Astell & Kern AK USB-C Dual DAC Cable

[What Hi-Fi?]

Astell & Kern’s portable DAC has a simple purpose: to improve the sound quality between your source and wired headphones.

Astell & Kern AK USB-C Dual DAC Cable : Read more

 

[fazalmajid]

No support for MQA is a pro, not a con.

 

[Navanski]

The absence of LG in the mobile phone market leaves an open door for this type of product. £109 has to be factored in to the cost of a new phone if you want decent sound.
RIP LG.

 

[MarkPf]

I agree with both of you. No MQA and sad to see LG not making phones. I own a LG V60 and bought it just for the reason that it sounds better then any other phone that I know of. Do you know if this would sound as good as a SchiIt Audio Magni/Modi stack for a computer or laptop? Looking for something more portable like this.

 

[Lmnop]

I agree with both of you. No MQA and sad to see LG not making phones. I own a LG V60 and bought it just for the reason that it sounds better then any other phone that I know of. Do you know if this would sound as good as a SchiIt Audio Magni/Modi stack for a computer or laptop? Looking for something more portable like this.

Hi Mark, I know I'm late to this, but I think you'll find it will depend on what kind of headphones you'll be using. The AKM chip in the Schiit is comparable quality to the dual CS chips in the AK--which I've been using for a week now and loving. The amplification is potentially the main difference, depending on impedance. But for the price I'm thrilled with the AK.

 

[MarkPf]

Hi Mark, I know I'm late to this, but I think you'll find it will depend on what kind of headphones you'll be using. The AKM chip in the Schiit is comparable quality to the dual CS chips in the AK--which I've been using for a week now and loving. The amplification is potentially the main difference, depending on impedance. But for the price I'm thrilled with the AK.

Thanks for the reply. I'll probably get one and check it out. I am using Sennheiser HD599's.

 

[Deleted member 188533]

Thanks for the reply. I'll probably get one and check it out. I am using Sennheiser HD599's.

Your LG V60 is almost certainly better than something like this. I have a V35 ThinQ and it's the equal of most entry level desktop amp/DAC stacks.

 

[MarkPf]

Your LG V60 is almost certainly better than something like this. I have a V35 ThinQ and it's the equal of most entry level desktop amp/DAC stacks.

Happy with my V60. Just thinking about the future when I will have to upgrade my phone.

 

[sc1]

I don‘t know if anyone else has this issue, but the slightest movement causes mine to ’detach’, meaning it has to be unplugged and re-inserted. It’s becoming very frustrating and makes it almost useless as an ‘on the go’ DAC. The sound is great on my B&W P9s...as long as I move *very* slowly.

 

[BenSherman]

Hi - has anyone tried both this and the Dragonfly Cobalt? I'm considering both and would love to know how they compare on sound quality.

 

[BelowDex]

BenSherman: I own both. I am not a fan of DragonFly at all--edgy, just sounds *off* to me - - and never use it. I find the A&K far superior. The enduring reviewer narrative that puts Dragonfly on all these lists is like the overhyped LS50 mania that is so absurdly overdone. A&K is built well, good power for average impedances, very listenable. Not much of a writer, don't know if that helps at all.

 

[BenSherman]

BenSherman: I own both. I am not a fan of DragonFly at all--edgy, just sounds *off* to me - - and never use it. I find the A&K far superior. The enduring reviewer narrative that puts Dragonfly on all these lists is like the overhyped LS50 mania that is so absurdly overdone. A&K is built well, good power for average impedances, very listenable. Not much of a writer, don't know if that helps at all.

Thanks - that's a really helpful insight. The A&K is also less than half the price of the Dragonfly Cobalt!

I'm planning to get into high quality audio for the first time. I have a limited budget, but have decided on getting Hifiman Sundara headphones and a battery-powered portable amp to run from my Android phone (I currently use Spotify, but will likely change to Qobuz or Tidal for high-res streaming).

I'm also considering the 'ifi hip-dac' as the amp option. I don't suppose you've had any experience with this as well - and how it compares to the A&K? My main aim is to get the best possible sound within my budget (as opposed to form-factor or convenience, etc) - and would particularly welcome any dac/amp that would enhance/widen the soundstage.

Thanks for your help.