[darknessproz]

I am on the verge of purchasing a balanced AKG K701. What is the cheapest balanced source i can get for my AKGs?

 

[kboe]

The HRT Streamer Pro would be a great deal, and Cardas makes balanced cables for it for $150.00.

 

[darknessproz]

Is there anything cheaper? Must the DAC be balanced as well? Because i was thinking of picking up an Audinst and use the SE adaptor the seller is providing, and picking up a balanced amp down the road.

 

[TheWuss]

if you are budget restricted, then it's best to stay single-ended for the time being, and use the adapter...
 
to use the headphone balanced, the source and amp must both be balanced, and connected using XLR cables.
to get into a balanced amp, it's bound to be at least $700 for the cheapest one i can think of.
for a balanced source, $250 to $300 or so for one of the chinese made DACs (like matrix mini-i or little dot dac).
add another $30 (bare min) for cables, and you're looking at over a grand just to have entry level balanced.
 

 

[darknessproz]

Ah well, better stick with the Audinst... at least i know that if this purchase goes through, the K701 will be my last headphone purchase.