I'm a complete newb so some (or all) of what I say below might be wrong. However, I have done a decent amount of research in these forums, so hopefully what I've learned is mostly correct. I wanted to make at least 1 post in these forums and make sure that I haven't missed anything. If anything that I say below is wrong, PLEASE correct me before I go and waste a bunch of money 
Right now I am considering the following setup:
320/FLAC source files -> laptop usb port -> E-MU 0404 (external DAC) -> Little Dot I+ (cheap amp with low output impedance, high current output)-> AKG K701 headphones
I plan to use this this setup for practicing guitar on top of backing tracks; primarly rock/blues/funk genres (i.e. red hot chili peppers). The EMU0404 has a guitar input and several amp models, which is one of the main reasons why I chose it (along with its supposedly good sound quality). Of course, I'll also listen to music too, so sound quality still matters
Despite criticism on these forums, I've decided on the k701 for the following reasons:
---1) i plan to practice guitar with this headset, so comfort is one of my biggest concerns (ill be wearing them for hours at a time). most people seem to agree that the k701's design is comfortable for extended wear
---2) the characteristic noise leaking is not an issue, since my unamplified guitar is probably just as loud (or louder) than the leaked sound. i will also be practicing in a relatively quiet place. thus, the open design seems to be preferrable
---3) the k701s supposedly have weak bass but good mid/uppers. from my research, it seems to me that the weak bass is often due to improper amp setups (the k701 demands high wattage/current, low voltage, low resistance). However, even if their bass is bad, my main concern is the mid/upper ranges, since the point of the whole rig is to hear my own guitar clearly. A weak bass is not so bad, unless it is TRULY terrible. if this is the case, please tell me
---4) I want headphones that have good sound isolation so I can clearly hear the different instruments when I am practicing. supposedly the k701 is good at this?
My DAC/amp decisions are a little less educated so I hope I'm in the right ballpark...
I chose the emu-0404 because it is a cheap DAC with good sound that also supports a direct guitar input. I chose the LDI+ amp because it is the cheapest hybrid amp of decent quality (afaik).
Is there any part of my setup that I should reconsider? I know I might be overanalyzing things considering my somewhat low budget, but I have basically no experience with audio equipment (outside of ipod headphones) so don't want throw away money due to ignorance
thanks in advance for any help/advice
Right now I am considering the following setup:
320/FLAC source files -> laptop usb port -> E-MU 0404 (external DAC) -> Little Dot I+ (cheap amp with low output impedance, high current output)-> AKG K701 headphones
I plan to use this this setup for practicing guitar on top of backing tracks; primarly rock/blues/funk genres (i.e. red hot chili peppers). The EMU0404 has a guitar input and several amp models, which is one of the main reasons why I chose it (along with its supposedly good sound quality). Of course, I'll also listen to music too, so sound quality still matters
Despite criticism on these forums, I've decided on the k701 for the following reasons:
---1) i plan to practice guitar with this headset, so comfort is one of my biggest concerns (ill be wearing them for hours at a time). most people seem to agree that the k701's design is comfortable for extended wear
---2) the characteristic noise leaking is not an issue, since my unamplified guitar is probably just as loud (or louder) than the leaked sound. i will also be practicing in a relatively quiet place. thus, the open design seems to be preferrable
---3) the k701s supposedly have weak bass but good mid/uppers. from my research, it seems to me that the weak bass is often due to improper amp setups (the k701 demands high wattage/current, low voltage, low resistance). However, even if their bass is bad, my main concern is the mid/upper ranges, since the point of the whole rig is to hear my own guitar clearly. A weak bass is not so bad, unless it is TRULY terrible. if this is the case, please tell me
---4) I want headphones that have good sound isolation so I can clearly hear the different instruments when I am practicing. supposedly the k701 is good at this?
My DAC/amp decisions are a little less educated so I hope I'm in the right ballpark...
I chose the emu-0404 because it is a cheap DAC with good sound that also supports a direct guitar input. I chose the LDI+ amp because it is the cheapest hybrid amp of decent quality (afaik).
Is there any part of my setup that I should reconsider? I know I might be overanalyzing things considering my somewhat low budget, but I have basically no experience with audio equipment (outside of ipod headphones) so don't want throw away money due to ignorance
thanks in advance for any help/advice
