[farfelshtein]

Hello, Head-fi. I really need help finding a suitable desktop amp for myself.
 
Current Headphones:  AKG Q701
Current Amp/DAC:      FiiO E17
(Near) Future DAC:    DACMagic (regular)
Budget:                    $500
 
I listen to a wide variety of music so I need a good all-around performer. I also would like the amp to be able to drive headphones that tend to be power hungry so I can upgrade my headphones in the future without having to worry about it. I was looking into the Matrix M Stage but I read that they are not necessarily powerful enough to drive higher-impedance cans. Please let me know your opinions!

 

[GSARider]

Might be worth looking at the E09K from Fiio as you have the E17 already and it's been getting favourable reviews from people with headphones that most think are 'hard to drive'.

 

[farfelshtein]

I won't have any need for the E17 if I get the E09K because I will be using the DACMagic as my DAC. I was looking for a full upgrade.

 

[PleasantSounds]

Quote:

Hello, Head-fi. I really need help finding a suitable desktop amp for myself.
 
Current Headphones:  AKG Q701
Current Amp/DAC:      FiiO E17
(Near) Future DAC:    DACMagic (regular)
Budget:                    $500
 
I listen to a wide variety of music so I need a good all-around performer. I also would like the amp to be able to drive headphones that tend to be power hungry so I can upgrade my headphones in the future without having to worry about it. I was looking into the Matrix M Stage but I read that they are not necessarily powerful enough to drive higher-impedance cans. Please let me know your opinions!

 
For the Q701 I'd recommend a tube amp, and there's not many headphones that sound bad with tube amps.
With the requirements as stated I'd take a good look at the Schiit Valhalla.

 

[farfelshtein]

Sorry, I ended up going with the Matrix M-Stage. It hasn't come yet so I can't give my impressions but I've read very good things about it. Thank you anyway.