[tarainfo]

In the end, I think I'll forgo the balanced approach and go with the SR-71A
Every review I saw was positive and it is an ideal match for HD 600
It's a bit bigger but so are HD 600s

 

[Goldlion973]

http://www.headfonia.com/rsa-sr71b-first-impression/

 

[sathyam]

Has anybody tried the ALO Rx Mk3 B+. with the AK120? I just ordered one of those AMPs for my AK120 to drive my LCD-2? From the Headfonia reviews, and also other Head-Fi threads, I found better reviews compared to the SR-71A.
 
I am thinking of the following connections: AK120 - Line-out -> Mk3 - Balanced input -> LCD-2 - Balanced output. Would that work out?

 

[kerrys30]

Unless you get RWAK120-B upgrade I don't think you can get a balanced out from AK120.

 

[Goldlion973]

AK120 > Single Ended > ALO MIII > Balanced out > LCD RSA Cabled out.
 
The MIII Amp can take single ended and output balanced... modifying the AK120 to output a balanced signal would make the set up a true balanced one which is why people stack so many devices, they output an unbalanced signal from a player to a device that converts that signal to balanced then to an amp that takes a balanced signal to a balanced headphone.
 
You'd be saving on pocket space by modifying the AK120 to have it output a balanced signal direct to a balanced amp for a cleaner sound minus it being messed with in the process... you could also listen to it balanced minus an extra amp stage in the middle if you wanted.

 

[Munkees]

Hi,

I have a AK120 and recently purchased a ALO International, is there anyway I can use my AK120 as a balanced output without the Red Wine modification? I apologize if this has been answered already, I'm new to a lot of this and have been reading some conflicting information.  I did a search for AK120 balanced and it listed the AK120 as being able to output a balanced signal?
 
If I can do this, what equipment or additional equipment would I need?
 
Thanks in advance to everybody for their help!

 

[harryb]

  Hi,

I have a AK120 and recently purchased a ALO International, is there anyway I can use my AK120 as a balanced output without the Red Wine modification? I apologize if this has been answered already, I'm new to a lot of this and have been reading some conflicting information.  I did a search for AK120 balanced and it listed the AK120 as being able to output a balanced signal?
 
If I can do this, what equipment or additional equipment would I need?
 
Thanks in advance to everybody for their help!

 
Nope the AK120 has a single ended, not balanced output.  If you need a balanced output, you will need a modification.

 

[Munkees]

Thanks Harry, that's why I was a little confused when I saw the photo with a single ended output from the AK into the balanced input.  Does the RWAK mod allow you to do that?

 

[stvc]

Li

Thanks Harry, that's why I was a little confused when I saw the photo with a single ended output from the AK into the balanced input.  Does the RWAK mod allow you to do that?

Link?

 

[tarainfo]

I have an AK120 and a Ray Samuels SR71B
I connect the AK120 single ended output to the SR71 single ended input
And the SR71b converts the signal to balanced when I connect my balanced headphones to the RSA 71B's
Balanced output
So you need the SR71bB and the cabling for your headphones can be done by moon-audio

 

[Munkees]

Li
Link?

My mistake. Sorry for not attaching the link. I found out what it was. It's the red wine audio s/b mod to the device and you have to purchase a four pin 3.5mm plug to XLR connection from them.

I've been getting mixed opinions about this modification especially since the ak120 already has an excellent dac built in. I don't know if I want to be without my ak120 while sending it away plus then I lose the ability to use just the ak120 with my iem's.

 

[stvc]

I think if you are happy with stock ak120 I suggest you just stick to it, there is no end if you are keep comparing.

 

[Munkees]

I think if you are happy with stock ak120 I suggest you just stick to it, there is no end if you are keep comparing.

Good advice. I really appreciate the community helping me not get too carried away lol.

 

[DObleX]

What about Beyerdynamic DT1350 80ohm? Is it necessary to buy external amp for it? Or will it be enough of internal ak120's amp?

 

[iantownsend]

Hi there.
 
I have had the AK120 / D650 combo since AK120 came out. Works fine through external headphone amps.
 
I use both Fiio Mont Blanc but my preferred goto is  iBasso D2 - Boa.
 
So good that I returned it back to Chinese manufacturers when battery needed replacing after 4 or 5 years of continual use.
 
Like anything audio, amplification is extremely personal - a key element for me is connecting lead (AK120 to headphone amp).
 
I use silver Kimber cable from Russ Andrews in the UK. Sorted ! This gives me the pristine, clear, extended soundstage I love listening to with bass under control.
 
Enjoy your listening
 
Ian