[Edric Li]

Okay so I briefly compared AK380 to Lotoo Paw Gold according to technical specifications:
 

THD+N (PO):              0.0008% vs 0.00058%​

S/N:                              116dB vs 120dB​

Clock Jitter:                      30ps vs 5ps
PCM & DSD Support:     Exactly the same
Battery:                     3400mAh vs 6000mAh
Output Power:             unknown vs 500mW@32Ohm per channel
 
 
I totally understand that we should judge audio equipment with our ears, but technically speaking Paw Gold is mostly superior to AK380.

 

[audionewbi]

We also should not judge them based on any official data, I always refer to trusted secondary sources. Manufactories tend to test their unit based on favourable loads and post them.

 

[Edric Li]

From: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/3762394139?pn=2


 
 
Quick report (from the very first Chinese guy who flashed the news on Weibo):
 
That *thing* on the back is an external amplifier. The amp and the DAP will be sold seperately. 
 
Specifications in English:

 

[warrior1975]

Very nice. Probably overpriced amp, hope not. Hope it has good power. Wonder if you can charge and use? Or if amp will charge AK? Should have great battery life since it's just an amp.

 

[kawaivpc1]

  From: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/3762394139?pn=2


 
 
Quick report (from the very first Chinese guy who flashed the news on Weibo):
 
That *thing* on the back is an external amplifier. The amp and the DAP will be sold seperately. 
 
Specifications in English:
 

 
Is there any spec sheet regarding the amp module?
 
What does that amp module exactly do?
How much is it?
Is it always better to use that module? does it improve sound quality even more?
 
If you have more info about the amp module, please share with us.

 

[jwbrent]

So, $1,000 more without the external amp than a 240. It will be interesting to hear how much better the 380 sounds than a 240 or 240SS. I not sure I'm a fan of the new styling, but I said the same thing when the 240 was first announced.
 
Meanwhile, my new 240SS has over 220 hours on it and it sounds fantastic, an improvement over the 240 in my view. To my ears, the sound is sweeter in the trebles and the macro dynamics have been improved.

 

[bflat]

Well, I pretty much struck out on my spec predictions so why not take another crack at the amp module?
 
From the photos and logical deduction I think the following:

1. The socket on the upper corner of the back is just a mechanical socket that the module screws into for support.
2. There must be another battery in the module or else the overall battery life of the pair will be pretty bad.
3. There are 4 gold contact points on the bottom of the AK380 so that must be LR+- balanced out.
4. USB connector must allow for digital volume control from the AK380 wheel
5. Some type of battery charge/level communications to keep both player and amp at relative same levels.
6. USB pass through for charging and DAC mode
7. Thicker bottom section of the module probably has decent sized caps that won't fit in the player (aka RWAK mod)
8. Looks like module uses the same TRS and TRRS connectors

 
Pure speculation - maybe multiple module types for different sound profiles and also a module that is just an extended battery.

 

[DrSheep]

I think your very last one is actually very likely, and this way AK can sort of tune the AKM's sound with the amp and give more warmth?

 

[Mimouille]

It's actually quite amazing they intend to sell a 4200$ portable stack, and we are OK with it. For that money, you can get a Hugo, and AK100, and a Layla.

 

[loremipsum]

From a durability standpoint I'm not sure how I feel about those 4 contacts at the bottom of the DAP being so exposed... I would rather that they just put another 2.5mm TRRS jack to act as a true line-out.

 

[bflat]

It's actually quite amazing they intend to sell a 4200$ portable stack, and we are OK with it. For that money, you can get a Hugo, and AK100, and a Layla.

Hey, I'm totally in for the AK380 mega pack:

1. AK380SS DAP
2. 3 amp modules - jazz, acoustic, rock
3. Layla for rock amp
4. HD800 for acoustic amp
5. T5P for jazz amp
6. $9999

 

[DrSheep]

Ok let's go crazy (AK please take note): Tube amp dock for the AK380.

 

[musicday]

No DSD256 decoding, so i don't think this will be a game changer.
For the price one can easily get:
Lotoo Paw + Westone ES60 and still have money left for a nice day out

 

[kawaivpc1]

I wonder how much they will charge for a docking station this time... $400?
$799 for the amp module, $3500 for the device, $400 for its docking station, $200 for its leather case!

 

[Cagin]

No DSD256 decoding, so i don't think this will be a game changer.
For the price one can easily get:
Lotoo Paw + Westone ES60 and still have money left for a nice day out

yea. I'm curious how Lotoo will react.
ak240 <> paw gold
Ak jr <> paw 5000
Ak380 <> ? (Hopefully with balanced hp and line out and even more battery and parametric bands)