So sonically SPK outperforms 380?
Astell&Kern AK380
- Thread starter Dopaminer
- Start date
lil BANE
100+ Head-Fier
Yes I think the SP1000 is definitely a step up in sound quality - better separation between instruments and a larger soundstage compared to the AK380.
But how about with amp? Or it doesn't matter?
lil BANE
100+ Head-Fier
In my opinion it does not matter; the amp provides more power but it doesn’t change the sonic qualities of the AK380. The amp’s true power really only gets used to drive my Senn HD650’s (which my wife hates because of the sound leakage!).
I’ll also note that I don’t intend to chase the amp for the SP1000— instead I’m going after more efficient HP’s. I’ve got a pair of Focal Elegia on their way. I’m looking for a good 2.5 balanced pure silver or copper only cable if anyone has one for sale!
rogueshadow12
New Head-Fier
To AK380 + Amp owners, do you guys still think the 380 is still worth purchasing today? Especially if we're just considering SQ? (Compared to newer models like DX220, SE100, etc.)
What kinda $ would you buy it for? I like mine just for SQ. It doesn’t have the functionality of android-based players like HiBy or iBasso, but the sound is different, at least from my comparison with HiBy r6 or its combo with mojo.
Attachments
IMHO the amp makes a noticeable difference in SQ for my AK380.
rogueshadow12
New Head-Fier
Around 600 USD. How would you compare it to Mojo? And which do you like better? I already have m11 which should be enough for my streaming needs. I'm honestly just afrad that the ak380 might be irrelevant in a few months with all the new releases (SQ wise)
$600 the set? I don’t know, honestly there are exciting releases. I love mine, but it’s copper which makes it better for me, I don’t know about sound quality wise but certainly it’s nice. It’s also a bit chubby with the amp. Output power is great and can power cans.
mojo is super dependent on input imo. I’ve heard that it has two separate clocks - one for usb and one for optical and there definitely is a difference - mojo sounds much cleaner through optical/coax. I’ve hooked it to both the AK and the HiBy, through different ports however. The AK sounds better, but the HiBy is much more powerful for functionality. Personally I’d look for the new HiBy r6 and hook it up to my mojo when I get it. If you want something cool, maybe look for the copper 380.
mojo is super dependent on input imo. I’ve heard that it has two separate clocks - one for usb and one for optical and there definitely is a difference - mojo sounds much cleaner through optical/coax. I’ve hooked it to both the AK and the HiBy, through different ports however. The AK sounds better, but the HiBy is much more powerful for functionality. Personally I’d look for the new HiBy r6 and hook it up to my mojo when I get it. If you want something cool, maybe look for the copper 380.
wormsdriver
Headphoneus Supremus
I would love to buy the set for $600! I doubt any current dap can touch it on sound quality for that price IMO.
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Uncle Monty
500+ Head-Fier
The AK380 is a fantastic sounding DAP, especially with the amp, however mine's been a bit fragile despite me never taking it further than the garden. Last year I had to send it off for a new IC Memory (got the spinning 'A' of death) and now it's decided not to eject the micro sd - I've only ever changed the sd a handful of times. Good news is that it works with a 1tb sd (you can winkle the sd out with a pin).
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lil BANE
100+ Head-Fier
I still love my AK380 + Amp - it sits next to my bed for chilling out in the evenings. $600 for a TOTL DAP that originally went for more then $3.5k (without the amp) is a pretty good deal. AK still provides support and you can pick up a docking station on the AK US site for $100.
Scorpio1957
100+ Head-Fier
At $600 I would bite their hand off.
My 2017 AK380 still sounds amazing especially with fantastic IEM's and Headphones
, love the sound of my Copper version, it's a warm sound just like my Sony's WM1Z.
Recently had to send it back to the service centre in Germany to get a defective power FPCB unit replaced at a cost of €20 and
while it was their had a brand new battery installed costing €40 and its sounds just as fantastic as the day I purchased it.
My 2017 AK380 still sounds amazing especially with fantastic IEM's and Headphones
, love the sound of my Copper version, it's a warm sound just like my Sony's WM1Z.Recently had to send it back to the service centre in Germany to get a defective power FPCB unit replaced at a cost of €20 and
while it was their had a brand new battery installed costing €40 and its sounds just as fantastic as the day I purchased it.
At $600 I would bite their hand off.
My 2017 AK380 still sounds amazing especially with fantastic IEM's and Headphones
Recently had to send it back to the service centre in Germany to get a defective power FPCB unit replaced at a cost of €20 and
while it was their had a brand new battery installed costing €40 and its sounds just as fantastic as the day I purchased it.
AK380 looks epic in the copper!
May I ask where you purchased that case for the H2?
Scorpio1957
100+ Head-Fier
Sure no problem, the company is in the U.K. and they ship worldwide.
Enjoy your music and keep safe.
Tony
https://www.futureshop.co.uk/chord-electronics-hugo-2-slim-leather-case/
And the more expensive case.
https://www.futureshop.co.uk/chord-electronics-hugo-2-leather-case/
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