Surfans F20 HiFi MP3 Player VS. Astell&Kern AK70 - Whats best under $200?

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  • Опубліковано 17 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 86

  • @anastaciolopez6259
    @anastaciolopez6259 Рік тому +3

    Why these two players do not utilize the SrS WoW effect. I know the Iriver has that featuure back in the day.

  • @dm95422
    @dm95422 Місяць тому +1

    Sufrans, please release a newer, updated version of the F20 (ie F21 or F20 Gen) with an improved scrolling wheel, improved interface, improved chipset & longer battery life. Thanks.

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  Місяць тому

      this is the next model amzn.to/3MXDNjU

  • @tigerclaw4537
    @tigerclaw4537 6 місяців тому

    I have this same player and love it. Use an older model of Bose Headphones (2004 TriPort) for listening to music on this device. Honestly, these 20 year old Bose sound so much better than my more expensive and current day HyperX headphones. I truly believe that newer tech isn't always better tech unless you break the bank. Oh well, nuff said about that. I wanted to ask... Have you ever compared this Surfans to some of the $400 + players? If so, did you notice a night and day difference in the audio listening experience minus the added features?

  • @pootle5096
    @pootle5096 9 місяців тому

    It's 2024 and all this talk of gapless playback is astounding.
    Back in the mid 90's I had a Sony CD walkman that had shock absorb software built into it - basically it buffered the music so there was no jump or pause if the unit was jolted.
    So why is this tech not standard in modern digital players?
    It should be standard for all players to have a playback buffer so that there are NO gaps between tracks for any reason at all - very important as many many albums have songs that segue from one to the next.

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  9 місяців тому

      Perhaps its because I DJ'ed for years I really perfer songs to play 100% rather than be "mixed" together by the cd (or dap) player. The only time it may make sense is on live recordings. So its very posible many cd players or modren daps dont playback gapless is to some it fels like a bad mix or they just dont want it. Even when songs segue from one to the next there can be a digital time mark showing track 1 from track 2.

  • @Daniel-Marson
    @Daniel-Marson 2 роки тому +2

    I just bought a surfans F20, it actually arrived today. It's my first experience with a device like this, lossless etc.. Pretty much only used standard MP3 or Spotify. Playing some tracks in flac and then listening to the same song on Spotify using the same headphones and the difference is really noticeable. I only have Sony WH CH710N and the Sony ps5 pulse 3d headphones (both work wired or pulse has wireless via a dongle and the 710s have Bluetooth. The WH CH710N sound nicest to me, but I don't really have much experience with headphones and wouldn't know where to start.
    But yeah, so far I'm really happy with the surfans F20 i also bought a little eSync pocket amp for use with my phone and it's great.
    Have you seen the Mechen M30 it's a little cheaper than the Surfans (but supports a couple less formats and has no Bluetooth) i like the design though.

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  2 роки тому +3

      Sony WH CH710N isnt bad but make sure you use the wired connection. To get the most out of HD files you need 1. Good source material (FLAC or higher music file) 2. Good headphones (I could go on and on here) but the most missed step is 3. A wired connection! You will lose sound quality if you go wireless.

    • @Daniel-Marson
      @Daniel-Marson 2 роки тому

      @@TUXXREVIEWS Thanks for the reply, I'm a total noob in regards to lossless high quality music, I can't believe how good it actually sounds though. You really do get used to standard MP3 and streaming services. So i really appreciate any tips you may have
      I know some of the formats, but never needed to use them before now. What do you think is better than flac? So far I've only installed flac, some high quality mp3s and i found 1 album in ape format.
      The formats I have never heard of are DFF, Native DSD64 (2.8MHz) DSD 128(5.6 MHz) are these worth pursuing?
      Also thanks again it's good to know the Sony headphones are ok. I'll definitely stick to wired, I have 2 Sony auxiliary cables that are nice.
      Do you recommend any software for converting audio. I used VLC player because i had a couple of audio dramas in mpeg4 audio format, so i converted a couple of them to MP3 and the same couple into Flac to try out.
      I noticed one thing when i was checking over the f20, on the glass back panel it already has a plastic protector, so yours may have one too and the scratches are hopefully just on the protector.

