Amping the ATH-CK7?

[redrich2000]

I haven't had a portable amp for a while. I used to have a supermini III but got sick of carrying it around. However now I tend to mostly listen on the train so it would be less hassle to carry an amp.

Just wandering how the ATH-CK7s respond to amping? Is it worthwhile?
What amps should I consider? I am interested in the Tomahawk because its designed for low impedance phones and I have never tried Rays amps. Would that be a good option? What others should I consider?

Thanks

 

[Zephyron]

Never tried amping the CK7 much, but the Xenos 0HA-REP had positive results in colouring some liquidity to the mids of the CK7.

A believe that a warm amp should benefit the CK7 to get thing 'flowing'.

 

[redrich2000]

Any other opinions?

 

[alphataru]

I have a C&C XO that I use with CK7. I have to say, CK7 responds well with an amp. The bass response increases greatly when you amp it, I would definitely say amping is worth it.

 

[redrich2000]

So I have given the CK7s a try with my Cute Beyond and the improvement shocked me a little. I think unamped they can be a little flat and thin in the midrange and a tad harsh in the treble. The amp fills the midrange out perfectly and cleans up the treble. Of course the base improves in quality and quantity as well.

I think the best way to see how the improvement from an amp is in very busy bits of music, where there is lots going on. Without an amp these bits can sound messy and muddled. The extra detail and separation you get cleans these bits up. The CK7 are a good example of this.