The Gangman Cross: The Astell & Kern AKT1 Sound System

Are you Psy? [You might like something like this. Alternately, belonging to the YG Group, you might want something by Yoav Geva.] Let's review.


One could imagine a number of 2" full-range drivers radiating the front surface. One could imagine separate interior (Magico) cabinets for each. One could further imagine class-D amplifiers and power supplies at the rear of each driver. Integrated electronics (IO) circuitry, up top. Power conditioning, on the bottom of the unit.ell the four tubes aren't exactly, but they are looking good.

With this price, why wouldn't one go with a Definitive Technology BP-8060 Super Tower?

Well, without the top-piece, this would be an attractive loudspeaker.

A nice slim and simple cabinet. A side-loading woofer, like the NHT 3.3 Loudspeaker (excellent).
A great rear port and interface design.

Although the BP-8080 would be a better choice, one can find a BP-8060 5-channel (home theatre) package for $2,995.00 USD. (Actually, $2,777.77 USD including shipping via Amazon). We always show list prices.

One could start with this, plus a Benchmark AHB-2 Power Amplifier ($2,995.00 USD) and a Benchmark DAC2 HGC DAC ($1,995.00 USD) as a pre-amplifier, to stay cheap, and go home theater, later.

The Astell & Kern AKT1 Sound System ($3,700.00 USD) is a viable alternative. As it only includes one speaker, we'll double the price - $7,400.00 USD - to stay competitive. Let's imagine the same four drivers, per unit, inside the loudspeaker. Although, seven would be better.

A nice stand, which compliments the side-woofer design (hopefully optional).

JP 2016/07/11
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