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The Astell & Kern AK120
Jul 18, 2013 at 4:46 PM Post #2,671 of 7,071
Wow, just can't believe how good the DSD download of Mahler 1 sounds with the new software.  Fantastic.  Also, www.bluecoastrecords.com honored a 2 for 1 deal and is also offering a 20% discount.  I would check in advance at support@bluecoastrecords.com.  
 
Jul 18, 2013 at 4:54 PM Post #2,672 of 7,071
Today was freaking hot in NL and the AK120 got really hot, I think around 50 Celsius or more. I started hearing some distortion every now and then. The dac really strugle to work properly when it's very hot. So keep your AK cool, don't use the leather case, the heat can't get away when it's too hot.
 
Jul 18, 2013 at 4:56 PM Post #2,673 of 7,071
hdtracks.com is also offering a discount code via their twitter feed/account.
 
No dsd's (to the best of my knowledge) there but a great source for hi-res music.
 
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:23 PM Post #2,675 of 7,071
For those of you converted to FW 1.3 or 1.32, would you say it is worth installing in place of 1.0 (which is FW currently on my AK120)?
 
My iem's are W4R's. I like the sound with 1.0 and really don't want to mess with it unless you think there is a definite improvement in SQ with the new FW.
 
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:35 PM Post #2,676 of 7,071
Have an ak120 and UE18 pro iem. The two sound amazing together (coming from hifiman801 fwiw). Anyhow I just received an RSA Intruder and moon audio balanced cable. First listen with Intruder in the signal path was far less compelling than I'd hoped. Don't like it. Am wondering if this is normal? Is moving to balanced that different? Any others experience something similar? Thx
 
Jul 18, 2013 at 8:49 PM Post #2,677 of 7,071
Quote:
erethrin said:
For those of you converted to FW 1.3 or 1.32, would you say it is worth installing in place of 1.0 (which is FW currently on my AK120)?
 
I like the sound with 1.0 and really don't want to mess with it unless you think there is a definite improvement in SQ with the new FW.
Click to expand...

x2 ??
Headphones ED8/ES10/JH13
 
Edit-FWIW I have liked the sq quite a bit however notice with the Pico Power amp in line and listening with the ED8 there is a somewhat unnatural bass sound, a thump to it and the upper ends do sound just the slightest bit rough.  It is really nitpicking but I have been doing some a/b with other player when noticing that the bass there with the 1.0 is not exactly as well integrated.  Maybe the newer FW smooths it out a touch....?  The mids and upper end though does have an incredible airiness and are well layered for sure.  Yes, i think the bass is somewhat off, the more i listen, but only after comparing to other sources.
 
Jul 18, 2013 at 10:05 PM Post #2,678 of 7,071
Quote:
erethrin said:
For those of you converted to FW 1.3 or 1.32, would you say it is worth installing in place of 1.0 (which is FW currently on my AK120)?
 
My iem's are W4R's. I like the sound with 1.0 and really don't want to mess with it unless you think there is a definite improvement in SQ with the new FW.
Click to expand...

 
For me is a YES. The latest FW 1.32 is better than all the old one.................................
L3000.gif

 
Jul 18, 2013 at 11:09 PM Post #2,679 of 7,071
The biggest difference for me so far on 1.32 is the UI is much snappier.
 
Jul 19, 2013 at 12:23 AM Post #2,680 of 7,071
Quote:
mrbig said:
The biggest difference for me so far on 1.32 is the UI is much snappier.
Click to expand...

 
Is it snappy when playing hiRes or DSD tracks?  My unit is on 1.30 and navigating around menus become MUCH SLOWER when playing these bigger files....
 
Jul 19, 2013 at 1:56 AM Post #2,682 of 7,071
Quote:
erethrin said:
For those of you converted to FW 1.3 or 1.32, would you say it is worth installing in place of 1.0 (which is FW currently on my AK120)?
 
My iem's are W4R's. I like the sound with 1.0 and really don't want to mess with it unless you think there is a definite improvement in SQ with the new FW.
Click to expand...


You can always switch back to 1.00, it has been posted. I have it otherwise. In my opinion 1.00 sounds too dark and congested and 1.32 is significantly better in terms of SQ plus you get USB DAC and DSD (this I really couldn't care less).
 
Jul 19, 2013 at 2:04 AM Post #2,684 of 7,071
mimouille said:
You can always switch back to 1.00, it has been posted. I have it otherwise. In my opinion 1.00 sounds too dark and congested and 1.32 is significantly better in terms of SQ plus you get USB DAC and DSD (this I really couldn't care less).
Click to expand...



Where is the link to the 1.32 and am i correct that u just download it and then drag the hex file to the internal memory?
 
Jul 19, 2013 at 2:18 AM Post #2,685 of 7,071
Quote:
dallan said:
Where is the link to the 1.32 and am i correct that u just download it and then drag the hex file to the internal memory?
Click to expand...


I posted it earlier: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ao60mz3gdra5v7e/AK120%201.32.hex
 
You have to rename it to AK120.HEX then drag it to the root of the AK120 and you are good.
 
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