[blur510]

Can someone help me out? I have been reading the 120/100ii/120ii thread for weeks and I still am not sure what to do.. I think I have narrowed it down to the 120 and the 100ii.  I like the size of the 120 and the 2 SD card slots.  (I also think it has a balanced out, please confirm or correct me if I'm wrong) vs the 100 ii.. newer, bigger screen not to sure about the sound though I know it's a single dac design, but it could be better sounding.
 
I usually do all my research myself but there is just way too much posts on way too many threads to sort things out myself..  Thanks

 

[DrSheep]

  Can someone help me out? I have been reading the 120/100ii/120ii thread for weeks and I still am not sure what to do.. I think I have narrowed it down to the 120 and the 100ii.  I like the size of the 120 and the 2 SD card slots.  (I also think it has a balanced out, please confirm or correct me if I'm wrong) vs the 100 ii.. newer, bigger screen not to sure about the sound though I know it's a single dac design, but it could be better sounding.
 
I usually do all my research myself but there is just way too much posts on way too many threads to sort things out myself..  Thanks

Here is what I think you should do and keep the cost in check: get a used AK120 first (it has no balance out) and see how you like the sound, then if you want the sound of the AK100ii, get the CEntrance designed GloveAudio A1 for it (2.5mm TRRS and RSA balanced out).  This way you will have more storage and sound close to the AK240, at cost around $1k.

 

[jlbrach]

the glove costs 600 dollars and good luck finding a 120 for 400 dollars although the combination is indeed wonderful it will cost you 1200-1300 minimum...using an ak100 would make the price more feasible

 

[XtianP]

I have upgraded my gear from iPod Classic to iBasso DX90 for a short time. Now I have the AK 100 II, sound fantastic with my headstage arrow and the ATH AD900X (but a little to bright). The sound is not so good with the K702 (less details). I would like to know if I have to use the line out option with my arrow amp. ? Should be battery comsuming ? I'm waiting for a Shure SHR 1840, expecting to have a better sound

 

[blur510]

  Here is what I think you should do and keep the cost in check: get a used AK120 first (it has no balance out) and see how you like the sound, then if you want the sound of the AK100ii, get the CEntrance designed GloveAudio A1 for it (2.5mm TRRS and RSA balanced out).  This way you will have more storage and sound close to the AK240, at cost around $1k.

Thanks I am now focusing my research on this, and just by the short amount of time I have reading up on this, It looks like this is going to be my future rig.  I have the 8.A and will be getting balanced cables in the future.
 

  the glove costs 600 dollars and good luck finding a 120 for 400 dollars although the combination is indeed wonderful it will cost you 1200-1300 minimum...using an ak100 would make the price more feasible

I was just thinking that, but I think the AK120 will give me the flexibility to use it as  a standalone DAP for more portability. 

 

[mathi8vadhanan]

  I have upgraded my gear from iPod Classic to iBasso DX90 for a short time. Now I have the AK 100 II, sound fantastic with my headstage arrow and the ATH AD900X (but a little to bright). The sound is not so good with the K702 (less details). I would like to know if I have to use the line out option with my arrow amp. ? Should be battery comsuming ? I'm waiting for a Shure SHR 1840, expecting to have a better sound

If you are using external amp - yes. Enable Line-out from drop-down menu first, then turn the volume knob and select 'Line-out', then acknowledge the warning message.

 

[DrSheep]

FYI, if you do go with the A1 route, look into the AK100 as a transport instead as they are sub-$400 now new.

 

[XtianP]

  If you are using external amp - yes. Enable Line-out from drop-down menu first, then turn the volume knob and select 'Line-out', then acknowledge the warning message.

 
Thanks, the annoying thing, it's that you have to redo each time the AK wake-up.

 

[DrSheep]

  Thanks, the annoying thing, it's that you have to redo each time the AK wake-up.

Come to think of it, can someone please check if you can change the default in the secret menu?

 

[Sorensiim]

I have the 8.A and will be getting balanced cables in the future. 

Do it! The 8.A is a royal hoot when balanced, guaranteed to put a huge grin on your face!

 

[mathi8vadhanan]

   
Thanks, the annoying thing, it's that you have to redo each time the AK wake-up.

But its a lot safer, this way. I came close to blowing my ears couple of times, with the DX90 - because I forget to bring the volume down after using it in line-out mode. 

 

[blur510]

Do it! The 8.A is a royal hoot when balanced, guaranteed to put a huge grin on your face!

Any recommnedations on balanced wires? thanks

 

[XtianP]

But its a lot safer, this way. I came close to blowing my ears couple of times, with the DX90 - because I forget to bring the volume down after using it in line-out mode. 

ok i keep the safe option. But what is the secret menu?

 

[warrior1975]

What do you think for 100ii ? Some users like it more than 120ii.

I had a difficult time discerning between those two as well. The 120ii is more powerful, so for me, that was the biggest difference. My ears are the worst though on Head-Fi.

 

[DrSheep]

  Any recommnedations on balanced wires? thanks

Norne Audio is decent and not very expensive.
 

ok i keep the safe option. But what is the secret menu?

Setting -> Sys Info -> then hit Model Number 5 times, but it's in Korean and someone did translated over in the AK240 thread.