Hello fellow headfiers I have an interesting question regarding balanced headphones and a device that has  2 mini stereo jacks. Right now I have XLR terminated cables on my headphones and I was curious to know if I had an adapter cable made (XLR to mini stereo) would the 2 mini stereo plugs work...

listening to the 701s and 650s balanced closes the gap on their sound differences. I find the 701s to have increased bass presence and the 650s to have a larger sound stage with tighter bass.

If it makes a difference the amp will ship from Canada not the United States of America.

It should be OK it is well built and as long as it is wrapped well I would imagine it would be fine.

X2 on the purity audio KICAS amps I realy enjoyed my HD650 with the Caliente but the balanced CKKIII blows it away but that is a different subject. I think you would be served well by one of the KICAS amps.

I am thinking of having my AKG 701s recabled for use with my balanced CKKIII amp to see if they improve like my Sennheiser HD650s. I was curious if many people have tried thier AKG 701s balanced and what thier impressions were?

We are a small rare group of people.

There are a lot of people that use the Marantz CD5001 it is quite a nice player with a good headphone out and analog out. I think you can find them refurbished for around 200$ or for sale on this forum or audiogon for less.

I think Uncle Eric is right at your price a DIY amp is your best option. I paid around 700 US for the balanced CKKIII amp from this forum which was one of the least expensive balanced amp I have seen other than the balanced mini^3 mentioned. I think there is an up coming balanced mini^3 build on...

Usually an external DAC.

AKG 501s from a fellow head fi member.

I have recently balanced my HD650s and I was impressed by the improvements in clairity and sound stage. I will soon try my AKG 701s balanced to see if they will impove in the same way. I have the same feelings as you regarding the 701s I think some times that they need to be a little more...

Just landed a pair of AKG 501 headphones that I will bring with me. If you want to hear the AKG 501s next to the 701s this meet might be your chance.

Credit card bill for audio equipment.

I love the sound of my AKG 701s paired with the KICAS Caliente it brings some warmth to the AKGs and the bass is just right in my opinion. My next step will be to have them reterminated with balanced connectors for use with my balanced amp and I hope to see the same increase in sound quality as...