[PinkyPowers]

Wait wait....to confirm, using one of these - https://www.null-audio.com/collections/iem-headphone-cable/products/null-audio-2-5mm-balanced-to-3-5mm-se-converter-for-astell-kern-players will/may damage the unit?

No, because you plug that into the SE Output of whatever device you're using. In Single-ended, there are no -L or -R lines. Those are simply Ground. They are already shorted together. The Balanced headphones you use with that adapter artificially separate Ground as they run to the drivers. It's harmless.

-~::Edit::~-
On second thought, it depends on how you use it.

AK BO>Balanced Cable>Null Converter>3.5mm SE Input on Amp.

That will hurt your AK device.

But if you're using it as intended:

3.5mm SE Headphone Output>Null Converter>2.5mm Balanced Headphones

Everything will be right as rain.

 

[philk34]

  Out of curiosity, if that's the case, what would this type of cable be used for?  Thanks!
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TRRS-2-5mm-Balanced-TO-2-RCA-Male-Audio-Adapter-Cable-For-AK240-/121507475674?var=&hash=item1c4a68f0damjRh_zrObmcb4IMwOXQuPYg

It is written in the ad: for a balanced headset.
 
Not for an unbalanced amp where grounds are common on both side.

 

[cmacsocial]

It is written in the ad: for a balanced headset.

Not for an unbalanced amp where grounds are common on both side.

For the best sound, would you recommend AK 3.5mm out to amp's RCA in...or to amp's 3.5mm in?

 

[uzi2]

For the best sound, would you recommend AK 3.5mm out to amp's RCA in...or to amp's 3.5mm in?

Exactly equal.

 

[olddude]

  Anyone have a static issue with the 2.5mm port on their AK? If I turn the volume down and move the cable I get static in the left channel. I have been talking to Ted about it, so not 100% sure if its the cable or the port. I am going to test some players at CanJam and narrow down the issue. I tried some contact cleaner to fix it, it didn't help.

Are you using the little washers that came with it to keep the metal of the plug off the metal of the player?  If not, might help.  

 

[Watagump]

 
Are you using the little washers that came with it to keep the metal of the plug off the metal of the player?  If not, might help.  

 
Washers? I am not aware of any washers.

 

[NPWS]

how I love this setup

 

[olddude]

I got  a little bag of washers with, I think, my 120ll (which I bought new).  They were to keep the bottom of the plug from contacting the top of the case.  Pretty sure it was with the 120ll, and not my UERM or Angie (as it was specific for the AK).  Can't find the little bag, but I know I slipped one on my UERM when I first used it with the AK (it has since fallen off).  You could try making a little washer out of very thin material or paper and slipping it over your plug to see if that helps.  

 

[Watagump]

  I got  a little bag of washers with, I think, my 120ll (which I bought new).  They were to keep the bottom of the plug from contacting the top of the case.  Pretty sure it was with the 120ll, and not my UERM or Angie (as it was specific for the AK).  Can't find the little bag, but I know I slipped one on my UERM when I first used it with the AK (it has since fallen off).  You could try making a little washer out of very thin material or paper and slipping it over your plug to see if that helps.  

 
 
I will check my AK box.

 

[olddude]

Nope, found it in the Angie box, so guess it came with them
 
  

 

[Watagump]

  Nope, found it in the Angie box, so guess it came with them
 
  

 
 
I put a piece of tape over the port then plugged in the cable, guess what it worked, so that seems to be the issue.

 

[olddude]

Low-tech worked.

 We can go into business, make them out of paper and sell them for $25.00 ea or two for $40.00 (great deal!).  Head-Fi'ers will snap them up!!!!

 

[PinkyPowers]

I got those same washers in my Angie box. Others did not. We were the lucky ones.

 

[olddude]

I seem to recall that it was after issues with what Mr. Gump was talking about that they were given out, but I couldn't recall with what device I got them.  Too many toys.  

 

[Watagump]

Now I am going to go nuts wondering why I have to do this DIY fix on such a high end player.