[flymetothemoon]

I'm actually excited on any newer releases coming out. I'm curious on what further improvements and features they could implement considering AK240 is almost a complete package.
Probably a different DAC and maybe a DSD256 support? I'm sure the price will be at least $300 extra, and many/most AK240 users will be pissed considering AK240 was only releases recently.
I think as an AK240 owner I'll be one of the rare ones who'll actually be happy when they do release a newer AK240 successor. Not so happy that my AK240 resale value will greatly depreciate though lol

In fact the retail price of the 240 already coming down and we all know this day will come sooner or later

 

[Levanter]

In fact the retail price of the 240 already coming down and we all know this day will come sooner or later

The bhphoto deal for AK240 was really a surprise, but as Ted mentioned the official retail is still the same, just there are a few renegade friendlies who are nice once a while
I got mine with the UE promo, so wasn't too damaging for me... yet

 

[Saraguie]

Of course there will be a newer 240 type model, eventually. Don't hold your breath for it to be in 2014.

 

[Bechti]

The bhphoto deal for AK240 was really a surprise

 
... and it was only available for 1 day, now it's back to retail price, so I guess it's not a panic sell out
 
It's the same with MacBooks, buy when you need/want one, there will always be a better and newer version.

 

[Lorias]

  I heard the AK240 at the Audio Visual show last week and was blown away. I also auditioned Hugo but actually found it quite plain. I auditioned with my Noble Kaiser 10 CIEMs on both setups. AK240 simply has a more expansive soundstage which I haven't heard on any earplug setups, including top end portable DAC and headphone amp stacks.
 
Now the only question - at the rate that iRiver is churning out these new products - AK100, AK120, then Mark 2 of these players and then AK240, should I wait for the AK240 II instead? My feeling is that it won't be too far away...

There have been some reports of people liking the AK120 better than the AK120 II. On top of that, if you wait for the step-up model then it will be too expensive at first, so then you will only end up waiting till the price has come down, only to find out later that they will be releasing a whole new model, and you end up waiting some more, or in fact you will never buy anything.

 

 

[CosmicHolyGhost]

I wonder if there are more AK240 units sold than the new AK120/100II. It seems there are more competitors in that price tier.. Would AK push to 4000+usd for the next model? I think there is a market for it.

 

[delrosa81]

I wonder if there are more AK240 units sold than the new AK120/100II. It seems there are more competitors in that price tier.. Would AK push to 4000+usd for the next model? I think there is a market for it.

 
Locally at one of the retail store, the AK120 is flying off the shelves faster than the AK100/120 II except for the pre-order. Its not wholly representative of the overall demand though except for the particular store. The AK120 especially gets snapped up whenever it is restocked despite the newer AK100II is cheaper.
 
4000+USD? Most probably I wont get it, its too ridiculous IMHO but Im sure there would still be people getting it Im sure, most prob the more affluent audiophile crowd.

 

[headwilier]

There have been some reports of people liking the AK120 better than the AK120 II. On top of that, if you wait for the step-up model then it will be too expensive at first, so then you will only end up waiting till the price has come down, only to find out later that they will be releasing a whole new model, and you end up waiting some more, or in fact you will never buy anything. :rolleyes:  

It's personal preference and depends in what headphones you are matching up with. I very much prefer the AK120II over the too warm sound of the AK120 when using SE846s. Different chips equals different sound signatures.

 

[CosmicHolyGhost]

Locally at one of the retail store, the AK120 is flying off the shelves faster than the AK100/120 II except for the pre-order. Its not wholly representative of the overall demand though except for the particular store. The AK120 especially gets snapped up whenever it is restocked despite the newer AK100II is cheaper.

4000+USD? Most probably I wont get it, its too ridiculous IMHO but Im sure there would still be people getting it Im sure, most prob the more affluent audiophile crowd.

Thats a very interesting observation. One guy in the local classified put his TG!334 and AK120 as a bundle up for sale. In the comment, he said " dont ask me to sell separately, becos noone would buy my AK120 now". Understandable that TG!334 is always short of supply. I think this city is spoiled with too mmuch hifi and headfi....haha

 

[warrior1975]

There are some incredible buys on the ak120 now... seems like it was a very good device, some dare say better than its siblings.

 

[delrosa81]

Thats a very interesting observation. One guy in the local classified put his TG!334 and AK120 as a bundle up for sale. In the comment, he said " dont ask me to sell separately, becos noone would buy my AK120 now". Understandable that TG!334 is always short of supply. I think this city is spoiled with too mmuch hifi and headfi....haha

Yeah, but its very limited sampling as it is only limited to the customers buying patterns of that particular store. When I got my AK120, the AK100/120II was also available as well and I chose the AK120 over the newer models, when I went to back 2 weeks later, I got the AK240 from the same shop. For me its a personal preference of the sound of both the AK120 and AK240. Nowadays there are so many choices, it spoils the consumer.

 

[CosmicHolyGhost]

There are some incredible buys on the ak120 now... seems like it was a very good device, some dare say better than its siblings.

I have read similar claim that the old AK120 sounds better than AK120II,too...finding the right synergy is very key in this hobby

 

[Ripvanlink]

I'm actually excited on any newer releases coming out. I'm curious on what further improvements and features they could implement considering AK240 is almost a complete package.
Probably a different DAC and maybe a DSD256 support? I'm sure the price will be at least $300 extra, and many/most AK240 users will be pissed considering AK240 was only releases recently.
I think as an AK240 owner I'll be one of the rare ones who'll actually be happy when they do release a newer AK240 successor. Not so happy that my AK240 resale value will greatly depreciate though lol

Kinda reminds me about the new car which, as soon as it is driven from the lot, depreciates in value, lol.

 

[high-fidelity]

How is AK120 when compare with AK240 ? Sound is much better or slightly better on AK240 ? 

 

[Bechti]

I even liked the AK100II better than the AK120. The AK120 was too warm for me with my SE846. If you're into warm, then it might be your preference.
The AK120II is definitely closer to the AK240 than the AK120. The AK120 is a totally different sound signature.