I have the 380 in copper the pricing is crazy but I dont regret it. Try the ak app on your phone for remote control. I dock mine and the dock has xlr outputs which run directly to my amp. Yes the price is crazy but the features avaiable are fantastic and the sound quality is amazing.
Excellent review, thanks so much. Does anyone know if there is a dock available for the three new models yet? Particularly the Norma interests me. Also do the Futura or Norma have a SPDIF/coax out of some sort? It seems from the limited literature that they don't but it would seem surprising.
I'm very looking forward to hear your brutally honest opinion about this A&K (since this unit is one of the top product). From my perspective their basic model the AK70 mk ii, sounds amazing. It make me confused to choose between that and the R6.
I might just start respecting AK for their DAPs, some details on that GUI are amazing. Looks like they put their money in all the correct places, I'm really curious about your review on the sound of this block of wonder.
Cowon Plenue Series of DAP's. Most of the Tech RUclipsrs seem to pass by them, they been doing this for a while. One of the first to support FLAC files all the way back in the mid 2000's.
you seem like a nice guy but i believe there is a dark side to your personality, not sure why i'm thinking that is the case though bad boy bitch slappa, i can't quite put my finger on it but i'm sure the reason will reveal itself one day.
Speaking strictly sound. If you had to pick between this and the DX150 (amp 6) Which do you prefer. Could you possibly describe the sonic differences. The UI looks fantastic and well thought out, I personally think it's better than the DX150....granted, I haven't used either. These are both at the top of my list.
The sound of the SE100 is cleaner and has more details. 99.5% of that conclusion could be a massive positive reinforcement attempt by me :) The GUI is crazy awesome. I think the company sucks fat dicks but damn if this thing ain't the shit. Love it. P.S. Fuck the company
Sarky Ho Same level? It’s a matter of personal preference I suppose. I will say I love the AK UI, it’s a bit slicker and a bit faster. In terms of audio...which is the main reason for purchasing a DAP, my ears prefer the tuning of the DX150 with Amp 6 & 8. I hate describing audio because everyone hears things differently but, I would say the DX150 with amp 8 has more fullness, a bit tamer on the high end...just seems to have a bit more balls! \,,/. I use Focal Elear, Shure SE846’s and Audeze iSine 20’s for listening. As far as the DX200 vs 150 my ears still prefers the DX150, even when switching amps 6&8 to the DX200. I think it has to do with the AK4490 DAC vs SABRE DAC on the 200. My ears seem to gravitate to AK DAC no matter what player. Cheers!
The price of SE100 has dropped in my country and I am planning to purchase one DAP, how does this compare to the Sony WM1A? Anyway thanks, very relaxing video.
Thanks for the review. But can you really hear the difference in tweaking the EQ? But as for me. I can't hear damn thing even going all way up or down any random frequency or is it just a gimmick? Or did I just miss something.
@@BadGuyGoodAudioReviews they've recently updated the firmware 27th Nov. Still no changes in EQ.. Such a shame..but still OK. Am always not using the EQ anyway, just for testing purposes. 😂
@@BadGuyGoodAudioReviews finally got the reason from them.. They said.. "All Astell&Kern players use a passive EQ as opposed to active EQ which other DAPs use that digitally alter the sound output. A&K’s incremental EQ settings in A&K are very ,very subtle (0.1dB +/-) because we expect our listeners are only looking for finer adjustment as you would develop your flavors to engaged music listening. You will not find a 10 db+ adjustment on any of our players."
Thanks, I was looking for some feedback on these 2 DAPs. I got Mobius on order and might get a pair of SONY headphones at some point. I think I`ll pass on AK, does not even support LDAC at that price. WM1A is 2 years old this year. Do you think Sony update it next year?
st200ol whelp... Naaah i don't think so, the X7II tries to be high end but i can tell it really isn't, listened to some astell and kern and their above 1000$ offerings really do sound better, the ak KANN sounds lovely really really good but hell no to paying 1100$ for a Dap
It doesnt play MQA files. I really love the Sabree chip thats also in my Oppo but the Oppo plays MQA files. For that price it should really play everything. Hell ,my Pioneer dap plays it. I hope they update this. Good review and love the gain on the eq. Thanks
I paid like $350 for the AK70 and mine looks like a knock off version software wise. My equilizer doesn't work at all and looks nothing like yours. Astell sucks who charges $1000's and doesn't include a case? There is literally 0 customer support. I need headphones but not sure if I should buy more AK products
Hi, got an answer from A&K.. Says "All Astell&Kern players use a passive EQ as opposed to active EQ which other DAPs use that digitally alter the sound output. A&K’s incremental EQ settings in A&K are very ,very subtle (0.1dB +/-) because we expect our listeners are only looking for finer adjustment as you would develop your flavors to engaged music listening. You will not find a 10 db+ adjustment on any of our players."
