[dezafinado]

I've used the AKG K280 Parabolic with my Yamaha Integrated Amp since the late 80s. Last year I bought the K701 and found Head-Fi... what a terrible mishap!

Now sufficiently curious, it's time to try something better. I've read that the Corda H5 has good synergy with K701. I've also read great reviews regarding Ray Samuels' XP7? I like the idea of switching op-amps.

Anyhow, I listen primarily to acoustic music - orchestra, chamber, jazz and some rock/pop stuff. Which one of these amps is better (with the K701) and why?

Thanks for your help!

Niki

 

[Greg TT]

Forget portable amps with those cans! You wouldn't be so cruel to the lovely K701, would you?

XP-7 amp is a good choice, perhaps with AD797 that matches jazz well.

ooops H5 is mains powered

Anyway, I'd buy XP-7 for its opamp rolling.

 

[dezafinado]

Looks like you approve both... but how are their sound signatures different?

IMO, the K701 is quite sterile and analytical so a warm amp is a must.

 

[Greg TT]

My K701 after 500 hours are not sterile. In fact, those cans when fully matured are very musical if fed with good recording via good amp.
You can find many opinions on H5 here and if you need a warmer amp, the XP-7 would certainly be a better choice with AD797 op-amp. More musical and refined, I think.

 

[Spiritboxer]

So the RSA XP-7/K701 do work well together, I've been trying to get an answer to this question for several weeks now without success and was just about to spring for a DT880 when this thread popped up. Tell me Greg, have you tried other op-amps aside from the AD797? I'm finding the LT1028 is giving me a beautifully clean, rich sound, can't get enough of it actually. Probably score a pair of 701's in a week or two....

 

[Greg TT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spiritboxer /img/forum/go_quote.gif ... have you tried other op-amps aside from the AD797?...

No, I haven't but I did read that the LT1028 is warmer, sweeter than AD797. Don't be discouraged by the fresh K701. Give them at least 300 hrs (24/7 with FM hard rock station) before first critical listen. Magic begins after 500 hrs mark...