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Hi-res audio can be a cruel mistress.

In hi-fi as in life, compatibility is key.

Astell & Kern A&norma SR35 and FiiO FT5 on a table

Who wouldn’t love to produce this from a pocket?

And that’s why I want you to know about this little system.

It surprised me, in all the right ways.

Sounds tough to drive, no?

Astell & Kern A&norma SR35 and FiiO FT5 on a white table

Who wouldn’t love to produce this from a pocket?

And oh, the Astell & Kern A&norma SR35 can.

I hadn’t expected it, and I was wrong to doubt either brand.

As noted above, the A&norma SR35 isn’t your average entry level player.

Astell & Kern A&norma SR35 and FiiO FT5 on a white table

Why yes, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds sounds great on it

The Rolling StonesGimme Shelteris raucous, emotive, foot-tappingly accurate timing-wise and above all, meaningfully immersive.

When the beat drops in Peter Gabriel’sSledgehammer, you know about it and then some.

If your main issue with DAPs to date has been power (ie.

FIIO FT5 90mm Open Planar…

The SR35 drives the FiiO FT5 with energy to spare.

Will the battery life suffer with this little setup?

A little, despite the improved efficiency.

Prime

I appreciate that it’s not an insubstantial amount of money.

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