[Uncle E1]

ak had successfully established themselves as a premium brand in the audiophile market.  premium always come at a price.  bargain or value hunters should look elsewhere instead of whining over here.

 

[warrior1975]

I don't see bargain hunters whining... Most complaints are from owners of their top of the line DAP.

 

[hrq12345]

The only thing I am wondering is price... Should be a price to buy a fairly good DAC

 

[DrSheep]

Here is what I am thinking in order for AK to justify 380 over 240:
1, dual DAC with Wolfson 4781, or Burr-Brown and even AKM 4490.
2, much more powerful amp.
3, large battery.
4, SSD based storage (not just flash memory).
5, better MQS streaming, Tidal, or even launch their own HiRes store.
6, better docking or integration with home setup, maybe even with the AK500N.
7, AMOLED display?

 

[warrior1975]

Good points. I definitely want a more powerful amp section. I'd like a warmer signature. Hi-res streaming for sure. Bass boost function!!

Balanced out that works, stainless steel housing. Slightly larger screen. True line out.

 

[hrq12345]

  Here is what I am thinking in order for AK to justify 380 over 240:
1, dual DAC with Wolfson 4781, or Burr-Brown and even AKM 4490.
2, much more powerful amp.
3, large battery.
4, SSD based storage (not just flash memory).
5, better MQS streaming, Tidal, or even launch their own HiRes store.
6, better docking or integration with home setup, maybe even with the AK500N.
7, AMOLED display?

I guess most will come true. Screen will be larger with higher resolution.

 

[bmichels]

  I guess most will come true. Screen will be larger with higher resolution.

 
Screen will be 4" according to the size advertised on A&K Facebook page (80 mm x 113 mm)
 

 

[jwbrent]

A little birdy told me the following:
 
4" screen (480 x 800)
32/384 capability, no DSD 256
AKM 4490 DACs
VCXO Clock with .2ps jitter
256GB onboard memory with one microSD slot
3400mAh 3.7V battery
No aptX bluetooth
Optional amplifier module
20 band EQ with .1dB steps

 

[hrq12345]

   
Screen will be 4" according to the size advertised on A&K Facebook page (80 mm x 113 mm)
 

Thanks, seems the detailed information is coming out.

 

[kawaivpc1]

  A little birdy told me the following:
 
4" screen (480 x 800)
32/384 capability, no DSD 256
AKM 4490 DACs
VCXO Clock with .2ps jitter
256GB onboard memory with one microSD slot
3400mAh 3.7V battery
No aptX bluetooth
Optional amplifier module
20 band EQ with .1dB steps

where did you find this info?

 

[jwbrent]

Here are my thoughts ... I'm disappointed by the storage remaining the same and the battery not being much larger. I'm not familiar with the AKM DACs, so perhaps someone can comment on them. The clock upgrade sounds impressive and I'm sure it will make a nice difference over the 240. The EQ upgrade is very nice—you can really tweak the settings for maximum effect. Although it is great that the 380 supports 32/384, there aren't many files of note available, and I'm not sure if we are going to see record companies release anything other than classical in this format.
 
As to the amplifier module option, I suppose HD-800 and LCD-3 owners will rejoice.
 
I forgot to add, starting price to likely begin at $3,500. This detail was open to revision.

 

[kawaivpc1]

  Here are my thoughts ... I'm disappointed by the storage remaining the same and the battery not being much larger. I'm not familiar with the AKM DACs, so perhaps someone can comment on them. The clock upgrade sounds impressive and I'm sure it will make a nice difference over the 240. The EQ upgrade is very nice—you can really tweak the settings for maximum effect. Although it is nice that the 380 supports 32/384, there aren't many files of note available, and I'm not sure if we are going to see record companies release anything other than classical in this format.
 
As to the amplifier module option, I suppose HD-800 and LCD-3 owners will rejoice.

Dude, AKM chips sound amazing. Check iBasso's D55.
It has AKM chip and I think it sounds better than Wolfson and rivals Sabre. It sounds bit more digital, dry, natural than Sabre which sounds thick, analogue.

 

[jwbrent]

 
where did you find this info?

sorry, can't say, but all will be revealed on Thursday ...

 

[Zaroff]

  I'm disappointed by the storage remaining the same and the battery not being much larger.

 
 
This, definitely.

 

[jwbrent]

 
Dude, AKM chips sound amazing. Check iBasso's D55.
It has AKM chip and I think it sounds better than Wolfson and rivals Sabre. It sounds bit more digital, dry, natural than Sabre which sounds thick, analogue.

thanks for the insight, I've never owned anything with AKM chips.