Astell & Kern - AK120 High-resolution DSD capable portable music player

[MyPal]

Astell & Kern - AK120 High-resolution DSD capable portable music player

Looks interesting



RRP$1,299

General Specifications

• Display: 2.4inch QVGA (320 x 240) IPS Touchscreen
• Supported Audio Formats: WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, APE, MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, DSD
• Sample rate: WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC : 8kHz ~ 192kHz (8/16/24-bits per sample)
• Output Level: L: 1.5Vrms + R: 1.5Vrms (Condition No Load)
• DAC: Wolfson WM8740 24-bit DAC (High-End Audio DAC) x2
• Decoding: Supports up to 24-bit / 192kHz Bit to Bit Decoding
• Charging Interface: Micro USB Type-B
• Interface: USB 2.0, OPTICAL IN/OUT, Headphone Out
• Dimensions: 2.33 ”(59.2 mm) [W] x 3.50 ”(89 mm) [H] x 0.57 ”(14.4 mm) [D]
• Weight: 5 oz (143 g)
• Feature Enhancements: Firmware upgrades supported

Audio Performance

• Frequency Response: ±0.02dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) / ±0.2dB (Condition: 10Hz~70kHz)
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 113dB (1kHz 0dB, 24-bit 48kHz, No Load)
• Crosstalk: -128dB (1kHz 0dB, 24-bit 48kHz, No Load)
• THD+N: 0.0008% Typ (1kHz 0dB, 24-bit 48kHz, No Load)
• IMD SMPTE: 0.0005% (24-bit 48kHz, No Load) 800Hz 10kHz (4:1)
• Output Impedance: 3ohm

Clock Source

• Clock Jitter: 50ps (Typ)

Battery

• Capacity: 2,350mAh 3.7V Li-Polymer Battery
• Continuous Playback Time: Up to 14 hours (Standard - MUSIC: FLAC, 16-bit, 44kHz, Volume 37, EQ Off, LCD Off)
• Charge Time: About 6.5 hours

Memory

• Built-in Memory: 64GB [NAND]
• External Memory: microSD (Max 64GB) x2

OS

• Supported OS: Windows XP, Windows Vista,7,8 (32/64bit), MAC OS X 10.6.5 and up

[CGabriel]

Do you know if it plays DSD natively or through conversion to PCM?

cg

[MyPal]

Originally Posted by CGabriel

Do you know if it plays DSD natively or through conversion to PCM?

cg

Wolfson WM8740 24-bit DAC x2. I don't believe this DAC has native DSD word input. Apparently the WM8741 does...

DSD to PCM via firmware looks like to be the case. They should of used the better WM8741 DAC.

[jdandy]

Here is the Overview of the Astell & Kern AK120 from B&H Photo's site.


The Astell&Kern AK120 Portable High-Fidelity Audio System is a pocket-sized audio system capable of studio Mastering Quality Sound (MQS) support and playback. MQS (24-bit, 44 - 192 kHz) is a digital music format containing a high amount of information, translating to distortion-free sound without data loss. MQS sources are commonly saved as a lossless 24-bit WAV or FLAC files during record production at the time of the mastering source.

The player has dual integrated Wolfson WM8740 DACs, allowing it to completely separate and isolate the left and right audio channels. It can also be used as an external DAC via USB or optical input. The player has 64GB of internal memory and two microSD card slots that each support up to 64GB memory cards. This allows you to store a maximum of 192GB of high definition lossless music. The built-in rechargeable battery recharges via USB and provides up to 14 hours of continuous playback. The player also features a 2.4" IPS touchscreen LCD and hardware control buttons for intuitive control over playback and an analog feel.

Mastering Quality Sound (MQS)
Mastering Quality Sound (MQS) is an acronym of collective lossless and high-resolution audio source formats, typically in 24-bit / 44 - 192 kHz of bit/sampling rates. Because MQS delivers about 6.5 times more detail than a conventional CD format (16-bit / 44.1 kHz), listeners can enjoy a better and a more realistic sound quality. 24-bit / 44 - 192 kHz is the music industry norm used in the mastering process during sound production. However, high resolution music files have to be compressed down to 16-bit / 44.1 kHz so it can be stored into a single CD due to the memory storage shortcomings (700MB). To produce the MP3 format, the high-resolution audio is compressed even further to 128 to 320 kbps for the convenience of file size. These compressions remove an enormous amount of the detail of the original recording because of memory storage limitations and listeners will never be able to hear the details. The AK120 allows you to enjoy your music as it was intended to be heard.

