[Steven R. Rochli]

Yep, those where the days! Nowadays we pay a small fortune for a device that actually costs a few dollars to manufacture but the fancy UI costs a fortune to develop and these costs are passed on to the consumer. Perhaps some manufacturers should start to manufacture a few products without the fancy UI and just use simple buttons for commands, this will surely cost a lot less. I immediately think of the Shozy Allien that is very straightforward without the fancy screens and UI and it apparently has very good sound from all accounts. This used to be the norm a few years ago. Just my 2c worth. Cheers.

 
Oh, I remember those early years... and in the 1980's sold 'high-end' portable audio devices at a specialty store. Like you said, UI development and GUI / touchscreens add to the cost of development / manufacturing. BTW, tried the original Shozy Alien and also had the newer II version for quite a few motnsh (got it in Singapore back in February 2015) and at this point the sound is excellent, yet could not deal with the lack of GUI / screen and (limited) memory card situation. Punted reviewing it on the grounds that the 'install base' would simply be too small combined with my review probably being a bit 'sour' due to UI limitations. i could sum up my review in seven words, "Great sound, frustrating as f--k to use". Most 'normal' people are demanding more with their PMP and, as such, devices needs to deliver what the customer wants. These wants add to the retail cost of a device. The Alien MK II is great, yet show me any 'normal' consumer who would accept all the limitations given today's possibilities? Yes indeed, there is a price to pay for convenience.

 

[mosshorn]

Oh, I remember those early years... and in the 1980's sold 'high-end' portable audio devices at a specialty store. Like you said, UI development and GUI / touchscreens add to the cost of development / manufacturing. BTW, tried the original Shozy Alien and also had the newer II version for quite a few motnsh (got it in Singapore back in February 2015) and at this point the sound is excellent, yet could not deal with the lack of GUI / screen and (limited) memory card situation. Punted reviewing it on the grounds that the 'install base' would simply be too small combined with my review probably being a bit 'sour' due to UI limitations. i could sum up my review in seven words, "Great sound, frustrating as f--k to use". Most 'normal' people are demanding more with their PMP and, as such, devices needs to deliver what the customer wants. These wants add to the retail cost of a device. The Alien MK II is great, yet show me any 'normal' consumer who would accept all the limitations given today's possibilities? Yes indeed, there is a price to pay for convenience.

If the MK2 didn't have hiss I may want that too

 

[JamesAnthony]

Just unboxed this little work of art and have been playing around with it. SD slot is tight & secure, picked up tracks with no issue, UI is to my mind snappy and responsive ( might change once I load songs onto the internal storage). Sound is thick, rich with a lovely air to the top notes. Been listening and burning in for the past few hours. Volume nob feels high end to use. Whole thing looks like something out of the future. Will report back further on down with a more detailed run down.

 

[howdy]

They have these on Amazon for $449.00 from an Authorized reseller!

 

[bonve]

Sold my senn momentum for $60 so basically i paid my ak jr only for $439

 

[Photoman]

Sold my senn momentum for $60 so basically i paid my ak jr only for $439

Is the momentum that bad?

 

[bonve]

Just unboxed this little work of art and have been playing around with it. SD slot is tight & secure, picked up tracks with no issue, UI is to my mind snappy and responsive ( might change once I load songs onto the internal storage). Sound is thick, rich with a lovely air to the top notes. Been listening and burning in for the past few hours. Volume nob feels high end to use. Whole thing looks like something out of the future. Will report back further on down with a more detailed run down.

try to upgrade to firmware 1.02 seem like improve in sound quality

 

[davidcotton]

  They have these on Amazon for $449.00 from an Authorized reseller!

Yet here in the uk the cheapest is £336 (£290 in a straight $-£ conversion, and a special offer at that!).  I've really been on the fence about getting one of these.

 

[bonve]

Is the momentum that bad?

no...momentum is a great headphone...but i don't feel really need it since i am more like IEM guy person

 

[Klonatans]

 
Is the momentum that bad?

Actually it is really bad. I had the on-ear version and it was a terrible experience. Bloated bass, harsh treble, muddy mids plus unbearable clamping force. Never ever!

 

[howdy]

 
Is the momentum that bad?

Its like free beer, even though it might not be your favorite its still FREE! sell it to some newbi. I sold mine for $50 so i only paid 450.00 for my Jr.

 

[JamesAnthony]

It came loaded with the newest firmware. Sounds luscious.

 

[Mark2010]

Does anyone know if the AK Jr has a volume restriction on it if you buy it in Europe ?

 

[hifistarter]

I would not expect there to be. My ipod classic 5th gen seemed a lot louder, and that was readily available without limitations.

 

[howdy]

so with the newest FW 1.02 is there some noticeable differences? hopefully for the better. Mine came 1.00 and I have not bothered to update it yet.