g5tar
500+ Head-Fier
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- Nov 28, 2009
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i think there are a couple hundred threads on this topic
probably more.
I started one in 06.
If you have heard the K701 through a couple of amps and not just the E9 you would know why people say they are difficult to amp and how they shine with quality amps. Saying the E9 does wonders to the K701 without actually hearing how they sound through a WA22 or a quality tube amp does not make a valid case now does it. But hey I'm not trying to bash the E9 or you so please don't take any offense to my comments. I'm just staying out of these K701 threads since the E9 is supposedly the "best" amp for them
Hey mate!
I bought 701's 6 mounths ago and i had a couple of amps so far and i can tell You rigth now that sub-300$ amp is a no-go.
First of all forget the solid state - hybrid or tube amp is a must, and heres the 300$ problem, don't worry thou I had same budget and i did just fine, in the end i bought Trends Audio PA10 its 225$: http://www.trendsaudio.com/ the stock tube in cheaper version needs instant rolling for something better but other than that it's all You have to worry about, in my opinion it brings 85% the akg's power. Im not 100% satisfied but i tried the sub 300$ solids and they don't have enough power to drive 701's.
I saw You mentioned schiit asgard... ehm no if You want some serious Schiit try valhalla actually schiit guys made valhalla with our akg's in mind check their page
About DAC ---- YES go for dac as a source I got like 5 sound cards at home and even Prodigy HIFI is tonally way behind the trends dac im using right now. Im an IT specialist and I also master and mix tracks from time to time and trust me sound cards arn't equal no f... way
EDIT: IF you really dont want tube amp You shouldnt have go for 70X, only solid recommended for akgs is the Heed Canamp
k701's go great with the M^3 and Dynalo and other good solid state amps.
k701's and cheaper OTL amps are a bad pairing to my ears and many others have said the same thing.
Hybrid amps like the CTH and SSMH sounded good/great with the k701's from my brief experiences.
First of all forget the solid state - hybrid or tube amp is a must, and heres the 300$ problem
Completely disagree with this. My experience with the AKGs 70x may be limited compared to others, but I can definitely say listening to them with a cheap tube amp is only a must if you desire poor quality sound. I've tried the AKGs on various amps, and I can definitely say they sound great with the Heed CanAmp. Whether they also sound great with expensive tube amp remains to be seen until I can get my hands on some, but I highly doubt a tube amp of the same level as the CanAmp can match the synergy it has with the 70x's.