[nburge]

Hello,
If you had to power fullsize headphones like akg701 hd 600 etc. what would be better sr71 or hornet?

 

[mrarroyo]

I prefer the sound out of the SR71, regardless of whether I am powering full size cans or IEMs. The SR71 is bigger sounding with a larger soundstage, better detail and clarity as well as more extended in both directions.

BTW although the differences are there they are not huge.

 

[boomana]

I have both amps. Neither the Hornet or the SR-71 drives my HD650s like my home amp, but certainly better than most portables. Both amps are really nice, and the 650s sound dang decent with either (but with that veil I do not hear with my home rig). I don't own and don't like the K701s so I can't answer there. I agree with mrarroyo and also prefer the SR-71 for the reasons he listed, but I'm far more willing to toss the Hornet into my bag and take it out with me. It depends what you're after. Why are you looking at portables for full-size cans? Your answer might help us help you decide.

 

[mcmyers]

It seems like the consensus is that the SR-71 sounds better, though some people think the Hornet is better for rock and other contemporary music, while the SR-71 is better for jazz and classical (I've only heard the Hornet). But there's a big difference in portability. The Hornet is smaller and lighter, but it also has a built in battery charger, so that makes it a lot more convenient. I also like the fact that the Hornet has the gain switch, which allows you to adjust for different kinds of headphones.

 

[mrarroyo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcmyers /img/forum/go_quote.gif It seems like the consensus is that the SR-71 sounds better, though some people think the Hornet is better for rock and other contemporary music, while the SR-71 is better for jazz and classical (I've only heard the Hornet). But there's a big difference in portability. The Hornet is smaller and lighter, but it also has a built in battery charger, so that makes it a lot more convenient. I also like the fact that the Hornet has the gain switch, which allows you to adjust for different kinds of headphones.

I am glad you posted this, I forgot to mention that my statement above was with Jazz, Classical, or New Age music. For rock I can see the Hornet "M" having more impact. Next on the battery life: the Hornet "M" may be rechargeable but it only lasts about 12 hours. A fresh set of alkaline batteries last about 60 hours on the SR71.

 

[GAD]

Check out my review that includes both (in my sig). It really depends on your intended use. The SR71 sounds better, but is larger, doesn't take AC, etc.

GAD

 

[DJShadow]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nburge /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hello, If you had to power fullsize headphones like akg701 hd 600 etc. what would be better sr71 or hornet?

Does it have to be portable? A home amp is the most appropriate solution if you aren't moving around and those headphones will benefit greatly from such an amp. For instance, the power supply will be 'unrestricted' in the sense that it won't compromised like in a portable amp.

 

[jlingo]

I like both actually and yes depending on the preference.
SR-71 it's got lots of air, very open, and big soundstage. It's very musical, laid back, more tubey sounding. Midrange is VERY SWEET, the bass is lacking though for my taste. Sleepy sounding to me.

Hornet has a smaller soundstage, but this little thing is FULL OF ENERGY and power with amazingly deep tight bass which is quite impressive. I tend to enjoy hornet during the day, and SR-71 during the night. So it depends on my mood. But Hornet is definitely more aggressive, fast, energetic sounding.

For R&B, Pop, fast paced music I prefer the Hornet.

Slow Smooth Jazz, Slow dance music, Opera, I prefer SR-71.

 

[Romanee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlingo /img/forum/go_quote.gif I like both actually and yes depending on the preference. SR-71 it's got lots of air, very open, and big soundstage. It's very musical, laid back, more tubey sounding. Midrange is VERY SWEET, the bass is lacking though for my taste. Sleepy sounding to me. Hornet has a smaller soundstage, but this little thing is FULL OF ENERGY and power with amazingly deep tight bass which is quite impressive. I tend to enjoy hornet during the day, and SR-71 during the night. So it depends on my mood. But Hornet is definitely more aggressive, fast, energetic sounding. For R&B, Pop, fast paced music I prefer the Hornet. Slow Smooth Jazz, Slow dance music, Opera, I prefer SR-71.

Nicely put.

Actually, I feel that the SR-71 has very deep bass, but not with the energy/punch/drive of the Hornet.

SR-71 also excels at low-level dynamics, micro detail/nuance, and timbral accuracy. It is a very refined amp, and as you said has the biggest sense of air of any portable I'm aware of, with a very wide (though not so deep) soundstage.

I don't currently have an SR-71, but I do love the sound. Still I am very happy with my Hornet and my Tomahawk, obviously for different uses.

I've also found that the Hornet drives the HD600, HD650 and even the K701 very nicely. It adds some warmth and punch to the K701 that makes it more accessible and entertaining than the SR71 can. Of course I'm not comparing it's capabilities with the bigger home amps -- we're just talking about portables.

I just did a little test (still listening while I write -- can't stop!) using iTunes on a Mac G5 Tower > Toslink Optical > Spitfire DAC > Zu Pivot RCA>mini IC > Hornet > Zu 1/8-to-1/4 silver adapter cable > K701 -- Lossless of SRV "Stang's Swang", "Scuttle Buttin'" & "Couldn't Stand The Weather" and the 701s really rock with deep, tight, punchy bass and guitar, great drums, excellent separation and placement of instruments, good dimensional imaging, and the signature Hornet drive. Nothing thin, cold or wimpy about the K701 with the Hornet.

Via my 5.5G 80G Video iPod, the same tracks are still exciting, but the iPod still can't give the best clean, deep & defined bass -- it can get a little messy with the deepest notes. Maybe the RWA iMod can? A good DAC does make a big difference in getting really great sound from the Hornet, which is capable of much better sound you'll hear using a PDP. I've connected it to an XRay transport > Muse DAC > RKV-MkII(OPA627mod) and the sound is startling better than you'd ever guess just hearing it with an iPod, as much fun as that is. Even Mac transport > Spitfire DAC opens up a hug/spacious sound, so the Hornet is an excellent all-around amp.

Besides portable groove, The Hornet is my fun desktop amp at work.

 

[tnmike1]

Roamnee: where's your love for the Portaphile??? No mention of that in your response, and thought you loved that little unit. Set to all switches "on" that's my favorite desktop amp while working