[MH01]

Hey guys,

Just wondering if anyone has advice on an amp to pair with the AK120. I have been looking at the RSA SR71a , any advice would be appreciated .

 

[fabio-fi]

Hey guys,

Just wondering if anyone has advice on an amp to pair with the AK120. I have been looking at the RSA SR71a , any advice would be appreciated .

 
What kind of headphones are you using? do you intend to use planars or some hard to drive headphone? 

 

[MH01]

Hey guys , I should have given more details. The most difficult to drive headphones I have at the moment are the HD800. I'm working away from home for 6 months and got some HD800 for a really good price, and as they are sitting next to me without an amp, I thought I could use the ak120 as a dac from my MacBook Pro into a portable amp and setup a makeshift portable rig.

 

[jjvvcckk]

why you need an amp for ak120, or.. why you need ak120 for getting an amp.. kind of wasting

 

[VladGuardian]

OMG people, I can't believe my eyes... the LARGEST audiophile forum in the WORLD, and no single meaningful answer for 3 months.

 
MH01, you will be happier with me

I digged quite a heap of forums and here is the short list of the best(?) portable amps for AK120 / AK100:
 
CEntrance HiFi-M8 (LX configuration) - probably, the best choice at the moment.
Ray Samuels RSA-SR71B - also very cool amp with powerful output.
ALO audio Rx Mk3-B+ - also very frequent choice.
Ray Samuels Intruder - know little about it, but also recommended option.
Bispa PHPA 05B - they say AK120 sounds better than other top-grade players with it... (means Colorfly C4, HiFiMANs obviously)
FiiO E17 - cheap and questionable option for AK120 (but very good amp aside of A&K). You should listen to know the difference between this and 2-4 times more expensive amps (listed above).
 
I haven't heard any of these amps, but want to buy an amp in foreseeable future.
I highly recommend to listen first(c) before bying, if you have on opportunity.
Also, you should read recommendations from this thread:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/669502/got-the-ak-120-but-i-have-a-problem
 
jjvvcckk:

why you need an amp for ak120, or.. why you need ak120 for getting an amp.. kind of wasting

No.

 

[campj]

Maybe because it's a portible amp question posted in the full size amp thread.

 

[VladGuardian]

Maybe because it's a portible amp question posted in the full size amp thread.

Indeed...
Maybe because topic-starter wants portable full-size amp? LOL

 

[campj]

That's like saying square triangle.