The Astell & Kern AK240

[Levanter]

@Levanter
 : Redesign means AK240 MKII !!!

Lol I don't think they will do that... Probably just release a higher capacity and constructed out of titanium instead?

 

[purk]

I am wondering why we don't have a solid info on price yet. Have to admit that the 256gb on board memory is pretty sweet. I am sure AK will price the 240 out omy price range too.

 

[sutjahjo]

This looks beautiful!

 

[all999]

I am wondering why we don't have a solid info on price yet. Have to admit that the 256gb on board memory is pretty sweet. I am sure AK will price the 240 out omy price range too.

Because the official presentation is planned for tommorrow i think...

 

[musicday]

 

Well done Mython who rhymes with Python, J3 has an OLED screen 3.3 inch

 

[feverfive]

Whew!! Looks like this doesn't have a line-out. I might avoid feeling compelled to pay the stupid high price for this. I'm seriously somewhat relieved. Hahaha!

 

[Mython]

 
Well done Mython who rhymes with Python, J3 has an OLED screen 3.3 inch

 
It's more than that - the bezel proportions are almost identical (which is what made me think of the J3), and both are AMOLED.
 
Only significant difference between the screens is pixel density, so I wouldn't be surprised if the J3 screen and the AK240 screen are both from the same manufacturer.
 
 
 
What I don't really understand is the bizarre design aesthetics of the AK240 - it sincerely does look almost like they glued a Cowon J3 onto a strangely-shaped amp and called the resulting stack an AK240.

 

[flaco]

When I saw it the first time I was thinking about Lamborghini Aventador . I actually like the shape of it a lot.

 

[Tom Yum Goong]

 

My first thought when I saw this....thing.
Looks like they glued a J3 on top of a thingamabob amp (can't think of the name).

 

[streetcar]

how do we know there is no line out with this release?

 

[flaco]

I think they will release the specs tomorrow at the CES. The event will result in more information and a lot of pictures.

 

[AmberOzL]

God it is ugly. Also I see they left Wolfson. I don't care but I read native DSD support too, some folks might like it.
 
What I like: The capacity. I hope it will be a reminder to other producers, high res files need high capacity, it is just simply not enough with 128gb and all.
 
It will be too expensive for me to buy, that I know but I like the fact that they force high resolution audio and the capacity.

 

[feverfive]

how do we know there is no line out with this release?

I'm just assuming that largely as a defense mechanism (an excuse to not more strongly consider buying it). Don't go ruining it for me!!! Hahahaha

 

[streetcar]

is the new DAC cirrus chip better than the wolfson 8740 and 8741? How is it different to the wolfson chips?
 
Is the ak120 not DSD ready? I thought it was.

 

[AmberOzL]

  is the new DAC cirrus chip better than the wolfson 8740 and 8741? How is it different to the wolfson chips?
 
Is the ak120 not DSD ready? I thought it was.

It is converting the DSD, not playing it natively.