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AKG K701's with Matrix mini-i?

post #1 of 12
12/4/10 at 2:35pm
Thread Starter 

I have recently ordered a pair of AKG K701's and am now looking for something to run them fairly well (not looking to spend $1K quite yet, but eventually). Would the Matrix Mini-i do the job relatively nicely? I realize you get what you pay for, but I'm still just a student with a part time job rolleyes.gif

 

Edit: i just saw another DAC/AMP called the Matrix Cube. which of the two would be better for the headphones? I dont mind buying either one


Edited by JPresz - 12/4/10 at 5:08pm
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post #2 of 12
12/4/10 at 9:58pm
Thread Starter 

anyone?

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post #3 of 12
12/19/10 at 11:28pm

Either of those DAC/amps would drive the K701s.

However, you should look at what others are saying about those particular DAC/amps before deciding.

 

For example; it looks like the Matrix Mini-I needs time before it will shine, so it might be a bit harsh to start with.

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post #4 of 12
12/20/10 at 6:35pm
Thread Starter 

thanks for the input. I'm sure it wont be that harsh compared to what I'm using right now (Bose over ear [yes, I know]). But I'll be using them quite often, so it won't take long for them to burn in.

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post #5 of 12
12/21/10 at 11:53pm

I have the Matix Mini and AGK702s. They Matrix can indeed drive the 702s however I prefer to use my Woo Audio tube headphone amp to warm up and broaden the soundstage. To my ears the Matrix can be a little digital (harsh) at high frequencies. If you want a great DAC with headphone amp the Matrix will suffice, but I wouldn't consider this as a optimal arrangement without the magic of tubes in your signal path. Just me 2 cents though smily_headphones1.gif

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post #6 of 12
12/22/10 at 1:27pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by toriko View Post

I have the Matix Mini and AGK702s. They Matrix can indeed drive the 702s however I prefer to use my Woo Audio tube headphone amp to warm up and broaden the soundstage. To my ears the Matrix can be a little digital (harsh) at high frequencies. If you want a great DAC with headphone amp the Matrix will suffice, but I wouldn't consider this as a optimal arrangement without the magic of tubes in your signal path. Just me 2 cents though smily_headphones1.gif



thanks, in the future I'm going to expand to an actual amp and use the Magic as a DAC, but for now I'll have to deal with it until I acquire the funds

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post #7 of 12
12/22/10 at 2:33pm

I haven't used the Matrix mini, but the HA-160 drives the AKG very well. 

 

How much is your budget for buying a headphone amp? 

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post #8 of 12
12/22/10 at 2:58pm
Thread Starter 

I don't have a "set" budget, but just keep in mind that I'm still in high school with a part time job that only pays $10.25 an hour

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post #9 of 12
12/22/10 at 7:16pm

I don't think these cans are as hard to drive as some folks on this forum maintain. I have new K702s. Curious to hear if I'd get any sound at all, I recently tried listening with them to music on an older Dell laptop with no card, just an onboard A-D chip. Sounded fine, though I'd surely notice a difference if I had a high-end amp. You may have a headphone jack in your receiver. These usually aren't high-end, but you'll get decent sound.

 

My current interim desktop headphone amp is a Presonus hp4, which is a cheap and handy device to have since it has 4 phone channels. They often sell used on Ebay for under $50. This or something in the same low price category could tide you over till you can afford something more ambitious. In your income category I would suggest exploring the Do-It-Yourself options if you can learn how to solder and read circuit diagrams, since the price-performance ratio is generally better than pre-built.  Or buy somebody's used DIY amp here in the For Sale forum.

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post #10 of 12
12/22/10 at 9:44pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by renlute View Post

I don't think these cans are as hard to drive as some folks on this forum maintain. I have new K702s. Curious to hear if I'd get any sound at all, I recently tried listening with them to music on an older Dell laptop with no card, just an onboard A-D chip. Sounded fine, though I'd surely notice a difference if I had a high-end amp. You may have a headphone jack in your receiver. These usually aren't high-end, but you'll get decent sound.

 

My current interim desktop headphone amp is a Presonus hp4, which is a cheap and handy device to have since it has 4 phone channels. They often sell used on Ebay for under $50. This or something in the same low price category could tide you over till you can afford something more ambitious. In your income category I would suggest exploring the Do-It-Yourself options if you can learn how to solder and read circuit diagrams, since the price-performance ratio is generally better than pre-built.  Or buy somebody's used DIY amp here in the For Sale forum.


 

I don't mind spending around 300 for an amp/dac. using Bose tri's right now, it'll probably be an improvement without an amp/dac


Edited by JPresz - 12/22/10 at 9:46pm
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post #11 of 12
12/23/10 at 2:53am

Take a look at Audinst HUD-MX1. Plenty of juice for the AKG 701 provided you use the included PSU. No need to increase the gain either to drive the K701s to ear-shattering volume.

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post #12 of 12
12/23/10 at 5:21am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by fglx View Post

Take a look at Audinst HUD-MX1. Plenty of juice for the AKG 701 provided you use the included PSU. No need to increase the gain either to drive the K701s to ear-shattering volume.



which of the two would run them better? I can get either one fairly soon. Also, is the Audinst USB 16/44 or 24/96 (I'm acquiring vinyl rips, so I'd like to hear them in 24/96)


Edited by JPresz - 12/23/10 at 12:28pm
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