[Mython]

 
Which raises a question I've always wondered about.  Would one experience better sound with a $1000 earphone and a $500 portable integrated dac/player or a $500 earphone and a $1000 portable integrated dac/player?? Inquiring minds want to know.

 
It's not quite that simple - some companies, and their dealer networks, are greedier in their mark-ups than others. This can be true of any kind of gear.

 

[prosperone]

   
It's not quite that simple - some companies, and their dealer networks, are greedier in their mark-ups than others. This can be true of any kind of gear.

Excellent point!  I agree that its tricky.  This comment really helped me focus.  By establishing a budget for the whole sound chain forces more rational thinking.  Where to put $1000? The player or the earphone?  Where does the bigger gap in sound quality exist between the devices one is evaluating (Player v Player) (Headphone v Headphone).
 
In my current evaluation its DX90 v. AK100/120 mkii (yes unknown, but I'm assuming close to current 120).  Coupled with either my current Westone 4 or one of the following (JH13, Senn IE800, Shure 845 or AKG3003).
 
So then we have two gaps, one financial and the other sonic (putting aside user interface for a moment).
 
This is where I seem to be getting stuck...

 

[Solude]

If your sig is correct only the  240 would be an upgrade source wise.  The 120II may also be up there.  In your case the headphone is a no brainer upgrade.

 

[prosperone]

  If your sig is correct only the  240 would be an upgrade source wise.  The 120II may also be up there.  In your case the headphone is a no brainer upgrade.

Sigs correct, thanks!!  Was hoping to get down to one box for IEM use.  Carrying around the brick is getting a little old when I'm not otherwise carrying around a decent sized bag.  Thanks re the headphones also.  Although I really like the W4s for all they do and don't do (not too base heavy), I've always felt I could do better.  Then its down to resource allocation.  I'm starting to see this more clearly.  Thx!

 

[Black Label]

O as I did and focus on the headphones first. I won't be able to afford a better source until July, but that is fine because the SE846 have impressed me hugely when played through my iPhone 5 and MacBook pro.

Having migrated from the IE800 to the Shures (long story - which can be read over in the 846 Impressions thread), I can assure you that the 846 is superior in more ways than one.

 

[postvak]

I need to get go to Taiwan soon, anyone who can recommend where to get an AK 120 II in the Taichung area ?
 
Thanks

 

[RexxarCHL]

  I need to get go to Taiwan soon, anyone who can recommend where to get an AK 120 II in the Taichung area ?
 
Thanks

I don't think the II's are currently available in Taiwan. At least I have not yet heard from my dealer about them.
As for stores in Taichung area, pay a visit to My Ear. One of top 3 earphone stores in Taiwan IMO.
I think you can demo the old AKs there, as well as some high end rigs like Chrod Hugo.

 

[zachchen1996]

  I don't think the II's are currently available in Taiwan. At least I have not yet heard from my dealer about them.
As for stores in Taichung area, pay a visit to My Ear. One of top 3 earphone stores in Taiwan IMO.
I think you can demo the old AKs there, as well as some high end rigs like Chrod Hugo.

 
I'm going to Taiwan soon as well, what other audio stores would you recommend?
Thanks

 

[CosmicHolyGhost]

I'm going to Taiwan soon as well, what other audio stores would you recommend?
Thanks

Hehe I sent him a PM as well

 

[sumerian]

How is the amp section in these? do we need a external amp to run IEM like shure 846?

 

[AmberOzL]

Pay 2k euros, need external amp to drive 9 ohm impedance iems.
 
sarcasm/off.

 

[shigzeo]

  How is the amp section in these? do we need a external amp to run IEM like shure 846?

The SE846 isn't the hardest earphone to drive, but it does cause problems for poor outputs. I would hope that the modern AK players have solved the problems that made them switch to MKII versions and asked for your money as a consequence of them, you know, designing their players poorly at first. 

 

[shigzeo]

  How is the amp section in these? do we need a external amp to run IEM like shure 846?

Or just wait for the AK120III in August. I hear it's supposed to be even ultimater.

 

[AmberOzL]

  Or just wait for the AK120III in August. I hear it's supposed to be even ultimater.

I always, always enjoy your comments shigzeo. Made me laugh. 10/10 would click on thumbs up again.

 

[AnakChan]

Here's another pic from iRiver Japan. I'm not certain if this will be the standard case or not :-
 
Source: https://twitter.com/iriver_Lyumo/status/471966865967702016/photo/1