[Mython]

  That seems to be the trend now, it's either you go high or go low... 

 
 
$500-600 is fast becoming the sweet-spot, thankfully (Soundaware Esther, Questyle QP1, Lotoo PAW 5000, etc.), so those of us without wheelbarrows of surplus/disposable ca$h don't need to line the pockets of greedy A&K

 
At the same time, those of you who are desperate to throw several thousand bucks at A&K have the option to do so.
 
Happy days...

 

[DrSheep]

Quality lamb chop for sale, 3500 per pound .

 

[bflat]

  "Astell & Kern's latest addition to its family of portable high-res audio players goes on sale in June for £3000."
"Pricing and availability for the optional amp module is yet to be confirmed."
Read more at http://www.whathifi.com/news/astell-kern-launches-flagship-ak380-high-res-audio-player#lTgptUkVWgYO2qOE.99

Ouch, that will probably translate to $3999 USD. I am officially out since at best, I will get $1500 for my current AK240. Guess it's time to finally make my own custom amp stacking adapter with my 3D printer.

 

[Sound Eq]

as much as i was excited and i think its a great dap but man that is way way too expensive, back again to look at zx2 or cowon p1 or maybe even wait for fiio x7

 

[high-fidelity]

I think it is very ridiculous and expensive product.I'm not sure how much it will be better than stock 240 and RWAK240,maybe it won't..

 

[threephi]

The feature that I find the most interesting by far is the 20-band EQ.  Ain't no way I'd spend that kind of money though.

 

[warrior1975]

I've thought it over as well, and I don't think I'm going to order one either. I just don't believe it will be that much better to justify that much money for another DAP

 

[musicday]

One question only: Battery life?
I am sure can't beat Lotoo Paw on playback time on DSD!

 

[Sound Eq]

  The feature that I find the most interesting by far is the 20-band EQ.  Ain't no way I'd spend that kind of money though.

do u think such a parametric eq will be available for ak240 via software update

 

[DrSheep]

The AK380 setup will definitely eat into my PC budget, as for $4000 you can get at least two GTX Titan Z.

 

[threephi]

  do u think such a parametric eq will be available for ak240 via software update

 
It would be nice for the whole previous line, not only for the 240, but heck if I know.  It's plausible that the older DAC's couldn't support it whereas the newer ones in the 380 can.  On the other hand, I wouldn't put it past them for keeping it exclusive to the 380 as a way to distinguish it.  

On the subject though, I'd really like to know whether AK are going to update the firmware for the older models.  There are a number of issues that could bear fixing, and there have been a few hints here and there about updates but nothing definite.  

 

[bflat]

  The AK380 setup will definitely eat into my PC budget, as for $4000 you can get at least two GTX Titan Z.

or here's a sobering thought - for a TOTL desktop DAC/amp, a Schiit stack of Yggy and Rags is $3998. If I had $4k to spend on anything audio, I would go with that and keep my AK240 for portable.

 

[Edric Li]

  The feature that I find the most interesting by far is the 20-band EQ.  Ain't no way I'd spend that kind of money though.

 
But still no better than Paw Gold's PMEQ: http://www.weibo.com/p/1001603747757159495771

 

[DrSheep]

or here's a sobering thought - for a TOTL desktop DAC/amp, a Schiit stack of Yggy and Rags is $3998. If I had $4k to spend on anything audio, I would go with that and keep my AK240 for portable.

This is why I have been trying very hard NOT to get into desktop setup...

 

[Edric Li]

 

  The AK380 setup will definitely eat into my PC budget, as for $4000 you can get at least two GTX Titan Z.

or here's a sobering thought - for a TOTL desktop DAC/amp, a Schiit stack of Yggy and Rags is $3998. If I had $4k to spend on anything audio, I would go with that and keep my AK240 for portable.

 
Oh yeah you're right... I think I can get a pair of used SR-009 in good condition AND an entry-level Stax amp with that money :/