Astell&Kern AK380

[LouisArmstrong]

 
Ahh, maybe my assumption is incorrect.  I thought I read somewhere it's the exact same device as the standard version, except for the color.

That's what people thought when the copper came out - a slight increase in price for the aesthetics. But the Copper was such a huge improvement over the original AK380 that it becomes unconceivable why anyone who is going to get the 380 should not get the copper instead. Same thing for AK240SS and Gold.

 

[raypin]

mmm....I agree that there is a difference between the AK 380 and the AK 380 cu but it is not a huge impovement. I had the AK 380 for a week but disposed of it as soon as Iistened to the cu. Is it worth the 500 dollar difference? For me it is but for most, I suspect, it will not be.

 

[Jazzi]

 
That's what people thought when the copper came out - a slight increase in price for the aesthetics. But the Copper was such a huge improvement over the original AK380 that it becomes unconceivable why anyone who is going to get the 380 should not get the copper instead. Same thing for AK240SS and Gold.

I guess we'll just have to wait for someone to buy one (the black one) and do a comparison for us.

 

[Gudedomo]

I would think the black is the same as the standard version, they are both made from the duralumin material so the sound should be the same. The extra price hike for color is ridiculous though. Maybe in a few months we'll see an Iron Man red and gold color like on the AK Jr. 

 

[DrSheep]

Well, the next question is that has anyone of you that actually owns a AK380Cu ordered the Cu amp yet?

 

[biglemoncoke]

question the AK380 copper owners: do any of you experience light bleed issues with the lcd displays?

 

[raypin]

Mmm....no light bleed in my cu lcd display.

Re: Cu amp. I preordered. After going mental for the past few weeks (should I, no, yes, maybe, absolutely yes, go for it, no restrain yourself, restrain yourself not.....) I said Phuket. Life is too short.

 

[LouisArmstrong]

Mmm....no light bleed in my cu lcd display.

Re: Cu amp. I preordered. After going mental for the past few weeks (should I, no, yes, maybe, absolutely yes, go for it, no restrain yourself, restrain yourself not.....) I said Phuket. Life is too short.

I would use the money to actually go to "Phuket" - you can get a nice villa at Banyan Tree, for one night. The original amp is mediocre at best and is nothing of value (especially for IEMs), other than a good fit aesthetically with the 380. 

 

[420204]

I've just seen this:
 
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B015OSNCOS?psc=1
 
that price!! wow...

 

[raypin]

I would use the money to actually go to "Phuket" - you can get a nice villa at Banyan Tree, for one night. The original amp is mediocre at best and is nothing of value (especially for IEMs), other than a good fit aesthetically with the 380. 

Mmm.....I m more of a stay at home guy. Foreign travel does not interest me anymore, having spent 4 years in a foreign country. Only reason to make me to go abroad is if there's a new headfi gear that I wish to add to my small collection.

 

[raypin]

I've just seen this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B015OSNCOS?psc=1

that price!! wow...

Mmm.....that's actually a good price. More expensive if you buy the dap and amp separately.

 

[Sound Eq]

if only AK would release a much better amp, man the ak380 would be end game
 
but i know they won't as this is something the might do for their next release dap so it will have a much better amp, so that we ak380 owners just watch in envy

 

[420204]

Mmm.....that's actually a good price. More expensive if you buy the dap and amp separately.

absolutely, plus you get a 128gb mSD card

 

[spkrs01]

Re: Cu amp. I preordered. After going mental for the past few weeks (should I, no, yes, maybe, absolutely yes, go for it, no restrain yourself, restrain yourself not.....) I said Phuket. Life is too short.

 
I am picking mine up next Wednesday, when I return from my trip to Singapore, otherwise it is available here this weekend.........
 
Along with the Sammy S7 edge which is released tomorrow.. Looking forward to the two new toys on my return

 

[spkrs01]

Ordered the Shure KSE-1500 too. Should be in May for a fresh new pair.
 
I had spent around 20-30 minutes listening to Jude's AK380/KSE-1500 last October in Tokyo, was very nice sounding combo. The AK380 was used as line out feeding the signal to Shure's amp. Wished Shure would release the KSE-1500 with just amp. Will try and post a few thoughts when the Shures arrives. Hoping, the Cu adds sonically.....................
 
However, I intend using the KSE-1500 along with my RWAK120 and have a nice little stack!