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Should I buy a new amp?

post #1 of 6
11/23/10 at 1:02pm
Thread Starter 

Currently im powering my AKG 702's off of my Philips FWM779 usb pc link stereo which has its own amp/dac the stats of the stereo say its a "Class 'D' Digital Amplifier for quality sound performance , # Amplifier Output ...Details 250.0 Watt - THD 10.0 % - 2.0 channel(s) ( Main ) , # Output Power / Total 500.0 Watt.

 

For 500watts this stereo has an awesome amount of power and drives my AKG 702's very well with an amazing soundstage and crystal clear sound, I can define each individual instrument clearly, make out what people are saying in the audience during a live performance etc. bass response is getting better and better the more I burn them in.  When I crank my stereo up to 30-33/40 of max power/volume the headphones actually become to powerful/loud like you would find in a club standing not far from really powerful/awesome speakers.  Am I missing out? my friend recomend I check out this amp/dac http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/509484/gilmore-x2-coming-soon-with-optional-24-96-asynchronous-usb-dac

 

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post #2 of 6
11/23/10 at 9:29pm
Thread Starter 

bump

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post #3 of 6
11/23/10 at 9:42pm

HeadAmp has a good reputation of performance and craftsmanship, though I can't vouch for that personally, as I've never seen or owned any of their amps. Considering the volume level at which you listen, I think the difference in performance would be negligible.

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post #4 of 6
11/24/10 at 5:05am

It's unlikely that the Philips is putting out 500 watts. I would say 50 watts is a more reasonable figure. 

 

Looking at the specifications, here's what it states for USB:

 

 

Frequency response ...... 50 – 18000 Hz, ≤ ±3 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio .......................................... ≥ 62 dBA
Channel separation .............................. ≥ 35 dB (1 kHz)
Total harmonic distortion ............... < 0.3% (1 kHz)
 
That's pretty bad.
 
I think you should get a DAC and AMP of some sort to get the most out of your K702's. 
 
Jack
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post #5 of 6
11/24/10 at 5:19am

I would recommend the Nuforce HDP, from personal experience.  It will set you back about $450 USD, but it's a world-class DAC and the amp is more than powerful enough to handle your AKGs.


Edited by SoulSyde - 11/24/10 at 5:20am
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post #6 of 6
11/24/10 at 4:43pm
Thread Starter 

Thankyou that is what I wanted to know.

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