Astell&Kern XB10 Extreme Bluetooth Adapter
Sep 14, 2016 at 12:03 PM Post #16 of 457
I apologize if this has been asked already, or obviously stated somewhere in the glossies (marketing material), but what's the official release date for the A&K XB10?
 
I ordered an XB10 from the Astell&Kern US Online Shop on September 9, 2016, and am curious if/when I'll see UPS walking up the driveway with my new toy.
 
Thanks!
 
- Dave
 
Sep 19, 2016 at 4:03 PM Post #17 of 457
It's too bad my AK 120ii doesn't support apX. Damn you AK, I don't wanna buy another AK dap...
 
Sep 19, 2016 at 4:21 PM Post #18 of 457
It's too bad my AK 120ii doesn't support apX. Damn you AK, I don't wanna buy another AK dap...

 
iRiver has been doing amazing things with firmware updates, so you never know (unless, of course, aptX requires new hardware).
 
In a related quandary, now that I believe the new AK70 supports aptX, is the XB10 I just pre-purchased completely redundant?
 
- Dave
 
Sep 19, 2016 at 6:27 PM Post #19 of 457
AK support just emailed me and said while aptX is not supported by AK 120ii, it will still connect to it. What?
 
Sep 19, 2016 at 7:03 PM Post #20 of 457
It can still connect because apt-x devices can also use legacy bluetooth connections. Apt-x requires that both devices support it to work at that higher level (same for the new Apt-x HD that only 2-3 devices support so far).
 
So, if the AK120ii doesn't have apt-x it should still connect to the XB10 using something like standard A2DP bluetooth. Won't sound quite as good as apt-x but it should work.
 
 
Sep 20, 2016 at 1:50 AM Post #21 of 457
Exactly. Apt-X is just a codec, if both devices are not supporting it then then connection falls back do SBC or A2DP (worst case scenario, tin can sound with no dynamic range).
 
Sep 21, 2016 at 8:31 AM Post #22 of 457
Sep 21, 2016 at 9:21 AM Post #23 of 457
Sep 21, 2016 at 12:47 PM Post #24 of 457
If I'm using a iphone, it won't get aptx... so this will theoretically sound better with another device?
 
Sep 22, 2016 at 12:35 AM Post #25 of 457
  In a related quandary, now that I believe the new AK70 supports aptX, is the XB10 I just pre-purchased completely redundant?

 
In case anyone else was as confused about Bluetooth master/slave and profiles, this reply from A&K clarifies the difference in Bluetooth functionality between the AK70 (and other DAPs) and the XB10:
 
"The AK70 will connect to Bluetooth devices, but it cannot read or stream audio via Bluetooth from other devices. The AK70 also does not have aptX HD built in, as where the XB10 will."
 
I finally get it.
 
- Dave
 
Sep 26, 2016 at 3:24 PM Post #26 of 457
September is almost over and they still haven't shipped =(
 
Sep 26, 2016 at 4:45 PM Post #27 of 457
Local distributor here says that they  should  be available somewhere in November, though there is no specific date yet. But I suppose that on the other hand, they also should be available earlier than that in US - since it is way bigger and better market.
 
I know - I'm not helping :)
 
Sep 26, 2016 at 4:47 PM Post #28 of 457
  Local distributor here says that they  should  be available somewhere in November, though there is no specific date yet. But I suppose that on the other hand, they also should be available earlier than that in US - since it is way bigger and better market.
 
I know - I'm not helping :)

AK said by end of sept. 
 
Sep 26, 2016 at 10:08 PM Post #29 of 457
Local distributor here says that they  should  be available somewhere in November, though there is no specific date yet. But I suppose that on the other hand, they also should be available earlier than that in US - since it is way bigger and better market.

I know - I'm not helping :)


"bigger and better" than who?
 
Sep 26, 2016 at 10:21 PM Post #30 of 457
AK support just emailed me and said while aptX is not supported by AK 120ii, it will still connect to it. What?


https://us.astellnkern.com/collections/portables/products/ak120-ii

Well, now the above A&K link says that the AK120ii does support the aptX codec. I'm confused...

:confused:
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top