[bmichels]

  Hi bmichels,
 
It looks like few people here favor  AK240 + HUGO  

.
I probably won't disagree
 
(1) isn't a waste to bypass the "very good DAC/AMP" of the AK240,
 
A big yes with caveat. First of all AK240 has a very good set of built-in DAC and Amp. Strictly speaking, no one needs to add an external amp or DAC. Blame me for auditioning the Hugo when I was perfectly happy with the standalone AK240, In combination, each musical instrument becomes more distinct and a resultant better soundstage (yes, even with crossfeed off). With crossfeed on, it surprisingly didn't degrade the overall balance, at least to my ears.
 
(2) with this configuration we loose the option to have Balanced headphone out
 
Very true, and there is a possibility that a balanced wired headset alone would have given the same improvements. Unfortunately I have yet to find out. (I have pre-ordered balanced cables for my 2 coming ciems from the always reliable Jaben but they have yet to deliver).
 
(3) with this configuration we loose the option to play native DSD (which I understood is "stellar" with the AK240) !
 
DSD tracks sound fantastic in AK240 and losing the ability to hear DSD tracks through Hugo is painful!
 
So, are all those trade off (NO DSD, NO Balanced out)+ Added cost + added bulk...  worth'it
 
The biggest problem with Hugo is the size (not the weight) but this is somewhat compensated by the easy grip in one hand together with AK240, I personally think it's worth it because I can enjoy the sound quality I like better right now. I can't answer this question for any other person. All I can suggest is let the buyer beware! Know all the limitations, go for an audition and see if you think if it's worth it (or better, don't audition and save all the troubles )
 
 
 Is  AK240+HUGO  really  much better than  AK240 alone ?
 
Better, to me personally, yes! Much better? hard to say, perhaps I would say sufficiently better? At this thread, aren't we all just looking for that incremental improvements?
 
Doesn't  HUGO + TOL Portable Balanced amp make more sense ?
 
I don't know, I haven't audition and don't try to put that idea in my mind 

 
thanks for taking the time to answer so clearly to me.

 

[sutjahjo]

anyway, AK240's line-out -> Hugo ...  is NOT possible since HUGO do not have Line-IN.  Only digital IN (USB, Coax, optical)....

AK240 line out is also an optical out. All you need is the correct optical cable.

 

[sutjahjo]

thanks for taking the time to answer so clearly to me.

The pleasure is all mine.

 

[rudi0504]

Hi bmichels,

It looks like few people here favor  AK240 + HUGO   .
I probably won't disagree

(1) isn't a waste to bypass the "very good DAC/AMP" of the AK240,

A big yes with caveat. First of all AK240 has a very good set of built-in DAC and Amp. Strictly speaking, no one needs to add an external amp or DAC. Blame me for auditioning the Hugo when I was perfectly happy with the standalone AK240, In combination, each musical instrument becomes more distinct and a resultant better soundstage (yes, even with crossfeed off). With crossfeed on, it surprisingly didn't degrade the overall balance, at least to my ears.

(2) with this configuration we loose the option to have Balanced headphone out

Very true, and there is a possibility that a balanced wired headset alone would have given the same improvements. Unfortunately I have yet to find out. (I have pre-ordered balanced cables for my 2 coming ciems from the always reliable Jaben but they have yet to deliver).

(3) with this configuration we loose the option to play native DSD (which I understood is "stellar" with the AK240) !

DSD tracks sound fantastic in AK240 and losing the ability to hear DSD tracks through Hugo is painful!

So, are all those trade off (NO DSD, NO Balanced out)+ Added cost + added bulk...  worth'it

The biggest problem with Hugo is the size (not the weight) but this is somewhat compensated by the easy grip in one hand together with AK240, I personally think it's worth it because I can enjoy the sound quality I like better right now. I can't answer this question for any other person. All I can suggest is let the buyer beware! Know all the limitations, go for an audition and see if you think if it's worth it (or better, don't audition and save all the troubles )


[COLOR=B22222] Is  AK240+HUGO  really  much better than  AK240 alone ?[/COLOR]

Better, to me personally, yes! Much better? hard to say, perhaps I would say sufficiently better? At this thread, aren't we all just looking for that incremental improvements?

Doesn't  HUGO + TOL Portable Balanced amp make more sense ?

I don't know, I haven't audition and don't try to put that idea in my mind 

I am agree With Your impression


Doesn't  HUGO + TOL Portable Balanced amp make more sense ?

Hugo does not pure line out , Hugo has Only headphone out
If Hugo has balance Line out , that would Be perfect pair With others balance amp like
For single ended headphone out , pair With external amp give not so much benefite

IMO

 

[kh600rr]

Wow, I downloaded 2 DSD albums last night, one album was over 6 gigs!! The DSD works so well on the balanced out, while paired with the Duet.

 

[jwbrent]

   
I was wondering - how can it be an analogue pot if it goes round and round and round? Is there some technology I am not aware of?

 
This would be my question as well. Additionally, the feel of the volume control is not at all like a quality analog potentiometer. I'm not disputing what ALO has reported, however, I'm skeptical.

 

[jwbrent]

Well said!

 
Thank you!

 

[kh600rr]

Great, my AK-240 is locking up, freezing, not wanting to play DSD. And when I try to play certain DSD files it plays at 4x speed, with no sound. Anybody got any advice?

 

[frankrondaniel]

Great, my AK-240 is locking up, freezing, not wanting to play DSD. And when I try to play certain DSD files it plays at 4x speed, with no sound. Anybody got any advice?

 
I know that this doesn't help with resolving your issue, but I've been playing 3 DSD albums that I've recently downloaded from Acoustic Sounds: Herbie Hancock Headhunters, Luther Vandross Never Too Much and Michael Jackson Thriller.  All all are playing without issue.

 

[TheLastDevil]

 

 
Red, Blue & Black colored leather case will be available soon!
More colors to choose from! 

 PIC FROM: A&K FB PAGE

 

[teds headfood]

i was told hopefully by end of month 

 

[tarainfo]

Great, my AK-240 is locking up, freezing, not wanting to play DSD. And when I try to play certain DSD files it plays at 4x speed, with no sound. Anybody got any advice?

Possibly check a variety of DSD files
Maybe you files got corrupted. Try plaing those same files on your computer first using the Korg or another program

 

[kh600rr]

Possibly check a variety of DSD files
Maybe you files got corrupted. Try plaing those same files on your computer first using the Korg or another program

One album is a few weeks old, and has always played fine. But the other one, that is playing at like 4x normal speed is a new download, I'll give Korg a go. Thanks

 

[sutjahjo]

I know that this doesn't help with resolving your issue, but I've been playing 3 DSD albums that I've recently downloaded from Acoustic Sounds: Herbie Hancock Headhunters, Luther Vandross Never Too Much and Michael Jackson Thriller.  All all are playing without issue.

Likewise (different albums, but no problem).

 

[cheznous]

Compatibility is a wonderful and complex thing.
After one month now with my AK240 and lots of listening I have found what works best for me.
Shure 846 with Double Helix cables as opposed to Sennheiser IE 800,HD800 ,Final Audio Design FI BA SS and even my Grado PS1000.

And the surprising one, for me, the Tube Amp BL-2. As opposed to no amp, JDS C5,Just Audio, Epiphany O2,iBasso and others.

You know when you listen to an album and you think wow I don't see how this can sound any better. You close your eyes and get lost in the music even though you have heard the album many times before.