@@ajoemar2009 I must have some kind of USA knockoff version mine is a red AK70 and the EQ doesn't work at all period no matter what bands you chance. Their built in EQ just fades the sound. The EQ looked nothing like what I saw in this video. I'm not buying anything else AK. They never answer emails and it's awful support like this. I'm glad I ended up paying half of the original MSRP. The sound is great, but there is minimal bass and that's just bull.
@@ajoemar2009 they haven't released a firmware update for my model in 2 years they don't care about the low end stuff only the $$$ lol. It shows when your EQ looks completely different and actually functions.
I have now seen two of your videos, and I fucking LOVE your style! It's like listening to a cool friend ranting about his biggest hobby. QUALITY!
Could you do a comaparison between the mk7ii and the ak sr15?
I have the 380 in copper the pricing is crazy but I dont regret it. Try the ak app on your phone for remote control. I dock mine and the dock has xlr outputs which run directly to my amp. Yes the price is crazy but the features avaiable are fantastic and the sound quality is amazing.
I am falling in love with my sharped edged buddy :)
Excellent review, thanks so much. Does anyone know if there is a dock available for the three new models yet? Particularly the Norma interests me. Also do the Futura or Norma have a SPDIF/coax out of some sort? It seems from the limited literature that they don't but it would seem surprising.
Can't wait for your impressions on this DAPs SQ. Hope it's as good as that UI.
It sounds like the real deal. Clean and lively. Review coming in about a week.
Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews clean and lively... Now that does sound good. Can't wait for your opinion on this one!
I'm very looking forward to hear your brutally honest opinion about this A&K (since this unit is one of the top product). From my perspective their basic model the AK70 mk ii, sounds amazing. It make me confused to choose between that and the R6.
It might be brutal but so far it seems excellent in terms of U.I
After years of FiiO players I purchased AK70 MKII sound quality is amazing by comparison to the FiiO's.
The PEQ is awesome.. Precise - setting it up should be fun...
I might just start respecting AK for their DAPs, some details on that GUI are amazing. Looks like they put their money in all the correct places, I'm really curious about your review on the sound of this block of wonder.
Yeah the smooth natural flow of the U.I. is very impressive. I am going to start really listening tonight
Cowon Plenue Series of DAP's. Most of the Tech RUclipsrs seem to pass by them, they been doing this for a while. One of the first to support FLAC files all the way back in the mid 2000's.
you seem like a nice guy but i believe there is a dark side to your personality, not sure why i'm thinking that is the case though bad boy bitch slappa, i can't quite put my finger on it but i'm sure the reason will reveal itself one day.
Speaking strictly sound. If you had to pick between this and the DX150 (amp 6) Which do you prefer. Could you possibly describe the sonic differences. The UI looks fantastic and well thought out, I personally think it's better than the DX150....granted, I haven't used either. These are both at the top of my list.
The sound of the SE100 is cleaner and has more details. 99.5% of that conclusion could be a massive positive reinforcement attempt by me :) The GUI is crazy awesome. I think the company sucks fat dicks but damn if this thing ain't the shit. Love it. P.S. Fuck the company
Sp1000m and se 100 which one will you choose ?
Sarky Ho The DX150 \,,/
Myk Wazowski but not the same level , how about the dx200 vs the SE100?
Sarky Ho Same level? It’s a matter of personal preference I suppose. I will say I love the AK UI, it’s a bit slicker and a bit faster. In terms of audio...which is the main reason for purchasing a DAP, my ears prefer the tuning of the DX150 with Amp 6 & 8. I hate describing audio because everyone hears things differently but, I would say the DX150 with amp 8 has more fullness, a bit tamer on the high end...just seems to have a bit more balls! \,,/. I use Focal Elear, Shure SE846’s and Audeze iSine 20’s for listening.
As far as the DX200 vs 150 my ears still prefers the DX150, even when switching amps 6&8 to the DX200. I think it has to do with the AK4490 DAC vs SABRE DAC on the 200. My ears seem to gravitate to AK DAC no matter what player. Cheers!
I’m about to get this is there anything better in this price range and do you think this is worth it ?
The price of SE100 has dropped in my country and I am planning to purchase one DAP, how does this compare to the Sony WM1A? Anyway thanks, very relaxing video.
SE100 is awesome. Same neutral sound with a U.I. that is best in business. SE100 is a great purchase
Can it connect to the ifi iDSD Black Label without a usb adapter?
