[x RELIC x]

What's your DAP? You use full size headphones with this setup?

As it says in his profile/signature, the AK120ii.

 

[vanishingpoint]

As it says in his profile/signature, the AK120ii.

Sorry, been using the mobile version. Cant view the signature.

 

[RCBinTN]

Sorry, been using the mobile version. Cant view the signature.

Yes, it's the AK120ii.  I usually listen with the Shure SE846, but the Oppo will drive my LCD-X pretty well, too.  

 

[Hapster]

I use my HA-2 as a stand-alone amp, as shown here - mode "C."  It works great, very happy with this mobile rig...




Enjoy your music!
RCB

Why exactly are you pluggin the Ha2 into an Ak 120? Surely that would downgrade the quality?

 

[ClieOS]

Why exactly are you pluggin the Ha2 into an Ak 120? Surely that would downgrade the quality?

 
Surely you haven't heard how little power every A&K has

 

[Hapster]

Surely you haven't heard how little power every A&K has

So a $1500 Dap doesn't have enough power for 16ohm IEMs? What's the point of them then?

One could literally buy a fiio x1 and use it instead and save themselves a grand.

 

[YugiRider2]

Wow, seems like a massive waste of money then. Considering a fiio x1 would produce the same sound since they're both using the same amp.

Owell, whatever floats your boat.

He is only using the amp of the HA-2, the digital to analog processing is still being done by the AK player.

 

[vanishingpoint]

Yes, it's the AK120ii.  I usually listen with the Shure SE846, but the Oppo will drive my LCD-X pretty well, too.  

Thanks!!!

Just got one and paired it with my x5ii. Tested it with the HD600 and 400is. Capable enough to run it.

Here it is (with my Titan 3s):

 

[ClieOS]

So a $1500 Dap doesn't have enough power for 16ohm IEMs? What's the point of them then?

One could literally buy a fiio x1 and use it instead and save themselves a grand.

 
It is more like a 9ohm IEM (SE864) actually, which the very low impedance actually makes it a bit demanding when it comes to current output. I can't recall the exact power output of AK120II, but I have seen a few A&K being measured and they all are usually are about the same power as you would expect from a FiiO M3, or worst. Also, in the particular case of SE846, the lower output impedance of HA-2 (<0.5ohm vs. 2ohm on AH120II) also will help not to color the sound.
 
If you asked me, I'll tell you that the most 'audiophiles' part of A&K is typically its price.

 

[TimeLord]

   
If you asked me, I'll tell you that the most 'audiophiles' part of A&K is typically its price.

I think you're on to something here. A&K has been the biggest game in town for dedicated DAPs and that allowed them to charge outrageous prices. The big electronics makers are finally waking up to the fact that there is a market worth pursuing in this segment. Onkyo's DP-X1's press material alludes to this in this in the picture below. Notice "Pricey" has been stricken.
 

 
I hope this trend continues with other manufacturers making high quality products, but not trying to kill us with the prices.

 

[unityplanet]

  I use my HA-2 as a stand-alone amp, as shown here - mode "C."  It works great, very happy with this mobile rig...
 

 
Enjoy your music!
RCB

what source player is on the picture?

 

[TimeLord]

  what source player is on the picture?

@RCBinTN answered this question a few messages up in the thread. It's the AK120ii.

 

[RCBinTN]

Hi All,
 
Sorry, been off this thread for a few days but thanks for re-posting the picture of my rig .  Looks great on the barnwood table.
 
Thanks to @TimeLord for posting the correct info about the source.  The rig exactly is:  AK120ii (DAC) => HA-2 (amp only) => SE846 or LCD-X.
 
I went this route for a couple reasons...
 - the AK120ii has an exceptional DAC but not so great an amp
 - the HA-2 has an excellent amp but not so great a DAC
All IMHO of course.
 
I just wanted a bit more driving power from the AK120ii.  With only the AK120ii the music sounded "thin" just driving the SE846 which, as already stated above, are easy to drive.  Once I discovered the Oppo HA-2, I was sold.  The amp section of the Oppo adds sufficient power to drive the SE846 (even the LCD-X) and the sound is very clean.  The music from this combination shines.
 
BTW, the SE846 sound better to me with more power, similar to many headphones.
 
My other option was to "rock box" the AK120ii via RedWine audio...
 
http://redwineaudio.com/mods/rwak100ii_rwak120ii
 
I was a bit nervous about this option, but I've read some good things from other Head-Fiers who went with RedWine and weren't disappointed.  I just decided to go with the HA-2 instead.  It was about 1/2 the price of the RedWine upgrade.
 
Hope this helps -
RCB

 

[oldmate]

That cable I purchased from;
 
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Right-Angle-Micro-USB-B-to-mini-USB-OTG-Cable-for-DAC-Portable-Digital-Amplifier-/301556014007?hash=item4636239bb7:g:~XAAAOSweW5U~DTa
 
Turned out to be the culprit with regard to my phone and HA-2 losing a substantial amount of charge whilst both devices being switched off and cable attached.
 
Since returning to the supplied cable this issue for me has disappeared. Weird.

 

[oldmate]

  I use my HA-2 as a stand-alone amp, as shown here - mode "C."  It works great, very happy with this mobile rig...
 

 
Enjoy your music!
RCB

Strange - I always thought the AK120II was taller!!