[caseyse]

  I read that they are about to release a major firmware upgrade for the older models in the near future and then no more..

Do you know if no more major upgrades or no more updates?  A major upgrade is going to require updates for break fixes. 

 

[CosmicHolyGhost]

Do you know if no more major upgrades or no more updates?  A major upgrade is going to require updates for break fixes. 

Best to ask AK, bro.sorry couldnt be of much help. I read something along the line that they will release a majore firmware release and then they will pull out their focus on their old models. I am not sure if it will be gradual and I predict it is reasonable to release patches if there are serious bugs

 

[Sam Edwards]

I heard the new version this weekend at T.H.E. show in So Cal. Honestly, if you're not in a pretty controlled environment it's hard to even tell the difference between the new and old. I was listening through unfamiliar IEM's and the difference between the new and old AK120 was hard to detect...
OTOH Listening to the new version or the AK240 through a balanced connection to hard to drive phones is immediately apparent. 

 

[CosmicHolyGhost]

I heard the new version this weekend at T.H.E. show in So Cal. Honestly, if you're not in a pretty controlled environment it's hard to even tell the difference between the new and old. I was listening through unfamiliar IEM's and the difference between the new and old AK120 was hard to detect...
OTOH Listening to the new version or the AK240 through a balanced connection to hard to drive phones is immediately apparent. 

Hi Sam

Not trying to discredit your impression. Comparing to the new and old models, there seems to be a lot of changes almost like a total difeerent product (hardware and software). The only rationale attributes to this finding is an unresolving amp section or the earphones used...that unable to reproduce the differences....just curious

 

[Sam Edwards]

Hey Cosmic,
I'm honestly just trying to talk myself out of buying every single version of the A&K product that ships.

 

[oriise]

  Hey Cosmic,
I'm honestly just trying to talk myself out of buying every single version of the A&K product that ships.

Sam,
 
Would a firmware upgrade be available to current AK owners by shipping in their DAPs? How has iRiver handled firmware upgrades in the past?
 
Thanks, Ole.

 

[Sam Edwards]

  Hey Cosmic,
I'm honestly just trying to talk myself out of buying every single version of the A&K product that ships.

I should say that for critical listening in a controlled environment the AK120 II has an ease of presentation and power that the older player lacks. The AK240 takes it up another notch for people willing to fill their limited space up with huge DSD files. 
But at the rate they're coming out with players I really can't allow myself to buy each one as it comes out. But if they keep making them this much better I'll probably be in next round.

 

[Sam Edwards]

 
Sam,
 
Would a firmware upgrade be available to current AK owners by shipping in their DAPs? How has iRiver handled firmware upgrades in the past?
 
Thanks, Ole.

Firmware has been an internet download up until now. You just copy the file to your DAP and reboot.

 

[Black Label]

So, what would a 3GB 24bit .flac album translate to in DSD?

A thought occurs as well; if Astell & Kern are set to drive high end portable audio trends, I do hope that it does not become completely inaccessible. God, or whatever is out there, forbid that Shure's next flagship has an asking price of over $2,000, which is for mine, beyond accessibility.

I am of the belief that the AK120 is affordable excellence whereas any further step up from that sees the already obscured line between excellence and luxury blurred.

 

[oriise]

  Firmware has been an internet download up until now. You just copy the file to your DAP and reboot.

Great. That's a relief. One less investment to worry about.
 
Thanks for the heads up.
 
Regards, Ole.

 

[Black Label]

Is it possible to find firmware downgrades if one so chose?

Given that A&K isn't Apple, I am guessing the answer will be a resounding yes.

 

[burtomr]

Is it possible to find firmware downgrades if one so chose?
Given that A&K isn't Apple, I am guessing the answer will be a resounding yes.

 
Yes, some of us have a complete set...

 

[joshuachew]

Probably so, but I dun want to loose the ability to use the ak120 as a standalone unit. Right now I have cable adaptors for the SE and balance needs.

With the adapter, although to you're listening to it single ended? Do you get the benefits of balanced? More power at least? And how do we order the adapter? I do not see the option in moon audio. Thanks.

 

[hemtmaker]

With the adapter, although to you're listening to it single ended? Do you get the benefits of balanced? More power at least? And how do we order the adapter? I do not see the option in moon audio. Thanks.

Hi joshuachew,

The option is there: "mini 4pin male XLR for adapter systems". The silver dragon v1 cable has 4 conductors all the way down to the plug, so it is balance ready (just need to mod the plug). I only use SE when using the AK120 alone.

Do you have a SR71B already? If not, check out my signiture =)

 

[hemtmaker]

Regarding benefits of balanced vs SE, i found that the volume is slightly louder and overall, songs become more enaging especially bass heavy songs.