Astell&Kern AK100 II 64 GB MP3 Player  (Smoky Blue, 3.3 Display)

A new standard for listening to music was proposed while developing the AK100. We recognized that certain aspects of the AK100 needed improvement during research and development for a successor. While considering how to improve the AK100, we realized that there was a difference between measured audio specifications and what we felt sounded good. After much deliberation, our development efforts were focused on making the AK100 2nd Generation "feel" right to our senses rather than mechanically boosting technical specs. The original AK100 was developed according to audio specification standards, but development of the next-generation AK100 was developed to the "New Standard" of how the music sounds. We present "A New Standard in Listening to Music" with the AK100 2nd Generation. Although the dramatic depth in sound quality delivered by the Balanced Out was proven in our flagship model, we wondered if the same benefit could be gained by implementing the Balanced Out with a Single DAC. The newly designed demo board delivered the ear-pleasing sound quality we needed. The value of a Balanced Out with a Single DAC is confirmed with every musical note. The AK100 2nd Generation provides a rich, warm sound experience through the re-tuned A-amp designed specifically for the CS4398 Single DAC. With the next-generation AK100, it's no longer necessary to turn on the PC, search for music, connect a device, and transfer files. Simply connect the AK100 2nd Generation to your PC or Mac via Wi-Fi on the same network and download or stream music wirelessly. The new AK100 2nd Generation utilizes a 3.31" AMOLED screen, an 82% increase over the previous screen's size. Now, users have access to more on-screen information than ever before. In addition, a full touchscreen means convenient, smartphone-style control. The Album View screen has been completely overhauled. The larger screen offers a view of six albums compared to the previous version's four, and the album art view offers intuitive search functionality.