[eargo]

So my local dealer will sell his ak120 & ak120 Titan for a cheaper price due to the newer models coming out.
My options are as followed.
1. Buy the ak 120 for around 1200
2. Buy the ak 120 Titan for 1400
3. Wait for the new Ak100ii & purchase that for I believe it will sell around 1000

What does everyone think?
Is the new dacs that much better than the old?
Will one of the new dacs in the ak 100 be better than the ak 120 which has two?

Thanks a lot

If you are willing to take the risk, there are some used AK120s in the FS section of the forum. And I believe they are selling well below $1200. 
 
I believe someone mentioned in this thread that the new DAC chips (CS4398) are in the same range as the Wolfson 8740. But AK did a much better job in the implementation this time around. 
 
I am waiting for impressions of the AK120 II to surface before deciding whether to get the AK120 II or AK240. 

 

[Black Label]

I must be missing something. At the time of auditioning, the mkI AK120 sounded better than fine with my SE846s.

As such I might be happier with the original 120 visa vie the mkII AK100 (which I presume will be of similar price point in Australia once the latter arrives). The original AK120 boasts greater storage capacity than the mkII AK100 and is cheaper than the mkII AK120.

 

[flymetothemoon]

So my local dealer will sell his ak120 & ak120 Titan for a cheaper price due to the newer models coming out.
My options are as followed.
1. Buy the ak 120 for around 1200
2. Buy the ak 120 Titan for 1400
3. Wait for the new Ak100ii & purchase that for I believe it will sell around 1000

What does everyone think?
Is the new dacs that much better than the old?
Will one of the new dacs in the ak 100 be better than the ak 120 which has two?

Thanks a lot

DAP, like its name, a digital product.  Digital development evolves very fast and thus old technology becomes obsolete very quickly (I've sold my Linn CD12 back 4 years ago and now using Meitner MA1 and have no regret).  Your money will get better return by buying in the newer model(s), IMHO.

 

[Solude]

Aye the AK100II is the best buy in the $1000 range.  
 
Using one DAC doesn't change that they can use the AK240 analog section.  In the case of the AK100 and AK120 they created a new circuit and never brought it down to the AK100 but they could have.
 
Current AK120 owners are in a tough spot right now.  

 

[flymetothemoon]

  Aye the AK100II is the best buy in the $1000 range.  
 
Using one DAC doesn't change that they can use the AK240 analog section.  In the case of the AK100 and AK120 they created a new circuit and never brought it down to the AK100 but they could have.
 
Current AK120 owners are in a tough spot right now.  

AK100ll should perform better than the original Ak100 with lowered output impedance is one obvious and balanced out is another.  Additional functionality of able to play DSD (PCM conversion) gives machines in this price range a wake up call.  I think (although I'm a AK240 owner) AK100ll is the best buy among all AK models.

 

[CosmicHolyGhost]

would the AK100II come with the crocodile skin leather case? I agree with flymetomoon is a good deal considering I dont see much difference between the two

 

[RexxarCHL]

  would the AK100II come with the crocodile skin leather case? I agree with flymetomoon is a good deal considering I dont see much difference between the two

Nah the AK100II has a better-looking case IMO.
 

Photo courtesy of http://av.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20140511_647709.html

 

[flymetothemoon]

  Nah the AK100II has a better-looking case IMO.
 

Photo courtesy of http://av.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20140511_647709.html

+1

 

[CosmicHolyGhost]

I like the crocodile style and hope to see more exotic leather cases..

 

[audiophile_007]

what do you guys think? I've got the UM miracles. Should I go for the RWAK120 or the AK120II??? Help would be much appreciated :3 Don't take price into consideration btw

 

[Levanter]

  what do you guys think? I've got the UM miracles. Should I go for the RWAK120 or the AK120II??? Help would be much appreciated :3 Don't take price into consideration btw

 
then go for RWAK240 =P

 

[tanc1]

Guess I was in Munich at the right time, took a German language class 2 weeks ago when High End 2014 was running, first thought it was "just-another-HIFI-show", really regretted for not bringing my camera along...
 
Tried both spankin' new AK players with my Fitear TG 334 and RSA Protector, both sounded sublime through SE input-output.
IMO, the AK120 II sounded just a tad better than his younger brother, in terms of instrumental separation and clearer highs.
Without the AMP, both players are able to drive my TG 334 perfectly.... do I even have to mention that... NVRMND.
 
Design and UI wise, they make Ver.1's look like cheap China made products. If you're an Android user, you're at home. Screen size is perfect for one thumb navigation. Touch screens on both players are responsive and of high resolution, really wish that they're able to play videos
 
Both players feels nice and snuggy on the hand, slim, solid, and nicely weighted. Volume knob on both players feel premium compared to the previous models.
 
Although there were no Ver.1 AK players on display to do side-by-side comparison, I still think that they've made notable improvements on the new players, in every single aspect, SQ, UI and design wise.

 

[AlterSack]

So - can anybody contribute their listening experiences fropm T.H.E Show last weekend?
I understand that there were some Head-Fiers who wanted to do thorough A/B listening.
Thx.

 

[audiophile_007]

   
then go for RWAK240 =P

i ment between the two of those the 240 is too expensive for me

 

[flymetothemoon]

  what do you guys think? I've got the UM miracles. Should I go for the RWAK120 or the AK120II??? Help would be much appreciated :3 Don't take price into consideration btw

My vote goes to AK120ll