It would need an adapter
Is it way better than Hiby R6? Thx
For regular IEM...no. For sensitive low impedance sets...yes
Optical out /spdif?
Thanks for the review. But can you really hear the difference in tweaking the EQ? But as for me. I can't hear damn thing even going all way up or down any random frequency or is it just a gimmick? Or did I just miss something.
No, I really cannot tell. Part of the reason i moved to the Lotoo. Wish A&K would make it work better
@@BadGuyGoodAudioReviews oh ..so it's an AK issue then.. thank you
@@ajoemar2009 You're welcome
@@BadGuyGoodAudioReviews they've recently updated the firmware 27th Nov. Still no changes in EQ.. Such a shame..but still OK. Am always not using the EQ anyway, just for testing purposes. 😂
@@BadGuyGoodAudioReviews finally got the reason from them.. They said.. "All Astell&Kern players use a passive EQ as opposed to active EQ which other DAPs use that digitally alter the sound output. A&K’s incremental EQ settings in A&K are very ,very subtle (0.1dB +/-) because we expect our listeners are only looking for finer adjustment as you would develop your flavors to engaged music listening. You will not find a 10 db+ adjustment on any of our players."
Is it still worth in year 2024?
Still waiting for them to release a device with a 4.4 jack
Looks gorgeous, but at the moment, I could never justify the price.
Yup. It's definitely a luxury item like a nice watch or something
Could this power a high impedance headphones such as a hd650?
yes - but this for 150hom not for 250 -300
Im wondering between SE100 or COWON PLENUE 2 ... which one would you recommend?
se100 i take the same level - you dont need to pay full 700$ more the price for coewn need to be 200$ not 700
the cowon have plenue l 2300$ is the same dac - the sound is more warm
Great ! how does it compare with the Sony WM1A ?
Like the Sony sound better but like interface of AK. Not worth $1,600+ IMO
Thanks, that would be my guess. I'm a Sony fan ;)
Me too :)
Thanks, I was looking for some feedback on these 2 DAPs. I got Mobius on order and might get a pair of SONY headphones at some point. I think I`ll pass on AK, does not even support LDAC at that price. WM1A is 2 years old this year. Do you think Sony update it next year?
I think the release of the new IEM's by Sony indicate a new DAP in the coming months. That's just my opinion
Let me guess costs around 2000$
lose to $2,000 in Japan but $1600 in U.S.
Ali Arghavan that's more than double than my 700Dollar X7ii, i wonder if it's more than double sound quality
Ali Arghavan koja 1600 dolar mifrooshan be ma ham begoo!
st200ol whelp... Naaah i don't think so, the X7II tries to be high end but i can tell it really isn't, listened to some astell and kern and their above 1000$ offerings really do sound better, the ak KANN sounds lovely really really good but hell no to paying 1100$ for a Dap
It doesnt play MQA files. I really love the Sabree chip thats also in my Oppo but the Oppo plays MQA files. For that price it should really play everything. Hell ,my Pioneer dap plays it. I hope they update this.
Good review and love the gain on the eq. Thanks
look forward to ure review .
If the sound is as good as the polished U.I. I am going to be pleased **fingers crossed**
Can't wait for the review :)
Looks gorgeous
Ha, I would love one but it's way out of my price range!
I paid like $350 for the AK70 and mine looks like a knock off version software wise. My equilizer doesn't work at all and looks nothing like yours. Astell sucks who charges $1000's and doesn't include a case? There is literally 0 customer support. I need headphones but not sure if I should buy more AK products
Hi, got an answer from A&K.. Says "All Astell&Kern players use a passive EQ as opposed to active EQ which other DAPs use that digitally alter the sound output. A&K’s incremental EQ settings in A&K are very ,very subtle (0.1dB +/-) because we expect our listeners are only looking for finer adjustment as you would develop your flavors to engaged music listening. You will not find a 10 db+ adjustment on any of our players."
@@ajoemar2009 I must have some kind of USA knockoff version mine is a red AK70 and the EQ doesn't work at all period no matter what bands you chance. Their built in EQ just fades the sound. The EQ looked nothing like what I saw in this video. I'm not buying anything else AK. They never answer emails and it's awful support like this. I'm glad I ended up paying half of the original MSRP. The sound is great, but there is minimal bass and that's just bull.
@@infringinator try to message them to their Facebook page.
@@ajoemar2009 they haven't released a firmware update for my model in 2 years they don't care about the low end stuff only the $$$ lol. It shows when your EQ looks completely different and actually functions.
ok but why did you pay $2000 for an ipod
Who want to buy this anyway ?
$149 for a case.
I'm going to end up getting it....:(
Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews if you bought an ak dap you should get an insurance for it instead 😂
No a cover will be fine :)