[FrankBoothSexyTime]

Got a some AKG 701's a few months ago and it's one of the best investments I've ever made. While I think they sound great now I would do anything to improve upon it. So will getting an amp really make that much of a difference?

I was looking at either the Doge 6120 or the darkvoice 336SE. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[moonboy403]

Improvement by an amp is inevitable. However, how much it improves and its worth vary by person.

 

[FrankBoothSexyTime]

Saying I'm down to spend a few hundred on an amp, what would be a good choice to go along with my 701's?

 

[scootermafia]

This thread's been done hundreds of times. I like my K702s with my M3. Yes, they badly need an amp, and a good one at that. They'll still sound like AKGs, but a bit better. You either like the sound or you don't.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Yes, the K-701 will greatly improve with an amp.

Unfortunately, the low cost, high output impedance, OTL tube amps aren't that good at driving AKGs. You're better off with a transformer couple tube amp or a solid state amp - both can offer the lower output impedance you need to match the K-701. Output transformers - especially good ones - will cost at least $200-$300 more.

So if you're trying to keep costs down, go with solid state. No, it doesn't glow in the dark, but solid state needs some image rehab around here. After a steady diet of tubes for awhile, I really loved some of the solid state gear at CanJam. I think the next project will be the Beta22 I've been putting off.

The Beta22 is above your budget, but you could get the Gilmore Lite, M^3, CK2III, or the EC/SS. They're pretty damn good and will improve your K-701.

 

[scootermafia]

Yeah, my K702s sounded a little weird with my DV336SE. The cheapest tube option is probably the Woo6 at $600 or so, that's transformer coupled so it works better with low impedance cans.

 

[Tridacnid]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yes, the K-701 will greatly improve with an amp. Unfortunately, the low cost, high output impedance, OTL tube amps aren't that good at driving AKGs. You're better off with a transformer couple tube amp or a solid state amp - both can offer the lower output impedance you need to match the K-701. Output transformers - especially good ones - will cost at least $200-$300 more. So if you're trying to keep costs down, go with solid state. No, it doesn't glow in the dark, but solid state needs some image rehab around here. After a steady diet of tubes for awhile, I really loved some of the solid state gear at CanJam. I think the next project will be the Beta22 I've been putting off. The Beta22 is above your budget, but you could get the Gilmore Lite, M^3, CK2III, or the EC/SS. They're pretty damn good and will improve your K-701.

Or, a hybrid offers a tube in the signal path, with the nice, low output impedance of sand state.

 

[tintin47]

^true. There are also pretty many offerings in the DIY category for hybrids -- most of them at cavalli audio. The Soha II, CTH etch. Then there is the Milett Max. That said, I enjoy my CK2III more than both the Soha and the milett, and the beta 22 is my next project.

 

[olblueyez]

Heed Canamp
Graham Slee Solo
EF-1

 

[insyte]

K701 definitely needs an amp. It can be driven properly with the Audio GD C-2C, better yet if you get to try it with a Beta 22

 

[Luckyleo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by olblueyez /img/forum/go_quote.gif Heed Canamp Graham Slee Solo EF-1

x 2 on the Heed Amp

 

[Instinct]

Question about amps: Will an amp replace my sound card?

I have a creative titanium card which was bought purely for gaming and music. From my noobie knowledge, an amp gives power to high ohm headphones. Wouldn't it then be possible to plug in a headset (DT 880) into an amp which will be plugged into my creative sound card so I can use the sound card features? (CMSS-3D, crystalizer, overall quality of soundcard) I would like to keep my sound card at all costs..especially for gaming.

 

[anadin]

X3 on the Heed Canamp, its a wonderful amp when paired with the K701/2.

 

[Alex Shao]

X4 on the Heed Canamp~ it DOES tighten the bass up.

Question: What other headphones are good with Canamp?

 

[FallenAngel]

Any change I can say -1 on CanAmp, thought that fotm was over

I'd say M3 would be my choice with K701