Headphone Reviews & News Blog from hifiheadphones.co.uk
  • Home
  • News
  • Full Reviews
  • How-To’s
  • Best Of
  • Videos
  • About Us
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
Headphone Reviews & News Blog from hifiheadphones.co.uk
  • Home
  • News
  • Full Reviews
  • How-To’s
  • Best Of
  • Videos
  • About Us
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
Headphone Reviews & News Blog from hifiheadphones.co.uk
No Result
View All Result

Astell&Kern AK240 – Expert Review

by Tony
April 1, 2015
in Full Reviews
Home Full Reviews

Return to : Best high resolution audio players to buy in 2015 – Expert Reviews

Astell&Kern AK240 – Expert Review

Astell&Kern AK240 HIfiheadphones

Pros

  • Fashionable touchscreen operation
  • Very solid build quality
  • Large 256Gb internal memory
  • Audiophile grade sound
  • Very connectable
  • Charges by USB
  • Supplied with high quality leather case

Cons

  • Angular design looks better than it feels
  • Current maximum MicroSD accepted is 128Gb
  • Touchscreen response slower than smartphone equivalent
  • Player feels vulnerable if worn in pocket
  • Volume control feels a bit flimsy
  • Power up a bit slow

Verdict

A uniquely designed high-resolution player that is generally well made. Sound quality is is up there with the best digital audio players available and has plenty of connectivity options. Some may find the touchscreen a little old fashioned with a relatively slow response time.

Intro

Astell&Kern needs no introduction as a leading brand of high end portable players, and many fans of top-notch sound quality hold the players they produce in high esteem. So their flagship model, the AK240, has its work cut out!

Key Features

The AK240’s touchscreen encompasses a lot of possibilities and intuitive control features; for example it’s very simple to fast forward through a long track as the position marker can be dragged as fast as the user’s finger is moved. Also, changing volume can be done on the screen; but beware if you have sensitive IEM’s! Luckily there’s a dedicated volume control for those without steady hands.

Connectability is there in spades; the AK240 has a bluetooth capability so suitable wireless headphones can be used with it, any compromise with sound quality will have to be weighed up with the convenience that bluetooth headphones provide. Also Wi-Fi is featured so music can be sent streaming around the house, and files/folders can be read from and added wirelessly.

Also, the AK240 has an optical output which allows the user to send music data to an external DAC if preferred, and a balanced output for those who will accept no compromise where sound quality is concerned.

 

Astell&Kern AK240  Hifiheadphones

First Impressions

The Astell&Kern AK240 player looks like a piece of modern architecture at first glance; the screen is partly framed by two very angular bevelled edges which act like an optical illusion of some kind. This does lead to some problems gripping the AK240; care is needed when picking the player up off a flat surface as the right-hand side is relatively thin. The AK240 is supplied along with a high quality leather case, which will go some way to improving this.

Once safely in one hand, the user will likely need the other hand to operate the AK240 as the touchscreen control demands accurate direction by an attentive finger, also the touchscreen requires the user to see what is displayed in order to operate the unit. Volume can be altered by the dedicated control on the right side; this does feel a bit flimsy but offers no trouble during operation.

Once a track is playing, the cover art (if available) is displayed along with the usual artist/track information making a pleasing visual display, until of course the auto-hold feature renders the screen blank. A quick press of the power button brings the display and control capabilities back of course, and this feature can be configured as the user sees fit.

The AK240 does take a couple of minutes to read the contents of a freshly inserted Micro SD card before continuing, so if you’re chopping and changing with multiple cards don’t expect to be listening to your music immediately.

For the asking price, there are going to be some very demanding end-users with some very exacting requirements. We’re happy to say that the AK240 addresses these with aplomb. Any drawbacks mentioned are relatively minor and we mention these as we understand the stringent expectations prospective users may have at this high-end level and price point.

It would have been preferable to have a player which feels as good as it looks. Certainly the AK240 is visually striking but beauty is only skin deep. The attractive sheen may wear thin as the player is used on a day-to-day basis, due to the way it feels in the hand; there is an unyielding quality about it which may alienate some after a while.

Sound Quality

The Audiofly AF180 was used for the listening test, along with a Beyerdynamic T1 to test for available power.

Needless to say, the sound quality is stunning. But in order to gain a bit of perspective we put the AK240 up against a similar high-end player, the Lotoo PAW Gold. The general concensus is that the Astell&Kern AK240 reaches a bit lower and provides a little more ‘rumble’ in the bass department, while the Lotoo PAW Gold has a bit more up top making the tape hiss on Queen’s ‘Another One Bites The Dust’ a bit more apparent.

