[musicday]

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Got mine today from Sound Fidelity.
Great next day service and they appear to be first in the UK to get the unit.
So far all is good.
What to do with my AK100?

I got it from there too They do have great service~ 

I am really looking forward to HM901 reviews.
I think the battle with be between AK 120 and HM901.
Not interested in the TP and DX100 wich I had.

 

[tupac0306]

I am really looking forward to HM901 reviews.
I think the battle with be between AK 120 and HM901.
Not interested in the TP and DX100 wich I had.

Keep the dx100, cuz it sounds different enough to both 901 and ak120. So it's about picking one from 901 and ak120.

 

[lee730]

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Keep the dx100, cuz it sounds different enough to both 901 and ak120. So it's about picking one from 901 and ak120.

Intriguing. I hope the treble does open up further for you. But at the same time it's nice to have different sound signature in a source.

 

[kkcc]

Keep the dx100, cuz it sounds different enough to both 901 and ak120. So it's about picking one from 901 and ak120.

agreed... Good to see another headfier confirming my initial impression that dx100 is more flat and reference while AK120 is more lush and musical. I have to admit I much prefer the AK120 sound not unlike how I prefer the TG334 over ER4S. YMMV

 

[miceblue]

Keep the dx100, cuz it sounds different enough to both 901 and ak120. So it's about picking one from 901 and ak120.

agreed... Good to see another headfier confirming my initial impression that dx100 is more flat and reference while AK120 is more lush and musical. I have to admit I much prefer the AK120 sound not unlike how I prefer the TG334 over ER4S. YMMV

DX100 has more of a reference sound? I might like that more then.

 

[kkcc]

DX100 has more of a reference sound?
I might like that more then.

Try to demo both. I would say the dx100, Ak100 and AK120 are all clean and reference sounding type DAP. Amongst the three though, dx100 is the driest and most flat and best for those who love pure monitor type sound. For me it's simply a bit too dry and tight. For reference, I do think Hifiman sounding too warm and lush.

 

[miceblue]

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DX100 has more of a reference sound?
I might like that more then.

Try to demo both. I would say the dx100, Ak100 and AK120 are all clean and reference sounding type DAP. Amongst the three though, dx100 is the driest and most flat and best for those who love pure monitor type sound. For me it's simply a bit too dry and tight. For reference, I do think Hifiman sounding too warm and lush.

I would like to try all 3 next to each other eventually, but local Head-Fi folks here are desktop kind of people and few have mobile gear. I do prefer a monitor-type sound though and I didn't like the HM-601's sound all that much.

 

[lee730]

The DX100 is a Chameleon though and in that may offer the most value due to being able to get so many sound signatures from just loading a different firmware on it. I find that to be an asset honestly. It's not just from reference sound. I found 1.1.7 to be the most true to reference sound but others may find that to be too neutral for them. But I think in terms of balance that was the best firmware I heard to date. But for more fun and engaging sound 1.2.7 was it. The second firmware after 1.0.0 (forgot the name) had some of the best mids. Of course the DX100 loses out in overall UI, portability and battery life.

 

[GSARider]

I've tried the AK100 and the DX100 previously, I'll see how the AK120 performs. My unit should arrive tomorrow, looking forward to breaking it in. That's the bank holiday weekend evenings taken care of...!
 

 

[tupac0306]

congrats! bank holiday again? .... Thought we had one like 3 weeks ago

 

[lin0003]

I still don't really understand if this is or isn't an upgrade to the DX100. Some say it is while others say that it isn't. 

 

[AmberOzL]

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I still don't really understand if this is or isn't an upgrade to the DX100. Some say it is while others say that it isn't. 

Depends on individual tastes I guess.

 

[audionewbi]

AK120 arriving tomorrow, spending the weekend comparing the AK100 with AK120, at the end one of them is going for good.

 

[lin0003]

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Depends on individual tastes I guess.

I hope it's not an upgrade or else I might need to get one. 

 

[tupac0306]

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I hope it's not an upgrade or else I might need to get one. 

It strongly depends on what you looking for and what earphones you want to pair with. It's hard to say "upgrade" here when comparing top DAPs. AK120 isn't a upgrade of dx100 or 901. But neither dx100 nor 901 is a upgrade of ak120 too. It all comes down to personal preference. If you have a earphone that pairs dx100 perfectly, I don't see why you should force yourself to try another DAP. But if you want portable DAP with no bugs, fast UI and a overall musical sounding that technically on par with dx100, ak120 might be a better choice. Upgrade is more like 801 > 901 situation, although some earphones might still pair with 801 better.