AndyV
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2011
- Posts
- 23
- Likes
- 11
[size=x-small]Hello fellow head-fiers,[/size]
[size=x-small]Another newbe here with a few practical questions regarding AKG K702. I've purchased these phones as a starter kit just about a week ago and also joined this forum a couple of days later with the main goal to get the best out of them. I've done my research on this forum but still have a few rather specific questions. Before I ask them, here is what I've learned so far:[/size]
- [size=x-small]K70x are particularly great for classical music, live jazz, and vocals (well this is exactly what I listen)[/size]
- [size=x-small]K70x require few hundred hours of burning to reach their maximum potential (and I am vigorously working on that)[/size]
- [size=x-small]The headband could cause some serious discomfort during long listening (I never listen more than 1 hour without a long break and don't mind shifting the headphones couple of times on my head) [/size]
- [size=x-small]They also require good amplification for the best sound[/size]
[size=x-small]That last point leads to my fist specific question (and it's not about which amplifier is the best). All I have as a music source right now is a micro-system Yamaha MRC E810 and I would like to keep using it as a main source for K702 for another year or two. The system has a few good features which are sufficient for my current needs (such as pure direct option to bypass equalizer circuit, CD upsampling x2 and x4, DVD playback with progressive scan for occasional viewing of music video discs, nice-sound speakers and compact size for the bedroom). Initially I thought that the amplifier component from the system would be a good match since K702 are low ohms. Indeed, it drives K702 loud and clear and I never increase the volume above 10:00 (that's right, appx 25%). However, as I am reading this forum I am getting more and more concerned about what you call the synergy. So I want to know if using a dedicated headphone amplifier would bring significant difference versus using Yamaha. The phone output level/impedance in Yamaha is 0.23V/120 omegas. From the impedance threads I've learned that connecting low impedance phones to the higher output impedance may introduce certain distortions, particularly weaker lows (please correct me if I've got it wrong). And it looks like the more appropriate output impedance for my phones would be around 10 omegas or even lower. There are a lot of options out there even among tube amplifiers with such low impedance but they are rather pricy. So my specific question is – will I hear significant difference from a dedicated phone amplifier comparing to a hi-fi stereo amplifier like Yamaha? If the difference is rather insignificant then I would stay with Yamaha for a while. At least I can boost the lows by using BASS knob. If it is more than just the lows and the sound would be significantly different, then I would buy a dedicated amplifier right away. Please share your opinions (preferably from personal experience with similar systems).[/size]
[size=x-small]And my second question is about the sound. Many times it was said that one of the strongest sides of K70x is vocals, especially female. My current problem is that I can hear a lot of noise (grain, static, metalic, coarse, not sure how to describe it) when the singer takes high note or simply pronounces letter “s” for example. Some instruments, like sax or violins also could produce this grainy noise at high notes. I am not sure how properly to describe it but it is sure not sound natural. So my question is – do you think it's normal for a new headphone to hear distortions like this and will the vocals become smoother after proper burning? Could it be related to the poor amplifier match from my first question? Highly appreciate your feedback.[/size]
[size=x-small]I hope my questions are specific enough to my personal situation to avoid such responses as get a better phones or go search the forum first. I believe I've done my research and my questions are just another step on my way to getting best sound possible out of the phones of my choice. All I am looking for is a few specific suggestions from someone with practical experience with K701/702 to help me with my particular concerns.[/size]
[size=x-small]Thank you in advance,[/size]
[size=x-small]Andy[/size]