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K701 amp suggestions? - Page 3

post #31 of 66
10/8/06 at 8:15am
Anybody have any experience using the LDII+ as a pre-amp?

And I've got a question but have no idea how stupid it may sound..
Is there anypoint in using the LDII+ as a pre-amp for a HEADFIVE?


I'm quite keen on a tube amp but my first amp hasn't even arrived yet!
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post #32 of 66
10/8/06 at 2:27pm
Just another vote for the LD2+, goes great with my k701's. Significant difference going from a pa2v2.
Yeah, it gets reasonably hot, but I can leave it on for 3-4 hours, and it's just fine.
Usually a 15-25 min. warmup is best to get really good SQ. It'll sound its best after 15-20hours use.
Nothing special to know about tubes, just make sure they are plugged in securly, and make sure the rear power cord is plugged in tightly.
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post #33 of 66
10/10/06 at 8:14pm
Thread Starter 
Ok. I've got a few questions.

How do I set up the ASIO output in winamp? I downloaded the file, but don't know what .dll i need to use.

And just out of curiousity, what other tube/solid state amps in my price range are available that compliment the k701 well?

If it helps, I'll mention again, that I listen to a bit of everything, but mainly rock. I also do a fair amount of gaming. Right now I'm set on the LDII+, but I want to see my other choices. As far as pricing, the LDII+ is already pushing the envelope, but I'm willing to go there. ($176 total, $185 with insurance)
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post #34 of 66
10/11/06 at 4:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by PYROphonez
Ok. I've got a few questions.

How do I set up the ASIO output in winamp? I downloaded the file, but don't know what .dll i need to use.

And just out of curiousity, what other tube/solid state amps in my price range are available that compliment the k701 well?

If it helps, I'll mention again, that I listen to a bit of everything, but mainly rock. I also do a fair amount of gaming. Right now I'm set on the LDII+, but I want to see my other choices. As far as pricing, the LDII+ is already pushing the envelope, but I'm willing to go there. ($176 total, $185 with insurance)
Pyro, I have finally achieved audio bliss after 4 long years and thousands of dollars spent. I have tried speakers, headphones, amps, preamps, cd players, etc. but have never achieved that "sweet sound" until today. My setup: AKG 701's, Musical Hall Maverick SACD/CD player, Antique Sound Labs MG 32 Head OTL Amp. I finally realized today (after 4 years) that the high/low switch on this amp meant high impendance / low impendance. I accidentally flipped the switch to low impendance and holy crap I was in audio heaven. My recommendation: Try to find a used MG 32 Head OTL Amp. They go for $250 on Audiogon or E-bay. If $250 is still too steep than at least hang on to these headphones and upgrade to a better amp later. None of the amps people have recommended will bring out the K-701 full potential. Stay away from the PA2V2 and the Headfive (I own both and they are a poor choice for the K-701's). I suppose for the time being the Little Dot II+ will serve your needs, but if you are not fully satisfied with the sound remember it's not the headphones, it's the amp. Good luck and welcome to the K-701 club.
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post #35 of 66
10/11/06 at 2:40pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the info senn650fan.

Yes, $250 is pushing my original budget by about $100. I'm just willing to buy the LDII+, because it seems like a good compliment to the K701s. It's also a fairly small size compared to some other tube amps I've seen, so if i take it off to college, it won't take up my whole desk.

I'm still open to suggestions if anybody has some good experience with some other amps in the price range.
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post #36 of 66
10/11/06 at 9:33pm
Thread Starter 
^Bump^

I'm curious as to what my other choices are. I was looking at one of the Firestones, but I don't think that's what I want. Is it? It's also pushing the price even further.
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post #37 of 66
10/12/06 at 7:36pm
Thread Starter 
Nothing?

