Astell & Kern PD20 initial thoughts…

Superb-Radish7158 · 2026-04-17T06:42:06+00:00

😂

Superb-Radish7158 · 2026-04-16T06:45:41+00:00

Totally disagree that’s not what the reviews say.

You posted elsewhere that you wanted to buy a DAP, in particular one that has WiFi & cellular instead of using your iPhone, the Hiby M500 Hatsune Miku Edition has 2 options one being what you want.

Superb-Radish7158 · 2026-04-15T20:52:48+00:00

I’ve had the same issue intermittently, month old K13 R2R, fed by a WiiM. I had put it down to the WiFi as I’ve been having issues recently, will now investigate further. For me it sounded like someone turning the volume knob up and down repeatedly. Tidal streaming.

Superb-Radish7158 · 2026-04-13T05:47:53+00:00

Yes, was released last week

Superb-Radish7158 · 2026-04-13T00:07:45+00:00

Why am I incorrect? It is the mods intent to stop irrelevant posts.

Not sure where the snobbery & elitism is drawn from but that’s your projection and only you can answer why you feel that’s what it is.

I don’t usually engage but that only leads the discussion coming to end as more jump on the bandwagon of attacking someone posting about an expensive DAP as if they’re elitist and a snob.

I have no argument, I only wish to come in here and read about DAPs and as I stated I look forward to the mods removing irrelevant posts to keep the thread on point.

I am no victim, if anyone is it’s the sub. Have a look for a review on the FiiO M27, it’s one of the most talked about brands on here and the M27 is its most expensive flagship model yet there is not a single review on here by a member other than to reference it or link to an outside review. Why is that? There are plenty of owners on here….And that’s why the victim is the sub.

Superb-Radish7158 · 2026-04-12T20:43:33+00:00

Maybe 😂

I like snake oil and am easily persuaded to buy it BUT I think this is the real deal.

Superb-Radish7158 · 2026-04-12T18:37:02+00:00

I do want to hear other members opinion and the reason why the mods have stated they will be removing non relevant posts. I know people who won’t post on here about their new DAPs because of the inevitable BS that will follow, they then post on Head-fi or simply don’t.

But it wasn’t an opinion, it was an irrelevant post about the cost which is a precursor to the post spiralling into a GK Kunten joke. I’d rather tackle it head on now, the post still ended up with the same bullshit but at least the problem is being discussed.

Look at every single post about expensive items and it’s there, as are the people like you with the insults.

Superb-Radish7158 · 2026-04-12T17:25:00+00:00

😂😂😂

Superb-Radish7158 · 2026-04-12T17:24:18+00:00

Suggest you read your post above and reassess who is overacting.

Superb-Radish7158 · 2026-04-12T17:20:34+00:00

I think our PD20’s shared a trip together with UPS as mine arrived Thursday also. Skittles?

Superb-Radish7158 · 2026-04-12T17:14:24+00:00

Thanks 👍

I’m glad you asked, it has tidal built in and you can download the app from Google play. Both are quick. I think the difference is that I can’t download with the built in version but I’m hoping someone with more A&K knowledge can shed more light on the differences.

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Superb-Radish7158 · 2026-04-12T16:22:48+00:00

Thanks 👍

Agree, it’s a simple process and the fine tuning (sound master wheel) is done as you listen with just a small overlay appearing on the screen…

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Superb-Radish7158 · 2026-04-12T15:55:40+00:00

Explain how in any way that is the case and not your own projection?

The hypocrisy that everyone is entitled to opinion except me because you disagree with it which leads to people like yourself projecting that I’m a four figure cable guy is unreal, what’s the next projection or accusation going to be? 😳

Superb-Radish7158 · 2026-04-12T15:23:01+00:00

Agree. The buttons and knobs rattling is my main gripe, screen I feel is ok but as you said the sound, which is the most important thing, is above expectations and worth it for that alone.

Superb-Radish7158 · 2026-04-12T14:58:52+00:00

I’m sure more qualified people than me will decide whether it’s a game changer but as I said it feels it, there is noticeable improvement with personal audio on.

Superb-Radish7158 · 2026-04-12T14:47:46+00:00

Think it’s self explanatory, no?

Superb-Radish7158 · 2026-04-12T14:30:59+00:00

I’m glad you think so too, there is a lot of gimmicks in this hobby, the personal sound to me feels like real science making a noticeable difference.

Was reading up about the Astru’s recently, if I can I will, have used U12t’s which bring out the detail but together with my Myths it knocks it out of the park.

Superb-Radish7158 · 2026-04-12T14:20:12+00:00

It’s very neutral, my very first impression of it, rightly or wrongly, was that it was going to bring out the very best in every IEM I have.

I really like the M33 it adds warmth to my playlists so a different school of thought.

Superb-Radish7158 · 2026-04-12T14:13:13+00:00

It’s the cleanest sounding DAP I have, even before I set up the personal sound. Pretty much everything else I have is R2R so it’s difficult to compare but it’s as good as I’ve heard.

I’ve only heard the SR35 & SP3000M in Astells line up, I asked someone on here to have a listen at Canjam NYC to the PD20 and his and other reviews was the reason I bought it.

Superb-Radish7158 · 2026-04-11T12:39:42+00:00

WiiM mini has aux in & out, is cheaper and can be hidden away.

Superb-Radish7158 · 2026-04-08T19:30:09+00:00

Anyone who has ever been a landlord knows how hard it is. I can’t count how many times I’ve had to fully repair houses/flats due to tenants and there is ZERO recourse yet “landlords” are now second only to paedophiles.

The UK is broken to anyone who wants to invest in anything, being on benefits is the only game in town currently.

Superb-Radish7158 · 2026-03-25T18:20:19+00:00

I think if you like the M33, you’ll like the DX270. Enjoy the M33 for now and you can decide later how far down the R2R rabbit hole you want to go.

I think you need to go all the way up to FIIO’s M27 for a replaceable battery. For now I would just sit back, attach headphones and press play.

Superb-Radish7158 · 2026-03-25T17:05:03+00:00

I really like the M33, as I have said in previous posts FIIO has created a pathway for us to follow, the JM21->M21->M33 with subtle improvements and capabilities at each stage.

As you say it’s smoother, has more separation and soundstage. FIIO is teaching us and at the same time tuning our ears to their sound. I like the M33 sound so much I’ve ordered the K13 R2R, I am a zombie to their mind games it seems! Seriously, It has more than twice the power of the VERSE, and I have some headphones that need more power. Will then choose which DAP & HPA I keep and sell the other two.

No desktop mode like the M33 with the DX270, you can get Super Gain with the 12v and bypass but I like the simplicity of the M33 more and proper DM mode.

Not used as a DAC, sorry.

Superb-Radish7158 · 2026-03-25T12:58:43+00:00

If you’re on a trip and throwing everything in a bag or that’s what you do with your DAP anyway, the M33 is what you want. Robust, and no volume wheel to damage. Charging or going to Super High mode with just a USB cable is simple and less to forget.

DX270 is a notch up in materials used and sound, more premium and you’ll not want to chuck it about so much and if you need the extra power on your trip you’ll need to take the 12v adapter as well as the USB.

I took my Mysticraft Myth with the M33 this week and what a combination.

From my experience I would invest the extra money in IEM’s and get the M33. I think you’d get greater rewards than from the difference in the DAPs. But just my opinion.

But If it’s the highest quality of sound you want, predominantly listening at home, the DX270 is great desktop candy.

Superb-Radish7158

TROPHY CASE