|
|
#21
01-15-2015, 03:30 PM
|
||||
|
||||
Hi Glisse,
Agree fully with your comments, I have tried the AK120II with my Audeze LCD-X, it's works quite well, but when I send the digital signal from the AK120II to my Hugo it definitly improves. Best result with the Hugo I get when I use my Wadia 381i as a transport. I didn't purchase the AK120II, but pure as a mobile device it is very nice.
__________________
Moon 700i V2, dCS Rossini, YG Acoustics Hailey, Aurender N10, Ansuz Mainz D2 
|
|
#22
01-15-2015, 03:53 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Very interesting comments about the comparison and the synergy.
Thank you guys!
__________________
Stereo: Hegel H590, Grimm Audio MU1, Mola Mola Tambaqui, Burmester 948 - V3 & V6 racks, Vivid Audio G2 Giyas, REL Carbon Special (pair), Silent Angel Bonn N8 Ethernet Switch & Forester F1, Wireworld Platinum Eclipse IC and SE SC, Furutech Digiflux AV: Hegel C-53, Marantz AV8802A, Oppo BDP-203EU, Pioneer Kuro 60", Vivid Audio C1 & V1w's, Wireworld Platinum Eclipse, SE & E Second system (veranda): Halgorythme preamp and monoblocks, Burmester 061, Avalon Avatar, Sharkwire & Wireworld cables
|
|
#23
01-16-2015, 04:41 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
__________________
Lumin P1 streamer/DAC/preamp, Constellation Inspiration integrated TT: Michell Gyro SE MkII, SME V, Koetsu Urushi Vermilion, EAR324. Harbeth 30.2s, REL R-305, Shunyata Alpha V2 ICs, Alpha V2 SPs, Sigma XC, Sigma NRv2, Omega QR-s & Alpha NRv2 PCs, segmented Altaira SG stack w/ Alpha & Omega CGCs, Everest 8000 PD. Remote Server Room: Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock & LPS, Alita, Battle Angel, (Akasa NUC Roon Core), iFi DC Purifiers (for SMPS used for Alita & router), Shunyata Gemini combo power distributor & Altaira-type CG GP-NR hub, Venom & Alpha CGCs, Shunyata NRv14 power cords for digital components.
|
|
#24
01-16-2015, 06:16 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Ha Stephen, I might just do that.
First I'm gonna sell some of our real estate... 
__________________
Stereo: Hegel H590, Grimm Audio MU1, Mola Mola Tambaqui, Burmester 948 - V3 & V6 racks, Vivid Audio G2 Giyas, REL Carbon Special (pair), Silent Angel Bonn N8 Ethernet Switch & Forester F1, Wireworld Platinum Eclipse IC and SE SC, Furutech Digiflux AV: Hegel C-53, Marantz AV8802A, Oppo BDP-203EU, Pioneer Kuro 60", Vivid Audio C1 & V1w's, Wireworld Platinum Eclipse, SE & E Second system (veranda): Halgorythme preamp and monoblocks, Burmester 061, Avalon Avatar, Sharkwire & Wireworld cables
|
|
#25
01-17-2015, 12:01 AM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
__________________
Lumin P1 streamer/DAC/preamp, Constellation Inspiration integrated TT: Michell Gyro SE MkII, SME V, Koetsu Urushi Vermilion, EAR324. Harbeth 30.2s, REL R-305, Shunyata Alpha V2 ICs, Alpha V2 SPs, Sigma XC, Sigma NRv2, Omega QR-s & Alpha NRv2 PCs, segmented Altaira SG stack w/ Alpha & Omega CGCs, Everest 8000 PD. Remote Server Room: Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock & LPS, Alita, Battle Angel, (Akasa NUC Roon Core), iFi DC Purifiers (for SMPS used for Alita & router), Shunyata Gemini combo power distributor & Altaira-type CG GP-NR hub, Venom & Alpha CGCs, Shunyata NRv14 power cords for digital components.
|
|
#26
01-18-2015, 10:40 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Nice mini-review, Puma.
