[xiangyu1129]

Hi,
 
I have $300 budget for the DAC/AMP pairing with Q701. The gear should also has a RCA input to work as an amp alone. Used are acceptable.
 
M-stage? Compass? These are two gears I found. 
 
It seems M-stage is getting quite a fame. How does Compass(old version, cannot afford the Compass 2) compare with M-stage? 
 
Other recommendations are also welcome.
 
Thanks a lot.

 

[NA Blur]

O2+ODAC is my recommendation.  The combo may be a bit analytical for some, but it is going to be very difficult to achieve higher performance than the O2+ODAC combo because that is how the unit was designed.
 
http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=48

 

[xiangyu1129]

It seems to be quite a great choice~~
 
Thanks for your info~
 
A little weird: The analog input is a 3.5mm. Is the combo used for portable gear? Why not a RCA analog input?

 

[NA Blur]

You have to tell them when you order it which input you want.

 

[xiangyu1129]

Thanks~
 
I will contact them whether they can make it RCA analog input. Otherwise, I may need a 3.5toRCA line

 

[DefQon]

Quote:

O2+ODAC is my recommendation.  The combo may be a bit analytical for some, but it is going to be very difficult to achieve higher performance than the O2+ODAC combo because that is how the unit was designed.
 
http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=48

Do note that not everyone likes a complete neutral amp or something for that matter that looks good on spec paper but sound completely the opposite when hearing one.
 
Honestly I can't imagine how one would tolerate an O2 pairing with the Q701. The K/Q701's are notoriously overly bright at times (most times for me with vocal music). The O2 can also sound bright and brittle at times. I'd imagine the K/Q701's would be more welcome with something of a warmer sig than neutral or bright. 
 
2c

 

[HaVoC-28]

Quote:

Do note that not everyone likes a complete neutral amp or something for that matter that looks good on spec paper but sound completely the opposite when hearing one.
 
Honestly I can't imagine how one would tolerate an O2 pairing with the Q701. The K/Q701's are notoriously overly bright at times (most times for me with vocal music). The O2 can also sound bright and brittle at times. I'd imagine the K/Q701's would be more welcome with something of a warmer sig than neutral or bright. 
 
2c

K702 with O2 was nice pairing ,  overly bright it's for you ... , and many don't have any problem with K70X/Q701 + O2 .

 

[Greed]

Quote:

K702 with O2 was nice pairing ,  overly bright it's for you ... , and many don't have any problem with K70X/Q701 + O2 .

That pairing was glaringly over bright for me as well. It really depends if the OP has any sensitivity to harsh highs. I found a Matrix M-Stage+ODAC (insert budget DAC here) is a better pairing. Tones down the shrill highs and gives some weight to the low end, because the K70X/Q701 both lack bass extension and impact.

 

[Makiah S]

http://www.head-fi.org/t/662869/maverick-audio-tubemagic-d1-amp-dac
 
There's that, I'd think a nice tube amp would match the k701 well. I like tubes with my dt 880s very much! 
 
or trying going with an Odac [with rca out[  and one of these
 
http://www.garage1217.com/graphic_design_007.htm
Porject Starlight, new from them for about 189, they are the same guys who make the Project Sunrise II which I've heard alot of good about. So if u able to wait, get a 100 dac and look for a 200 hybrid tube amp! I have a Millet Whiplash that I like very much! 
 
I also have an Indeed G3, which cost me $100 that's,,, well a start hybrid tube with a BASS boost button. That might be the cheapest way to go. Still though, I would think a tube would match the k701s well, as my neutral and some times bright dt 880s like tubes 

 

[PleasantSounds]

Quote:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/662869/maverick-audio-tubemagic-d1-amp-dac
 
There's that, I'd think a nice tube amp would match the k701 well. I like tubes with my dt 880s very much! 
 
or trying going with an Odac [with rca out[  and one of these
 
http://www.garage1217.com/graphic_design_007.htm
Porject Starlight, new from them for about 189, they are the same guys who make the Project Sunrise II which I've heard alot of good about. So if u able to wait, get a 100 dac and look for a 200 hybrid tube amp! I have a Millet Whiplash that I like very much! 
 
I also have an Indeed G3, which cost me $100 that's,,, well a start hybrid tube with a BASS boost button. That might be the cheapest way to go. Still though, I would think a tube would match the k701s well, as my neutral and some times bright dt 880s like tubes 

 
Great choices! I second the tube amp suggestion as it takes the edge off the highs. Sunrise is on my shortlist as well.

 

[Makiah S]

Quote:

 
Great choices! I second the tube amp suggestion as it takes the edge off the highs. Sunrise is on my shortlist as well.

Yeaper, I happen to have an addicition to hand build hybrid tubes from Head Fi members lol. I own a Modded Indeed G3 and a Hybrid Whiplash modded, all from members. My G3 I wouldn't recommend unless you had like $150. but I love my Whiplash, great little hybrid tube.
 
Still check the for sale thread for some great deals, and an oppertunity to support our community! 

 

[miceblue]

O2+ODAC+ 8-bump K 701 ain't bright for me. Whatchu guys talking about?

 

[Archerious]

Schiit Magni/Modi?

 

[DefQon]

If you want your ears intact than I suggest looking elsewhere rather than the Magni + K701. The K701 is bright as it is, the Magni is a fairly damn bright sounding amp.