    • @kencur9690
      @kencur9690 Рік тому +2

      @@Daniel-Marson no, don’t pursue: nothing is better than FLAC. At least at the beginning: when you will want something “better”, you will know, and you will make up your own mind about it (or most likely never will). You will then need better equipment. For now, stay out of that rabbit hole, trust me. FLAC is more than enough: it’s basically losslessly compressed WAV. Experiment with it at different rates (16/44.1 and higher). So for now concentrate on that and on getting better equipment, like better headphones and headphone amplifiers and DACs.

    • @kencur9690
      @kencur9690 Рік тому +1

      @@Daniel-Marson also, get Foobar2000 as a player. It’s free and can convert, if I am not mistaken. Just stick to FLAC and you’ll be fine. DSD is supposedly closer to the actual master quality (you may have heard of MQA). That’s mostly bull though, cause there are a ton of variables: for starters you need to be able to play it and have the actual format (so a DSD file will be more limited to devices than FLAC, which in turn is more limited than MP3 which can be played anywhere. FLAC is clearly a good balance between compression, quality and playability) and you need a good source (and this goes with any format, really) and even then it is highly debatable: there are reasons and situations where a DSD may actually sound worse!
      Point is, stick to FLAC until you get a hang of things, then if you wish start exploring other formats.

  • @luc1ferblack
    @luc1ferblack Рік тому +1

    In the uk the f20 is £125 the ak70 is £400. The AK JR was said to have a great soundstage and the ak70 was said to be better with double the battery size and a nicer UI. however i heard the Ak Bluetooth is sketchy. I'm actually amazed that a budget player stands even close to the AK. Im using shp9500 and on my phone they sounded very nice but when i plugged them into my bog standard laptop i was thinking wow so on a decent DAP they should blow my mind. How is the battery life on the f20 and does the shuffle work well because some players including my phone just seem to play a fraction of what is on the device. I really expected the the f20 to not come close im very surprised the difference isn't very noticeable.

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  Рік тому +1

      I do find myself using the AK70 more than the F20 but I use all my players. When listening to music for the enjoyment of HD music I always use a wired headset and I have allot .,.. I mean ALLOT of headsets but not he SHP9500 or any grado. I do use wireless earbud or wired in ear monitors while on my scooter going around the island of Key West. No battery issues on either the F20 or the AK70- but I keep all my players in a multi unit charging dock when not in use.

  • @kencur9690
    @kencur9690 Рік тому +1

    Thank you for the review. Excellent comparison!

  • @SheargalFarkey
    @SheargalFarkey Рік тому +1

    Received the HIFI Walker version of the Surfans yesterday - it feels, looks, and sounds great, but within half a day I just knew I could never live with it's ridiculously badly designed UI. Came onto UA-cam to see if there was any advice on improving it, found this video, HIFI Walker is now returned and I've got a second hand AK70 on it's way. Thanks for saving me a LOT of headaches and frustration with that thing...absolutely unbelievable they're selling it with such a useless UI.

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  Рік тому

      AK70 is a great player and you can even find some used ones at a huge value.

    • @eldelasdonaschurros1243
      @eldelasdonaschurros1243 Рік тому

      Hey man, did you buy your used AK70 on eBay? If so could you tell me who was the seller? seems like the AK70 will be my choice too, I just can't stand that cheesy slogan of Surfans and the UI seems so ugly, but the sellers I've come across are from Japan and don't answer my messages, I'm concerned about import fees or some weird issues like the japanese Walkmans that you need additional software to set them in english. How's the AK70 so far for you?

  • @jeffreyroberts7438
    @jeffreyroberts7438 Рік тому

    I have both. And both are very good, easy to recommend either!👍

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  Рік тому

      Right on I agree. Theres things I love in both, you really cant go wrong. Im really looking forward to the new Sony Phone 1 V to see how that does with HD music.

  • @Dogfish63
    @Dogfish63 2 роки тому +1

    3 questions. 1- Is there a way to listen in balanced mode? 2 - mine plays to the end of a record but flows right into the next album. Is there a way make it stop at the end of an album? 3 - Is there an audio leveling mode where it keeps the audio level equal from one song to the next? I did find the gapless play which I like.

