[Bluebear]

[Improvements]

1. DXD support (EQ not supported, down sampling to 24bit/176.4kHz)

- WAV : 24bit/352.8kHz, 32bit/352.8kHz

- FLAC : 24bit/352.8kHz

 
Wow so AK240 can play DXD format (via down sampling) and 32-bit format (WAV) now? I thought the Cirrus Logic CS4398 DACs can only support up to DSD and 24-bit only? Are these 2 new formats natively supported by the DACs or it is via software conversion on the fly (similar to the DSD playback conversion to PCM supported on AK100/120)?

 

[kkcc]

Is the way to update the same on the 240 like the 120 & 100?

Not sure, I have been updating via the OTA (over the air) update features via wifi...

 

[Bluebear]

   
Wow so AK240 can play DXD format (via down sampling) and 32-bit format (WAV) now? I thought the Cirrus Logic CS4398 DACs can only support up to DSD and 24-bit only? Are these 2 new formats natively supported by the DACs or it is via software conversion on the fly (similar to the DSD playback conversion to PCM supported on AK100/120)?

 
Ok I have just updated mine to v1.09 too and tested one of the free DXD 24-bit/352.8kHz file from 2L website (Vivaldi: Recitative and Aria from Cantata RV 679, "Che giova il sospirar, povero core" Tone Wik & Barokkanerne (period instruments) from the album Bellezza Crudel - VIVALDI (2L-056 SACD)). It refuses to play previously in v1.08 and earlier firmwares.
 
It plays! Wow... very nice indeed. Now if only I can get my hands on a 32-bit WAV file to test. Do those exist? And I can now do a side-by-side comparison between DSD vs DXD quality playback on AK240 (although I think the DXD could be down sampled like what the firmware patch note says). 

 

 

[bmichels]

Question:
 
- Are there many DXD files available for download ?
 
- What is the advantage of DXD over DSD ? does it offer better SQ ?   (boy I get lost with all thoses forlmats...)
 
thanks

 

[my-2000]

   
It plays! Wow... very nice indeed. Now if only I can get my hands on a 32-bit WAV file to test. Do those exist? And I can now do a side-by-side comparison between DSD vs DXD quality playback on AK240 (although I think the DXD could be down sampled like what the firmware patch note says). 

 
I got Adele's album "21" in 32bit wav... unfortunately only 44.1kHz.

 

 

[Papiro2]

   
I got Adele's album "21" in 32bit wav... unfortunately only 44.1kHz.

 

HD Tracks?

 

[lesc]

Has anyone used the device as a preamp (feeding an amp directly)? And if so, can you comment on the experience... For example, how is the volume knob range in a setup of typical sensitivity? It seems the AK240 is capable of replacing a whole slew of equipment... Impressive, if possible.
 
Thanks in advance.

 

[MaJoMax]

  Has anyone used the device as a preamp (feeding an amp directly)? And if so, can you comment on the experience... For example, how is the volume knob range in a setup of typical sensitivity? It seems the AK240 is capable of replacing a whole slew of equipment... Impressive, if possible.
 
Thanks in advance.

+1. interested to know about it as well.

 

[piercer]

Its talked about in the impressions thread
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/704698/the-astell-and-kern-ak240-impressions-thread
 
Basically, switch it to line out mode plug into a decent amp (needs to be decent to make the most of the AK240) and you get incredible sound!

 

[kh600rr]

any thought's on a good portable amp for the  ak-240?

 

[tarainfo]

Has anyone tried to reach Iriver (the makers of all Askel & Kern) by phone
Either in North America or even in Seoul
No one has answered any phone in over a week of trying
If one  needed urgent tech support its a problem
And they don't answer emails

 

[ozzymo]

I tried calling their California number last week numerous times over three or four days to inquire about the AK240 and the phone just rang and rang.  The website says they are there from 9 to 5; but if they're there they are not answering the phones.  

 

[Yazen]

  Has anyone tried to reach Iriver (the makers of all Askel & Kern) by phone
Either in North America or even in Seoul
No one has answered any phone in over a week of trying
If one  needed urgent tech support its a problem
And they don't answer emails

That's quite disturbing. DAPs that go for a fraction of the price have better support ($20 clip?)
 
I am really interested in getting a high end portable dap, however this is exactly what is holding me back. Devices like iPods have great support, and easily accessible parts/documentation. I understand that this is a niche product, but this disappoints me. When my wm-z dies I'll be at the mercy of Sony...

 

[JACONE]

Yazen -
 
I agree with you!
This is the reason why I bought my AK 120 at a local shop.
My thinking was that I would have somewhere to go should something go wrong.
 
Shelling out $2500 and not being able to get ahold of someone has to be frustrating.

 

[tarainfo]

I've already tried California and Seoul Korea
Tomorrow. I'll try some of the European distributors
Hopefully someone will know why they are not reachable
I've already got an Ak120 but I would not be prudent to buy anything else made by a company I can't reach[COLOR=FF00AA][/COLOR]