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Astell&Kern AK380
Sep 13, 2015 at 3:57 AM Post #2,042 of 9,041
Today I had a chance comparing AK380 3.5mm TRS out Vs 2.5mm BAL out with Layla.
Surprisingly, my ears prefer Layla coming out of 3.5mm TRS out. It sounded more musical, expansive, more organic and relaxed, midrange sweeter, high more extended.
 
2.5mm BAL with Layla sounded darker, more energy, more focused, more clinical, and somewhat can be fatiguing. This is very interesting. I was listening through 3.5mm TRS Out for 1/2 hr, and then swapped to BAL for 15min, then my ears got tired and bored, Switched back to 3.5mm TRS Out.
 
Anybody experienced similar things?
 
Sep 13, 2015 at 3:29 PM Post #2,043 of 9,041
You've got me thinking now, when I compared 240 and 380 a while back, that was with the 2.5mm cable, I wonder if my thoughts would've been the same if I'd used regular 3.5mm
 
Sep 13, 2015 at 3:43 PM Post #2,044 of 9,041
jlingo said:
  Today I had a chance comparing AK380 3.5mm TRS out Vs 2.5mm BAL out with Layla.
Surprisingly, my ears prefer Layla coming out of 3.5mm TRS out. It sounded more musical, expansive, more organic and relaxed, midrange sweeter, high more extended.
 
2.5mm BAL with Layla sounded darker, more energy, more focused, more clinical, and somewhat can be fatiguing. This is very interesting. I was listening through 3.5mm TRS Out for 1/2 hr, and then swapped to BAL for 15min, then my ears got tired and bored, Switched back to 3.5mm TRS Out.
 
Anybody experienced similar things?
Click to expand...

 
Maybe the 2.5mm cable needs more burn-in time ??  (not meant to send skeptics into high earth orbit)
 
Sep 13, 2015 at 8:00 PM Post #2,046 of 9,041
Shigzeo,

Regarding your published article in ohm-image.net, the AK 380 tests for [COLOR=444444]Frequency Response, Noise Levels d/b, Dynamic Range d/b, S/N Ratio,Total THD...and so on was the testing done at the "line-out" after all the internal Equalization is completed?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=444444]Sincerely,[/COLOR]
[COLOR=444444]-Speed  [/COLOR]
 
Sep 13, 2015 at 9:22 PM Post #2,047 of 9,041
rico613 said:
   
Maybe the 2.5mm cable needs more burn-in time ??  (not meant to send skeptics into high earth orbit)
Click to expand...


I have been using 2.5mm since I first purchased them.  I have always assumed 2.5mm was supposed to be better. And then I took my time to burn in 3.5mm(75hrs minimum). That's why it took me a while before I had a chance to make comparison. 
 
Sep 13, 2015 at 9:38 PM Post #2,048 of 9,041
jlingo said:
 
rico613 said:
   
Maybe the 2.5mm cable needs more burn-in time ??  (not meant to send skeptics into high earth orbit)
Click to expand...


I have been using 2.5mm since I first purchased them.  I have always assumed 2.5mm was supposed to be better. And then I took my time to burn in 3.5mm(75hrs minimum). That's why it took me a while before I had a chance to make comparison. 
Click to expand...


interesting.  I will have my 2.5mm in another month . . . maybe I will have to convert to 3.5mm  !!  
triportsad.gif

 
Sep 14, 2015 at 9:10 PM Post #2,049 of 9,041
Hey guys newbe here and I believe the 380 does sound much larger in sound stage than the 240...sold my 240 when I heard the
380. You were right the Layla sounds great but you can always  use more headroom, I'm old so need to drive them. I also ordered the
ak380 amp and should get it in Wed. My HE1000s sound real weak so I'm thinking maybe the amp will help.
Thanks for listening
 
Sep 14, 2015 at 9:59 PM Post #2,050 of 9,041
I got my ak380 amp at friday, amp is very good on the sound and build quality,but still need some burn in time to open up the sound...
 
and I find the amp became really "hot" when used over 30 mins...
 
Sep 14, 2015 at 11:21 PM Post #2,052 of 9,041
I listen to WAV and DSD file, the ak380+amp combo use temperature is much higher then use ak380 alone...
The combo didn't change the style of the sound, but the sound quality does improved, I would give it more then 200+ burn in time before I give any thorough review.
I'm using AKG K812 and FOSTEX TH-900 headphone to test out, at this point I'm given the amp pretty good evaluation of what I hear, it deserve every penny that I spend.
 
Sep 15, 2015 at 5:25 AM Post #2,054 of 9,041
Auditioned the 380& amp today at Addicted to Audio Sydney.
 
For reference I have the 240.
 
Initially just tried the 380 by itself , could notice a difference to the 240. Smoothness & clarity. I wouldn't say it was massive though.
 
Then added the amp , wow. Very impressed. A clear whole level step up from the 240. No change in signature from just the 380 itself , but the whole experience came alive for me.
 
Would be a waste of time buying the 380 & not the amp.
 
Sep 15, 2015 at 5:27 AM Post #2,055 of 9,041
sandy1010 said:
  Auditioned the 380& amp today at Addicted to Audio Sydney.
 
For reference I have the 240.
 
Initially just tried the 380 by itself , could notice a difference to the 240. Smoothness & clarity. I wouldn't say it was massive though.
 
Then added the amp , wow. Very impressed. A clear whole level step up from the 240. No change in signature from just the 380 itself , but the whole experience came alive for me.
 
Would be a waste of time buying the 380 & not the amp.
Click to expand...


are you talking about the AK380 AMP that's specifically made for AK380?
 
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