Astell&Kern AK380

[blackwolf1006]

AK should release a detailed Firmware release sheet to the audiophile community. 
 
This would do the following to the comunity
1. Allow transparency on whats being done to improve the system
2. Users can review and offer suggestions on what to do to make the system better
3. This can dismiss some of the claims that the sound quality is bad due to update.

 

[Gosod]

  AK should release a detailed Firmware release sheet to the audiophile community. 
 
This would do the following to the comunity
1. Allow transparency on whats being done to improve the system
2. Users can review and offer suggestions on what to do to make the system better
3. This can dismiss some of the claims that the sound quality is bad due to update.

when they plan to release a new firmware?

1.  

 

[blackwolf1006]

  when they plan to release a new firmware?

1.  

 
Before or on the release date would be preferred.

 

[Ultrainferno]

Well there's only this release
 
http://www.iriver.com/company/notice_view.asp?sno=146&irTop=0

 

[wldcohso]

Having a real hard time deciding to keep Fostex TH900MK2 or Sennheiser HD800S. Keeping both seems like over kill. Purchased both for $1000 a piece.. I haven't opened the HD800s because I can't send them back for a refund, only an exchange. I can send the Fostex back in 30 days. Haven't opened HD800s yet but I've been listening to the Fostex, I really love them though the treble can be a bit much sometimes depending on what I'm using.

 

[blackwolf1006]

  Well there's only this release
 
http://www.iriver.com/company/notice_view.asp?sno=146&irTop=0

 
 
The release notes are not detailed. I went back and checked a few update notes from previous versions. They said things like improve stability. That would be unacceptable in the IT world. we would want to know what was don't to make this improvements. Was there a memory leak.Was the application getting a fatal error. who knows. 

 

[nanaholic]

   
 
The release notes are not detailed. I went back and checked a few update notes from previous versions. They said things like improve stability. That would be unacceptable in the IT world. we would want to know what was don't to make this improvements. Was there a memory leak.Was the application getting a fatal error. who knows. 

 
It's actually quite acceptable in the IT world to release update notes like that - just look at the app stores of smartphones it is literally all they say....
 
Plus even if you detail all the changes it won't stop audiophiles from claiming a sound difference between firmware versions, and you know that is true.

 

[xxx1313]

I was actually going to differ lol. I used to have a black 380+ amp combo, and now I run a player 380CU only set up.
The amp, in my opinio, was a poorly designed addition. Not only is it structurally poorly designed, its too weak to power headphones, and the improvements you get on an iem is contradictory to the amps main purpose.

My advise, get the player itself, then get a good strap on amp. You get the best performance that way.

 
What would be better and more powerful portable strap on amps in your opinion?

 

[doc0075579]

I have the new ALO CV5. It pairs well and drives my Ether Flow C well.

 

[420204]

I have the new ALO CV5. It pairs well and drives my Ether Flow C well.

Agree Cv5 does very well with AK380, but I prefer Continental Dual Mono fully balanced over it, though it is a bit bulkier.
Also has enough juice to power demanding phones like abyss, he-k, LCD-3 etc. Power wise same goes for Cv5 but in a much smaller package.

 

[xxx1313]

ALO CDM is hard to get here in Europe, especially for a reasonable price. I am very happy with AK380Cu + Cu amp, but I also got a AK380 demo, whose sound I do not like much with the Cu amp (a bit too bright despite using the copper amp), so I am thinking about a different, maybe even more powerful amp option. Balanced TRRS output would be great, so ALO CDM is great in that respect, but it is not good value for the price in Europe. No chance for an audition here. Thanks for your thoughts, however.

 

[420204]

  ALO CDM is hard to get here in Europe, especially for a reasonable price. I am very happy with AK380Cu + Cu amp, but I also got a AK380 demo, whose sound I do not like much with the Cu amp (a bit too bright despite using the copper amp), so I am thinking about a different, maybe even more powerful amp option. Balanced TRRS output would be great, so ALO CDM is great in that respect, but it is not good value for the price in Europe. No chance for an audition here. Thanks for your thoughts, however.

 
sure you can audition it in Europe. in Vienna even. 

 

[xxx1313]

   
sure you can audition it in Europe. in Vienna even. 

​Really?? Can you please tell me where in Vienna?

 

[420204]

 
​Really?? Can you please tell me where in Vienna?

 
https://kopfhoererladen.at/privatelistening/shopoverview.xml

 

[xxx1313]

   
https://kopfhoererladen.at/privatelistening/shopoverview.xml

​Thanks! The CDM is not present there at the moment, but when it is, I will definitely give it a try.