I was looking at all the possible options, and decided on the ak100ii. I would have preferred 128 internal + 128 external memory, but I think 192 gigs will do nicely for now. I heard all of the AK units at the Newport show last year and remember being impressed. hopefully I'll be pulling away from my iPod + FiiO E 12 combo. it's coming tomorrow morning, I'll post my impressions later. Last edited by mithrandir39; 01-18-2015 at 10:48 PM.
|
|
#27
01-18-2015, 11:44 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
__________________
Lumin P1 streamer/DAC/preamp, Constellation Inspiration integrated TT: Michell Gyro SE MkII, SME V, Koetsu Urushi Vermilion, EAR324. Harbeth 30.2s, REL R-305, Shunyata Alpha V2 ICs, Alpha V2 SPs, Sigma XC, Sigma NRv2, Omega QR-s & Alpha NRv2 PCs, segmented Altaira SG stack w/ Alpha & Omega CGCs, Everest 8000 PD. Remote Server Room: Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock & LPS, Alita, Battle Angel, (Akasa NUC Roon Core), iFi DC Purifiers (for SMPS used for Alita & router), Shunyata Gemini combo power distributor & Altaira-type CG GP-NR hub, Venom & Alpha CGCs, Shunyata NRv14 power cords for digital components.
|
|
#28
01-19-2015, 01:48 AM
|
||||
|
||||
|
mithrandir39... Welcome to AA!
__________________
Ivan FLORIDA MX136, MC1.2KW(10) MC2KW(2), MCD1100, MS750(2) MVP881, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, HT-2 SUBS(2) HT3F(2) WS350(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) XCS350(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" MOTORIZED SCREEN, CINEMA-TECH SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES Reference System: ACCUPHASE A300 AMPS, C3900 PRE-AMP, DP1000 CD/SACD TRANSPORT, DC1000 DIGITAL PROCESSOR, DG-68 DIGITAL EQUALIZER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, PS1230 POWER SUPPLY, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, WW PLATINUM CABLES CAPE COD MX150, MC501(2) MC1.2KW(10) MC2301(2) MR88, MVP881, MCD1100, MDA1000, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, ESOTERIC K-01X 30th ANNIVERSARY (BLACK) SACD/CD PLAYER, G02-X CLOCK, HT3F(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(4) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) KALEIDESCAPE STRATO & TERRA SERVERS 80-TB, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" SCREEN, SONUS FABER STRADIVARI, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, FORTRESS SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES Analog Rig: CLEARAUDIO INNOVATION WOOD, UNIVERSAL ARM w/ Da VINCI' CART, 2nd UNIVERSAL ARM w/ GOLDFINGER STATEMENT CART, HRS-MXR REFERENCE RACK-GLOSS BLACK w/ M3X SHELVES, AESTHETIX RHEA SIG PHONO-PRE, BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, WW PLATINUM CABLES Reference System: BURMESTER 911MK3 AMP(3), 088 PRE-AMP, 089 CD PLAYER, 100 PHONO PRE-AMP, 948 POWER CONDITIONER, ACCUPHASE DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, AVID ACUTUS REFERENCE SP TT, GRAHAM PHANTOM II SUPREME ARM, BENZ MICRO LP-S CART, GRANDIOSO P1X/D1X STACK, G1X RUBIDIUM MASTER CLOCK, N05 NETWORK PLAYER, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, SONUS FABER AIDA SPEAKERS, JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(2) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) WW PLATINUM CABLES Library System: GRANDIOSO M1 MONOBLOCK AMPS, C1 LINESTAGE PRE-AMP, K1X CD/SACD PLAYER, G1 MASTER RUBIDIUM CLOCK, E02 PHONO-PRE, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, AERIAL ACOUSTICS 20T V2, AERIAL SW12 SUBS(2), CANTON REF K1’s, VPI HRX TT w/ SDS POWER SUPPLY, ORTOFON CADENZA BLACK CART, KLAUDIO RCM, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2, SHUNYATA OMEGA QR’s, WW PLATINUM CABLES Esoteric/Bryston System: ESOTERIC C02-X PRE-AMP, P-02X TRANSPORT, D02-X DAC, G02-X CLOCK, BRYSTON 28B3 CUBED MONOBLOCK AMPS(4), BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2(2) EVEREST 8000 POWER CONDITIONER(2) ALTAIRA CG & SG HUBS, AMR-DP777-SE DAC, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, QUADRASPIRE RACK, WW PLATINUM CABLES Accuphase/Canton System: ACCUPHASE E800 INTEGRATED, DP570 CD/SACD PLAYER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, PS530 POWER SUPPLY, CANTON REF K3’s, CANTON REF K5’s, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS MXR REFERENCE MAHOGHANY RACK w/ M3X2 SHELVES, WW GOLD CABLES
