so then had to manually enter the extra metadata in Foobar2000. (You can't edit the metadata in Windows.) i already had files for my blue sound, so just used those to go across ... all worked drag dropped and art and such wondering still how to get spotify onto it. all else like apple music, tidal etc got across via its open apps and android file transfer. I think its because google play is expecting a device associated ... android issue... and likely because i live apple world ps also be nice to get tune-in app across. anyone using a tune in app ? it falls in same category as spotify for apps https://us.astellnkern.com/blogs/news/open-app-service-instructions 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martykt Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 7 hours ago, betty boop said: wondering still how to get spotify onto it. all else like apple music, tidal etc got across via its open apps and android file transfer. I think its because google play is expecting a device associated ... android issue... and likely because i live apple world Is the problem the android file transfer won't allow the transfer or is the SP2000 not allowing the installation once copied? If it's the android file transfer not playing ball the easiest solution is to get your hands on a PC (if and when you can...) as the file transfer is just a case of copying the appropriate APK files into the OpenService Folder. Also make sure you get the correct Spotify from apkpure.com as I noticed there were multiple Spotify's for different uses. https://www.apkpure.com/spotify-music/com.spotify.music Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted August 15, 2020 Author Share Posted August 15, 2020 6 minutes ago, Martykt said: Is the problem the android file transfer won't allow the transfer or is the SP2000 not allowing the installation once copied? If it's the android file transfer not playing ball the easiest solution is to get your hands on a PC (if and when you can...) as the file transfer is just a case of copying the appropriate APK files into the OpenService Folder. Also make sure you get the correct Spotify from apkpure.com as I noticed there were multiple Spotify's for different uses. https://www.apkpure.com/spotify-music/com.spotify.music oh no not the android file transfer, that worked for apple music, but cant seem to do for spotify its the google play thing, which wont play https://support.google.com/googleplay/thread/61247375?hl=en as it says can't download apps to mac as can only download to supported devices .... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martykt Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 8 hours ago, betty boop said: ps also be nice to get tune-in app across. anyone using a tune in app ? it falls in same category as spotify for apps I haven't tried that one yet. I did try the MyTuner Radio app though for some reason I found the streams from a couple of stations I listen to sounded very poor compared to the original streams and from a free radio app on my iPhone. I tried emailing them but the reply was that "We only use the station's official streaming links" and they have updated the link and try again in 8 hours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martykt Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 11 minutes ago, betty boop said: oh no not the android file transfer, that worked for apple music, but cant seem to do for spotify its the google play thing, which wont play https://support.google.com/googleplay/thread/61247375?hl=en as it says can't download apps to mac as can only download to supported devices .... Just to clarify a little further, are you trying to download Spotify from apkpure.com and cannot do so on the mac? Or is it once downloaded you can't copy it across to your SP2000? On the PC I had no issue downloading Spotify from APKpure.com and then copying it over to my SP1000. Is there a PC in the house? Might be the easiest solution. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted August 15, 2020 Author Share Posted August 15, 2020 14 minutes ago, Martykt said: Just to clarify a little further, are you trying to download Spotify from apkpure.com and cannot do so on the mac? Or is it once downloaded you can't copy it across to your SP2000? can't download... it let me do apple music... 15 minutes ago, Martykt said: On the PC I had no issue downloading Spotify from APKpure.com and then copying it over to my SP1000. might have to try a pc...perhaps google play is apple allergic 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martykt Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 27 minutes ago, betty boop said: might have to try a pc...perhaps google play is apple allergic Could well be.... Might have to head to your closest neutral territory !! I will say that's one slight unfortunate reality of the Astel & Kerns being android based, all the apps and user interface are slightly klunky compared to what you get on ios... That said I can't see Apple letting Astell & Kern get their hands on ios anytime soon so soldier on we must !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted August 15, 2020 Author Share Posted August 15, 2020 7 minutes ago, Martykt said: Could well be.... Might have to head to your closest neutral territory !! I will say that's one slight unfortunate reality of the Astel & Kerns being android based, all the apps and user interface are slightly klunky compared to what you get on ios... That said I can't see Apple letting Astell & Kern get their hands on ios anytime soon so soldier on we must !! indeed ! not expecting it to be iOS like or anything. to be honest pretty happy with things though way works responsiveness etc. seems intuitive enough i understand it allows the open apps. but wish it had a google play thing on board though....then could just download the apps straight off... but i undersntsd while its android... I think its only based on it... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martykt Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 18 hours ago, betty boop said: no ways to load a youtube app ? I guess it is a DAP only not a video media player I have to say that is one criticism for Astell & Kern, it would be nice for Astell & Kern to be a bit less stingy in their approved apps list. It would be good to be able to install some extra music based apps that are not on the list and YouTube would be a great addition to listen to live concerts. There is one way that I stumbled upon to install unapproved apps though I believe Astell & Kern stopped it from working in their later updates. I tried it and didn't manage to get it to work but might be worth a try. