I will probably buy this, my first AK since the Jr. a few years ago. Tired of Fiio and I really like that this has 4 Vrms.
Astell & Kern AK70 MKII with dual DAC
- Thread starter Bengkia369
- Start date
Just get chance to test this small DAP, well I really like its size. The sound is okay though it didn't impress me much. It gives a smooth sound experience but not yet detailed and dynamic enough compared to DX200.
Did you test with balanced connection? AK70Mk2 really shines through balanced.
Sure. Actually I really like AK380 house sound but I still am not into 70 series.
Zenturio
New Head-Fier
Actually how does it sound through unbalanced? Is there such a big difference? And could u guys test it? At the moment I have a unbalanced cable only. 
LondonGecko
100+ Head-Fier
Actually how does it sound through unbalanced? Is there such a big difference? And could u guys test it? At the moment I have a unbalanced cable only.
I'll see if I can dig out an unbalanced cable and give it a go.
On the AK70, the balanced cable made a big difference 0 certainly worth the investment.
LondonGecko
100+ Head-Fier
Back to the AK70...
Well having listened to the Mk2 all day yesterday, I went back to the AK70 this morning.
It's still a fantastic player, and to my ears has a lovely tone. The detail in the bass is not quite as good as the Mk2, which has better definition in the muddier / heavier music. The sound stage isn't quite as wide either - but if I had to stick with the AK70 I wouldn't be disappointed, but the Mk2 is an improvement for me. It's not the leap I experience from AK Jr to AK70, but it is there. More evolution than revolution.
Well having listened to the Mk2 all day yesterday, I went back to the AK70 this morning.
It's still a fantastic player, and to my ears has a lovely tone. The detail in the bass is not quite as good as the Mk2, which has better definition in the muddier / heavier music. The sound stage isn't quite as wide either - but if I had to stick with the AK70 I wouldn't be disappointed, but the Mk2 is an improvement for me. It's not the leap I experience from AK Jr to AK70, but it is there. More evolution than revolution.
I compared unbalanced against balanced using Ultrasone Jubilee 25. For unbalanced I used the stock cable, while for balanced I used Silver Dragon V3. So my impression may be partially due to the cable difference.Actually how does it sound through unbalanced? Is there such a big difference? And could u guys test it? At the moment I have a unbalanced cable only.
Balanced output has better separation/resolution and wider sound stage. But most importantly to my ears, balanced output has higher driving power that makes the HPs sound richer and fuller.
That being said, the difference is not that significantly huge. Obviously both outputs have the same sound signature. If you compare, there are clearly noticeable differences. But it's not a deal breaker even if you never use balanced output.
So don't worry if you don't have balanced cables for now. AK70Mk2 offers you a better alternative when you get a balanced cable.
Zenturio
New Head-Fier
Thanks! That calms me down haha
If you want to use the balance output is it not possible just to use a balanced 2.5 mm to unbalanced 3.5 adapter or do you need to change to whole cable? I have a Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro and it just has a normal unbalanced 3.5 mm connector... Unfortunately I could not find such an adapter yet.
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You can find one on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Electop-2-5m...639127&sr=8-4&keywords=2.5mm+to+3.5mm+adapter
But the point of the balanced output is to drive the right and left side independently. With this type of adapter, the ground is combined for both right and left channels, which beats the purpose.
So for now, you should enjoy it with unbalance cable for now. As I mentioned, the difference is not a deal breaker.
LondonGecko
100+ Head-Fier
Want to play with my new toy, so I've bought an AK70 case. The plan is to take a scalpel to it and give the Mk2 just enough protection whilst I wait for the proper case to arrive...
Zenturio
New Head-Fier
No it doesn't work, its just not only the diameter but only a special connector, it's professional. The cable has to be changed completely...because low quality can not turn into good quality with an adapter only, it has to be connected directly to the headphone.
Edit: I'm not 100% sure about this, but I will do some research... Anyway the quality of such an adapter seems not to be very high.
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Zenturio
New Head-Fier
I could buy it here in Germany but I still want to wait
LondonGecko
100+ Head-Fier
Comes out at a comedy 88 Euros to ship over here!
Guess I'll just have to wait for my Amazon order to come in. Frustrating to have to wait for the case to be released.
Zenturio
New Head-Fier
I think I should buy it now... The sooner the better. Actually I like to use something how it originally is. Covered this beauty in a leather case is a lil sad. But the player seems to be scratch-prone?
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