Amping for AKG Q701 - Page 22

Oh there was a dedicated thread for this, might as well ask here also.

I need an amp/DAC/set for these phones to work with PC and laptop. I'm on a budget of preferably under 200€. I've been looking the E09K but don't know if it will be a standalone DAC as well as an amp and then the next thing would be to get a E17 to go with it (is it then a full working device?). I would like some suggestions for this, what to get for an amp for the Q701?

Do you need an analog input? Does it have to be powered trough USB? If yes to both of these, then I'm thinking Audinst HUD-MX1 or similar devices.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KimLaroux 

Do you need an analog input? Does it have to be powered trough USB? If yes to both of these, then I'm thinking Audinst HUD-MX1 or similar devices.

Analog input is not necessary, I prefer optical or usb as both my comps support toslink. Analog out would, on the other hand, be nice for home use. It doesn't necessarily have to be powered through USB, more power from the wall. Actually I was checking the Audinst HUD-MX1 out just now and while it is very good for its price, I got a hint for the Epiphany Acoustics EHP-02D. This would be at the top of what I am willing to pay (cheaper than the FiiO combo even). Its widely regarded as the best for this price point (or so I read) and give higher end devices a run for their money which is what I'm after. Would this be my perfect little amp? :D

Does anyone have any idea how this would work with the Q701? I doubt either of these will have problems driving the Q701 (or do they?) but which one is better and experiences welcomed.

I see myself getting one of these over the FiiO set/or separate even though the FiiO has a nice eq and interface. I can always adjust eq from comp am I right? And I really don't need a portable device, rather best quality for the money and sufficient power for my phones.

Edit: It appears that the Epiphany doesn't have an optical in function so moar points to Audinst. Do you think this would make any difference (usb or optical)?

Quote:

Originally Posted by liamstrain 

 

The SEX is transformer coupled, so does play nicely with lower impedance phones like the 701.

Agree, I had a chance to hear it and I like it a lot, as well the DNA can be a nice combo for the K70x. But both had hard time to compete with the SPL's.
 

I'm so confused with this thread... Is it being suggested that the only reason for an amp is volume? If so, that would be lovely, because my laptops (so far) make headphones so loud without any external amp source. If you are saying you do need it, but only to a certain level, would the E11s work well? I don't want to spend much on an amp at all, I'd love it all to go towards the headphones. I haven't bought the Q701s yet, but I'm thinking they might be a very good choice for me.

Edit: Oh dang it, I didn't realize I was bumping this thread so far. Sorry.

Quote:

Originally Posted by daleb 

I'm so confused with this thread... Is it being suggested that the only reason for an amp is volume? If so, that would be lovely, because my laptops (so far) make headphones so loud without any external amp source. If you are saying you do need it, but only to a certain level, would the E11s work well? I don't want to spend much on an amp at all, I'd love it all to go towards the headphones. I haven't bought the Q701s yet, but I'm thinking they might be a very good choice for me.

 

Edit: Oh dang it, I didn't realize I was bumping this thread so far. Sorry.

Not at all. More important reasons are:

Current capability

Output impedance

Voltage swing

Voltage swing to avoid clipping, current for control of the driver, and lowest output impedance possible so the current is not choked. Volume is mostly just voltage swing. If you want to know more about how these affect the sound, take a read at  http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/meridian-explorer-case-study-effects-output-impedance

Okay, that's what I thought. I just didn't understand what some of the posts meant it seems. Thank you for helping me out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by daleb 

I'm so confused with this thread... Is it being suggested that the only reason for an amp is volume? If so, that would be lovely, because my laptops (so far) make headphones so loud without any external amp source. If you are saying you do need it, but only to a certain level, would the E11s work well? I don't want to spend much on an amp at all, I'd love it all to go towards the headphones. I haven't bought the Q701s yet, but I'm thinking they might be a very good choice for me.

 

Edit: Oh dang it, I didn't realize I was bumping this thread so far. Sorry.

Quote:

Originally Posted by daleb 

Okay, that's what I thought. I just didn't understand what some of the posts meant it seems. Thank you for helping me out.

No need to apologize for bumping a thread. I think this is a very good question to ask, especially if you haven't had a chance to listen to a variety of amplifiers. I think KimLaroux has some really good points to makes. To be fair there are some people who believe that basically once a headphone driver gets a certain amount of watts it will sound the same from any amplifier. I'm not really in that camp, but there are a good number of people that do think that is the case.