Astell & Kern AK70 MKII

Brings sonic improvements over AK70 ; Class-leading transparency ; Tidal access ; Can perform DAC duties ; Nice design

No MQA support

Setting the bar for transparency at this price, the AK70 mkII is not far off portable perfection

Unrivaled flexibility and high-tech features in a moderately priced, pocket-sized package ; Outstanding audio reproduction brings out the best in well-recorded, hi-res music files ; aptX HD support ; Can be used as a USB DAC

Slight lag in the on-screen user interface. ; No native support for MQA (yet) ; Streaming services limited to Tidal and Groovers+

Seriously, what more can I say about the AK70 MKII? Consistently outstanding musical reproduction that will make you hair stand on end; the ability to drive balanced and unbalanced headphones; USB DAC functionality; micro SD expandability; aptX HD over...