[snafu1]

Can anyone tell me if the AK JR is strong enough to drive a pair of Hifiman HE400S headphones (22ohm)? 
I'm concerned about the 1.95Vrms stated as the output - though they don't state at what impedance this is for.

 

[Tassie Devil]

  Can anyone tell me if the AK JR is strong enough to drive a pair of Hifiman HE400S headphones (22ohm)? 
I'm concerned about the 1.95Vrms stated as the output - though they don't state at what impedance this is for.

I'm fully expecting that match is OK.  My AK Jr is due next week and there is a pair of HiFiMan HE400S waiting to be plugged in.  They work fine for the SONY A series so I see no reason why they would not mate up to the AK Jr player.

 

[bule1101]

I just got a pair of 400S. Its not bad on the Jr but when it does greatly benefit from a amp. Try it...

 

[Tassie Devil]

Interesting.  So what amp do you use and like?

 

[bule1101]

E5 on high gain and Pico power so far.

 

[Tassie Devil]

Mmmmm.  This has inspired me to look more closely at headphone amps and I've come down to either of C5 Portable Headphone Amp or a Fiio E12A-IEM Special Edition Portable Headphone Amplifier which I can buy new in Australia for exactly the same price./
 
There are quite a few comparison reviews of these two and it seems a bit of a swings and round abouts situation.  The C5 is better on power output, better on sound stage (important to me)  but poorer on battery life (not so important for me) and can mess up the bass with its bass boost (not good).
 
So, owners of thje A&K Jnr, any suggestions or comments?
 
TIA
 
John

 

[divefroggy]

  Mmmmm.  This has inspired me to look more closely at headphone amps and I've come down to either of C5 Portable Headphone Amp or a Fiio E12A-IEM Special Edition Portable Headphone Amplifier which I can buy new in Australia for exactly the same price./
 
There are quite a few comparison reviews of these two and it seems a bit of a swings and round abouts situation.  The C5 is better on power output, better on sound stage (important to me)  but poorer on battery life (not so important for me) and can mess up the bass with its bass boost (not good).
 
So, owners of thje A&K Jnr, any suggestions or comments?
 
TIA
 
John

I use the OPPO HA-2 on my Jr. Sounds fantastic. Maybe you should go to your local friendly store to get the amps tested out. All depends on your preference.
 
Cheers!

 

[Tassie Devil]

 
I use the OPPO HA-2 on my Jr. Sounds fantastic. Maybe you should go to your local friendly store to get the amps tested out. All depends on your preference.
 
Cheers!

Sadly this is not possible - the penalty of living in a low population area on the nice isolated island State of Tasmania.
 
And I'm still waiting for the A&K Jnr to arrive so a question about it.  Am I correct in interpreting it does not have a digital out?  As I understand the specs the DAC feature is for input via USB for music from a PC which is then processed by the player to give analog out - correct?  So, no point in getting a headphone amplifier with a DAC?
 
I'm tending to favour the Fiio 12A from what I have read so far.

 

[divefroggy]

 

 
I use the OPPO HA-2 on my Jr. Sounds fantastic. Maybe you should go to your local friendly store to get the amps tested out. All depends on your preference.
 
Cheers!

Sadly this is not possible - the penalty of living in a low population area on the nice isolated island State of Tasmania.
 
And I'm still waiting for the A&K Jnr to arrive so a question about it.  Am I correct in interpreting it does not have a digital out?  As I understand the specs the DAC feature is for input via USB for music from a PC which is then processed by the player to give analog out - correct?  So, no point in getting a headphone amplifier with a DAC?
 
I'm tending to favour the Fiio 12A from what I have read so far.

I see.. Yup, you're right. IMHO, go for the Cayin C5. I think its a good combination.

 

[Tassie Devil]

 
I see.. Yup, you're right. IMHO, go for the Cayin C5. I think its a good combination.

Oh dear, your advice came in 5 minutes after I had ordered the Fiio!!!  Oh well. I'll post up with impressions when it arrives and the AK jnr lands.  But I'll try out the Fiio with the SONY A17 first and see if there is any improvement with both the HiFiman 400s and the Sennheiser HD800 (which is currently being fed with a balanced feed from a Headroom Blockhead amp - I'll have to mess about making up a new cord).

 

[divefroggy]

 

 
I see.. Yup, you're right. IMHO, go for the Cayin C5. I think its a good combination.

Oh dear, your advice came in 5 minutes after I had ordered the Fiio!!!  Oh well. I'll post up with impressions when it arrives and the AK jnr lands.  But I'll try out the Fiio with the SONY A17 first and see if there is any improvement with both the HiFiman 400s and the Sennheiser HD800 (which is currently being fed with a balanced feed from a Headroom Blockhead amp - I'll have to mess about making up a new cord).

LOL... Ok, cool. Hear for yourself and see what you think. Ultimately, enjoy your music!

 

[Tassie Devil]

 
LOL... Ok, cool. Hear for yourself and see what you think. Ultimately, enjoy your music!

Good advice.  I fear too many "audiophiles" are more intent on listening for problems in the equipment that they are in actually lying back and listening to & enjoying the MUSIC!!!
 
That said I must confess that bad reproduction makes enjoyment more difficult, something that challenges me to enjoy older recordings, regardless of how lovingly they have been "restored".

 

[divefroggy]

 

 
LOL... Ok, cool. Hear for yourself and see what you think. Ultimately, enjoy your music!

Good advice.  I fear too many "audiophiles" are more intent on listening for problems in the equipment that they are in actually lying back and listening to & enjoying the MUSIC!!!
 
That said I must confess that bad reproduction makes enjoyment more difficult, something that challenges me to enjoy older recordings, regardless of how lovingly they have been "restored".

Of cos you need to have good recordings as well. Combined with good headphones/IEMs, DAP and/or DAC/AMP, the outcome will be different. I think its all in the preferences of an individual. If you like it, you'll like it, if you don't, you don't.
 
That being said, this hobby is the ultimate bottomless pit and the search for the ultimate sound will also continue.
 
I think whatever you have now or soon to have, will last you for a good few years of enjoyment. Enjoy!
 
Cheers!

 

[bule1101]

Sadly this is not possible - the penalty of living in a low population area on the nice isolated island State of Tasmania.

And I'm still waiting for the A&K Jnr to arrive so a question about it.  Am I correct in interpreting it does not have a digital out?  As I understand the specs the DAC feature is for input via USB for music from a PC which is then processed by the player to give analog out - correct?  So, no point in getting a headphone amplifier with a DAC?

I'm tending to favour the Fiio 12A from what I have read so far.

The Jr has no digital out.

Dont get me wrong, the 12A is fine, but for a step up in performance try the new ALO Rx for iems and Pico Power for full size. i can also recommend the E5 for all its features while still sounding great.

 

[remastered]

Having tried the 12a, oppo ha2 and the ALO rx nickel, I conclude that the Rx sounds the best amongst the lot