[Adamrogo]

I've been lurking around and reading all I can about the AKG K702's, yet I can't decide which portable amp I want/need.

I don't need a DAC, just a good quality amp to drive the phones decently.

Of course I was looking at the Pico amps, but I'd rather not spend over $350 for a portable amp.

Would the iBasso T3 do the job? It looks very small, and has no DAC.

Any other (affordable) suggestions, or does the K702 really require a better amp like the P51 or the Pico?

 

[Happy Camper]

Your question needs a few more details. Do you need a portable? If not, the Canamp is the most popular recommendation in that price range but it is a desktop unit.

If you are wanting to stay with a portable, get one with eight AAA batteries. You want as much voltage and current as you can provide for the 702. They won't perform to their fullest but will give a decent performance.

A used Xin Macro would work for your request.

 

[Adamrogo]

I would prefer a portable unit.

I have a Presonus Firebox which is a decent quality firewire external sound card, which I assume would drive the 702's fairly well.

I understand they wont perform to their fullest, but I'm not sure how much of an investment I want to make.

So a Xin Macro, I will start looking, any other suggestions?

 

[phangtonpower]

I could be wrong since I don't own the K701/K702 yet, but aren't they open? If you use these headphones for portable, there would be a lot of sound from the outside coming in, and if your in a quiet place like a library, you may bother your neighbors.

 

[Adamrogo]

Yes they are open, but for car use, going on trips, hotels, around the house etc. I also have a pair of Sony MDR EX-90 IEM's which I think would benefit from a nice amp as well?

 

[phangtonpower]

I see. Can't really recommend an amp. I know when I use my RSA Hornet with my HD650's, it's not the same as my desktop, although the Hornet is able to drive them at pretty loud levels.
Good luck

 

[Adamrogo]

Would the Headamp Pico drive the phones well? It has a 2 cell (8v) output, so that may do the job?

 

[tjumper78]

ive never had k701 but i've used pico with hd650, hd600, dt990 250ohm and was very satisfied. according to justin at headamp, pico is one of the most powerful portable amps (not word for word but something similar).
some may call me crazy but that experience (above) led me to get rid of littledot mk iv se and gilmore lite.
other than pico, i also liked ibasso d3 python which uses 5 aaa batteries with hd600. corda 3move was very good also.
in a few days, i am going to try ibasso p2 and hd600 combo.

 

[Adamrogo]

A local seller has the Pico DAC for about $400 Canadian... good deal? What is the DAC typically used for?

Also, a local seller has an Audio-dg Compass. I know it is not portable, but how is the headphone amp in this unit?

 

[tjumper78]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adamrogo /img/forum/go_quote.gif A local seller has the Pico DAC for about $400 Canadian... good deal? What is the DAC typically used for? Also, a local seller has an Audio-dg Compass. I know it is not portable, but how is the headphone amp in this unit?

headamp sells it directly to the consumers for $349 USD plus shipping.
but i thought it was the amp that you were looking for?

 

[Adamrogo]

Sorry I meant the Amp/DAC, which they sell for $499 USD plus shipping.

 

[coyote_5]

I'm using an Ibasso P3+ with my 702s right now and it seems to do a decent job. Any reason to believe any other amps mentioned in this amp (or otherwise) would do a significantly better job with 702s?