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  2 роки тому +2

      Answers: 1. Balanced mode yes I'm quite sure - see amazon link for full tech specs. If you play via a folder it should stop at the end of the songs in the folder. 3. under settings there should be an audio leveling. All of these are get questions and I may do another video for these and other questions soon. Now I should add this video is a comparison between the two units. Different Astell&kern units my have slightly different features.

  • @Selrisitai
    @Selrisitai 2 роки тому

    Pretty sure the back is plastic, not glass. Even the way it scratches seems more like plastic. Do you have any information on it being glass?

  • @philpots3216
    @philpots3216 2 роки тому +1

    Its the same company who made the hifi walker H2,,, they are good players,,, my battery imploded after 4 years, and thinking of buying this, the H2 was great, I just want to listen to music, not interested in interface.....most used units tend to be at the end of their battery life and dont hold charge,thats why they end up on the used but great condition market🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️stay clear.

  • @raminchamani4580
    @raminchamani4580 2 роки тому +2

    Is Surfans f20 really like ak70 in sounding?
    I own Surfans f20 but it's sound is very like my phone,Poco x3 pro in flac 44.1 16bit,but in dsd is very good and comfortable,but i do not test in another quality,did you get this like my experiences?

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  2 роки тому +1

      The sound of both of them are above phone quality. Some phones are above the quality of others when it comes to Flac files / HD audio. Offerings like Iphone and Samsung are not the same audio quality as an ASUS rog phone. Also the headphones adds allot to ability to hear the quality. Also it has to be on cord / not wireless. You lose allot of HD level sound quality wireless.

  • @luc1ferblack
    @luc1ferblack Рік тому +1

    This might not be a very good comparison. Your running Alienware Aw988 gaming headphones they are far from audiophille so unless you borrowed that ak70 you might be wasting your money. Get a set of grado or even Shp9500 or better because if the headset is meh you won't hear much difference between players. A great set of headphones will make you think wow when run with the ak70 you will want to listen to everything you own again and the soundstage will amaze you. If the headphones are a limiting factor both players will sound good not amazing but good. Maybe find someone who will lend you some good cans or a online shop that will allow them to return them if you don't want them and then compare the 2.

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  Рік тому

      I dont think your givng the $400 Alienware AW988 the credit they deserve but I'm game to put it to the test. I love HD music and can hear a diffrence in better headphones. Do you really think the Philips SHP9500 headphones amzn.to/3JI89qs are as good or better than the Alienware? As far a gardo are you suggesting buying $1999 headphones? Any sony headphones you like? I really want your opinion. How about the SHP9600?

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  Рік тому

      PS the ak70 is not borrowed .... Its mine

  • @Rayvvvone
    @Rayvvvone 2 роки тому +1

    Does it play audiobooks in .m4b file format?

  • @andrzejsochon1169
    @andrzejsochon1169 2 роки тому +1

    Very good presentation.
    Question: what happens when the last track in the selected folder has finished - will there be a stop or a continuation, I mean will it automatically start playing tracks from the next folder? I don't want to create a playlist.

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  2 роки тому

      Mine stops, but one workaround is to tag songs with a gengre

    • @micinput
      @micinput Рік тому

      the F20 proceeds to the next track, alphabetically by containing folder. If you use a playlist it stops.

  • @Anthony-cc8bx
    @Anthony-cc8bx Рік тому

    Im only interested in the SOUND. Which one sounds better?

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  Рік тому

      If money is no option buy this amzn.to/3XUVhkX Whats your budget? Heres a Less expensive one amzn.to/3JJz0m7

    • @Anthony-cc8bx
      @Anthony-cc8bx Рік тому

      @@TUXXREVIEWS I have an early AK one. Not sure $700 is really a huge improvement to be worth it. How do you compare the sound quality between what you reviewed? Im an audiophile so I will notice sound signatures. I dont like overbright presentation with too much treble. Neutral is better.

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  Рік тому +1

      @@Anthony-cc8bx The surfans has a warm but slightly muddy sound compared to the bright / sharp sound of the AK. At higher volumes with EQ the AK corrects this issue. Both are steps above using a cell phone but of the two if I had to pick one it would be the AK. Both have some pros and cons in sound and UI and may make a video later on this. Of all my players I've been spending allot of time on my RUIZU 64GB HiFi Lossless MP3 Player (see video).

