The Astell & Kern AK240

[Levanter]

I did notice that the render has distorted perspective, so you may be right.

Then again, the actual content is consistent with the publicity copy we have witnessed thus far, so there's not much reason to doubt it.


[rule]

True, oh well that's marketing for you. If this is called the ultimate I wonder what comes after the ultimate (besides a mk2 version) =P

 

[Mython]

True, oh well that's marketing for you. If this is called the ultimate I wonder what comes after the ultimate (besides a mk2 version) =P

 

 
 
 
Good question, but if you read their ads carefully, they're not saying their DAP is the ultimate, they're implying that customers will 'Be The Ultimate', if they buy an AK240.
 
Either way, it's a crass attempt to appeal to base insecurities in potential customers, but I'll drop it now

 
 
Only thing I'll add, in regards to everyone bashing iRiver for the probable pricing of the AK240 is that iRiver only have themselves to blame for being bashed. It is extremely insincere to customers to deliberately create a pretentious posh-sounding brand name & pretentious advertising campaigns, with virtually the sole purpose of trying to inflate profit margins. If they would desire to not be bashed by the public, then the answer is remarkably simple: cut the B$, sell for fair prices, and earn your profits by producing decent products which justify their asking prices by speaking for themselves.
 
 
 
 
As for the DAP itself, I hope iRiver's engineers have done themselves proud and produced something that properly outperforms the AK120.

 

[soundblast75]

I'm pleased to see 256gb, but I also realise that is going to be their 'excuse' to charge the earth for this DAP in comparison to DAPs from their competitors.

So, the question is - are iRiver arrogant enough to think the AK240 is worth more than the cost of 2 128gb NW-ZX1s?

I bet they are judging by their current status.
Thanks for the link

 

[bcarr112281]

Originally Posted by Mython /img/forum/go_quote.gif
 
[C]ut the B$, sell for fair prices, and earn your profits by producing decent products which justify their asking prices by speaking for themselves.

 
Yes, but why should they if the product sells?
 
These are tactics many "high-end" audio companies have used for years.
 
Best regards,
Brian

 

[sidrpm]

Really a teaser.....what about the screen?

 

[kerrys30]

Even though I spent a fair sum on RWAK120-B, Intruder amp, interconnects and balanced cables.....not to forget the 2 microSD - SD converters and 2 x 128GB SD cards.......and very happy with sound!
 
I still find my self watching this thread and having an urge to see this player when released and give it a test run.
 
...... I need help...... any audio self help groups out there......

 

[CosmicHolyGhost]

Maybe the ak240 will be a better source than the 120-b .. Hehe

 

[purk]

  Even though I spent a fair sum on RWAK120-B, Intruder amp, interconnects and balanced cables.....not to forget the 2 microSD - SD converters and 2 x 128GB SD cards.......and very happy with sound!
 
I still find my self watching this thread and having an urge to see this player when released and give it a test run.
 
...... I need help...... any audio self help groups out there......

That's the problem with AK.  They keep releasing the next best thing as well as raising the price.  What they are doing is great for technology development & feature set; however, it is bad in term of value.  You spent $1300 on a DAP and thought you have the best portable DAP out there, then the AK240 come in and claim that title.  BTW, have they announced the retailed price on the AK240?  If so, how much is it? 

 

[bmichels]

Make sure you ask them the price.

And also: WHY only 1 MicroSD !!! This is a downgrade from AK100/120.

I also hope they Will have Line-out, have keept all the physical control buttons , now corectly support play list and that their UI is more friendly ... !

 

[sidrpm]

   
I still find my self watching this thread and having an urge to see this player when released and give it a test run.
 
...... I need help...... any audio self help groups out there......

 
Am also on the lookout for such a group. Perhaps we could start one.....Audiophiles Anonymous.

 

[kerrys30]

And also: WHY only 1 MicroSD !!! This is a downgrade from AK100/120.

I also hope they Will have Line-out, have keept all the physical control buttons , now corectly support play list and that their UI is more friendly ... !

 
My thought is the room for the large internal storage.   And also, hoping they have some knowledge of soon to be released large microSD cards      Even with current 64GB microSD capacity it will have really good storage capabilites.
 

   
Am also on the lookout for such a group. Perhaps we could start one.....Audiophiles Anonymous.

 
 
I have visions of group of people in a room. not much speak to start. someone walks in CIEMS in place.......conversation starts up about the make/model........10 minutes later 5 people online booking a fitting with audiologist!!!
 
Hell.....I think Head-Fi is the self help group......help for the next purchase!!!

 

[sidrpm]

I have visions of group of people in a room. not much speak to start. someone walks in CIEMS in place.......conversation starts up about the make/model........10 minutes later 5 people online booking a fitting with audiologist!!!

Hell.....I think Head-Fi is the self help group......help for the next purchase!!!

My thoughts were on similar lines. Perhaps with audiologist on-site to spare the agony of running around. :bigsmile_face:

 

[all999]

Dimensions Ak240
66 mm W x 107 mm H x 17,5 mm D
 

 

[kerrys30]

Haha. There is no help for us!!

 

[sutjahjo]

This is a little bit like Apple products. If there is a perception that your product is the best and is highly reviewed/desirable people will pay double for it. And if your product actually IS the best you can even charge quadruple and still sell enough of them.
For example every 4-5 years I'm looking at the new laptop it's always a decision between some type of $500 windows laptop or a nicely loaded $2K Macbook Pro.
And after very short consideration of pros/cons Macbook Pro wins every time :wink_face:  (and I never have regrets - same as with my Tera player). Of course you have to be fortunate enough to be able to afford this approach to purchasing electronics (or anything else), but people who have the money and are passionate about these things will pay up (still a lot cheaper hobby than cars, boats, or mistresses).

Apple products are different, they don't even have to be good.