[TheBaaron]

Hi, I recently bought a pair of K7XXs off of massdrop, and I wanted a good quality amp to go with them. My budget is 400$, and DAC suggestions are welcome as well. I want an amp that will warm up the sound slightly and take off the cold, analytical edge commonly associated with the K7XXs. Thank you!

 

[serman005]

This budget is for both the DAC and the amp?

 

[TheBaaron]

This budget is for both the DAC and the amp?

No, just the amp. Id prefer the amp to be around 300 though. The DAC budget is 200.

 

[Carcajou]

Would you consider a DAC/AMP combo unit?

 

[TheBaaron]

Would you consider a DAC/AMP combo unit?

Yes. I don't care what it is as long as I get a DAC, an AMP, both being of high quality and within my budget. I do want it to have some warmth, unlike the O2+ODAC.

 

[Monsterzero]

Chord Mojo is quite warm,and excellent kit.

 

[Carcajou]

Yes. I don't care what it is as long as I get a DAC, an AMP, both being of high quality and within my budget. I do want it to have some warmth, unlike the O2+ODAC.

My pick would be the JDS lab The Element. Since you're looking for warmth, have you considered tubes?

 

[serman005]

Maybe check out a Valhalla 2 with a Modi Multibit for your DAC. That would meet your budget and also be a pretty good setup that would give you .some of the signature you are looking for. My $.02 only and YMMV, of course.

 

[TheBaaron]

My pick would be the JDS lab The Element. Since you're looking for warmth, have you considered tubes?

Ya, I don't really care about portability or tube vs solid state.

 

[Carcajou]

Ya, I don't really care about portability or tube vs solid state.

You could get a Vali 2 / Modi 2 (if you want that tube warmth) combo from Schiit or a Magni 2 / Modi 2 combo if you prefer to stick with Solid State.
You could get a Magni 2 Uber and a Modi 2 Multibit a be withing your overall budget.

 

[Carcajou]

Maybe check out a Valhalla 2 with a Modi Multibit for your DAC. That would meet your budget and also be a pretty good setup that would give you .some of the signature you are looking for. My $.02 only and YMMV, of course.

I wouldn't go with the Valhala since it's an OTL amp and the 7XX has quite a low impedance.

 

[TheBaaron]

I wouldn't go with the Valhala since it's an OTL amp and the 7XX has quite a low impedance.

Somebody suggested the NFB 11.28 to me. I couldn't find very much about it, so I was wondering if you people new something about it?

 

[Carcajou]

Somebody suggested the NFB 11.28 to me. I couldn't find very much about it, so I was wondering if you people new something about it?

Zeos did a review of a previous iteration: /watch?v=gemH2afUKA8

 

[serman005]

I wouldn't go with the Valhala since it's an OTL amp and the 7XX has quite a low impedance.

I hear you. The thing is, it will run at an output impedance of 3.5 ohms, so the damping factor should be good (>>10). That's the thinking anyway.

 

[Carcajou]

I hear you. The thing is, it will run at an output impedance of 3.5 ohms, so the damping factor should be good (>>10). That's the thinking anyway.

It won't be bad, the maximum output power @62Ohms will be around 250mW wich should be plenty for the 7xx. I just think you'd miss that OTL magic...