I don't know if this helps, but I tried the AK10 with HD800's the other day.   I thought it lacked the power to push the HD800.  Max volume is like listening to IEM's at 50% volume.

My original estimate for the cost of the unit included the Apple components.  Apple does not charge money to join MFi program, but rather collects royalties per item sold.  The costs stands for less than 2% of the unit cost at the retail side.  So its not as much as you are thinking.   What...

http://akihabaranews.com/2013/10/27/article-en/dda-l10rcbk-new-lightning-headphone-amplifier-remote-control-iphone-2102993618   I have also seen a few others.

I wouldn't say that the AK10 is the cheapest DAC/AMP.  I believe I have seen some that are significantly cheaper than this.  But I would say that its the cheapest that uses high end solutions and has a nicely designed housing.   GoSUV, A&K CAN charge whatever they want for it, but I believe...

In my opinion, EVERYTHING in HiFi industry is overpriced.  That's because companies know they can get us to pay for it.   I work in manufacturing, specifically accessories for consumer electronics and can make a few educated guesses on the actual costs of these devices.   The AK10 BOM cost...

To be honest, at the price I purchased at, I think this thing is VERY overpriced.  Even at 300 USD (80 USD less than I paid), its overpriced.  I feel the proper price for this should be under 200 USD.   As to the price in Taiwan, I am not quite sure why its so much cheaper here.  Price is...

Just picked up one of these in HK.   After listening to it for a few days, I find the sound to be quite adequate for what it is, but I feel it works better as a USB DAC than with my iPhone 5S.   The biggest flaw I think is that the Lightning cable is much to short to be useful.  It makes it...