Since Astell&Kern's initial unveiling of the Dual DAC-capable AK120 in May 2013,
both sound resolution and affinity have been improved in our latest offering.
The flagship model AK240 has been highly regarded for delivering mastering-level quality
instrumentals
with its improved Dual DAC and analog amplifier circuit system.
The AK120 2nd Generation allows you to experience the highest sound quality by directly
inheriting
the sound design structure implemented in the AK240.
We added the CS4398 Dual DAC and the balanced output method with sound quality proven through
our flagship model.
The AK120 2nd Generation provides the weighty sound through the CS4398 Dual DAC and the A-amp,
while providing delicate melodies through the balanced output.
The unbalanced method is the most commonly used basic method which consists of “left and right signals + ground line”. This setup includes a ground line which blocks out external noises from the outside. However, since the ground line cannot block out all of the external noises completely, external noises can be mixed into the signals that are transmitted, which then result in changes to the sound. The longer the signals travel, the more external noises that will be mixed into the sound which is why it is used within a short distance of 1 to 2 meters. Unlike the unbalanced method, the balanced method has an additional cold signal to compliment the hot signal which reduces the external noises.
The balanced method has a few advantages over the unbalanced method. The first advantage is that the hot signal and the cold signal will remove the external noises received. The second advantage is increased output due to the 2 transmitted signals.
Since the ground line cannot block out 100% of the external noises, noise will appear on both the hot and cold signals. The alignment of the 2 signals allows the noise to usually appear at similar points where they will eventually be removed as the signals are transmitted.
We got familiarized with the DSD format because of the AK120.
However, because of the limited hardware functionality, the AK120 could only support DSD up to
2.8MHz with PCM conversion / downsampling to 88.1kHz.
Thanks to the advanced hardware functionality and the DSD to PCM software, we can now provide
playback support of DSD upto 5.6MHz.
- DSD playback in 5.6MHz is supported after being converted/downsampled to 176kHz PCM.
It has been 13 years since iriver has used the term "firmware". Through these years, one had
to check for new firmware updates by opening emails or checking the website.
Now with a Wi-Fi connection, you can receive instant notifications about new
firmware updates and can update your unit whenever and wherever you are.
Compared to the AK120, the 3.31 inch AMOLED display on the AK240 is about 82% bigger to provide
more information at a glance. With the bigger display, the Full Touch screen makes it easy to
navigate especially for smart phone users.
The playback and volume control buttons have been upgraded on the AK240. Music tracks with long
titles, such as a classical music,
are displayed on 2 lines for better navigation. Due to the speedy file scanning functionality, a
separate DB scanning function is no longer needed and file search is
available for easy access to music.
AK120 2.4 inch
AK120 II 3.31 inch
A more accurate EQ setting is featured by doubling the bands from 5 to 10 and halving the dB
steps from 1dB to 0.5dB.
With the user EQ settings, you can make custom EQ settings to fit each music genre and
change them when desired.
The AK120 2nd Generation includes 128GB of internal flash storage.
With the addition of a 128GB microSD card, the AK120 2nd Generation supports up to a total
memory of 256GB.
With 128GB of internal memory,
the AK120 2nd Generation can store about 1,250 MQS
(24bit/96kHz, 4 minute-long, 90MB) songs.
