That comment was comparing the AK120II.. but yes I feel it has more detail throughout the frequency range, although it isn't a huge jump vs the AK240. What I think is a bigger difference against the AK240 is that it is more dynamic and the sound has more weight.

  Sorry I don't know what you mean by 'more powerful'. Do you think looking at the output specs will help?   As with all cases, it's best to audition all equipment before purchase.

There isn't more bass, just that it is more textured, tighter and delivers more impact to my ears.

I wouldn't use terms like 'brighter, snappier, edgy' for the AK120II or AK320. I don't think these descriptions are wrong per se, but it's a matter of perspective on what is your preference - for example, I would say that the AK240 has a smooth sound, which I felt is smooth to the point that it...

I also took delivery of my AK320 already.. IMO, AK380 is better in performance - in areas of sound staging, bass articulation and separation, but it has a different presentation. Many people have asked me if AK380 is worth double the price.. well, it's similar to the jump between AK120II and...

  I agree with yours and JaZZ's comments, and I'd happily sell off my pre if that were true. :) It means I will actually earn money from changing to the Chord DAVE. haha However, I also think most people generally underestimate how big a difference a good pre-amp makes when your system...

  Thanks, I agree with the theory but just curious about the concept as this is the first time I've seen a volume control built into the DAC in this manner as I see in the Hugo. Usually most DACs are better off with a dedicated pre-amp, but I'm not sure here.   In either case, I will get a...

If Rob ever reads this, I'd like his opinion about the volume control aspect around the Hugo and Dave, and how he thinks it can integrate the best in a speaker system.   I own a chord pre-amp and chord monoblocks, and was wondering if with the design methodology on the Chord Dave whether I...

I know the Chord DAVE sounds expensive, but when you look at the rest of Chord's available equipment and price tags, I feel it is something that fits in fine with their line-up. Personally I own Chord pre-amp and monoblocks for my speaker system, and had a QBD76HD.. I sold it as I wanted better...

Just IMO:   1. I did buy Aurender X100L and tried other products, but I found my PC sounds better still. I am now working off a mac mini build and am also finding it sounds better too.   2. CD player does not sound better, unless you spend way above.   3. For streamers, the quality of the...

Yes, it has always done that.

This thread really tells me we all listen/view music differently:   1. For those particular and very discerning on the sound - you should try all the models and then choose what you like, irrespective of the cost. Forums give you a guide but you can't decide based on that. I still do not think...

I do have Jriver, jplay, etc.. but now I primarily use iTunes.   I do have XMOS usb drivers installed for my emmlabs dac2x.. is that why I didn't need to install any drivers for the AK120II? I just saw my PC automatically detected the device once I turned on DAC mode and it's worked flawlessly...

Same update problem and same firmware version as everyone here.. 1.01.   First time using this interface, find that navigating to 'artist' doesn't work for me (e.g. classical and electronic which feature many artists in one album). This makes navigating by 'genre' also not useable. I'd be...

I don't think so. The 120II is already released. I've owned one for about a week now. Detailed impressions by quite a few forumers are in the separate thread.. basically the AK240 is of a different sound character than the AK120II, and performance is still higher in line with the price.

Asking a dumb question here.. for both AK120II and AK240, they come with leather casings that I feel are quite difficult to remove them from once you insert. Any trick to getting them out easier?

Btw does anyone else notice there is a minor lag when playing back as a usb dac on a PC? Obviously this is only noticeable through youtube or movies. Does this occur for the other AKs?

  I agree that the AK240 is better in hifi performance - this means things like soundstage, etc. But that's like saying something is the best chocolate ice-cream in the world.. that may be true, but unfortunately I just prefer vanilla and would pick it over the best chocolate any day. :)

  I just bought a AK120II. I think we are all hearing similar things, but probably have different preferences and vocabulary to express the differences. Personally, I didn't really like the original AK120 as I felt it too warm and smooth, and the AK240 was a little relaxed sounding despite...

  hmm.. I experienced some noise in the background with my Fitear 111 paired with the Calyx M, though I didn't hear that with other headphones. Wasn't sure if it's the same issue.   Have to say the UI, which includes the volume slider, and location of the power button, is the main thing I...

Haven't posted here for a while and just to put in some comments..   The HAP-Z1ES is nice sounding especially for the price, all things considered. But it's not in the same market as the Aurender or other streamer/servers as no digital out. The wifi is there because you still need a method to...

Just wait for the impressions to come in and see.. :) The latest post in your review thread points to HM901 being better too. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.   I guess with such polarizing feedback, people would wait for more 'seasoned experts' to give their views in the forum. As a...

Can't guess about the Hugo, but my experience is with battery gear, even if there is a cable connected (not charging), it will still make a difference to the sound.. this is likely due to grounding.

It's great seeing other people enthused with the product as well.. for a moment I thought my ears were hearing something different, especially when so many people were saying not much difference versus AK120 and HM901.. I certainly didn't think so, though I feel the HM901 is more versatile...

Went to hear the AK240 today and just posting some thoughts:   1. I personally think they are a good step up from AK120 in terms of performance in most areas. Sound stage, imaging, details and refinement was quite nice as far as a DAP goes. Bass was good enough, though not very authoritative...