o0OBillO0o
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- Apr 8, 2013
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https://apple.com/ipod-touch/specs/
View attachment 12206
I've seen a few online videos comparing the iPhone to the Pono and few other player and most of the participants couldn't tell which one was which. Without a serious test, I think it's safe to say iPods still perform as expected.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcavoQQ40Io
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrG29RXxlfc
The market for the iPod is huge, it falls under accessories and help contribute to the $2.68 billion in Q1 of 2015 ($74.6 billion in total, Q1 revenue). Analysts identified the iPod as a weak spot and instead of scrapping it. Apple exploited the weakness and again will make a profit. Ref link
Sneer and scoff all you want, for $400 Music Server/player (and a neutered iPhone/ ultra mini iPad) is going to perform in sales and sonics. It's tough competition out there.
I condone that the AK240 is a fantastic player. It's simple and has lots of flexibility. In fact you can plug an AK240 or AK380 right into a power amp and speakers. Not much is going to beat that.
"That’s right, you can plug the AK240 directly into your power amp via a pair of XLRs. This means that the little device can play the role of a digital music server, a preamplifier, and a stereo DAC—just add a power amp and speakers. The strange-looking but effective cable that makes this feat possible has a pair of full-size XLR male outputs at one end, and at the other end is a small but sturdy metal-shelled box from which protrudes a mini headphone plug and another smaller plug, which connect in tandem to the AK240.
Of course, in order to utilize this functionality, you have to purchase this compatible cable, which Astell&Kern had build just for its devices and which costs an extra (ahem) $700. But $3,200 for half of a hi-fi system is pretty freakin‘ good when you consider what most audiophiles are willing to pay for a separate player/server, preamp, and DAC." Link Ref

View attachment 12206
- There is even hints to a "High Quality Wifi Streaming."
- Also this is just a refresh.. basically Apple had to detune the processor and battery to meet the price point with out doing a redesign.
- Expect the next iPod to be much more like the iPhone 6S (3 months away) or iPhone 7 (1year).
- Not as good as the AK240, but in the same vein, a full on Media Server.
I've seen a few online videos comparing the iPhone to the Pono and few other player and most of the participants couldn't tell which one was which. Without a serious test, I think it's safe to say iPods still perform as expected.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcavoQQ40Io
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrG29RXxlfc
The market for the iPod is huge, it falls under accessories and help contribute to the $2.68 billion in Q1 of 2015 ($74.6 billion in total, Q1 revenue). Analysts identified the iPod as a weak spot and instead of scrapping it. Apple exploited the weakness and again will make a profit. Ref link
Sneer and scoff all you want, for $400 Music Server/player (and a neutered iPhone/ ultra mini iPad) is going to perform in sales and sonics. It's tough competition out there.
I condone that the AK240 is a fantastic player. It's simple and has lots of flexibility. In fact you can plug an AK240 or AK380 right into a power amp and speakers. Not much is going to beat that.
"That’s right, you can plug the AK240 directly into your power amp via a pair of XLRs. This means that the little device can play the role of a digital music server, a preamplifier, and a stereo DAC—just add a power amp and speakers. The strange-looking but effective cable that makes this feat possible has a pair of full-size XLR male outputs at one end, and at the other end is a small but sturdy metal-shelled box from which protrudes a mini headphone plug and another smaller plug, which connect in tandem to the AK240.
Of course, in order to utilize this functionality, you have to purchase this compatible cable, which Astell&Kern had build just for its devices and which costs an extra (ahem) $700. But $3,200 for half of a hi-fi system is pretty freakin‘ good when you consider what most audiophiles are willing to pay for a separate player/server, preamp, and DAC." Link Ref