    • @Anthony-cc8bx
      @Anthony-cc8bx Рік тому

      @@TUXXREVIEWS That's what Im looking for! Many reviews on youtube just talk about features. But its a great service if you talk about the sound.

    • @Anthony-cc8bx
      @Anthony-cc8bx Рік тому

      @@TUXXREVIEWS My AK is the Jr. Very old but should be decent and its supposed to be on the warmer side with that chip.

  • @tuneage
    @tuneage Рік тому

    From what you have reviewed any pick for the loudest output for headphones mp3 player... thx

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  Рік тому

      All the players Ive reviewed have enough power (on normal resistance headphones - Lets say $60-$400) to enjoy the music louldly but none IMO will cause bad hearing damage. I will have to give this some thought and perhaps even buy some hardware to test it. I may do a video on this laster interesting topic. A&K, Sony NW-A306, RIZU or even Surfans F20 are good choices but keep in mind the source audio, DAP and headphones are all parts of the puzzle. Any player with headphones that require a headphone amp wont sound good (loud) without additional power.

  • @hbaez240
    @hbaez240 Рік тому

    Hi. I've read about issues related to a "fade-in" during playback in the HiFi Walker (probably the Surfans too). Has this issue been fixed in firmware update? Is it only when turning on the "gapless play" function or something similar? I can't find a clear response regarding this topic and I would like to be clear on it before I make my decision on buying or not buying one of them.

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  Рік тому +1

      Is your question on this player or another brand?

    • @hbaez240
      @hbaez240 Рік тому

      @@TUXXREVIEWS This exact player (Surfans F20).
      Sorry, I should've been more specific. HiFi Walker H2 and Surfans F20 are almost the exact same player and they basically share the same great qualities and issues. That's why I also mentioned the HiFi.

  • @Bootrosgali
    @Bootrosgali 2 роки тому

    What about patches? When I look at Sonys the huge factor is getting these new sound patches off a guy that makes them and they all swear by it. They literally get a new Sony NWA etc and then they swap out the sound platform for this guys version and it is unanimously said that the player sounds much better with it..

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  2 роки тому

      There have been some updates but its not a regular thing. You could look at as its not urgently needing some kind of fix. I may review a sony one next but too many updates can be annoying.

  • @chrishalle1982
    @chrishalle1982 Рік тому

    You play mp3s with high resolution players? I have a lot of flacs hope it sounds great with flacs.

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  Рік тому

      Yes - Mp3s or higher formats like FLAC are no issue. See each player specs for all music codecs - theres allot.

  • @Chris-ol9tc
    @Chris-ol9tc 3 роки тому

    How is it when you listen to a title on the player and its over and the player jumps to the next song: do you hear a little pause in between or is it smooth? I am asking cause I listen to audiobooks and they have 2-3min tracks and each time it jumps to the next track you hear this little pause and that is enoying

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  3 роки тому +1

      It sounds smooth to me but I know some people report a not smooth transastion

  • @redbishop71
    @redbishop71 2 роки тому

    Fine dusts will creeped in that wheel selector then it will start to become unresponsive.

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  2 роки тому

      Surfans or Astell & Kern?

    • @redbishop71
      @redbishop71 2 роки тому

      @@TUXXREVIEWS I don’t have Astell & Kern, but I still have my iriver h320 since 2004, I managed to replaced the battery once and still holds its charge. I have Surfans but I learned how not to use the wheel selector by using the skip and rewind button.

  • @youknowwhoalready
    @youknowwhoalready 2 роки тому

    How much impedance output do these budget Hi-Fi players support ?? I'm planning on buying the Surfans F20 but i have no idea what headphones(wired) or IEM (wired) should i buy that the player will support.

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  2 роки тому +1

      Hello, I can so its loud and enjoyable without the use of a headphone amp, this hold true for both earbuds and full size headphones. I don't have a way to test the advertised the impedance output so I would encourage you to click the link in description to amazon fine detail tech specs.

    • @philpots3216
      @philpots3216 2 роки тому

      Hifi walker A2, final audio, are great cheapish hi-res in ear headphones, infact they are better than overpriced fashion statements,,,,

  • @john005_
    @john005_ 2 роки тому

    Do both of them have a bluetooth option? and Do both of them remembers/bookmarks where I stopped; this is useful for audiobook and podcasts. Thank you.

