[dpeterfy32]

Thx @GoldenOne
I have to admit that I am personally a bit shocked about the fact that a 3+ k DAP is distorting in the last 3rd or even more part of its volume range?
Though I am using 99% only IEMs which shouldn't reach that level or attach head amps that can be run with the recommended input voltage for driving Planars which otherwise reach that threshold, I find these findings honestly very bad for Astell &Kerns reputation.

GoldenOne, it would really be super interesting if you could examine more DAPs in future as I feel a bit tricked as a customer getting a product with a reduced usable volume range.

On the other hand of course the question is how that distortion is showing up for our ears in real life

The maximum volume is 150, I can use a moondrop venus headphone up to 125-130, after that the distortion comes. )

 

[subguy812]

My apologies for confusion, I meant 90% of the volume setting not 90 on the volume setting. When using the LO without the voltage setting.

 

[mbirand]

@GoldenOne

+1 for these requests!

Also, I would be very interested to know which DAP you personally have or would recommend as far as audio quality is concerned.

+1 for the requests
+1 for recommendations

 

[mbirand]

i am amping with tsuranagi and as recommended by brise audio i use the lowest possible voltage from the dap and that means using PO and setting volume at a normal listening level (for mentors 70-80) and using the amp volume knob somewhere around the maximum 1/3rd. no distortion at all.

LO mode, especially higher Vs definitely audible distortion with tsuranagi (or audible unwanted artifacts, no more black background etc)

 

[subguy812]

AK's LO doesn't operate the same as many DAPs. I think it is confusing until you know what to do.

Select LO(task bar) --->settings LO(open it)--->select your Voltage --->turn the volume know to see LO on display--->touch LO on display and you will see a message, select OK --->then the LO on the display is red and you will be using the set voltage and it is in fixed LO mode. If you want to use volume on DAP and amp you only need to select LO on the task bar.

If you already know this...sorry.

 

[mbirand]

If you want to use volume on DAP and amp you only need to be in LO mode.

previous part was perfectly clear but i am not sure what do you mean by being in LO mode ?

 

[subguy812]

previous part was perfectly clear but i am not sure what do you mean by being in LO mode ?

Rewrote it, see if it makes sense.

 

[FooFighter]

Guys, I agree it's a bit cryptic enabling LO mode but after you know how it's easy but honestly what shall I do with an LO mode which as we just learnt is distorting?
Didn't understand yet which voltage level is equal to the 70-80 manual volume setting that is told to work without distortion.
Maybe 1.2V?
If not you can basically forget about that LO mode alltogether

 

[Kobe4ever]

Hey guys ,
I'm reading some paranoid posts.
In the SP3000, the LO function works perfect !
With my Aroma A100TB + Ps 100 pro ( Amp + its power supply ) , the perfect voltage in LO mode is the one already selected by default , 4V .
The volume must be adjusted on the amp.
With my Jewel + Orpheus Shielding + Orpheus IC , the level of sound quality is simply mind blowing .
Dar active (DSD), volume A100TB on 18/20%.
Total enjoyment

 

[FooFighter]

Hey guys ,
I'm reading some paranoid posts.
In the SP3000, the LO function works perfect !
With my Aroma A100TB + Ps 100 pro ( Amp + its power supply ) , the perfect voltage in LO mode is the one already selected by default , 4V .
The volume must be adjusted on the amp.
With my Jewel + Orpheus Shielding + Orpheus IC , the level of sound quality is simply mind blowing .
Dar active (DSD), volume A100TB on 18/20%.
Total enjoyment

Thank you, so far I couldn't hear distortions either.
Currently 2V with Tsuranagi and Jewel, Mentor and Odyssey was one of my standard Setups
Don't know what to say but maybe we don't hear what others measured

 

[subguy812]

I hear no distortion.

 

[GoldenSound]

Keep in mind we're talking about 0.01% THD here. Not something akin to the sound of a driver distorting at 10-100% or something.

 

[rocketron]

AK's LO doesn't operate the same as many DAPs. I think it is confusing until you know what to do.

Select LO(task bar) --->settings LO(open it)--->select your Voltage --->turn the volume know to see LO on display--->touch LO on display and you will see a message, select OK --->then the LO on the display is red and you will be using the set voltage and it is in fixed LO mode. If you want to use volume on DAP and amp you only need to select LO on the task bar.

If you already know this...sorry.

Same as on the SR35
Currently feeding the PA10.

 

[FooFighter]

Keep in mind we're talking about 0.01% THD here. Not something akin to the sound of a driver distorting at 10-100% or something.

Thx for pointing this out and I think this should calm down the excitement a bit

 

[subguy812]

Same as on the SR35
Currently feeding the PA10.

Yes, although I'm not familiar with that specific model, every other AK model I've had has been the same