[donunus]

How is this supposed to be tested other than running the headphones to levels where they distort. Isnt that the point where the amp is maxxed out?

 

[Chris J]

How is this supposed to be tested other than running the headphones to levels where they distort. Isnt that the point where the amp is maxxed out?

Some numbers:

90 dB SPL = 1.68 mW

100 dB SPL = 16.8 mW. This is very loud, if this was your average listening level. Distortion starts to exceed 1% at low frequencies above 100 dB SPL.

110 dB SPL = 168 mW. If your listened at an average level of 100 dB, it would be advantageous to have 10 dB or more headroom

This would probably also sound rather distorted!

120 dB SPL = 1.68 Watts, assuming you listened at an average level of 120 dB you would fry your ears and the headphones.

 

[donunus]

Based on those numbers, these cans shouldn't be distorting. maybe it is due to burn in after all. well see

 

[Chris J]

Based on those numbers, these cans shouldn't be distorting. maybe it is due to burn in after all. well see

It's just my opinion, but I never had any problems with distortion with my Matrix M Stage or my Matrix Quattro headphone amps.
The Schiit equipment has a fantastic reputation, but I've never tried their amps with my Q701s.

 

[Smugsie]

Question, recently I got an HD598 and as I improve sources on the HD598's, the better it gets.
Example:
HD598's plugged into the FiiO X3, it sounds congested and boring.
Through the ODAC/O2, mids/trebles become clear and bass is tight.
Through a tube amp Dared MP5, the thing becomes the tightest bass punching headphone.

Is there a such upgrade I will hear with the AKG Q701's if I got a more expensive source?

 

[Banman]

Are you talking about for home or travel?
For home use, I like the sound straight out of my Oppo blu ray player headphone out, or my (admittedly el-cheapo) Bravo tubed headphone amp, which can drive any headphone with authority to spare.

 

[Stillhart]

  Question, recently I got an HD598 and as I improve sources on the HD598's, the better it gets.
Example:
HD598's plugged into the FiiO X3, it sounds congested and boring.
Through the ODAC/O2, mids/trebles become clear and bass is tight.
Through a tube amp Dared MP5, the thing becomes the tightest bass punching headphone.

Is there a such upgrade I will hear with the AKG Q701's if I got a more expensive source?

 
Yes, the Q701 has a lot of headroom to sound better with better equipment.  The ODAC+Tube amp should be a really good pairing.

 

[metal571]

Any DAC/Amp combos you guys recommend around $100 for the Q701? I'm running mine out of a Xonar DGX and it sounds glorious, but apparently it can get a lot better from here. It would be nice if I can get tubes around that price, but that might be a stretch to ask for. Thanks.

 

[Stillhart]

  Any DAC/Amp combos you guys recommend around $100 for the Q701? I'm running mine out of a Xonar DGX and it sounds glorious, but apparently it can get a lot better from here. It would be nice if I can get tubes around that price, but that might be a stretch to ask for. Thanks.

If you already have an upgraded sound card (like not the onboard sound), no DAC at that price is going to be an improvement, not even the Modi.  I'd just spend that money on an amp.  
 
The cheapest tube amps I've seen recommended for the Q are the Little Dot I+ and the Schiit Vali.

 

[metal571]

  If you already have an upgraded sound card (like not the onboard sound), no DAC at that price is going to be an improvement, not even the Modi.  I'd just spend that money on an amp.  
 
The cheapest tube amps I've seen recommended for the Q are the Little Dot I+ and the Schiit Vali.

Thanks. I was under the impression that amps don't really improve potential resolution increase but rather make the sound louder with very little added color, but if you think they would really improve speed/soundstage or what not when fed by the DGX then that makes more sense.

 

[Solrighal]

Amplifiers should amplify, nothing else. Some amps introduce colourations which may or may not enhance the listeners experience.

 

[Stillhart]

  Thanks. I was under the impression that amps don't really improve potential resolution increase but rather make the sound louder with very little added color, but if you think they would really improve speed/soundstage or what not when fed by the DGX then that makes more sense.

 
If you want an amp with no added coloration, tube is the wrong way to go.  People like tube amps specifically because of the color they add.  In the case of the Q701, it's very complementary.
 
Also, my Q701 sounded noticeably better when I went from just my Sound Blaster Omni my Omni + Matrix M-stage.  Don't ask me the science behind it.  I just know that the Q sounds better when amped properly. 

 

[metal571]

Yeah, agreed that they would be complimentary to reduce some of the sibilant tendencies of the low treble and mid treble. I've heard only one tube amp, which was the Hifiman EF2A and it noticeably smoothed out the mids and low treble.

 

[Chris J]

Any DAC/Amp combos you guys recommend around $100 for the Q701? I'm running mine out of a Xonar DGX and it sounds glorious, but apparently it can get a lot better from here. It would be nice if I can get tubes around that price, but that might be a stretch to ask for. Thanks.

Generally speaking, you'll have to spend more than $100 dollars to get a real upgrade from a good quality soundcard.

 

[Smugsie]

Hehe, just wanted to say that I'm really using my Q701's as reference headphones. I listen to all songs initially with the Q's, and if the songs pass through these; they'll sound good with all other headphones.