The Astell and Kern AK240 Impressions Thread

[frankrondaniel]

  No, you can't get DSD from regular CD's. 
 
Either from SACD or purchase from hi-rez music web stores such as this one: http://audiogate.bluecoastrecords.com/

Also check out http://store.acousticsounds.com/cat/365/DSD

 

[streetcar]

is the ak240 and ak120 the best portable DACs on market right now?
 
Will there be any high end portable DACs to challenge ak in the near future?

 

[eso6686]

Guys for general questions about the AK240 and DSD ..etc please question it on the other AK240 thread.

 

[VisceriousZERO]

  Hi VZ,
 
Could you please elaborate on the sonic differences between AK240 (3.5mm HO) and ZX1/AK120 used with K10 (disregard DSD for now)?
 
Thanks.

 
Just saw this, i'll do my best

 

[Zaroff]

Also very interested in comparisons vs AK120 (stock) which I have now.

 

[dallan]

  Also very interested in comparisons vs AK120 (stock) which I have now.

+1

 

[AnakChan]

I've killed a few posts. As per : http://www.head-fi.org/t/704698/the-astell-and-kern-ak240-impressions-thread#post_10251073 1st hand experience or practical questions only. No speculation. That's exactly how the other AK240 thread ended up being a mess.
 
Subscribers, if you see something that's off, please report, don't reply or antagonise the posters.

 

[ianmedium]

Thanks Sean.

VZ any thoughts yet on how the 120 compares?

 

[VisceriousZERO]

Thanks Sean.

VZ any thoughts yet on how the 120 compares?

 
Hey Ian, sorry been swamped this week, will do some prelim on the weekend..

 

[ianmedium]

Thanks VZ, very much appreciate you taking the time to do it.

 

[my-2000]

So after work last night, I found a store that still got one machine left (AK240 is selling like hotcakes here btw, most of the stores are out of stock). Being tempted as I was, I couldn't resist and ended up grabbing it. Staff there was nice enough to open up for me, got everything ready, so I could listen to it on my way home. After trying out the first song... oh excuse my language for a second.

DAMN.

As much as I picked the right song for my initial listening (it was "I DO Ai" in Tamura Yukari's new single btw), the experience was impactful. If switching from AK100 to AK120 was from black & white TV to color TV, then AK120 to AK240 is from 2D TV to 3D TV. I was stunned, especially I listened to the song again right away on AK120 for comparison. I remember seeing someone's comment that AK240 is for classicals, I'm sure with the enhanced soundstage classicals would definitely be fantastic on AK240, abeit I haven't really tried out classicals on it yet. I will give those 24/96 symphonies I have a try later. However, I'm pretty sure upbeat pop and rock songs should stand out a lot on AK240 comparing to AK120. Last night I tried out j pop, e pop, and some Kenny G's. Not every single one of them was as impactful as the first song, but overall the enhanced soundstage and distinct layerings were simply impressive. It's like the performers have moved from a mini concert hall to a theatre. Can't wait to try out more different types of music later, such as classicals and pure piano music.

The music files I listened to were regular 16/44 flac btw, via an IE800.

 

[musicday]

What is the real battery life of AK240 playing hi rez files? Thank you.

 

[VisceriousZERO]

Hi guys, my impressions will be delayed, just came down with the flu.

 

[musicday]

We can wait you just get well, sorry for your cold.
Wish you to get well soon.

 

[AnakChan]

Hi guys, my impressions will be delayed, just came down with the flu.

Send your AK240 and other DAPs over. I'll help keep this thread alive whilst you're outta commission . Rest well buddy.