Astell&Kern AK380

[mike7898]

My question is all this copper version talk. They should have their own 380 copper forum. This forum should be the 380 forum as stated in the begining. I own the 380 + AK AMP and always enjoyed people and their impression on Just the 380 alone or AK AMP. Nothing against the copper version owners. I just think it should be moved over into its own forum.
Mike

 

[Dopaminer]

My question is all this copper version talk. They should have their own 380 copper forum. This forum should be the 380 forum as stated in the begining. I own the 380 + AK AMP and always enjoyed people and their impression on Just the 380 alone or AK AMP. Nothing against the copper version owners. I just think it should be moved over into its own forum.
Mike

 
A few pages back there was some discussion of starting a dedicated 380cu thread, and the bit of response I got was positive, but I didn`t take action, nor did anyone else.  
 
Should we all voice a yea or nay to starting a copper thread?  
 
It`s a limited version, 500 units I think, so that may reduce the usefulness.  Probably the 380cu owners would like to stay here.  On the other hand, the AK240 stainless version has it`s own thread and it seems relatively active alongside the regular 240 thread.  .  .   

 

[DrSheep]

I am fine either way, but I rather keeping track of only one thread instead of two.

 

[Decreate]

I guess it would be kinda nice to have people share ideas on how to take care of the eventual tarnishing of the copper without disturbing others who would prefer to solely discuss about the 380.

 

[prismstorm]

Just A-B compared AK380 and AK380 Cu, same volume same tracks same iem, no audible difference.
 
The demo unit was wrapped in plastic like overnight food lol, the unit is very top heavy, and very heavy overall. The metal button worked ok with solid downward pressure even through the plastic wrap. Shop commented that some Cu owners have taken their units to outside shops for 'treatment', to deal with the oxidation (black spots). 

 

[speedracer1]

I would prefer the single AK380 thread.  I love the copper, stock and AK versions as they all have there place here in this thread.
 
Sincerely,
-Speed 

 

[speedracer1]

  I just dropped my 380 and chipped several corners. Instantly broke down and still learning to accept it. 

 
Because of this, and all the talk about Copper being noticeably better than stock, I am now interested in selling my unit and getting the Copper. 
 
My question is: Is it a completely different sound? I have heard descriptions of it being warmer, more mid-centric, all sounds like a different tuning instead of purely being 'better', any owners who can chime in?
 
The Copper is also rumored to be easier to scratch (I've seen swirls near the USB port of a demo unit at the distributor while the original 380 has none) and then there's the whole rusting thing (having patches and turning green ... ). Will it look like a coin from 1995 with usage? Is the SQ really that huge of a jump to compensate for the inevitable cosmetic degradation? 

prismstorm,
 
I'm so sorry to learn of this. 

 

[speedracer1]

  Just A-B compared AK380 and AK380 Cu, same volume same tracks same iem, no audible difference.
 
The demo unit was wrapped in plastic like overnight food lol, the unit is very top heavy, and very heavy overall. The metal button worked ok with solid downward pressure even through the plastic wrap. Shop commented that some Cu owners have taken their units to outside shops for 'treatment', to deal with the oxidation (black spots). 

They will probably seal the copper by spraying it with an acrylic clear coat similar to the paint used on cars or maybe a lacquer finish.  It may protect the device for a longer time but it will eventually crack and once it breaks through the material it will be impossible to polish out the oxidation as it will be trapped under the surface between the new finish and the copper.  I think your best service is by doing nothing except your own maintenance. 
 
Sincerely,
Your friend in audio,
-Speed

 

[prismstorm]

  prismstorm,
 
I'm so sorry to learn of this. 

Thanks speed for the condolences, you should send flowers to commemorate my DAP's tragic disfigurement 

 
 
And to think that this happened at the relative safety of my own room, and not at some crowded area bustling with activities. Anyhow some metal came off and the silver underneath is showing.  
 
As mentioned above, I myself found no difference in sound between Copper and my unit, or at least too minute to make a difference. Because of all the other compromises (triple the weight, rusting / tarnish, more susceptible to scratches, need to purchase an expensive Copper amp to match the colors) I will be trying to negotiate an exchange at cost.

 

[prismstorm]

They will probably seal the copper by spraying it with an acrylic clear coat similar to the paint used on cars or maybe a lacquer finish.  It may protect the device for a longer time but it will eventually crack and once it breaks through the material it will be impossible to polish out the oxidation as it will be trapped under the surface between the new finish and the copper.  I think your best service is by doing nothing except your own maintenance. 

Sincerely,
Your friend in audio,
-Speed

I won't be going for the copper. Here's the extent of the damage:

 

[Mimouille]

  Just A-B compared AK380 and AK380 Cu, same volume same tracks same iem, no audible difference.
 
The demo unit was wrapped in plastic like overnight food lol, the unit is very top heavy, and very heavy overall. The metal button worked ok with solid downward pressure even through the plastic wrap. Shop commented that some Cu owners have taken their units to outside shops for 'treatment', to deal with the oxidation (black spots). 

You are the first to say they sound the same, but technically, it makes more sense...

 

[prismstorm]

  You are the first to say they sound the same, but technically, it makes more sense...

Maybe I have 'wooden' ears, who knows, I just wanted to be completely honest about what I've heard, regardless of what the majority's opinion is, lol. 

 

[Mimouille]

  Maybe I have 'wooden' ears, who knows, I just wanted to be completely honest about what I've heard, regardless of what the majority's opinion is, lol. 

I will try and compare if I have time. The "night and day" difference don't make much sense to me.

 

[Sound Eq]

  Just A-B compared AK380 and AK380 Cu, same volume same tracks same iem, no audible difference.
 
The demo unit was wrapped in plastic like overnight food lol, the unit is very top heavy, and very heavy overall. The metal button worked ok with solid downward pressure even through the plastic wrap. Shop commented that some Cu owners have taken their units to outside shops for 'treatment', to deal with the oxidation (black spots). 

wow I am curious now about the others who just sweared about the huge sound difference between cu and regular version what they will say now
 
thanks for giving your opinion and be prepared to receive alot of comments from cu owners

 

[Eroica4th]

I will try and compare if I have time. The "night and day" difference don't make much sense to me.

I, too doubt the difference. If it appeared it would be due to software reasons.

But still I might get it for its exquisite appearance.