[Flying Finn]

Hi.
 
I just bought AKG Q701's. Well they haven't arrived yet but they should in next week. 
 
I want to enjoy them in full power. I know I need at least a headphone amp. I've read these forums and found that the EHP-02 has cheap price but great value. I'm unsure is amp enough or do I certainly need also a DAC. That would be another $200-300 making the price of EHP-O2 + DAC something between $400-500.
 
Well there is always other options. I could buy Amp/DAC in one package. Something like Matrix Cube or iBasso D6 etc. Amp/DACs are bit cheaper but because I want to get the best out of my cans I'm willing to pay some extra if buying EHP-O2 + DAC gives me better result.
 
So what do you think? Which option is better? Pay $500 for EHP-02 + DAC or pay the same price for Amp/DAC? Or do I get along only with the amplifier?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Flying Finn]

Cmon anyone?

 

[mikeaj]

You're in UK or Europe?  Actually, those prices don't even make sense after a conversion.  It should be more like $300 if you want the amp+DAC combo.  You can get the amp and DAC in different enclosures or all in one unit.  Keep in mind that nowhere has these in stock yet, but they should be coming reasonably soon, shipping by the end of May.  There is more than one vendor for these, each using the same electronics, just maybe with a different enclosure.
 
In NA JDSLabs has it for $285:
http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=39
 
In UK Epiphany has it for £186.99:
http://epiphany-acoustics.co.uk/our-products/ehp-o2d-miniature-desktop-headphone-amplifier-with-usb-dac/
 
Also available here, in pieces (?  I'm not sure entirely):
http://www.headnhifi.com/index.php/shop/objective
 
Anyway, I'd spend some more time with the Q701 before deciding what to get.  O2+ODAC should be a good pick, but it's not the only thing out there.

 

[djevoultion]

Does anyone know how the O2+ODAC would compare to something like the Matrix Cube?