Topic: AKG k701 > AMP Suggestions?

[tgakidis]

I just ordered a set of akg k701 headphones (in line with my akg fetish) and plan to use them mainly with my computer mixing/tracking/listening.  A headphone amp has been recommeded In most of the reviews i read about the k701's.  I really don't wanna spend alot of $$ and don't want a big old bulky box.  Suggestions greatly appreciated.

[noahbickart]

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,109316.0.html

[tgakidis]

Thanks, I actually checked out that thread and those seemed more geared towards nice play back systems.  My play back is through my laptop on my dinning room table.  My goal is to achive boost to the head phones with a small footprint.  My better half always jokes, but I know she is serious, that my laptop looks like it's part of the borg collective with my 4 usb port plugged with random drives .

I decided to go with a Headstage Lyrix USB for use with my laptop.  It's basicly a high quality external sound card that is used as a DAC via a usb connection.  It's also totally portable and I can use it in the field with my Sony mdr-7506's (The K701's will never leave the house) and with my ipod and iriver.  The folks over at head-fi.org seemed to think it's a nice piece of equipment for it size and uses.  I presently have my bm2p+ UA-5 in the mix.  It has a digi switch which allows you to switch back to usb (computer based) from the stand alone digi mod we all are familiar with.  It's just not giving me the boost that I need.  I will report back once the headstage comes in.

http://www.headphonia.com/Lyrix-Amp:::1001.html?XTCsid=a84a74dc0f0b698e2a6111825e06253e

[noahbickart]

Seriously, go with the zero. It's $150, and competes with the real high end dacs and head amps. That fact that you can use it as a stand alone DAC and a digital preamp is only a bonus.

-Noah

http://cgi.ebay.com/ZERO-24-192-DAC-D-A-CONVERTOR-HEAD-FI-AMP-BRAND-NEW_W0QQitemZ110287172415QQihZ001QQcategoryZ14978QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[tgakidis]

Seriously, go with the zero. It's $150, and competes with the real high end dacs and head amps. That fact that you can use it as a stand alone DAC and a digital preamp is only a bonus.

-Noah

http://cgi.ebay.com/ZERO-24-192-DAC-D-A-CONVERTOR-HEAD-FI-AMP-BRAND-NEW_W0QQitemZ110287172415QQihZ001QQcategoryZ14978QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Great suggestion!!  The folks at head-fi seem to love this unit.  +T

[noahbickart]

Yup, that's where I got wind of it as well.

-Noah

[run_run_run]

What did you end up getting Teddy? I just got some the AKG 240DF headphones for $35 shipped, they sound great put also need pop.

[NOLAfishwater]

What did you end up getting Teddy? I just got some the AKG 240DF headphones for $35 shipped, they sound great put also need pop.

grab one of these http://www.onheadphones.com/product-reviews/amplifiers/jds-labs-cmoy-bass-boost-v2.00.html

you can buy it here: http://jseaber.com/cMoy/


if you want to spend more cash check out this tube amp
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/review-little-dot-mkii-tube-headphone-amp-pre-amp-284835/

buy them on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/Little-Dot-MK-III-Headphone-Tube-Amplifier-Pre-Amp_W0QQitemZ190255151291QQcmdZViewItem

[tgakidis]

Zero just showed up and hooked it up to my computer with the free usb > optical convertor.  Very nice, powers the k701's very nicely.  I hooked up to my sony mdr-7506 headphones and it is way overkill for those.  Very excited that i can now use the k701's to there fullest potential.  Looking forward to what the combo will sound like after a nice long burn-in period. 

Plus T's all around, Ted