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted August 15, 2020 Author Share Posted August 15, 2020 1 minute ago, Martykt said: I have to say that is one criticism for Astell & Kern, it would be nice for Astell & Kern to be a bit less stingy in their approved apps list. It would be good to be able to install some extra music based apps that are not on the list and YouTube would be a great addition to listen to live concerts. agree... though youtube is there ... stock - its called "V-Link" 2 minutes ago, Martykt said: There is one way that I stumbled upon to install unapproved apps though I believe Astell & Kern stopped it from working in their later updates. I tried it and didn't manage to get it to work but might be worth a try. thanks for the link, will check out... might help with my woes too... I did manager to load tune-in into the android loader and transfer onto the A&K and though loaded into the open-source folder... it didnt show in the app list... so perhaps i fluked it 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eostre23 Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 Just adding I own a under-the-radar SA700. Previously owned a non-starting SR15! SA700 has been flawless though (Touches wood) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted August 15, 2020 Author Share Posted August 15, 2020 1 hour ago, eostre23 said: Just adding I own a under-the-radar SA700. Previously owned a non-starting SR15! SA700 has been flawless though (Touches wood) welcome ! and no doubt an awesome thing the SA700 how you using your @eostre23, do you use any of the apps on the thing, loaded any of own or just working off music tracks have loaded on it what headphones are you running with your SA700 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted August 15, 2020 Author Share Posted August 15, 2020 2 hours ago, Martykt said: Could well be.... hmm pc route gave same result... oh well... might check out the other video link you posted see what thats all about 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted August 15, 2020 Author Share Posted August 15, 2020 2 hours ago, Martykt said: I have to say that is one criticism for Astell & Kern, it would be nice for Astell & Kern to be a bit less stingy in their approved apps list. It would be good to be able to install some extra music based apps that are not on the list and YouTube would be a great addition to listen to live concerts. There is one way that I stumbled upon to install unapproved apps though I believe Astell & Kern stopped it from working in their later updates. I tried it and didn't manage to get it to work but might be worth a try. ok first difference ... here it gives a direct link to download ... eg below ... i checked mx player on my mac and i gets the same and can download.... but if go looking for spotify, it takes me to google play to download ? and as soon as I get that, no matter pc or mac I then cant download due to no device thats supported error ! as soon as go to google play and click install it asks to sign into google which I do and then I get error below, "you dont have any devices ! " ... i'll keep watching....but thought id call that out. as definitely a google thing @ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted August 20, 2020 Author Share Posted August 20, 2020 ok got a note back from a2a to clarify things after lodged a ticket with them, they then sent me a apk file for sonos ... which worked. also suggested to try downloading from some place else. some searching found a tune in file a lot more current then ones i was playing with. and that seemed to load to. I did this via work laptop. anyways am sorted with apps. so suggestion is search around for the latest and can because these are open source, just get the latest version. I note the sp2000 got an update today as well.... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martykt Posted August 20, 2020 Share Posted August 20, 2020 33 minutes ago, betty boop said: ok got a note back from a2a to clarify things after lodged a ticket with them, they then sent me a apk file for sonos ... which worked. also suggested to try downloading from some place else. some searching found a tune in file a lot more current then ones i was playing with. and that seemed to load to. I did this via work laptop. anyways am sorted with apps. so suggestion is search around for the latest and can because these are open source, just get the latest version. I note the sp2000 got an update today as well.... Can you please PM me a link to the working Tunin? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted August 20, 2020 Author Share Posted August 20, 2020 8 minutes ago, Martykt said: Can you please PM me a link to the working Tunin? hi marty, its version 24.9 thats the latest I can't beleive I closed the window had it on, but checking my history I beleive its this one below https://tunein-radio.en.uptodown.com/android anyways as long as v24.9 should be all good... I am getting used to this open source thing... ie available from so many sources... can just download... I guess means some hit miss possibility ..but its not like apple where all apps come from only one place ! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted August 20, 2020 Author Share Posted August 20, 2020 ps I should say tune in radio on the A&K and with the focals sounds lovely ! best I have ever heard just listening to some sbs chill but its good can listen to stuff like this through the A&K way I expand my awareness of music out there. certainly great to have entire web of music and radio out there at finger tips ... something id suggest leaves like of the sony flagship DAP with no wifi really lacking ! ps first time you open tune in radio ... it will come up with the subscription option or free with ads version. just close that window and keep going,. it by default goes with the free with ads and the adds only appear on screen not like in the audio or anything. so not a bother .... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martykt Posted August 20, 2020 Share Posted August 20, 2020 11 minutes ago, betty boop said: ... something id suggest leaves like of the sony flagship DAP with no wifi really lacking ! I agree, being restricted to only the music that happens to be in my library would be a deal breaker for me. I believe the reason is the Sony and other flagship DAPs use their own software which while understand wanting to get away from Android unfortunately that does mean they're restricted in what they can do. On my SP1000 I've been simply hooking on to my Personal Hotspot and streaming uncompressed music through Amazon Music which means I can listen to pretty much whatever I want. I think the ability to stream and install different apps puts the Astell & Kerns well ahead of the others. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted August 20, 2020 Author Share Posted August 20, 2020 4 minutes ago, Martykt said: I agree, being restricted to only the music that happens to be in my library would be a deal breaker for me. I believe the reason is the Sony and other flagship DAPs use their own software which while understand wanting to get away from Android unfortunately that does mean they're restricted in what they can do. On my SP1000 I've been simply hooking on to my Personal Hotspot and streaming uncompressed music through Amazon Music which means I can listen to pretty much whatever I want. I think the ability to stream and install different apps puts the Astell & Kerns well ahead of the others. thats good to hear re amazon music, i beleive with prime account we have some free music ... so should explore 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted August 20, 2020 Author Share Posted August 20, 2020 A nice thing... with spotify... playing paul kelly's - from st kilda to kings cross it pulls through the music video in the artwork... its only a loop but rather nice touch...good this comes across with the A&K spotify app. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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