titanium hd soundcard, now what amp for my headphones?

The E9 should do the trick, based on what I've heard around here. Can't confirm it for certain without actually owning an E9 and a K701, but I'd be surprised if it wasn't enough of an amp for it.

You won't be losing out on DSP features like EAX or CMSS-3D Headphone or anything by using an amp. They go through both the analog outputs and even S/PDIF if you eventually want to use an external DAC.

The Fiio E9 is a good choice for a affordable powerful amp, But the default OPA2134s in the E9. Is not a good match with the AKG 702s. If your gonna use the E9, your gonna have to change the opa2134 in the dip-8 behind the headphone jack. To either LT1364,LT1361, or LT1057ACN8.  Which I did when I had my AKG 702, I also suggest you use high gain on the fiio E9 if you get it.

If you don't like the idea of opening up the Fiio E9 to change the op-amp to one that work better with the AKG 702s, then you be better off with a different amp. A Torx T5 screw driver is req to open it up,but may void its warranty. Also you will need something with a angle so you can lift up to pull up the op-amp out the dip-8 socket.

Some one else should come in with other amp suggestions that work well with the AKG 702s.

Quote:

Originally Posted by eduardmc 
I have a titanium HD soundcard pair with a AD700.  i already read about how easy the ad700 are to drive and probably don't need a amp.   I want a amp for future upgrade cause looking into AKG701 and this is a reason why a want to have the amp ready for it.   Now my question is since i have read that the titanium HD soundcard has a good DAC for the headphone,  What a good amp (without DAC or that can be bypass) to run between my soundcard and heaphones.   i won't loose any feature from the soundcard drivers like CMSS 3D  right?   thanx in advance.  my budget is around $200 Max.

would something like this work

http://www.amazon.com/FiiO-Desktop-Headphone-Amplifier-Dock/dp/B004M172FY/ref=sr_1_45?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1324651379&sr=1-45

Buying a headphone amplifier to use the AD700 to me is a wast for cash.

The T-HD (Titanium HD) does not come with a dedicated headphone amplifier, but seems to do a good job without one.

You could always try the AKG701 with the T-HD first, see how it sounds, it might be decent enough to get by with for a while.

Then buy a really nice headphone amplifier as a reward for yourself at a later date.

Also the best prices for stuff is Feb to May.