Hi, I had an Ibasso dx260 that died on me. I've been looking at the Sony because of its build quality, superior battery life. I run some planars that need the balanced 4.4mm . However the sound profile might be a concern because I listen to classical music.
Is the 1am2 still a good value proposition at 1400 usd at this time? Or at the same price is there something better like from AK?
The Sony is perfect for Classical music.
Of course this is up to the user preference.
Want music as a synergy of all the different components, with a cohesive "music" being the end result, to enjoy without wanting or needing to analyze? The Sony excels.
Want to hear extreme delineation of each detail, the FR balance and weight in each area, etc., and these are the most important requirements? Broaden your search of DAPs beyond the Sony.
Everybody has different tastes/requirements, system, ears, so your question can only be answered from each person's subjective and personal preferences.
I can answer your question with a YES for Sony. Other people will have different opinions. Correct for each of us, but for you?
It depends......
Also, this is a Sony thread, so of course you can expect that the people on this thread have a favorable opinion of Sony. Ask the same question on the AK thread, and I expect you will hear a different preference. All perfectly normal.
i.e. If I ask about cigars on a cigar thread, there will be an abundance of information on what the best cigars are. But I personally never learned to appreciate cigars, so the information is meaningless to me. In fact, I would not be able to understand why I would want to smoke a cigar, let alone enjoy one. But I can understand that there are people who enjoy a cigar, even if I do not. There are many things in life that fall into this category.
The best way is to listen and decide for yourself, if you have the option of trying different DAPs.