Maybe it's just me but with the MS-AK120 alone I felt the staging wasn't as wide (you lost me with your comment of "too wide" == "compressed on earphones"...what earphones are you using!?).
But when I hooked up the Intruder balanced, I'm very impressed.
With the MS-AK120 alone, I feel the AK240 sounds more spacious but the AK240 feels somewhat "colder". The MS-AK120 with Intruder balanced backend IC, the MS-AK120/Intruder has a more wholesome sound with a larger soundstage.
With the MS-AK120 alone, I feel the AK240 sounds more spacious but the AK240 feels somewhat "colder". The MS-AK120 with Intruder balanced backend IC, the MS-AK120/Intruder has a more wholesome sound with a larger soundstage.
I found that since the MS mods skip certain filters, you get a richer sound than stock AK models they are based on. In particular, I hear a low-pass filter, something back in 2007, I would have hated. Today, I think it is a great idea. Music is rich. Liquidy is the AK240, rich is the AK100/120 mods.
Originally Posted by shigzeo /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I found that since the MS mods skip certain filters, you get a richer sound than stock AK models they are based on. In particular, I hear a low-pass filter, something back in 2007, I would have hated. Today, I think it is a great idea. Music is rich. Liquidy is the AK240, rich is the AK100/120 mods.
It might be better to say this: the stage of the AK240 appears to extend wider. The MSAK100/120 extends forward, exhibiting Z depth more than X depth. Both I find to have wonderful stages. Presentation is very different.
Of the above, I'd personally give imaging to the AK240. But if the MS-AK120 is paired with the Intruder, then I'd put the MS-AK120+Intruder as having better imaging than the AK240. Note though now we're talking about stacked components. Most enthusiasts would consider that as an unfair comparison and if I stack the MS-AK120, I should stack the AK240 too
After playing around with the MS-AK's I'm of the opinion that Mezzo Soprano has done a suberb job in doing the modifications. The limitation on the amp portion (vs external amp) I feel is as good as MS can mod/improve it internally.
[Mod Edited]I plan to do the analog tuning to get more depth of sound stage and bass impact without modification.
Analog tuning is the lengthy process of listen by audiophile specialist ear and selectively playback (song or freq) to gradually twist the sound signature of the audio component without modification so the original warantee still valid.
This technique had been proved to ak100, ipod classic and many headphones at least by myself e.g. pk1, forte X, fitear 334, 1plus2, zero audio. I recently leave my ak100 analog tuning and fitear 334 with Yeo who arrange the singapore headfi mini meet so if you are in singapore feel free to try them in order to prove this technique.
I bought one new ak240 last week and sent to analog tuning. Should be able to provide more update on the end result within a month. If it result is great, the mezzohifi will offer service to public.
[Mod Edited]I plan to do the analog tuning to get more depth of sound stage and bass impact without modification.
Analog tuning is the lengthy process of listen by audiophile specialist ear and selectively playback (song or freq) to gradually twist the sound signature of the audio component without modification so the original warantee still valid.
This technique had been proved to ak100, ipod classic and many headphones at least by myself e.g. pk1, forte X, fitear 334, 1plus2, zero audio. I recently leave my ak100 analog tuning and fitear 334 with Yeo who arrange the singapore headfi mini meet so if you are in singapore feel free to try them in order to prove this technique.
I bought one new ak240 last week and sent to analog tuning. Should be able to provide more update on the end result within a month. If it result is great, the mezzohifi will offer service to public.
To swap the AK240 DAC? I don't think so. The only reason the MSAK100/120 can swap to 8741 is that they are pin compatible and power requirements are similar. They are usable in an ecosystem, so just swapping a DAC won't work. A common vehicle has to exist.
To swap the AK240 DAC? I don't think so. The only reason the MSAK100/120 can swap to 8741 is that they are pin compatible and power requirements are similar. They are usable in an ecosystem, so just swapping a DAC won't work. A common vehicle has to exist.
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