DAC/AMP for q701 Under $300

O2+ODAC is my recommendation.  The combo may be a bit analytical for some, but it is going to be very difficult to achieve higher performance than the O2+ODAC combo because that is how the unit was designed.

http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=48

You have to tell them when you order it which input you want.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NA Blur 

O2+ODAC is my recommendation.  The combo may be a bit analytical for some, but it is going to be very difficult to achieve higher performance than the O2+ODAC combo because that is how the unit was designed.

 

http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=48

Do note that not everyone likes a complete neutral amp or something for that matter that looks good on spec paper but sound completely the opposite when hearing one.

Honestly I can't imagine how one would tolerate an O2 pairing with the Q701. The K/Q701's are notoriously overly bright at times (most times for me with vocal music). The O2 can also sound bright and brittle at times. I'd imagine the K/Q701's would be more welcome with something of a warmer sig than neutral or bright. 

2c

Quote:

Originally Posted by DefQon 

Do note that not everyone likes a complete neutral amp or something for that matter that looks good on spec paper but sound completely the opposite when hearing one.

 

Honestly I can't imagine how one would tolerate an O2 pairing with the Q701. The K/Q701's are notoriously overly bright at times (most times for me with vocal music). The O2 can also sound bright and brittle at times. I'd imagine the K/Q701's would be more welcome with something of a warmer sig than neutral or bright. 

 

2c

K702 with O2 was nice pairing ,  overly bright it's for you ... , and many don't have any problem with K70X/Q701 + O2 .

Quote:

Originally Posted by HaVoC-28 

K702 with O2 was nice pairing ,  overly bright it's for you ... , and many don't have any problem with K70X/Q701 + O2 .

That pairing was glaringly over bright for me as well. It really depends if the OP has any sensitivity to harsh highs. I found a Matrix M-Stage+ODAC (insert budget DAC here) is a better pairing. Tones down the shrill highs and gives some weight to the low end, because the K70X/Q701 both lack bass extension and impact.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/662869/maverick-audio-tubemagic-d1-amp-dac

There's that, I'd think a nice tube amp would match the k701 well. I like tubes with my dt 880s very much! 

or trying going with an Odac [with rca out[  and one of these

http://www.garage1217.com/graphic_design_007.htm

Porject Starlight, new from them for about 189, they are the same guys who make the Project Sunrise II which I've heard alot of good about. So if u able to wait, get a 100 dac and look for a 200 hybrid tube amp! I have a Millet Whiplash that I like very much! 

I also have an Indeed G3, which cost me $100 that's,,, well a start hybrid tube with a BASS boost button. That might be the cheapest way to go. Still though, I would think a tube would match the k701s well, as my neutral and some times bright dt 880s like tubes 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mshenay 

http://www.head-fi.org/t/662869/maverick-audio-tubemagic-d1-amp-dac

 

There's that, I'd think a nice tube amp would match the k701 well. I like tubes with my dt 880s very much! 

 

or trying going with an Odac [with rca out[  and one of these

 

http://www.garage1217.com/graphic_design_007.htm

Porject Starlight, new from them for about 189, they are the same guys who make the Project Sunrise II which I've heard alot of good about. So if u able to wait, get a 100 dac and look for a 200 hybrid tube amp! I have a Millet Whiplash that I like very much! 

 

I also have an Indeed G3, which cost me $100 that's,,, well a start hybrid tube with a BASS boost button. That might be the cheapest way to go. Still though, I would think a tube would match the k701s well, as my neutral and some times bright dt 880s like tubes 

Great choices! I second the tube amp suggestion as it takes the edge off the highs. Sunrise is on my shortlist as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PleasantSounds 

 

Great choices! I second the tube amp suggestion as it takes the edge off the highs. Sunrise is on my shortlist as well.

Yeaper, I happen to have an addicition to hand build hybrid tubes from Head Fi members lol. I own a Modded Indeed G3 and a Hybrid Whiplash modded, all from members. My G3 I wouldn't recommend unless you had like $150. but I love my Whiplash, great little hybrid tube.

Still check the for sale thread for some great deals, and an oppertunity to support our community!