Q701 appreciation thread - Page 162

Anyone want to be my test dummy when they're listening to the Q701?

I noticed when I removed the Q701 inner grill and foam the sound seems actually warmer. Makes no sense right? It seems a tad less clear, but not really. Just different. The difference is easier to detect in very warm recordings. I was listening to some Tony Bennett stuff with a good soundstage.

Don't use metal objects! I used a priority mail tag, tape works too. Just twist it to the left. Remove some of the stickyness with your fingers if needed. Don't use duck tape

Some will think I'm nuts, but you can hear the differences when making changes in this area. I'm baffled by how removing the grill makes them sound maybe a tad warmer. I mean so much that it's barely worth pointing out.

Also try it if you're bored with the Q701 grill without the foam.

BTW the Q701 sounds much smoother than the K601 to my ears. The low mids on the K601 are much leaner though, but the K601 has more forward upper mids and low treble though. Q701 is much warmer. If you use Q701 pads on the K601, the K601 is warmer. Weird right? Oh and the Q701 does seem to have better treble extension, but sounds smoother.

Here's something that will really confuse (and annoy) you:

No grill or grill with foam on Q701: Sounds basically the same. Maybe a tad warmer with it removed. Makes no sense!

K601 grill: Everything sounds a bit more distant. Imaging seems worse. Brain fooled. Not as clear. Detail is harder to hear.

Q701 grill with no foam (this has a a dime size area blocked off): My ears aren't this good. Slightly better than K601 grills.

K601 grill with foam: Clearer than stock, but treble is harsher. Not as smooth overall. I actually like this configuration. Easier to spot detail.

Stock: So much smoother than K601 grill with foam. Might sound less clear, but slightly warmer. This sounds perfect.

One idea is to try the Q701 with no grill and just foam over the outside.

NOTE: This all wasn't a joke. Feel free to proclaim i'm hearing things. You might be right!

I'm definitely not a believer that you can turn a K701 into a Q701 and vice versa. My idea is maybe Q701 pads are different than K701 pads. Doubt it.

BTW up next i'll compare the sound quality differences of my collection of 200 headphone plug adapters. Each will get a one week analysis (including burn in) and a 10 paragraph review and picture.

Quote:

Originally Posted by derbigpr 

 

 

So if you were to chose one of the Magni, E9, or Headroom Microamp for Q701, which one would it be? Regardless of price, how would you rate them in terms of sound quality and how well they work with the AKG's?  I'm looking for a small amp like that which I could carry around with me. Not portable, just a small desktop one.

 

And by the way, how effective is crossfeed on the Headroom Micro?

I haven't had a ton of amps, but my favorite is the Headroom Micro. It was my upgrade from the Asgard and I expected to return it, but ended up keeping it and selling the Asgard. It's a bit pricey compared to the Asgard (it's $350), O2 and Magni, but it's been worth it for me. My first reaction was that it was overpriced and all plastic, but it's 100% not plastic. Metal with rubber "bumpers". I was sad when I first unboxed it because it was so tiny and I said "There's no way this could drive a Q701!"

I've found it to be very transparent, but not "cold and analytical". It plays equally well with all headphones.

It's especially good with every AKG i've had including the K400,501, 601 and Q701. I hated the K400 with it, but it turns out it was due to the HRT MSII DAC!

BTW the Micro Amp is as powerful as any desktop amp, but does have an external brick power supply. I just upgraded to the Astrodyne power supply which is much smaller. It also improves the sound of the Q701 a bit (hard to believe, I know).

I don't use Crossfeed at all usually. It does make everything sound smoother and improves imaging, but it seems to add slight warmth to the sound. The improvements in imaging are especially noticeable when using the Q701 or gaming.

There's really not a massive difference between the Magni and Micro. The Micro does sound much better with the Q701 though and it's much smoother. The bass is a bit better too.

Not sure why I got the Magni, but it's been interesting comparing it to the Micro. I use the Magni mostly for gaming and for when I work downstairs.

Oh yeah, ODAC sounds great with the Micro too! The Micro is very revealing of what's connected to it (just like the Magni).