Astell & Kern AK10 portable DAC and amp

[plakat]

  (...) with a lousy designed volume wheel.  

 
Yes, the volume dial was not the best idea... very unfortunate design decision. There was something about form and function, but I don't remember the details

 

[georgelai57]

   
Yes, the volume dial was not the best idea... very unfortunate design decision. There was something about form and function, but I don't remember the details

I wonder if the volume dial was deliberate. Too easy to move and it could be disastrous on your ear drums. I found the best way is that you leave your finger there for a second or two and then it moves easily.

 

[kalrykh]

I read that either here or elsewhere as well, about holding your finger on it for a second and it turning more easily...tried it and only had success on hot days I guess a little sweat gives some grip. Doesn't do a damn thing when it's cold though.

 

[georgelai57]

I read that either here or elsewhere as well, about holding your finger on it for a second and it turning more easily...tried it and only had success on hot days I guess a little sweat gives some grip. Doesn't do a damn thing when it's cold though.

Well I do live in the tropics.

 

[kimvictor]

I never use the dial. I just use my computer's own control(does the same as the dial) or my phone's own control. It works the same, and doesn't cause the hassle. I do think that it's a bit of a pain to turn the dial though.

 

[kalrykh]

...everything I've read says leave the computer volume at 100% to avoid issues.  

 

[kimvictor]

  ...everything I've read says leave the computer volume at 100% to avoid issues.  

OK. That's normally the case, but I noticed that the volume wheel just changes my computer's volume. So it's the same. I've had tons of DACs. A&K is the only DAC that does this, and for me, setting the computer volume at 100% will blow my ears out. If i set my computer volume to 100 and turn down the dial, the computer volume would go down.
 
There are other DACs(like dragonfly), I believe, use a similar volume control method. In this case, not having my computer volume to 100% will not affect anything. I'm really really sensitive to distortion, and AK10 doesn't distort, even with volume not set to max.

 

[kalrykh]

Ahh. It doesn't behave that way on mine. I get dramatic volume differences with just a little movement of the volume dial on the computer. Sounds like I'm double amping

 

[Paulie651]

This is the same amp as the Beyerdynamic A200p right?

 

[willyvlyminck]

This is the same amp as the Beyerdynamic A200p right?

Yes it is the same, in Europe the Dac is released under the Beyerdynamic banner

 

[willyvlyminck]

...everything I've read says leave the computer volume at 100% to avoid issues.  

I use it only on my iPhone, for pc i have another solution in the form of a Teac UD-H01.
I have a second generation AK10 with a little button on the wheel which make things go easy, but you can avoid and use your phone volume. The AK10 sounds wonderfull with my Philips Fidelio L2 in case some might be intrested

 

[georgelai57]

I've never had issues with the rotary volume dial. I did stick a small dimple on it once and promptly removed it. Being able to instantly change volumes is not an advantage.

 

[georgelai57]

Another way to adjust the volume dial is to throw away the leather case that comes with it. Ok put in a drawer then. Without the case put your finger to straddle both the dial and the plastic body. Then it's a piece of cake to adjust volumes.

 

[Endeavour63]

How does the DSD tab work on my AK240 ?  Cant see any music in there. How do i get it ? Any ideas ?
 
Thanks  Endeavour 

 

[kimvictor]

  How does the DSD tab work on my AK240 ?  Cant see any music in there. How do i get it ? Any ideas ?
 
Thanks  Endeavour 

Lol. Wrong thread mate.