Latest Thread Images

1712950201157.png
22840E07-2F49-4088-A8C4-E9EB4ECF9931.jpeg
5BE71781-9A35-4CE6-A702-2669E0D4BA12.jpeg
A7D6AE8F-C878-4CAE-B280-C707CBAE5237.jpeg
AK100:AK120 Collection 3.jpeg
AK100:AK120 Collection 2.jpeg
AK100:AK120 Collection.jpg 20200517_143203.jpg 20200517_135234.jpg 0E2FCC83-8930-4B76-ACC3-B5DFFA11DCED.png TU-05-Mojo-AK100-HEX.jpg image.jpg photo1.jpg photo2.jpg akiaa01_3.jpg AK100UM3XSmall.jpg AK100v242.png RigOutdoors1.jpg MorningElixir.jpg AK100-Inputs-and-Outputs-Diagram.jpg
See full thread gallery...
The New iRiver/Astell & Kern AK100: A High-End DAP
Mar 10, 2014 at 7:02 PM Post #8,086 of 9,165
healeyman said:
     Hello, first time poster long time lurker as they say.  Greetings to all.  I just purchased an AK100 MK2 (firmware 2.30) a couple weeks ago and have read most of the 539 pages of this thread.  After trudging through getting artwork recognized (not always) most everything else has been good save for the same issues others are having with the microsd card locations and the intermittent freeze ups.  The odd 500x500.jpg artwork embedded in ripped FLAC files just does not work no matter what I do.  Like I said just in a couple, there must be something in the file makeup the device firmware just does not like.  I wish there was a list somewhere of file criteria which is necessary for them to display properly (as in tag version info etc).  I am using the recommended 32 gig SanDisk class 10 cards and slot-2 (SD2) definitely has issues if you plug the AK100 into your computer.  The units Music folder is fine as is the SD1 slot card but the second SD2 card gets corrupted to the point of having to reformat it and reload the music.  The only way I can do it is remove the card before attaching it to the computer.  If I follow those rules things work fine, I tried a number of variations but that is the only thing that works.  To add, I do not even have to access the SD2 card while it's plugged in for it to get corrupted.  Hopefully they will address this in an updated firmware, it does make things very clumsy to add music.  The one issue I have that one other person mentioned (that I noticed anyway) many pages back was the hard key 'Next Track/Fast Forward' only pauses it does not go to the next track or fast forward.  The other keys work as they should, the top key 'Previous Track/Fast Reverse' works and the middle 'Pause' works fine.  I can't imagine that I would be the only one that is having this issue.  It has to be a firmware problem.  Anyone else?  Sorry if it was brought up before, if so I couldn't find anything regarding it.  I have even re-did the 2.30 firmware but it still is the same.  If knowone else has had this problem then the unit must be defective although I can't see that, the keys are software enabled.  I wish that worked as I use it will walking and it would be much easier if it did what is was supposed to.  Other than these issues I love the fit, finish and leather case all are top notch.  Oh yeah and the sound is pretty decent as well  :wink:   Thanks for listening.
Click to expand...

 
I haven't experienced these issues with my modded mk1. I have had some corrupted card issues, but I don't think it is the AK causing it so much as being sensitive to minor issues.
 
It does sound like there could be some more serious issues at play for yours, but I'll let others comment before I'd recommend returning it for repair. 
 
Mar 10, 2014 at 8:51 PM Post #8,088 of 9,165
The 'Next Key' working as pause was like that from the beginning with 2.30 so I suspect that is firmware related. I have tried for over a week to get hold of AK support in California but knowone answers the phone number that is listed on their site.  As far as the artwork, 99% works, prior to redoing it perhaps 50% showed up.  I needed to go through all the tunes and tidy up things which included making the artwork 500 x 500 jpeg.  All the music played fine on my computer using a couple different players.  I expect AK has very tight criteria on what it wants to see in a file and that would be nice to know exactly what that is.
 
Mar 11, 2014 at 12:43 PM Post #8,089 of 9,165
I've been offline for more than a year, but I'm back and looking to get the AK100, and still finding my way around the device. I tried it out in a local shop and was blown away by the the quality of the sound. This is in comparison to my iPod Classic with the RSA Shadow as the headphone amp. I'm also using the Shure SE535 IEM.
 
My confusion is the difference between the AK100 and the AK100 MK2. Can anyone advise on the difference between the two?
 
Mar 11, 2014 at 12:56 PM Post #8,090 of 9,165
AK100 Mk1 output impedance = 20Ω
Ak100 Mk II output impedance = 3Ω

davidw said:
[COLOR=222222]I've been offline for more than a year, but I'm back and looking to get the AK100, and still finding my way around the device. I tried it out in a local shop and was blown away by the the quality of the sound. This is in comparison to my iPod Classic with the RSA Shadow as the headphone amp. I'm also using the Shure SE535 IEM.[/COLOR]
[COLOR=222222] [/COLOR]
[COLOR=222222]My confusion is the difference between the AK100 and the AK100 MK2. Can anyone advise on the difference between the two?[/COLOR]
Click to expand...
 
Mar 11, 2014 at 1:38 PM Post #8,092 of 9,165
davidw said:
So my IEMs are at 36Ω. That means that AK100 should be sufficient. No other reason (besides the flexibility for new headphones) to consider the  Mk 2?
Click to expand...


If you plan to just use your iems straight out of the AK100, and they have just a single BA or dynamic driver, maybe the AK100 will work for you. If your iem has multiple drivers, the high output impedence may color the sound (can't say how for sure, but it also depends on the iem crossover, which can alter the frequency response). With my Sony XB-3, for example, the bass is less tight and some of the midrange warmth is missing straight out of the AK100. When I use one of my portable amps, the iems sound much better. If you don't intend to use an amp, the MK2 may be worth the extra money.
 
Mar 11, 2014 at 2:10 PM Post #8,093 of 9,165
The output impedance relates to the headphone impedance curve not driver count.  Even a single ba iem can have a huge fluctuation in impedance.  Looking at you ER-4 :p
 
Mar 11, 2014 at 2:39 PM Post #8,094 of 9,165
solude said:
The output impedance relates to the headphone impedance curve not driver count.  Even a single ba iem can have a huge fluctuation in impedance.  Looking at you ER-4 :p
Click to expand...

I think I didn't explain very well, I am well aware of the impedence interactions between a headphone and an amp. In the case of my XB-3, though, it sounds much better when I use my AK100 with a low output impedence external amp.not trying to argue, but just point out to DavidW the Ak100 high output impedence doesn't work well for some iems.
 
Mar 11, 2014 at 3:20 PM Post #8,095 of 9,165
Today, I tried the new SanDisk 128GB card (formatted to FAT32 with guiformat.exe) in the AK100 and the Fiio X3. Both work fine. 
 
Mar 11, 2014 at 4:17 PM Post #8,096 of 9,165
sdbiotek said:
but just point out to DavidW the Ak100 high output impedence doesn't work well for some iems.
Click to expand...

 
True but because of their impedance curve, not because they have many drivers.  Though multidriver certainly does make it more likley to have a varying impedance curve.  I would add that in some cases the bump in output impedance can be a benefit.  Depending on the iem's curve the bump can boost the presence region or tame a midbass boost or swing the treble up to give it better extension.  It can also of course do the opposite.  It's important to know what your iem's curve looks like and go from there.  Westone and AK100 mk1... heaven, Shure and the mk1... death.
 
Mar 11, 2014 at 5:30 PM Post #8,100 of 9,165
535 is a Shure... Shure and AK100 Mk1 is a horrible match.  Well unless you love mid range suck out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 4 (members: 0, guests: 4)
Back
Top