amazon Astell & Kell AK120 II reviews
Design
Iriver has made a lot of improvements in design, making the AK120 II look elegant and feels “hi-end”, much more than the AK120. The body is stretched out and neatly folded. Case made of die-cast aluminum alloy and treated with a delicate surface, with a matte finish on the front surface, elegant diamond loaf back. The volume control knob is very sophisticated, mounted on the top right hand side of the machine. A 3.3 inch Amoled touch screen is located on the front. The screen size is large enough to display the full, sharp information on the machine with high resolution. Comes with the machine is a high-grade ostrich skin black, the more luxurious look.
With its eye-catching and sophisticated look, the AK120 II impresses with a high-end, high-tech product.
Configuration and features
The AK120 II is a product for hi-res audio subscribers. So it’s capable of playing DSD music files, a high-definition audio format and the best sound quality today. At the same time, the device is also equipped with trendy features such as Wi-Fi to connect to a computer or NAS. The machine is equipped with a 128 GB SSD drive and has an expansion slot, which accepts SD cards up to 128 GB. So, with 256GB total storage capacity, the AK120II can hold about 70 hi-res music albums or thousands of other music formats.
Similar to the Astell & Kell AK240, its top-of-the-line player, this product also uses Circus Logic’s CS4398 decoder. Although only a 24-bit DAC, the specifications are not as “flashy” as the newer 32-bit DACs, but the CS4398 is a well-known DAC, if placed in a circuit. Good power can deliver a very special musical feel to the actual audiophile, not following the specs but only with respect to sound quality. Like the AK240, this junior product has a ballance output that enhances customization, which can be combined with high-end ballance headphones.
With the main feature being a portable listening device, the AK120II can also act as a USB DAC when connected to a computer. Amoled’s screen is quite responsive, responding almost instantaneously. A unique feature of the AK120 II is that users can use the hands to adjust the volume level on the screen.
where can you get a Astell & Kell AK120 II online
Astell&Kern AK120II High Resolution Dual DAC Music Player (Silver): Buy it now
Astell & Kern AK120II High Resolution Digital Audio Player with iBasso D14 Optical Audio Amp, Extreme Audio Wall Charger, Optical Audio Connection Kit: Buy it now
Sound quality
The AK120 II connects to a computer very simply. It only takes about 15 seconds for the computer to install and receive the device itself, so you can transfer music files from your computer and media player via USB and enjoy high quality audio from the AK120 II.
The device used to combine the high-end headset Sennheiser HD800 and Sennheiser IE800. The music files used for the test are in DSD format. With both headphones are considered quite picky amplifier, AK120II are “pull” very well. Listen to the Allegro Assist Vivace me serioso on Mahler, the violinist of the main virtuoso who sounds very sweet and serene while keeping the true thorn of the strings in harmony. With the accompaniment of the contrabass. Moving on to the Scalatti Sonat, the captain of the piano, the piano sounds natural, the notes are bouncy and rhythmic, feeling as if you are enjoying the music played in front of you. In U2 ‘s Acapella Angel of Harlem, the sound stage was so visible that it was able to sense the position of the lead singer and the sub singers.
The sound of the AK120 II speaks briefly in two words, “transient”, characterized by a hi-end audio reproduction device. The better the sound reproducing device, the less interference the recording has, the less exaggerated the sound is, or the bundled. The sound of the AK120II is quite natural, rich in detail and balanced, making people listen for a long time without getting tired.
At a premium price, plus the sound quality, no color, the AK120II is not a product for beginners but towards players experience and good financial ability.