How efficient are the K701 compared to other phones?

[IEMaddict]

Hey Im thinkin of buying a pair of K701's right now, but I dont know if the emmeline sr-71 can drive them. I have some Ety ER4-S and it drives those really well when I turn the gain up on the amp up to about the 2 to 3 o'clock position. Does anyone have an idea of how efficient the 701s are compared to the Etys?

 

[epaludo]

The K701 are way harder to drive than the Etys. Sometimes i use my K701 with my Hornet and it has no problem to drive the AKGs. I not even use the high gain position. Med sometimes, but i use it mostly on low gain.
Thus i don't think the SR-71 has any problem at all for drive the K701. BTW the K701 sounds wonderfull all out my "M" Hornet. Beautiful sinergy ...

 

[Icarium]

The K701s are not very efficient they are pretty demanding and picky about the amp that they really shine with (At least that's been my experience), but they do sound amazing when properly amped. Of course if you are very attracted to the K701 sound then perhaps you can be less picky/elitist with your amp choices, but know that your headphones will scale if you do eventually choose to upgrade!

 

[WindowsX]

k701 demands high potential cables (ac, ic, hc) and good quality amp (500$ min)

 

[dissembled]

It's quite 'promiscuous' as it requires man-sized amps to perform.

 

[sschmeichel]

would a c&c xo drive a k701 "properly"?

 

[tnmike1]

Check out Peter--Romanee--and send him a PM ask how he likes his 701s paired with Hornet. I had a similar question about pairing 701 with Portaphile and he loved the combination. Also uses a Hornet with 701s.