All New! AK100 II and AK120 II

[jarkoo]

I'm using only the iPhone 5S for music (flac). So, is it worth it to get the Astell&Kern AK100II? (is there a big different)
I have the Shure SE846. 
 
BTW, I hate to carry a portable amp with the iPhone. 

 

[kimvictor]

  I'm using only the iPhone 5S for music (flac). So, is it worth it to get the Astell&Kern AK100II? (is there a big different)
I have the Shure SE846. 
 
BTW, I hate to carry a portable amp with the iPhone. 

It's really hard to tell. If you want that extra 5% improvement, go for it, but the improvement won't be as big as you might expect. SE846 isn't amp picky, so 5S is good enough.

 

[VandyMan]

I tried the AK 120 II with my UERM IEMs and thought it sounded really great. It was a short audition, but to my ears the AK is clearly superior to the built-in amp in the iPhone 5 and maybe better than my Fostex HP-P1 (DAC/amp combo). I like the interface and the device is pretty small, but weighs more than an iPhone (perhaps double?). I got to briefly compare it to the AK 240. I heard no difference. I did not audition the AK 100 II.

 

[Bechti]

Especially the SE846 was very tricky with my iPhone. Actually I never thought about any other player but my iPhone until i bought the SE846 after I'd lost my SE535. The best experience with the SE846 was with the Chord Hugo. The difference was day and night. I also wasn't too happy with the SE846 and the AK players (not even the AK240). I guess it's due to the low impedance (9Ω). So I would argue the SE846 is tricky to drive. With other IEM I have less problems using them with the iPhone, the AKs/Hugo  still sound better, but not as drammatic compared to the SE846, sorry. 

 

[jarkoo]

I just purchased the AK100 II to try it but unfortunately I didn't see a big different. I'll take your advice next time. 
Thanks!!

 

[jarkoo]

I'm new to Hi-Fi and I feel its really expansive to get that little sound improvement. My gear now SE846 with the iPhone 6 and i'm really happy with the result .
 
 
Thanks for helping. 

 

[hamidr]

Is it worth switching from AK Jr. to the AK100ii? I mean is the sound quality will be $400 better than the Jr.?
 
Thanks

 

[cbl117]

I'd like to know this answer as well. 

 

[hamidr]

 
I'd like to know this answer as well. 

Well I tried AK100ii after my above post..lol.
And No, its no worth...The UI, display and performance are a lot better but SQ is not that fun as the Jr. ... Just more flat spectrum and thats it.
Actually the interests in this thread shows how good the 100ii would sound...LOLs

 

[bearwarrior]

Impression vs Fiio X7 II will be interesting. It seems they are at the same level and share similar functions.