Hi-Fi Audio Specs & Dual DACs
The AK120 not only meets the standards of Hi-Fi audio, but also utilizes two DACs (digital to analog converters), maximizing the dual-mono set up to isolate the left and right audio channels completely separate. This delivers broader dynamic range and wider soundstage, so that you can enjoy even more realistic music.

External DAC Support
With the AK120, the Wolfson WM8740 chips can also be used as an external DAC through the USB terminal. Enjoy more lively sound from the music files stored through a variety of sources, including computers and car audio systems. The optical input can also be used as an external DAC.

64GB Memory & Dual microSD Card Slots
The AK120 comes with 64GB of high-speed internal flash memory and dual microSD memory card slots capable of supporting up to 64GB of memory in each slot. This allows you to store up to 192GB of high-resolution audio on the AK120. The additional memory card slots are also convenient because 24-bit album recordings will soon be released with music files stored in microSD memory cards. For a mainstream album, LP (vinyl) records would be considered as first generation, second generations are cassette tapes, and Compact Discs (CDs) are the third and current generation. Fourth generation albums are considered as MQS albums that are released in high capacity microSD memory cards. Comfortably enjoy two albums at once through the AK120's dual memory card slots.

Touch Equalizer Controlled by a Single Swipe
With the AK120 and a nice set of headphones, audio enthusiasts will appreciate even more various genres of music. Use the touch interface of the built-in 5-band equalizer to delicately find the tone you desire. In addition, touch the screen to finely adjust the value of each band.

2.4" Touchscreen Display
The 2.4" touchscreen and the integrated hardware control buttons on the right and left side of the AK120 make setup quick and easy. Plus, the updated and intuitive graphic user interface allows you to find your favorite tunes quickly without taking it out of your pocket. The curved design of the volume wheel guard provides additional protection to the volume wheel.

Updated GUI for Convenient Operation
The updated GUI offers faster selection of your large library of music. Setting up the desired equalizer is also easy and is as simple as a swipe of your fingers. The main GUI consists of six key icons to help navigate and play your favorites quickly. Touching the upper part of the main menu instantly brings you back to the "Now Playing" screen. Access your current playlist in a flash by touching the left side of the "Now Playing" screen. Touching the "Option" icon brings up the other option settings, including the EQ settings. The dedicated GUI design provides easy access to music and makes the AK120 a true hi-resolution audio companion.

Refined Design with an Analog Feel
The AK120 is a digital device with an analog ambiance. The volume wheel provides analog musical inspirations that are not often found on typical push-button volume controls. The design of the volume wheel protector resembles the bridge of a stringed instrument and hints at the more enriched sound from the AK120. The craftsmanship of all metal components also reassures the long lasting quality of the AK120.

Supported Audio Formats
WAV
AIFF
FLAC
ALAC
APE
MP3
AAC
WMA
OGG

[HiFiGuy528]

here's an unboxing video for a close up look.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59cE1HzVsTY]Astell&Kern AK120 Mastering Quality Music Player unboxing - YouTube[/ame]

[ianmedium]

I actually purchased this player in August to replace my HiFiMan HM-801.
I have not regretted a minute of it!

Very refined sounding, spacious soundstage, just a very organic sounding player. Yes its pricey but I actually think in terms of sound quality it represents good value.

I am experimenting with DSD files and the sound is great though the player slows down in operation slightly when playing them (this has been significantly improved though with the latest firmware update).

For me though what is most remarkable about it is how it handles my FLAC collection ripped from CD.

Over the 801 the sound of FLAC is so much more refined and I can listen once more to CD's that I love musically but leave something to be desired in terms of production quality.

This is not to say the player hides those inadequacies its just that it is so musical sounding one forgets the lack of mastering quality.

The line out is combined with the HP out and I did wonder about that when I got it but I have tested it by comparing my various interconnects and they have done an excellent job on it being very clear as it is very easy to tell the differences in sound types of my various interconnects.

Overall I am very happy with this purchase, portable audio has grown up over the past few years and the AK120 is a very mature sounding player and to regard it as just a portable player is to do it a great injustice I feel.

I actually plugged it into a friends Wilson/Nagra set up recently and it held its own!

[riley]

I bought one with the Red Wine mods two weeks ago. The 120 replaces the AK 100 which was also very nice but didn't play DSD's and ripped SACD's. I am using the Tralucent IEM's and the sound is just great. No complaints at all.