[yrh0413]

Anyone owns a K701 and tried both amps? Some forumers gave comments saying the difference between this 2 amps is subtle. But then i would like to know which amp has better synergy with the K701?

336i:
+ very good tube-rolling capability (6SN7s are decent tubes)
+ 2 tubes only
- 1/2 tubes for each channel, has doubts on its s/n ratio and crosstalk
- tube-rolling might be costly

332:
+ comes with white chassis as an option
+ 4 tubes, each channel handled by 2 tubes
+ substitute tubes are cheap
- limited tube-rolling capability
- uses unfamiliar tubes

sidenote #1: Since the 332 has limited substitute tubes, i wonder if a 336i paired with decent VT-231 will outperform the 332?

sidenote #2: I used to have the LD2+. It has very good synergy with my previous SR80. But it doesn't pair well with the K701. Sold off my Grado setup and now i'm hunting for a better valve amp for my only headphone. Any K701 owners tried both amps before?

Thanks in advance

 

[swt61]

That's a tough one. I'm not sure if anyone has done a comparison of the 2 Darkvoices yet. I happen to know that the 336i pairs quite well with the K701 especially with a Kenrad Black glass VT 231. But I have no idea how the 332 sounds. I also had no idea that the 332 was available in White. That would look great with the K701.

 

[Banach]

Quote:

Originally Posted by swt61 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I also had no idea that the 332 was available in White. That would look great with the K701.

Yes, It would be nice to have some pics.

 

[yrh0413]

Here you go. White version of the 332.

 

[Banach]

Thanks! It looks great. Perfect match for K 701.

 

[cjs]

Bump

I have reached the same question, looking for an amp to pair with my new 0404 USB: 332 or 336i for K701's?

 

[Banach]

I am sorry I can't help much since I didn't listen to both amps but I can tell you that I am quite happy with the 336i (stock tubes) + k701 combination.
I suppose that I would be equally happy if I had the 332. If money is not an issue you can always go for the 332 (white colour version) and make a perfect match for the K 701

 

[keanej6]

banach, i'm not much of a tube-roller and i was skeptical that i'd even hear a difference from the stock tube but i think you ought to invest in a 6sn7. buy one used and i'm sure you'll notice a pleasant improvement.

 

[Elk]

Banach I noticed that you have both the Senn HD 650 & AKG K 701. Are the 701s a better match with the 336i than the Senns?
-Kelly

 

[vorlon1]

FWIW, I have Senn 600s and I think they sound really excellent with the 336i.

 

[Banach]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elk /img/forum/go_quote.gif Banach I noticed that you have both the Senn HD 650 & AKG K 701. Are the 701s a better match with the 336i than the Senns? -Kelly

I would say so, not so much due to synergy reasons but to the fact that the 701's sound better than the senn's according to my taste, and this is so in my 3 amps. I am not saying that 336i +senn's is a bad choice (not at all), in fact sometimes I like to change depending on my mood, but if I had to keep only one of the two cans I would keep the 701's without hesitation. Hope this makes sense to you, after all it is a matter of taste

Thanks, keanej6, for the suggestion. I will try those.