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  2 роки тому +1

      Yes they do

    • @john005_
      @john005_ 2 роки тому

      @@TUXXREVIEWS So yes for bluetooth. To be sure, so you mean that if I listen to a podcast .mp3 file of 1hour, and I decide to pause it or stop 30mins, and close the device. when I get back, I can resume where I stopped. lets say at the 30min mark?

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  2 роки тому +1

      @@john005_ The both are Yes to bluetooth. Ive never shut off and powered on to see if it saved last played to point of turning it off. I believe both would boot to menu, its not like a car stereo that will continue playing the same song you turned off. I may test this and add to a future3 follow up video too.

    • @john005_
      @john005_ 2 роки тому

      @@TUXXREVIEWS If not, at least what I hope is whether it is possible to fast forward very fast? How fast can one fast forward, up to 1min, 5min, 10min skip? because, my old sony mp3 player is very slow to fast forward or back.

  • @LauraRea-o3v
    @LauraRea-o3v Рік тому

    compatible with mac os?

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  Рік тому

      It should as long as your mac has a working USB slot. When plugged in the computer it will see it as a hard drive you can move files to and from.

  • @GrungierLampGaming
    @GrungierLampGaming 3 роки тому

    What kinda genre of music you play on them tho?

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  3 роки тому +1

      I personally like alt rock the best, example: NIN, MUSE etc (Sirius Alt Nation type bands) but when it comes to HD audio I check out popular music from the 80s to 2020s (could be pop, rock, r&b, ska, new wave, rap whatever). I've learned that allot of the quality in a Tidal (tidal.com/) master recordings has more to do with how it was recorded and not just numbers listed in file size etc.

  • @seferon100
    @seferon100 2 роки тому

    What about battery live on this MP3 Player? Thank you.

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  2 роки тому

      Ive never had it run out on a single use.

  • @Sjrick
    @Sjrick 3 роки тому

    Do they make cases for them that i can wear on my belt ?

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  3 роки тому +1

      I want to get a case as well. I will look into best options and follow up on this. A case is no problem as there is many options I believe but one with a clip may take extra looking.

    • @Sjrick
      @Sjrick 3 роки тому

      @@TUXXREVIEWS I think because of the complexity of the device, you may have to get it custom made. A nice leather one might work well

  • @ziggytonumaa
    @ziggytonumaa 2 роки тому

    does it have gapless playback?

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  2 роки тому

      yes - but please see amazon link for additional tech specs. How companies define gapless playback may vary.

  • @retro9173
    @retro9173 Рік тому

    SOLD!!!

  • @eileengrove-mp3sl
    @eileengrove-mp3sl Рік тому

    Please don't buy the f20 in the UK I did and it don't work yes I set it up right and yes I sent it back company who them sent back to me and guess what it still don't work I paid £150 for a mp f20 that don't work I not a happy lady bye

  • @nooddood6904
    @nooddood6904 3 роки тому +8

    stopped watching once he said alienware headphones. get a real pair of cans or iems bud

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  3 роки тому +1

      Have you ever used the $300 Alienware headphones? What do you suggest?

    • @PedroPerez80927
      @PedroPerez80927 2 роки тому

      @@TUXXREVIEWS 😂😂😂😂 of course... not

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  2 роки тому +3

      @@PedroPerez80927 Then you just don't know

    • @ToastyTexan911
      @ToastyTexan911 2 роки тому +1

      @@TUXXREVIEWS depending on your budget, start with sennheiser hd58x for over ears and moondrop starflield or aria for iem

    • @mcpoulet13
      @mcpoulet13 2 роки тому

      @@ToastyTexan911 do you prefer the Moondrop Aria or the Starfield?

  • @ohdear2001
    @ohdear2001 2 роки тому +2

    The irony of talking about sound quality when this video sounds atrocious.

    • @TUXXREVIEWS
      @TUXXREVIEWS  2 роки тому +7

      LOL says the person with no videos. This video sounds great as You Tube video can sound, they don't transmit HD audio... BUT keep in mind what your hearing is YOUR COMPUTER, PHONE, TABLET, VIDEOGAME or TV HARDWARE, YOUR SPEAKERS, YOUR INTERNET CONNECTION STREAMING THE VIDEO. Before you use words like "Atrocious" you should look at your own junk hardware.