Somebody, please give me some different options. I like the idea of buying an LDII+, but I want to see my options. Any opinions or suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks.
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post #38 of 66
10/12/06 at 7:51pm
There aren't that many worthwhile options for the K701s in your projected budget range, aside from the suggestions already offered. It's easy to drive the 701s loud, but not easy to drive them well.
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post #39 of 66
10/12/06 at 8:02pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Romanee
There aren't that many worthwhile options for the K701s in your projected budget range, aside from the suggestions already offered. It's easy to drive the 701s loud, but not easy to drive them well.
Thanks for the comment. Any new knownledge to me is helpful.
So you're pretty much saying I should stick with the LDII+ for my price range?
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post #40 of 66
10/12/06 at 8:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by PYROphonez
Thanks for the comment. Any new knownledge to me is helpful.
So you're pretty much saying I should stick with the LDII+ for my price range?
Sadly I haven't yet heard one, but the 701 does like tubes (I love the 701s with the RKV-MkII+EC/DC -- gorgeous sound, but at a much higher price of course).

The LDII+ seems to be a very nice little amp for the price. The latest I see on ebay has Mullard tubes, which is even nicer. (Mullards tend to be pricier, and the sound tends to be warm and lush, though I have no experience with the Mullard EF92.)
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post #41 of 66
10/12/06 at 8:38pm
Here are a couple of relevant links, one to a specific favorable comment, and one to the general LDII+ thread -- if you haven't already read through. Towards the end of the thread there's some chat about some problems with the output tubes -- though obviously the front end Mullards are fine. The problem was answered with a note that the manufacturer sells replacement tube kits for a very reasonable price.

I'm sure there are more favorable 701 references, but I don't have more time to research for you. Do some searching.


LDII+ & K701 -- nice...

LDII+ Thread (10 pages to date)
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post #42 of 66
10/12/06 at 8:48pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Romanee
Here are a couple of relevant links, one to a specific favorable comment, and one to the general LDII+ thread -- if you haven't already read through. Towards the end of the thread there's some chat about some problems with the output tubes -- though obviously the front end Mullards are fine. The problem was answered with a note that the manufacturer sells replacement tube kits for a very reasonable price.

I'm sure there are more favorable 701 references, but I don't have more time to research for you. Do some searching.


LDII+ & K701 -- nice...

LDII+ Thread (10 pages to date)
Thanks for that LDII+ and K701 link. I was looking for people talking about how they went together. As for the LDII+ thread, I looked it over once or twice. Thanks for helping out.
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post #43 of 66
10/12/06 at 9:47pm
Just to update my use with the LD2+ and k701.

I don't have too much amp expirence, but the LD2+ is a very clean and pleasent sounding amp. There is never any hiss or off sounds. I do have concerns with the power tube issue, but it sounds like the LD peoples are taking care of it.

The only downside to the k701 LD2+ I see is the power to deliver LOUD volumes. Some recoredings I feel need to be listened to at a grater volume, and when the passages get complex the amp chokes, though I am sure this is due the impedence of the k701's. For example Massive Attack's Angel from Mezanine has a very hard and driving bass line. Towards the middle and end of the song, with the full bass line and the percussion hitting all at once the amp clips. When I use my HD590's (which don't sound nearly as good) running at 120 ohms, there is no clippling. I have removed the gain jumpers, can't really tell much difference.

I don't want to press that this amp is not good. For the price I would say this amp kicks ass. Just my preference with listening volume on some songs can be disappointing. Though where I want to be is gonna cost ~$ 750.

I would still recommend this amp to anyone looking to get into tubes with a great sound for a good dollar.

B
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post #44 of 66
10/12/06 at 9:59pm

my new K701's... Ray Samuels

Quote:
Originally Posted by PYROphonez
Thanks to the amazing generosity of the forum member Afrikane, a pair of K701's are being shipped my way.
I have my K701's im about to purchase RS's The Hornet. i did a little reseach..
Im still a bit noobish. plus i want to get somthing good instead of muckin about with lesser portable amp's. this hornet looks the way to go for me.

Unless anyone can suggest a better portable amp..
(hope i posted this in the right place, its my first forum post)
hard to navigate if you will.

I also need to get a new mp3 player my ipod mini (the old one) has had it.
anymore suggestions?

again sorry for posting two diff questions..
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post #45 of 66
10/12/06 at 9:59pm
Thread Starter 
That settles it I guess. (again) LD2+ it is. I can't wait for the K701's to arrive. (I believe they are being held hostage by customs right now)
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