AKG K-501s

[Uncle Erik]

Originally Posted by udeupa

Excuse me, but what is CKK3 stand for?
Better than Cantate?

That's the CK2III from AMB. You can find more here:

The Cavalli-Kan Kumisa III Stereo Headphone Amplifier

I built one a little after the PCBs were released. Excellent little amp and it does well with the K-501. I have not heard the Cantate, so I can't compare.

I can say that the parts for the CK2III are a bit cheaper, though.

However, I still the K-501 is at its best when driven by tubes. For $500, you could probably find a used Singlepower PPX3, which is terrific with the K-501. Check the For Sale Forum and look at the others, as well.

[mrarroyo]

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik

That's the CK2III from AMB. You can find more here:

The Cavalli-Kan Kumisa III Stereo Headphone Amplifier

I built one a little after the PCBs were released. Excellent little amp and it does well with the K-501. I have not heard the Cantate, so I can't compare.

I can say that the parts for the CK2III are a bit cheaper, though.

However, I still the K-501 is at its best when driven by tubes. For $500, you could probably find a used Singlepower PPX3, which is terrific with the K-501. Check the For Sale Forum and look at the others, as well.

The Green Solo, the Musical Fidelity X-Can V2, or the O2 Headphone/DAC all do well. The last two are much cheaper ($175 or $250 respectively).

[zipdisk]

Originally Posted by mrarroyo

The Green Solo, the Musical Fidelity X-Can V2, or the O2 Headphone/DAC all do well. The last two are much cheaper ($175 or $250 respectively).

I have the XCan V2, modded by Mike of Rock Grotto fame, and it's very, very nice. I'm using Mitsu****a tubes and it drives the K501s comfortably; it will even drive my 600 ohm 240DFs. A modded v2 with an auxilliary power supply is an impressive amp after you fine tune it with the tubes you like.

[pataburd]

I'm driving the APS V2-recabled K501 with the Bada PH-12 (3x 6SN7 & 2x Toshiba 2SK1529 MosFET) and am very, very happy with the synergy. Ditto for the RAL-recabled K701! : )