AK70 vs AK70 Mk2
Having owned an AK70 for 10 months, and used it almost daily I thought I'd try and give a comparison against it's newer sibling. I'm new to this, so don't be too critical!
Build & Design
The first thing you notice is that is does feel larger than the the AK70, and heavier than the 18 grams the spec sheet suggests - so much so that I actually weighed both devices (they do both weigh as per the AK specs!).
The slightly chunkier design feels familiar and works well... I like the little angled edge on the Mk2.
The volume wheel has a different colour band (blue vs red), and texture, but also a different "click" - it needs a more definite push and has a more pronounced feel. I think I prefer the AK70 over the Mk2 here.
Some fuss has been made over the back, but to be honest I'll never see it, as it will live in a case. Once again, I prefer the pattern on the AK70.
Unsurprisingly the touchscreen feels exactly the same, and just as slick. If you're coming from an AK Jr though, you will notice a difference.
Sound
Headphones: I use Shure SE535 with Westone Star Tips, and an Atlas Zeno IEM cable.
Tracks
- Rage Against the Machine, Bullet in the Head - 44/24
- Dorothy, Down to the Bottom - 44/16
- Soundgarden, Mailman - DSD64 (PCM converted)
- David Gilmour, In Any Tongue - 96/24
- The Last Internationale, Wanted Man - 44/24
- Dead Blonde Stars, Coffer - 44/16
I've always found RATM's debut album good at exposing the true nature of a setup, so started there. Very quickly you notice that there is greater clarity and definition over the AK70. The bass is tighter and more controlled.
Dorothy use old amps and record live, and to the uninitiated it does sound like the "loudness war" has ruined the sound. However, wondering about how it would cope, the Mk2 again sings above the AK70. Dorothy's incredible vocals are clear and precise.
Heading to the murky depth's of Soundgarden's Mailman and Dead Blonde Star's Coffer (worth a listen if you're a SG/AiC/PJ fan) and the music never over powers the vocals. There is greater separation, detail and clarity.
Gilmour's work is always nicely recorded and this is no exception. Intimate and involving, it's almost as good as being sat in the Royal Albert Hall. The soundstage is noticeable larger than the AK70.
Finally, TLI's Wanted Man is precise and detailed in a way that the AK70 cannot match. Delila's voice is haunting, the bass is strong, the few piano notes sing, but are not swamped by Edgey's guitar work nor Brad Wilk's drums.
Summary
The Mk2 set out to give greater clarity and detail, and IMO AK have nailed that. The dual DAC works if you like precise reproduction with an open character, and the signature AK sound. T
Is it worth the upgrade? IMO, yes. Coming from the AK70 it does feel like a step change. he sound is crisp, the bass is tight but it is a clean sound (which I like).
Disappointments? Only that I can't get a case for it yet. Given mine is a road warrior (daily train commute) it's not going anywhere until I can protect it. I wish they'd bundle a case with these things...