Wouldn't it be great if the tech world reached some sort of optimal steady state (formats, connections, interoperability).    I currently have the following digital audio only media storage setup: A multi terrabyte La Cie Drive - Raid, Stores rips of all CDs in FLAC, AIFF and Apple Lossless...

It would be great to see an informed discussion of the sound supply/value chain. What I mean by this is the following. Let's take portable rigs as an example. Sounding produced through a combination of: music files; dac, player; amplification; and transducers (iem or headphones). Alol of these...

Thx once again again!!! This chart really ups my level of understanding as to what you guys heard.  As I'm a huge lover of detail in music it actually pushes me closer to the AK120II.  If you ever feel so inclined it would be great to see how the 240 layers on top of this??

I think at the end of the day, this is likely correct.  This is far more like playing chess than I ever imagined!  Thx.

Hugely helpful!! Thanks once again!!

Thanks so much for the work that went into the reviews and analysis!!  So I'm still absorbing it all but one thing strikes me right away.  If the 120 is better sounding than the 120 II, then why other than user interface would you purchase the 120 II?  If you are purchasing for interface then is...

120 is up on AK site now

Brothers and Sisters of the Woo,  I am saddened to say that I am parting with my mint condition maxed WA5. All of his many glass accouterments will also be accompanying him.   Please help find him a good home   http://www.head-fi.org/t/721043/woo-audio-wa5-maxed#post_10592459

Shameless plug - just put my Woo WA5 maxed up for sale - sonic bliss is clicks away.   All his friends are along for the ride as well.  http://www.head-fi.org/t/721043/woo-audio-wa5-maxed#post_10592459 Thx!!

in for a nickle, in for a dime...

Is that GMT +8?

Sigs correct, thanks!!  Was hoping to get down to one box for IEM use.  Carrying around the brick is getting a little old when I'm not otherwise carrying around a decent sized bag.  Thanks re the headphones also.  Although I really like the W4s for all they do and don't do (not too base heavy)...

Excellent point!  I agree that its tricky.  This comment really helped me focus.  By establishing a budget for the whole sound chain forces more rational thinking.  Where to put $1000? The player or the earphone?  Where does the bigger gap in sound quality exist between the devices one is...

Which raises a question I've always wondered about.  Would one experience better sound with a $1000 earphone and a $500 portable integrated dac/player or a $500 earphone and a $1000 portable integrated dac/player?? Inquiring minds want to know.

Just curious, if I can buy an AK240 at a show brand new for $2000 tax included, then what should a used Ak240 go for?