|
|
#29
01-19-2015, 02:17 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Quote:
|
|
#30
01-22-2015, 04:01 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Alright. I received my Astell and Kern Ak100ii on Monday the 19th. As a prelude, I spent quite a bit of time (about a week) researching different DAP's, as I had been looking for a replacement for my venerable Ipod classic 160 GB. I had been using the Ipod line out with a Fiio E12 as my portable rig With Sennheiser Momentums and 1964 Ears V3's. At home I have an Oppo HA-1 with Audeze LCD-2f's and Beyerdynamic T90's.
I wasn't sure how good of a value the A&K products were, but they were certainly well-reviewed from the Ak100ii to the AK240, so I decided to make the plunge. And I'm glad I did. Although significantly higher in cost than an Ipod, the performance, I believe, makes up for it. I have heard all of the second generation AK products and have to say the Ak100ii represents the best bang for the buck of any of their DAP's. The aluminum housing on this thing is flawless. Gorgeous, strong industrial design. The textured leather protector that comes with it is elegant. The UI represents the best interface this side of Apple: a joy to work with. The sound quality is simply amazing. The detail on this thing is astounding. It has better overall detail than my Oppo HA-1. No Joke. The HA-1 has never been the last word in detail, but it is a very competent, detailed and neutral dac/amp. A/B-ing between various albums from 256kbps to 24/192 and DSD files (Ozzy-No more Tears, Rush-Permanent Waves, Counting Crows-August and Everything After, Stevie Ray Vaughan-In Step SACD rip) in every case the Ak100ii was smoother and more detailed than the Ipod/fiio combo or the Oppo. There is no bloat to be found anywhere in the AK's signature. All you get is great top end extension, luscious, world-class smooth mids, and some of the tightest bass I've ever heard. The bass hits hard and goes down to the bottom octave; there is no bloat or coloration that's readily noticeable. My Momentums (over ear) sound better than they ever have. My go-to headphones with this player have been my V3's. The V3's have tremendous bass response and with the wrong source can be a bit bloated sounding in the nether regions. Again, the Ak100ii has a commandingly tight low end that suits these earphones well, as well as world class mids and clean, non-"grainy" sounding treble. This is simply terrific sound on the go. Simply put, this is the most inexpensive(while still being generally expensive)player in Astell and Kern's DAP line, and in my opinion represents the best dollar for dollar value overall. I haven't heard Neil Young's Pono Player yet, but it definitely has it's work cut out for it with the Ak100ii. Though by all accounts the A&K has a vastly superior UI. These are my impressions for the first few days. I'm blown away by the sound and build quality and loving every minute of it. Cheers! Russell
|
 |
|
|
| Audio Aficionado Sponsors | |
|
AudioAficionado Subscriber
 Inspire By Dennis Had
 Harmonic Resolution Systems
 Wyred4Sound
 Dragonfire Acoustics
 GIK Acoustics
 Esoteric
 AC Infinity
 JL Audio
 Add Powr
 |
Accuphase - Soulution
 Audio by E
 Canton
 Bryston
 WireWorld Cables
 Stillpoints
 Bricasti Design
 Furutech
 Shunyata Research
 Legend Audio & Video
 |
Linear Mode
