I've started new thread to get exact response for my question. With that being said, I have researched varity of amps for my AKG K701 but I don't know WHAT TO GET... there's too many that people recommanded and for me, every amps seems good from my headphone -_-;; (Yes, I'm a noob at headphone/amps so I need help from you guys )
 
My budget is around $200~300 and I intend to buy it from online, so if anyone got a recommandation with a link for me to buy, it would be appreciated
 
Okay, so specifically, which desktop amp should I get for my AKG K701?? and some of the recommandation from other thread that I saw was such as: Matrix-M Stage, SR-71, LD MkII etc... there are so many to choose from.... and I don't what is best for my headphone...
 
On the other head, I heard from other people that I should just upgrade my sound card for my desktop instead getting an new amp. Since, I will be using my headphone mainly on desktop, upgrading the sound card is not a bad idea it seems... but I'm a noob so I don't know what's best for me...
 
So, as you can see, I'm confused and lost in buying a new desktop amp.... I don't know which one is best for my AKG K701 and please, if possible, give me an direct answer and not just listing amps for my to choose from...
 
 
Thanks a lot guys really appreciate your help ^^

Anyone? somebody?? "Bump"

since I couldn't find the m-stage specs I looked at the Lehmann BC specs - 400 mW into 60 Ohms is pretty good for the K701 62 Ohm, 93 dB/mW sensitivity ~= 119 dB SPL clipping level
 
reproducing dynamic peaks isn't the only reason to select an amp but the m-stage at least doesn't fail on this spec if it really is a clone
 
I would avoid tube amps for the K701 at this price level - decent output xfmr cost $50 each channel so you won't see the good stuff in a tube amp at a $300 price point

I have got AKG K601, they are even harder to drive than k701s. M-stage does a good job on these.  Sounds very good in stock. Much more punch and better controlled bass than with my Auzentech Prelude alone. And upgrading the opamp to something better like OPA627 or better, will definitely rise its performance min 2 levels higher. I´m experimenting with AD797BR right now. With little modifications on the m-stage you get an awsome soundstage and very deep &rich bass.
 
But also leaving it stock you won´t regret buying an m-stage.

Schiit Asgard would be a great entry into the amp world.
 
Schiit Asgard 

best is to look up reviews comparing those amps. you can always easily hit up google and search e.g. matrix m-stage vs schiit asgard, etc.
 
that's how i ended up deciding on the m-stage. there's a number of factors you should also consider, most importantly the DAC that you plan on pairing the amp up with. Do they synergise well?
 
Once again, you can use google for that. For instance, I have an audinst hud-mx1 and I wanted an improved amp section, so i just googled audinst + m-stage on google...
 
just google combinations and see which one you prefer the most...there's already enough information on the net as it is, and people aren't likely to regurgitate all this information for you when you are well capable of doing your own research.

I would suggest saving up more money so you can get an amp and upgrade your source at the same time - maybe some type of tube amp and a good USB DAC. Getting both at the same time would probably require more than $500. Until then, I'd say don't bother getting anything.
 
Quote:

kboe said:

Schiit Asgard would be a great entry into the amp world.  
Schiit Asgard 

Click to expand...

The Asgard doesn't drive the K701 very well. The Valhalla, on the other hand, might be a better option but I can't say since I haven't tried it.

Quote:

asr said:

I would suggest saving up more money so you can get an amp and upgrade your source at the same time - maybe some type of tube amp and a good USB DAC. Getting both at the same time would probably require more than $500. Until then, I'd say don't bother getting anything.
 
Quote:

kboe said:

Schiit Asgard would be a great entry into the amp world.  
Schiit Asgard 

Click to expand...

The Asgard doesn't drive the K701 very well. The Valhalla, on the other hand, might be a better option but I can't say since I haven't tried it.

Click to expand...

Tnx for the info guys , anyway regarding to your info:
 
I heard tube amp does not work well with K701 and I saw in other reviews as well saying don't get the tube amps... I really don't know what's the difference is...
 
And also, what is DAC?? is it some kind of adapter for USB or something??

Anyone?? *Bump*

the gilmore lite/dynalo and M^3 go well with k701's imo.

Quote:

chococya96 said:

I heard tube amp does not work well with K701 and I saw in other reviews as well saying don't get the tube amps... I really don't know what's the difference is...
 
And also, what is DAC?? is it some kind of adapter for USB or something??

Click to expand...

Tube amps actually do work well with k701 but not really the entry level models, you would need to go with something like wooaudio.
 
DAC in simple terms is like a external soundcard,  you can connect it through usb or optical cable to your computer. getting a dac would make the sound a lot better if your computer soundcard isnt very good. you can check out some entry level dacs like nuforce udac, udac2.
 
getting a dac/amp combo should be a better option esp if your budget is small. a good dac/amp combo for you would be a yulong dah1 or d100. they are decent dac/amp combo which should be able to drive the k701 and serve as a dac and you always have the option of upgrading your amp when you have more cash.
 
some impression of the yulong http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/483632/the-perfect-amp-for-k702