Astell & Kern AK120 II Portable Hi-Fi Sound System with Sennheiser In Ear IE80 Earphones

Bundle Includes:

• Astell & Kern AK120 II Portable Audiophile Hi-Fi Sound System (Silver/Aluminum)
• Sennheiser IE 80 In-Ear Headphones (504771)
• Lexar 128GB Class 10 633x microSDXC Memory Card w/ USB 3.0 Reader

AK120's Next-Gen Evolution - Emotion and Pleasure: AK120 II

Inherit and Evolve! 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.

Balanced Out and Dual DAC - Dual DAC meets Balanced Output - 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.

Unbalanced vs. 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 percent 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.

Supports DSD format up to 5.6MHz - 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.

USB DAC - The AK120 2nd Generation includes the USB DAC feature.

Connect the AK120 2nd Generation to a PC or Mac and use it as a USB DAC that also supports DSD. With Dual DAC and the USB DAC feature, enjoy a richer resolution in sound that goes beyond the limitations of the sound card installed in your computer.
- PCM audio up to 24bit/96kHz is supported in USB DAC mode and the AK120 2nd Generation's EQ settings are not applied.

Meet the Network - MQS Streaming - With the AK120 2nd Generation, you can now skip the complicated process of searching for music files, connecting to the PC, and downloading the files to the player. Simply connect the AK120 2nd Generation to your music collection on your computer in the same network to download and/or stream music! "Astell&Kern MQS Streaming Server" software must be installed on your PC or MAC with a shared folder saved for MQS Streaming to work.

OTA (Over-The-Air) Upgrade

It has been 13 years since iriver has used the term: firmware.
It already has been 13 years since when our customers had to check their email or look for notifications on the iriver website to look for new firmware. Now, as long as you are connected to Wi-Fi, we notify you of firmware updates as soon as they launch and from wherever you are. Our users receive firmware updates immediately.

Full Touch Screen - We implemented a 3.31 inch AMOLED screen that is approximately 82% larger than the screen used in the original AK120. Users can access and see more information on the larger AMOLED screen.

Classical music tracks that contrain titles that are too long to be displayed on screen, are now marked with two lines on the music list for easier navigation. The search function enables you to easily find the music you want to hear.

A more detailed 10-band/0.5dB step EQ - 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.

128GB plus microSD 128GB - 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.

Design story:

A perfect harmony of engineering and design - With the AK120 2nd Generation, we aimed for the perfect harmony of engineering and design. From beginning to end, we re-examined the PCB layout, the form factor, the materials, and the post-manufacturing process.

Re-examination of the volume wheel's position. - We relocated the volume wheel to the top to maximize the space for the battery. We also redesigned the volume wheel for further convenience and easier usability even when you hold the product with both hands.

Redesign of the volume wheel and guard. - The AK120 2nd Generation's volume wheel consists of two parts: the head and the root. The head is the knurled part and control the volume wheel by holding it securely. The root is the base of the volume wheel and wrapped in a guard that?s directly connected to the hardware. This division into two parts enhances the usability and stability of the AK120 2nd Generation, while the distinguished parts also provide further protection for external damage.

Two layers, two meanings - The AK120 2nd Generation's aluminum body and protector appear like overlapping layers.

For the first layer, we used a luxurious hairline and diamond cut finish for the aluminum body. These two finishing processes add weight to the material while also symbolizing the signature weighty sound provided by Astell&Kern.

The second layer acts as the protector and represents the delicacy of sound provided by Astell&Kern. The three delicate lines that are carved into the protector are reminiscent of string instruments.

The AK120 2nd Generation's design embodies the signature weighty yet delicate sounds of Astell&Kern.

Use of the original Astell&Kern's pattern. - Unlike the previous model, the AK120 2nd Generation uses Astell&Kern's distinctive pattern on the rear glass. The pattern is designed using Astell&Kern's "A" logo and adds a unique style to the rear panel of the AK120 2nd Generation.