The feeling was that the AK240 gives a little more atmosphere and space; it’s a very natural and effortless sound. Acoustic and classical tracks are very immersive, with separation which is second to none in terms of portable players. Things seem a little more reined in and controlled when dealing with dynamically compressed pop music. These differences are very subtle of course, and are only mentioned to give the reader a more meaningful explanation of the player’s capabilities rather than those of the headphones used.

Power is plentiful too – the Beyerdynamic T1 was driven very well, the only time more headroom was required was with quieter classical passages with of course no dynamic compression applied within the production.

 

AK240  Hifiheadphones.co.uk

Summary

In terms of sound and functionality, it may come as no surprise that this is perhaps the best player available. The connectivity and versatility really make the Astell&Kern AK240 special; however not everybody likes a touchscreen and this may dampen the enthusiasm of some. Operating the unit may require it to be drawn out of the pocket, and any accidental swipes may lead to some frustrating moments.
Score 9.0

Return to : Best high resolution audio players to buy in 2015 – Expert Reviews

 

 

Tags: Astel&Kernastell and kernAstell and Kern Ak240astell&kernastell&kern ak100astell&kern ak120audiophile mp3 playerbest audio player 2014Best audio player 2015best portable audio player 2014Best portable Audio Player 2015digital audio playerhigh resolution Audio playerLotoo PAW Goldportable DACportable DAP
Previous Post

Audio Technica ATH MSR7 Unboxing and Review Video

Next Post

Lindy WHF-45 Wireless TV Headphones – Review

Related Posts

Westone Audio Pro X Series Review
Full Reviews

Westone Audio Pro X Series Review

by Oscar
June 30, 2022
Final UX3000 ANC Bluetooth Headphones
Full Reviews

Final UX3000 ANC Bluetooth Headphones

by Oscar
July 6, 2022
Lypertek PurePlay Z5 ANC TWS Review
Full Reviews

Lypertek PurePlay Z5 ANC TWS Review

by Oscar
June 30, 2022
Next Post
Lindy WHF45

Lindy WHF-45 Wireless TV Headphones - Review

sennheiser urbanite xl wireless

Sennheiser Urbanite XL Wireless Review

sennheiser-rs175

Sennheiser RS175 Unboxing Video

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Featured Article

Our Recommendations

Recent Posts

  • Trusted Reviews take on the Lypertek Z5
  • Latest Final UX3000 Reviews are in!
  • New Audeze MM-500 Planar Headphones
  • New Noble IEMs
  • Cleer Audio Release Arc True Wireless Earbuds

Latest YouTube Videos

We often show off high end equipment, but here are our top 5 sub £100 bargains!

Blog Article: https://blog.hifiheadphones.co.uk/top-5-portable-audio-devices-for-under-100/

Periodic Audio Rhodium - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/collections/amps-dacs/products/periodic-audio-rhodium-portable-hi-res-usb-c-dac-headphone-amplifier

Final E500 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/final-e500-in-ear-isolating-earphones

SoundMAGIC E11c - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/final-e500-in-ear-isolating-earphones

Lypertek SoundFree S20 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/lypertek-soundfree-s20-true-wireless-in-ear-isolating-earphones-black

SoundMAGIC P23BT - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/soundmagic-p23bt-portable-wireless-headphones-black

0:00 - Intro
0:19 - Periodic Audio Rhodium
0:48 - Final E500
1:15 - SoundMAGIC E11c
1:41 - Lypertek SoundFree S20
2:08 - SoundMAGIC P23BT
2:33 - Conclusion

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Website:
http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/

Latest Reviews:
https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/blog...

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/hifiheadphones

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/hifiheadpho...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OUR GEAR:

- Panasonic Lumix S1
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro f/1.4 50mm

- Panasonic Lumix S5
- Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6

- Atomos Ninja V
- Rotolight NEO
- Godox SL60W
- RODE Wireless Go 2
- Tascam DR-70D Audio Recorder
Top 5 Budget Headphone Audio Deals
YouTube Video VVVFVzZGdExTdDlIOW54RWtZamJ5MGVBLklFSEUtUEh3aGFV
This little DAC/Amp is such an easy product to recommend, you get a crisp and clean sound for under £50 - what's not to love? 

Watch the video to find out why we love the Rhodium so much.

Buy Now: https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/periodic-audio-rhodium-portable-hi-res-usb-c-dac-headphone-amplifier

0:00 - Intro
0:32 - Design and Features
1:52 - Technical features
2:08 - Sound Quality
3:06 - Conclusion

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Website:
http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/

Latest Reviews:
https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/blog...

