Initial listening is very favorable. The rig is: AK120ii - 3.5mm analog - HA-2 - SE846 / LCD-X.
Setup was seamless. Just set the AK for line-out, connect the 3.5mm analog cable, switch the HA-2 to input "C" and go. Start with both devices turned OFF, then power on the AK and then the HA-2. I also turned the AK's volume all the way up, and controlled the rig's volume with the HA-2.
Started with the Shure SE846 which are great IEM's. They already sounded good with just the AK120ii, but now with the HA-2 as the amp in the rig, they sound over the top. Effortless, smooth reference sound that is not bright but is very engaging. The floor is black - zero - no hiss, hum or other distractions. The SQ is superb - a big, open sound stage and detailed instruments. Tested with Allen Toussaint's
A Bright Mississippi which is 16/44.1 ALAC.
Changed to the LCD-X. The connection is difficult due to the cables (see the pic) - XLR to 1/4" then 1/4" to 1/8" - yuck. However, it was worth it. The system sounded really good. Tested with Yes:
The Yes Album and
Fragile, both 24/192 FLAC. This music sounded perfect - plenty of bass punch and very detailed mids/treble. Jon Anderson's voice was right there. Then, tested again with the Allen Toussant album...the jazz wasn't quite as good as the home rig (duh) but the sound was quite interesting...again perfect bass and more to-the-front mids/treble compared to the home rig. I wasn't ready for that, and it made the "X" sound nice. I was impressed.
Net - this is a very nice upgrade to my portable rig, and can also be used for home listening with planars like the LCD-X.