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ALO Audio update International+ with ‘Optical Edition’

  • First generation Astell&Kern DAP owners who considered the original International+ a case of close-but-no-cigar might want to take a look at the updated ‘Optical Edition’ from Portland manufacturer ALO Audio.

    The International+ ‘Optical Edition’ maintains the diminutive size of its forerunner which means an original AK100 or AK120 can still be rubber-strapped to its back without either protruding. However, whilst the original International+ could parse only analogue signals from the South Korean DAP, the new model comes loaded with an optical input for off-board D/A conversion – at which point the attached AK100/AK120 serves as transport only. Straight and right-angled optical cables ship inside the box.

    The new 3.5mm optical input sits adjacent to the two mini USB ports: one’s for connecting a compatible smartphone, PC or Mac whilst the other is used for charging the International+’s internal battery, from which you’ll get anything between 7 and 15 hours (depending on type of usage).

    alo_audio_int_optical_edition_1

    The other big change is internal. Gone is the Cirrus Logic CS4398 DAC chip found in the original International+. It’s been replaced by the increasingly popular, mobile-friendly ES90182KM chip from ESS Labs. The upshot is an ability to handle up to 24bit/192kHz PCM. DSD decoding is possible too but limited to the USB input.

    The circuit design remains balanced throughout with ALO’s own mini-balanced connector complementing the 3.5mm single-ended headphone output.

    Lastly, the new ‘Optical Edition’ ships with a zip-locking, padded carry-case and is available only in black. The price remains the same as the original: US$599.

    You can read my review of the original International+ here.

    Further information: ALO Audio

    Written by John

    John currently lives in Berlin where he creates videos and podcasts for Darko.Audio. He has previously contributed to 6moons, TONEAudio, AudioStream and Stereophile.

    Darko.Audio is a member of EISA.

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