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/hifiheadphones

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/hifiheadpho...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OUR GEAR:

- Panasonic Lumix S1
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro f/1.4 50mm

- Panasonic Lumix S5
- Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6

- Atomos Ninja V
- Rotolight NEO
- Godox SL60W
- RODE Wireless Go 2
- Tascam DR-70D Audio Recorder
Periodic Audio Rhodium USB-C Dongle DAC/Amp Review
YouTube Video VVVFVzZGdExTdDlIOW54RWtZamJ5MGVBLlhJWHJhMmlzZW5Z
JDS Labs decided to skip the Element II+ and designed the Element III from the ground up - around a different DAC Chip. They have added a digital volume attenuator along with optical input, and decided to implement changes that make an audible difference instead of chasing specs.

Buy here: https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/jds-labs-element-iii-headphone-amplifier-usb-dac-copper-ring-uk-plug

Full blog review: https://blog.hifiheadphones.co.uk/jds-labs-element-iii-review/

JDS Labs Blog: https://blog.jdslabs.com/2022/01/jds-labs-element-iii-official-release-benchmarks/

0:00 - Intro
0:20 - development of Element III
0:51 - Design / Features
3:19 - Sound
5:06 - Conclusion

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Website:
http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/

Latest Reviews:
https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/blog...

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/hifiheadphones

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/hifiheadpho...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OUR GEAR:

- Panasonic Lumix S1
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro f/1.4 50mm

- Panasonic Lumix S5
- Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6

- Atomos Ninja V
- Rotolight NEO
- Godox SL60W
- RODE Wireless Go 2
- Tascam DR-70D Audio Recorder
JDS Labs Element III DAC/Amp Review
YouTube Video VVVFVzZGdExTdDlIOW54RWtZamJ5MGVBLjlXSVBfNUZiQkEw

Interested in a product?

If you have questions about a product please contact us directly through our contact form

Contact our Experts

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

  • The JDS Labs Element III is an excellent sounding DAC/Amp in a beautifully crafted chassis - perfect for headphones and earphones alike.
  • The Lypertek PurePlay Z5 is still picking up awards - great battery life, excellent sound quality and effective ANC - all for only £119!

#lypertek #lypertekpureplayZ5 #pureplayZ5 #lypertekZ5
  • Audeze have annouced the MM-500 -  designed with studio engineering in mind along with a sleek and comfortable fit, these look amazing!

#Audeze #AudezeMM500 #PlanarHeadphones
  • The Final UX3000 is scooping up awards everywhere, and for good reason, for £119 you get an excellent sounding bluetooth headphone with long battery life and ANC.

#final #finalaudio #finalUX3000
  • Cleer have introduced the Arc - these sit on your ear, perfect for those who cannot get on with normal in-ears or those who want to maintain some spatial awareness.

#cleeraudio #cleer #cleerarc
  • 64 Audio are renowned for their excellent custom in-ears - can you name any artists that use them?

#64audio #64fam
  • A simple change of eartip can greatly affect the sound and comfort of earphones - Spinfit tips feature a patented 3D axis to provide the perfect fit in your ears - so check out the range on HiFiHeadphones.

#spinfit #eartips #earphones
  • Check out our blog to see the latest news and reviews - Noble Audio have just announced a plethora of new models, including this beauty the D XII - a single driver IEM that packs some punch!

#nobleaudio #noble #earphones #iem #news
  • Often overlooked, Oriveti make some of the best value-for-money earphones on the market - the OV800 is no exception. Stunning looks meet excellent sound, with a smooth, balanced sound signature and DIP switches to add more bass or treble should you wish. 

#oriveti #earphones #highendaudio
  • Need to power some high end headphones? 

Why not check out our range of Burson Audio DACs, amps and DAC/Amp combos:

https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/collections/burson-audio

#bursonaudio #burson
Instagram Youtube Facebook
hifi headphones

Join Our Newsletter


Categories

  • Home
  • News
  • Full Reviews
  • How-To’s
  • Best Of
  • Videos
  • About Us
  • Shop

About Hifiheadphones

  • About Us
  • Product Reviews
  • Demo Facility
  • Buying Guides
  • Login

© 2020 Hifiheadphones. All rights reserved. Hifieadphones is a trading name of K&S Technology Limited, a company registered in England and Wales.
Company number: 5631601 A4 Dolphin Way, Shoreham-By-Sea, BN43 6NZ, United Kingdom

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Full Reviews
  • How-To’s
  • Best Of
  • Videos
  • About Us
  • Shop

© 2020 Hifiheadphones. All rights reserved. Hifieadphones is a trading name of K&S Technology Limited, a company registered in England and Wales.
Company number: 5631601 A4 Dolphin Way, Shoreham-By-Sea, BN43 6NZ, United Kingdom

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.