Need an amp for AKGK701 with Digital/fibre input + built in DAC? - Page 2

I'm sure you can't really go wrong with any of those choices as far as sound quality goes since they're much talked about/revered products.

You might as well cross the Burson off your list since there is no optical in.  One of the reasons I didn't end up going with it (that and I'm not a fan of stepped anntenuators).

The one thing that turned me away from Schiit was the lack of flexibility with their products.

One input, no preamps, etc.  That may or may not be a factor.  If not, then this may be a product for you.

The HDP and DACmini both offer optical in and flexibility.  I guess at this point it comes down to reading impressions of the HDP and/or DACmini and the 701s.

It's also a bit nice that the HDP is cheaper than all of the above, but like I said, make sure you read impressions to make sure it's the sound you want and to make sure the 701s are driven properly (which it should be).

Schiit are very popular here on Head-fi - especially in the US. I have not heard the BiFrost/Lyr combination with the 701, but I do not see any reason why it shouldn't be good. 

Burson tends to be very expensive in the US, but if it falls in your price range down there - the 160 + 701 is a legendary combination - if you can afford it, that would be my recommendation. 

The DACMini still should be great. 

Ignore the NuForce. 

It sounded like this was for the separate HA-160 Head amp and DA160 Dac, which does have an optical in.
 

    Quote:

Originally Posted by liamstrain 

It sounded like this was for the separate HA-160 Head amp and DA160 Dac, which does have an optical in.
 

That's annoying.  Why can't they offer it in other models?  I was just going to make too many sacrifices with the Burson.  I know I made the right choice, but still annoys me regardless.

That's my first instinct as well, but I've never heard that particular product.

Quote:

Originally Posted by liamstrain 

The DACMini still should be great. 

I can't attest to the synergy personally with the 701s, but I can say it's an excellent piece of gear and has made plenty of people happy.