I suppose I don't understand why an iPod from 2008 has 20% (32 GB) more stock storage than this brand new "audiophile" product which, at its cheapest, costs 2.4 times as much as that 2008 iPod (retail, it costs over 3 times as much). These prices don't include the cost of the two high-capacity storage cards the AK100 needs to reach the lofty heights of a portable music player from 5 years ago.
If there's one thing you shouldn't be skimping on in an audiophile's music player, it's space. There are plenty of iDevice amps and DACs that, while costly, look great. I would imagine it is more expensive for a manufacturer to include a high-quality onboard amp and DAC than it is for them to include high-capacity onboard storage. With a price tag of $600, I should hope I'd be buying both.
I'm not saying the iPod is perfect. On the contrary, there is a lot of room for improvement. So why should I take steps backward in tech while taking steps upward in price?
LapperPerhaps I have misunderstood you, but from the description "In addition to the on-board memory of 32 GB, the AK100 supports two additional micro SD cards, making the internal memory expandable to 96GB. "
Sounds to me like it has the capacity for more space than a 2008 iPod.
I agree though, its still a pretty poorly amount of storage, especially with the price of flash memory these days.
madllamaSorry, I was unclear. The iPod from 2008 I'm referring to has stock onboard storage of 120 GB. The AK100 has a total of 96 GB (stock 32 GB + 2x 32 GB cards). Unless I read it wrong.
Lapper@LapperAre you serious? This litte thing sounds AMAZING! If you're going to say its a step behind in technology because it has only 96GB of space avalible, you're ridiculous. I know A&K, personally, and they are amazing. I have been to breakfast with them, and they are very nice people. At this price, its an absolute steal.
wolfetan44It's really not ridiculous. He was very specific and truthful about his reasoning for critiquing it. It has limited storage space in a time when high capacity flash memory is cheaper and cheaper and consumes less and less power. For the price, there's no reason why it should be hamstrung with pitiful internal storage.
dqniel@dqniel & @Anfield & @LapperIf you have been following all the DAP products in headfi, you would know that the storage is not limited to 32g SD cards. You can also use 64gig ones, which brings to a total of 160gig.
When the 128gig micro sd cards are released, they should be able to work with the AK100 as well.
Unlike iPods where storage is limited to internal, you can always buy extra SD cards to carry around. They are tiny after all.
And the main purpose of an Audiophile DAP is firstly Sound Quality. Storage will be after that, and i can assure you the sound quality in iPods are nothing compared to this.
For those who prefers a cheaper but comparable options, you can try X3 or DX50. Unfortunately for those, the storage space are very much lower than the AK100.
I already own the AK100 and X3, if the AK120 comes to Massdrop with a significant discount, i'd consider getting one since i love the build quality, aesthetics and UI in the AK series.
If there's one thing you shouldn't be skimping on in an audiophile's music player, it's space. There are plenty of iDevice amps and DACs that, while costly, look great. I would imagine it is more expensive for a manufacturer to include a high-quality onboard amp and DAC than it is for them to include high-capacity onboard storage. With a price tag of $600, I should hope I'd be buying both.
I'm not saying the iPod is perfect. On the contrary, there is a lot of room for improvement. So why should I take steps backward in tech while taking steps upward in price?