With this pattern design, you get to see two images. One is an image of a star. The 4 "A"s are the shape of a star. This image is inspired by "center of stars", the meaning of Astell&Kern. The 4 "A"s emphasizes the luxurious image of the AK120 2nd Generation when illuminated.

The second image of the pattern represents a precisely woven chain. Upon looking at the patterned design from a distance, the form of the star fades and the delicately woven chain can be seen instead.

We emphasized the craftsmanship and solidity of the AK120 2nd Generation With this pattern design.

General Specifications:

• Model: AK120 II
• Body Color: Stone Silver
• Body Material: Aluminum
• Display: 3.31inch WVGA (480 x 800) AMOLED Touchscreen
• Supported Audio Formats: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE(Normal, High, Fast), AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF
• Sample rate: FLAC, WAV, ALAC, AIFF : 8kHz ~ 192kHz (8/16/24bits per Sample) / DSD : DSD64 (1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128 (1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo
• Output Level: Unbalance 2.1Vrms / Balance 2.3Vrms (Condition No Load)
• DAC: Cirrus Logic CS4398 x2 (Dual DAC)
• Decoding: Support up to 24bit/192kHz Bit to Bit Decoding
• Input: USB Micro-B input (for charging & data transfer (PC & MAC)) / Connection Mode : MTP (Media Device)
• Outputs: PHONES (3.5mm) / Optical Out (3.5mm) / Balanced Out (2.5mm, only 4-pole supported)
• Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz)
• Bluetooth: V4.0
• Dimensions: 2.16" (55 mm) [W] x 4.64" (118 mm) [H] x 0.58" (14.9 mm) [D
• Weight: 6.24 oz (177 g)
• Feature Enhancements: Firmware upgrades supported (OTA)

Audio Performance: 

• Frequency Response: +/- 0.023dB (Condition: 20Hz ~ 20kHz) Unbalance & Balance / +/- 0.3dB (Condition: 10Hz ~ 70kHz) Unbalance & Balance
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 116dB at 1kHz, Unbalance / 117dB at 1kHz, Balance
• Crosstalk: 130dB at 1kHz, Unbalance / 135dB at 1kHz, Balance
• THD+N: 0.0007 percent at 1kHz, Unbalance / 0.0005 percent at 1kHz, Balance
• IMD SMPTE: 0.0004 percent 800Hz 10kHz(4:1) Unbalance / 0.0003 percent 800Hz 10kHz(4:1) Balance
• Output Impedance: Balanced out 2.5mm (1ohm) / PHONES 3.5mm (2ohm)

Clock source:

• Clock Jitter: 50ps (Typ)

Battery:

• Capacity: 3,250mAh 3.7V Li-Polymer Battery

Memory:

• Built-in Memory: 128GB [NAND]
• External Memory: microSD (Max 128GB) x1

OS:

• Supported OS: Windows XP, Windows 7,8 (32/64bit), MAC OS X 10.7 and up

Warranty:

• 1-Year Astell & Kern USA Warranty

Sennheiser IE 80 In-Ear Headphones

The IE 80 features high-fidelity stereo sound and high noise attenuation with an enhanced design. Encased in a brushed-metal housing and rugged, interchangeable cable, it is built for maximum robustness and flexibility.

The IE 80 also features a unique technology that enables sound-tuning of bass response. A world of premium audio awaits your discovery.

Product Features:

• Dynamic speaker systems with powerful neodymium magnets ensure outstanding sonic accuracy and clarity
• Excellent attenuation of ambient noise of up to 26dB
• Extremely durable housing and rugged, interchangeable cable
• Unique, manual frequency response tuning functionality
• Sleek ergonomic design of ear-canal phones
• Compatible with MP3, CD players, iPad, iPod, iPhone and mobile phones (iPad, iPhone, iPod, iPod classic, iPod nano, iPod shuffle, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.)
• 2-year warranty

Product Specifications:

• Impedance: 16 O
• Connector: 3,5 mm
• Frequency response: 10 - 20000 Hz
• Sound pressure level (SPL): 125 dB
• Ear coupling: Intraaural
• Cable length: 1.2 m
• Transducer principle: Dynamic
• Weight: 5 g