Closer to Original
After successfully launching the AK100 and the AK120 models, we asked ourselves, “What is the ultimate sound quality?” After much consideration, we decided to move a step further with our goal, which is to deliver the sound “exactly as the artist had intended” for us to hear.
Moving from the AK100 to AK120, we decided to provide a Dual DAC setup to create better left and right channel separation with clearer sound quality.
We thought that the Dual DAC setup would be enough, but while developing the AK240, we felt the need to further improve sound quality in order to accurately reproduce the original sound recording. After countless hours of research and testing, we were able to find the answer.
The answer was to create both a balanced output and native DSD playback through the Dual DAC setup.
Now with the AK240, we can dare say that we have gotten “that much closer” to the sound quality of the original recording.
Native DSD Support
What is DSD?
DSD (Direct Stream Digital) is a digital audio file format originally developed for
SACDs (Super Audio CD).
Regular digital audio file formats such as PCM (Pulse
Code Modulation) is separated into 65,000(16bit) to 16,700,000(24bit) of information
on the Y axis, and 44,100(44.1kHz) to 192,000(192kHz) across the X axis for
digital signals.
DSD files have 1bit (0s or 1s) for Y axis and is separated into
2,800,000(2.8MHz) to 5,600,000(5.6MHz) of information for X axis.
Compared to regular audio CDs with 16bit/44.1kHz PCM format, SACD’s recording frequency goes up to 100kHz and the dynamic range goes beyond 120dB while maintaining sound clarity during the transmission.
16bit
1/44100s
Time
PCM
1bit
1/2822400s
Time
DSD
Native DSD Support
One of the approaches we decided that would help us move a step closer to the
original sound quality was to provide native DSD playback without having to
convert it into PCM.
This was indeed a difficult task. In order to provide native DSD
playback on the AK240, we had to select a different DAC chipset.
Making the
decision to change the DAC was not easy, but in order to reach our goal, we had
to make a bold move which was to start from scratch.
We have asked ourselves: Does the DAC support Native DSD?
Will it allow for the Dual DAC setup? What else is needed for the perfect Native
DSD support?
In order to answer these three questions, we have decided to use the Cirrus Logic CS4398 chip in the Dual DAC setup with an added exclusive XMOS chip that will allow for Native DSD support.
The process of setting up Native DSD support was not an easy task. Since the main CPU does not process Native DSD, we needed a chip that will work with it. It took us a long time, but we made it work. Through countless hours of testing, we were able to achieve Native DSD playback by having the main CPU process the data, send it to the exclusive XMOS chip, then through the DAC to deliver the sound.
Balanced Output
Unbalanced vs. Balanced Output
The unbalanced method is the most commo nly 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.
Unbalanced method
Balanced method
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.
Noise Detected during
Balanced Output
Noise
hot signal
cold signal
Ground or ground line
Noise Removed
After Detection
Noise
hot signal
cold signal
reversed
Ground or ground line
Noise Removal Complete
signal
synthesis
Ground or ground line
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.
Balanced Out and Dual DAC
Dual DAC meets Balanced Output
It did not take us long to figure out that the AK240’s Dual DAC and balanced
output resulted in the best sound.
During the development of the AK100
and AK120, Astell&Kern's specific analogue amp setup was already creating full
balanced analogue signals streaming from the DAC and we were able to move a
step closer towards the original sound by then creating a balanced output terminal at the end.
256GB of Massive Storage
Astell&Kern has created the AK120 Titan with a storage capacity of 128GB,
but in order to support Native DSD, MQS, and massive audio files, we had to come up
with the ultimate portable music player with 256GB of storage.
With 256GB of internal memory,
about 2,500 MQS (24bit/96kHz, 4 minute-long, 90MB) songs can be saved. With the addition of
a 128GB microSD card, the AK240 can support up to a total memory capacity of 384GB.
microSD Slot x1
(Max 128GB)
Max 384GB
256GB internal memory
OTA (Over-The-Air) Upgrade
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.
More Detailed 10-Band
0.5dB-step EQ Setting
More accurate EQ setting is available on the AK240 by
doubling the bands (from 5 to 10 bands) and halving the
dB steps (from 1dB to 0.5dB) available.
One can also
create and save customized preset EQ settings to fit
various music genres.
Full Touch Screen
Astell&Kern products have started to evolve into network players by providing Wi-Fi capability.
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.
USB DAC
The AK240 supports Native DSD USB DAC function. (DoP method)
Through the USB connection, the AK240 can be used as a USB DAC which supports Native DSD playback.
The combination of the exclusive DSD chip and the Dual DAC in the AK240
goes above and beyond most computer sound cards and is able to create a greater sense of
space and deeper sound while listening to your music.
- EQ setting cannot be used while in USB DAC mode on the AK240.
PC / MAC
Native DSD
PCM
USB
Line Out
Car
Speaker
Headphone
Exceptional AK240
Leather Case
In order to raise the bar of the AK240 even higher, much attention
was devoted to the selection of leather for the case.
Minerva leather,
originated from Badalassi Carlo was chosen for the case.
Badalassi Carlo was made by Professor Carlo Badalassi, who is known
for his excellent skills with leather. Unlike modern methods, he uses a
traditional method of making leather that requires extensive time and
devotion.
His reputation is well-known among top expensive brands
due to his focus on the leather quality over quantity.
The leather case for the AK240 was made from a process called
“Full Vegetable Tanning”. This traditional method has been used in Italy
for over 200 years.
The process brings out the special characteristic
of leather while creating a natural tanning look.
A variety of trees and
plants are involved in this tanning process which takes about 40 days
to complete and only the most experienced professionals in Italy
possess the skills to do it.
This special leather material has a lot of oil in it that will allow the
leather to shine the more it is used.
Many tests and trials have been
done with the creation of the leather case in order to highlight the
unique design of the AK240.
