The Astell & Kern AK120
Dec 18, 2014 at 5:20 AM Post #6,391 of 7,071
   
I'm saying the stock chips in the AK120 are not capable of true DSD playback on the fly. Where the processing is done via hardware instead of software. At least that is what I gathered. But the chips used in the S-mod are capable of it. But there is no such software to enable the feature.

 
Yes I understood what you said. But maybe let me paraphrase just to be sure that I'm truly understanding what you're saying.
 
1) AK120 doesn't have a DSD capable DAC
2) S-Mod replaces the non-DSD capable DAC with a DSD capable DAC
3) AK120 with S-Mod just needs a firmware/software that can leverage and S-Mod DSD capable DAC
 
Am I correct? If so, I'm disagreeing with you about that. What I'm saying is :-
 
1) AK120 doesn't have a DSD capable DAC
2) S-Mod replaces the non-DSD capable dAC with a DSD capable DAC
3) AK120 with S-Mod further needs DSD supporting hardware around the DSD capable DAC
4) AK120 with S-Mod needs the firmware which will enable and leverage on the DSD supporting h/w around the DSD capable DAC, and the DSD capable DAC
 
Hope this clarifies where I'm coming from. I've had conversations with Vinnie about what is required to design a DSD capable DAC component.
 
Dec 18, 2014 at 5:28 PM Post #6,393 of 7,071
Lol I'm confused here? Seems you are saying so ething similar to what I am. Lost in teanslation... :p
I'll PM you then.
 
Dec 18, 2014 at 5:30 PM Post #6,394 of 7,071
I think Anak is correct and what he is saying is:
 
The WM8741 is DSD capable, however it would require additional hardware for this functionality to be used.
 
So the S-Mod would not ever be able to play DSD with only software updates.
 
Dec 20, 2014 at 12:16 AM Post #6,396 of 7,071
FYI, there is a case that I just found and it has a front flip cover!
 
http://www.auditorium.de/HiFi-Sortiment/Reinigung-Pflege/Astell-Kern-AK-120-Leather-Case.html
 

 
Dec 23, 2014 at 8:36 PM Post #6,397 of 7,071
I've got 2 PCs Both Win 8 Pro 8.1 but one is USB 2.0 the other is USB 3.0.  The AK120 only works as a USB DAC on the USB2.0 port.  On the computer with the USB 3.0, the driver Installs and i can set the iRiver USB Dac as default device but no sound come forth.  The set up on both PC looks identical but the unit only works on USB 2.0.   I even tried downgrading the USB 3.0 port to USB 2.0 by running a 4 port USB 2.0 hub out of the 3.0 output but still no dice.   For Computer Audio I use an Audioengine D3 USB DAC and it is a beautiful thing.
What Hi Fi gave it a less than stellar review but I completely disagree with their assessment.  The Little D3 Rocks but it did need some burn-in time to come fully out.
 
Dec 23, 2014 at 11:48 PM Post #6,398 of 7,071
I have a feeling its something to do with windows 8 ... i have the same problem on my windows 8 lappy... on the other hand works perfectly fine with my windows 7 pc .... frankly imho widows 8 is a total flop .... so for all you windows user lets hope 10 will be a hit ... haha
 
Dec 24, 2014 at 9:50 AM Post #6,399 of 7,071
  I've got 2 PCs Both Win 8 Pro 8.1 but one is USB 2.0 the other is USB 3.0.  The AK120 only works as a USB DAC on the USB2.0 port.  On the computer with the USB 3.0, the driver Installs and i can set the iRiver USB Dac as default device but no sound come forth.  The set up on both PC looks identical but the unit only works on USB 2.0.   I even tried downgrading the USB 3.0 port to USB 2.0 by running a 4 port USB 2.0 hub out of the 3.0 output but still no dice.   For Computer Audio I use an Audioengine D3 USB DAC and it is a beautiful thing.
What Hi Fi gave it a less than stellar review but I completely disagree with their assessment.  The Little D3 Rocks but it did need some burn-in time to come fully out.

 
Correct. If you search this thread about USB 3.0 & the AK120 you'll read that others have had problems.
 
Jan 1, 2015 at 3:34 PM Post #6,400 of 7,071
New owner of AK120 as of 4 weeks ago.Coming from FiioX5 I did like the better sound quality but wanted to use an external amp to run the LCD2s with it.
Amping the internal amp even if turned to max75 resulted in sound degrading, so luckily I was able to get a second hand RWAK120-s and let me tell you, connected with a proper line out to either the ALO International or Ray Samuels RS7b in balanced mode , this is another step to sound Nirvana.
Can't imagine that I will ever get back to a desktop rig(which I have sold in order to go the minimalistic path).
 
Jan 2, 2015 at 4:37 AM Post #6,401 of 7,071
New owner of AK120 as of 4 weeks ago.Coming from FiioX5 I did like the better sound quality but wanted to use an external amp to run the LCD2s with it.
Amping the internal amp even if turned to max75 resulted in sound degrading, so luckily I was able to get a second hand RWAK120-s and let me tell you, connected with a proper line out to either the ALO International or Ray Samuels RS7b in balanced mode , this is another step to sound Nirvana.
Can't imagine that I will ever get back to a desktop rig(which I have sold in order to go the minimalistic path).

 
It's really in an entirely different league of its own from a stock AK120. No comparison.
 
Jan 5, 2015 at 5:01 AM Post #6,402 of 7,071
i have posted this on ak120ii thread but think its good to bring it here 
i found a cheap alternative remote for both ak120 and ak120ii, you can get it here
http://www.dx.com/p/multifunction-wireless-bluetooth-v3-0-selfie-shutter-remote-game-console-controller-white-363574#.VKoLhyuUcwA
 
using pairing mode 2
these function work: play/pause, vol up/down, next/back track :)
 
Jan 5, 2015 at 8:23 AM Post #6,403 of 7,071
It's really in an entirely different league of its own from a stock AK120. No comparison.


Interested to know if anyone has compared the set up described above (RWAK120-S + Alo / Ray Samuels etc) to running a stock AK120 into a Chord Hugo. Would be good to know if the RWAK120-S into one of those amps is much sweeter (subjective I know), or does it turn it into more of an AK-20ii/AK240 sound - I.e. purer but not necessarily more enjoyable.

My AK120 is coming back from repair and will be mated to a Hugo when not used solo; but I'd consider investing in the RW version and pairing that to the Hugo for longer trips instead.

Thanks in advance for any comps.
 
Jan 5, 2015 at 8:35 PM Post #6,404 of 7,071
  i have posted this on ak120ii thread but think its good to bring it here 
i found a cheap alternative remote for both ak120 and ak120ii, you can get it here
http://www.dx.com/p/multifunction-wireless-bluetooth-v3-0-selfie-shutter-remote-game-console-controller-white-363574#.VKoLhyuUcwA

 
Cool find!  I ordered one immediately for my AK240. Sure hope it works like you say.
 
Jan 6, 2015 at 4:45 AM Post #6,405 of 7,071
   
Cool find!  I ordered one immediately for my AK240. Sure hope it works like you say.

i tested it with my ak120 and ak120ii without any trouble, the remote has auto off function but when you wake it up, it quickly paired with the dap again so no trouble so far :)
just make sure to set the start-up to music mode (or actually read the manual :) )
 

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