TMRaven
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2011
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Magni doesn't have a bump in the 2khz area, the K701/2 does. Just look at its frequency response graphs.
Comments I made on another forum for a member asking about K701 pairing with Magni.
Sorry for the delay guys, had the in-laws over so it's been crazy.
Let me get this out there. I don't have any high-tech gear to test amps and headphones. I use my ears and experience. :music:
This is not a review, just impressions on how it pairs with the K701. To my ears the Magni sounds good for a $99 amp. It has good punchy bass and clean crisp highs. The AKG K701 is not expensive in the world of hi-fi headphones. It is perhaps one of the most revealing headphones on the market regardless of price. It's revealing sound may not suit everyone and can be hard on the ears and difficult to pair with amps and sources. This headphone is the "garbage in, garbage out" type. With that said, it shows flaws on the Magni. While the amp has good punchy bass and crisp highs, it has a bump in the 2.5khz area which make it hard for me to like. The K701 brings that out front and center. It sounds like the amp is shouting at you. Another area is deficiency is refinement. Everything sounds like it's coming at you all at once. While this is common on budget amps, you only notice it when you compare the Magni to a higher priced amp like the Musical Fidelity M1 HPA. Refinement is why Hi-Fi gear is so much money. I know it is not a fair comparison. The Magni is a $99 amp while the HPA is $799. The Magni is not a bad amp, it's just a bad match for the K701. For those with this headphone I suggest to spend more money and buy a better amp so you can enjoy what the K701 can give you.
If you are just seeking for a good kick in the pants for your less revealing budget headphones, the Magni is a good buy and should give you the boost you want.
note: my Magni has a volume control issue. The left side cuts out when I wiggle the knob. I'll send it back for a replacement.
BTW, the tube based X-Can V8 is a great match for the K701/K702. That amp can be had for about $400 on the used market. The stock tubes are better IMO than Gold Lions.
Magni doesn't have a bump in the 2khz area, the K701/2 does. Just look at its frequency response graphs.
subscribed.
Little guy has plenty of fight.
I am digging it so far... Hey, can't complain for $99.
More thoughts later.
Looking for O2/ODAC VS Magni/Modi as well as M/M + HE-400 impressions.
Thanks everyone hope you're enjoying them
Listening on Denon D7000 right now then on to K550 then Sony 1R. Will report back if anyone is still interested.
BTW, the Magni must have a weak solder somewhere in the volume pot. The problem shows up when the amp is hot.
Does it sound like the same issue you had with the DT-770 where you mentioned it sounds blown and distorted?