[33Nick]

Sorry if this is a beater of a question but I'm lost here.  I've searched on previous forums and see a lot of choice out there.
 
I have an iMac digital out to a Sony STR-DE475 receiver/amp.  My audio tweaking on it is very limited on it and I'm thinking about putting an Onkyo EQ-140 equalizer on it I have on another system.  My other system, not linked to the iMac or networked is an older Onkyo system preamp and amp/receiver stereo out, no digital in.  It's an Onkyo pre-amp M-5150, and Amp/receiver P-3160 with various things hooked into it.
 
So my questions are twofold.  I want to bring more out of my AKG K701.  The choice is buy or build a dedicated amp, tubes or solid state.
 
I listen mostly to Ambient music and older progressive rock (Pink Floyd and all that deeper sound stuff), and a lot of early eighties stuff (not a lot of sound depth there).  It seems tube amps are warmer but from what I listen to a solid state amp would be better for the AKGs, according to what I've been reading here.  Any other input?
 
Lastly, build or buy. I'm considering $100 to 300 into a dedicated desktop amp.  Building might be cheaper and so far I like the idea better.  I'm considering a combo ODAC-O2, although I'm not sure if I really need a DAC.  Still confused about that last part.
 
Hope this doesn't sounds too confusing.  What would you recommend?  Used is fine also.
 
iMac
Sony receiver/amp STR-DE475
Onkyo pre-amp M-5150
Amp/receiver P-3160

 

[risenfallen]

I've no idea how the ODAC sounds as I've not tried it but from my previous experience with O2 amp, it may be a bit short for driving K701 to its full potential. And IMO, a DAC is really essential if you want to get the best out of the K701. If you want to look into solid state amp/dac combo, Audio-GD has several good value offerings. My old Compass Amp/Dac makes K701 sounds great with Pink Floyd, I'd imagine the new Compass 2 could easily surpass it in driving the K701. Just my 2 cents.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Sorry if this is a beater of a question but I'm lost here.  I've searched on previous forums and see a lot of choice out there.
I have an iMac digital out to a Sony STR-DE475 receiver/amp.  My audio tweaking on it is very limited on it and I'm thinking about putting an Onkyo EQ-140 equalizer on it I have on another system.  My other system, not linked to the iMac or networked is an older Onkyo system preamp and amp/receiver stereo out, no digital in.  It's an Onkyo pre-amp M-5150, and Amp/receiver P-3160 with various things hooked into it.
So my questions are twofold.  I want to bring more out of my AKG K701.  The choice is buy or build a dedicated amp, tubes or solid state.
I listen mostly to Ambient music and older progressive rock (Pink Floyd and all that deeper sound stuff), and a lot of early eighties stuff (not a lot of sound depth there).  It seems tube amps are warmer but from what I listen to a solid state amp would be better for the AKGs, according to what I've been reading here.  Any other input?
Lastly, build or buy. I'm considering $100 to 300 into a dedicated desktop amp.  Building might be cheaper and so far I like the idea better.  I'm considering a combo ODAC-O2, although I'm not sure if I really need a DAC.  Still confused about that last part.
Hope this doesn't sounds too confusing.  What would you recommend?  Used is fine also.
iMac
Sony receiver/amp STR-DE475
Onkyo pre-amp M-5150
Amp/receiver P-3160

Personally, I would think the Sony would decently drive the K701 power wise.
First try adding an external DAC between the iMac and the Sony, I would guess the Sony comes with a barely decent DAC, not great a DAC.
(DAC - Digital to Analog Converter).
 
Something like the Hifimediy Sabre USB DAC, $52 on eBay, connect it between the iMac's USB digital output and the Sony's RCA analog inputs.
You could always get an external headphone amplifier later on, if needed.