[jaycalgary]

I haven't compared to any others around the same power but I like my Shanling PH100.

 

[InFn-0]

To get a cheap but powerful amp you can use a vintage stereo reciever. Dont expect them to blow away the >$400 headphone amps out there but it ll do the job pretty well, and they can be had for about $50-$100.

 

[Junliang]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mamaloney /img/forum/go_quote.gif what is a good cheap amp?

AudioTrak imAmp

Go and do some research for it.
It seriously good, but doesn't get much views here as far as my searches goes..


Was previously using a portable amp, rsa predator amp/dac out of my lappy to drive the akg k701.
IT WAS TERRIBLE !
I seriously didn't expect such results when I purchased it lol, and I thought "How bad could it sound ?"
I got my imAmp at SGD$170, rsa predator at $500+.
Thats desktop amp vs Portable amp for you. Get a decent dac for the job though xD

 

[kayaker3057]

What about udac to LD II or III to either of these headphones?

Slash: have you personally tried the udac with your 701's? Just curious.

 

[Il Mostro]

^^^^^^

QFT. But a lot of people just don't want to hear the truth.

 

[Slash47]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kayaker3057 /img/forum/go_quote.gif What about udac to LD II or III to either of these headphones? Slash: have you personally tried the udac with your 701's? Just curious.

Yes.

 

[mamaloney]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slash47 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yes.

how are they?

 

[mamaloney]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junliang /img/forum/go_quote.gif AudioTrak imAmp Go and do some research for it. It seriously good, but doesn't get much views here as far as my searches goes.. Was previously using a portable amp, rsa predator amp/dac out of my lappy to drive the akg k701. IT WAS TERRIBLE ! I seriously didn't expect such results when I purchased it lol, and I thought "How bad could it sound ?" I got my imAmp at SGD$170, rsa predator at $500+. Thats desktop amp vs Portable amp for you. Get a decent dac for the job though xD

isnt the imamp a portable amp?

 

[mmayer167]

my 702 doesnt sound bad with my uDAC could be way better but its not bad... bass impact and definition are the most noticeable retractions.

 

[mamaloney]

so, it is time to buy. I am having trouble deciding between the k701 and a markl modded d2000. the d2000 is more, but not by much. I like a very detailed, immersive sound; With very detailed, punchy bass, and clear mids. I prefer a wetter, smoother sound to a dry one. And soundstage is very important. This will be run out of a d2+ boa.

 

[Brandon7s]

I recommend going for the K701s. Even through a cheap amp, I don't think you'll be disappointed. I went from AD700 to DT990\250, and then to K701, then got a DT880\250. The K701 is definitely my favorite, while the DT990 also gets a fair amount of playtime. The DT880 I don't really like so far, but I also haven't put much time on them yet.

I don't think you can go wrong with the K701 if you like the AD700. Even when I ran them through my EMU1820's headphone jack they sounded much better than the AD700s. Also, the AD700s caused my skin to become irritated very quickly. The K701s do nothing of the sort.

EDIT: Just noticed the OP was talking about the a700s, not the AD700s. Oh well. The AD700s are better anyways. My post still stands.

 

[mamaloney]

I kinda want a closed can, as my house is LOUD.
I really like the k701's frequency response specs tho.

 

[BaboonGuy]

I would get the D2000 having not heard it. I have heard the K702 driven out of Pico DAC -> Dynalo and it's not very good imo. The soundstage is definitely large but I don't feel like the music is cohesive and it's also pretty boring/lifeless. I have to turn up the volume louder to compensate. As well, the highs can get painful and very fatiguing to my ears.

I also had a DT880 and I'd prefer the DT880 at this point to the K702.

 

[Jackstraw]

for 701, this phone is more better use a good tube amp, I think dt880 is more match to you.

 

[Superpredator]

I haven't heard the A700, so I'm no help there, but if your house is loud, the K701 isn't a great choice as they're super open. I couldn't use them anywhere near a computer. The DT880, being semi-closed-ish, will do a little better in a noisy environment.

It takes a very good amp to get the K701 sounding "wet" the way an AT does. With most amps I've used, they were on the drier side.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slash47 /img/forum/go_quote.gif For a K701, there is no good cheap amp.

Agreed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slash47 /img/forum/go_quote.gif A good amp for a DT880/K701/HD600 will set you back >$350.

Agreed. Of the three, I think the HD600 has the most potential to sound good with lower mid-fi equipment. The Darkvoice 336i or similar will do wonders for the HD6x0 or 580, but isn't necessarily a great amp when it comes to synergizing with other cans. I haven't heard an amp at its price point to do as well with the K701. I only ever used the DT880 with a couple amps at the ~$350 level. I suspect I never saw their true potential, but they too will probably do better with lower priced gear than the K701.

Good luck.