[boidos]

Hi all, I am using akg k701 headphones.. I looking to get a new amp for it as I cant get no satisfaction from its bass response. Do I need to go back to sennheiser hd650's or is there a amp that will "bring out" the bass of the akg k701's???


I am using a darkvoice 336i at the momeny that sounds lovely but doesnt do much for the bass...


thanks!!!

 

[Xan7hos]

I know that there have been some reviews with the K701 and the Purity Audio KICAS/Caliente which claim to have great synergy especially in the bass department. While it won't "add" bass like a Fiio E5 would (similiar to boosting an equalizier), it'll certainly make the bass feel more impactful and controlled (coming from my experiences with a K501).

I'm not familiar with the Darkvoice, but have you considered tube-rolling?

 

[Cankin]

PPA or M³ with bass boost

 

[theBigD]

while its true you can bring out some warmth and energy in k701 with c2c or caliente you will not earn much bass extension or impact. Ive tried virtually everything to make k701 sound more like my d7000 and it just wont happen. so if you are really looking for bass without loss of good mids sell the k701 and get d7000

 

[Uncle Erik]

Try a M3^3 with the variable bass boost. That will add some, but you still aren't going to change the character of the K-701. Solid state tends to be tighter down low than tubes are, so it is the best choice for what you're looking for.

You might also want to try a graphic equalizer to boost the low end, but keep in mind that EQ introduces a bunch of other considerations, too.

Tuberolling is unlikely to help much. What that does is slightly tweak the response curve of the tube. Audible, yes, but it won't change the amp's topology, output impedance, or anything else that will make a difference.

 

[boidos]

thanks everyone, looks like its back to hd-650s

 

[Solid Snake]

PPAv2

It has a bass knob so you can control the bass quantity to your preference. (at least mine does)

 

[K_19]

To me, EF1, K701, and Foobar EQ with little bass boost = perfection.

 

[mrarroyo]

At the risk of sounding like a broken record go for the Heed CanAmp.

 

[SleepyOne]

Rudistor RPX-33 does a good job bringing out the bass in 701. But it still would not turn it to a rock/house/beat phone - its mid bass quantity (as oppose to quality) is simply not enough for that genre, it is an open phone afterall. Very good deep bass though. If you are looking for serious bass, you will need a close phone.

 

[Bilavideo]

I have an M^3 with variable bass boost. I really like that knob. Purists will say I'm adding colorization and that I should stick with a flat response. The problem is that all recordings are not equal. Some are engineered specifically to emphasize pounding bass. Others are not. Any fixed setting will mean that some recordings sound "just right" while others are either providing too much or too little. I have some recordings where I turn the knob all the way up; others for which I cut back to 12 o'clock; still others for which I turn the knob all the way down.

I like having the power to adjust and compensate. While I understand the purist desire to have the recording as is - with no artificial enhancements - in the end, it's the sound that matters. That knob lets me get the sound I'm looking for.

I also like the ability to roll opamps. The opa627bp has a classic refined sound, but it's not the fastest chip in the drawer. I like the detail of AD chips. Some people consider them too edgy. A lot of folks grit their teeth when listening to the AD823 but, for some reason, I like it. I also like the AD825, the AD843, the AD8065/8066 and the AD8597/8599. The latter chip really gets my blood pumping. Don't ask me why.

 

[dogears]

I was surprised to hear that the Headsave Classic with 2xOPA627 can drive the K701s with plenty of bass

 

[Fungi]

If you're looking for HD650 levels of bass, K701 ain't it.
A plain M^3, or even a Pico will bring out good bass in the K701. If that's not enough, probably wrong headphone.

 

[OutdoorXplorer]

How bout recabling the K701/2? Will any cable improves the low frequency?

 

[GreenLeo]

How about using the bass boot of the Lisa III?

The bass boot does have some effects. I'm not a basshead and I use K701 with the Lisa III. So take this with a grain of salt.