[AronBas]

I am no expert but I like the Apogee Duet.
From what i have experienced with my set up (I have only had it for a few days) is that you need to crank it up to get any kind of volume from the 702s compared to the Senny HD 25s.
I plan to get a separate amp in a few weeks.

BTW I produce deep ambient house music.

 

[crossmd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by anetode /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'll do you one better: the Essence STX is better than most amps costing twice as much, definitely better than the Compass and Zero DACs.

In your opinion. Yours is an unorthodox solution as stated above..thus making subjective ultimatums kind of an issue.

 

[Frank I]

I use the Little Dot MK11 and they drive the AKG 701 nicely. Excellent amp and for 150.00 plus a 100 tube upgrade a cant miss. qUALITY PRODUCT.

 

[charlesyu]

No matter which amp/dac you choose, you should upgrade the cable of your headphone. I just upgraded my K701 yesterday and now it's truly the best headphone!

 

[oqvist]

stock cable is just fine.

 

[DJ taka]

I was wondering about the stock cable since I see tons of pics of the phones with other cables so that's good to know that the stock are just fine. I think I will be making my purchase soon!

 

[crazyeyes]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oqvist /img/forum/go_quote.gif stock cable is just fine.

I don't know about the K701's but my K702's benefitted greatly from a cable upgrade, tighter bass with more impact, wider soundstage, better instrument separation/placement. Just overall a much better sound.

In my opinion the stock cable limits what these headphones are capable of.

 

[TStewart422]

Amping the k701 is a tough task because it's different than any other headphone. Low impedance, yet low sensitivity. It means you need POWER, baby! And low-impedance power at that. Oh yeah, that means the more current and the more voltage swing, the better. Find the cheapest amp you can that supplies these needs and you have your amp.

I'm not sure about the HP4, so I won't recommend it until I get the chance to play...

 

[crossmd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oqvist /img/forum/go_quote.gif stock cable is just fine.

How many of these have actually compared the two?

 

[oqvist]

Slee Solo and Canamp work great yes. But not as good as the Essence ST with it´s stock OPAMP configuration.

 

[crossmd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oqvist /img/forum/go_quote.gif Slee Solo and Canamp work great yes. But not as good as the Essence ST with it´s stock OPAMP configuration.

...But have you tried them.