[blue_lammer]

I need some quick advice. I just purchased an AKG K701 and from what everyone is saying an amp is definitely needed.

I'm just about to pull the trigger on the Little Dot but I was wondering, is this what I should get or should I get a Lunchbox II, Headroom Mini, shanling ph100, etc? My source will be a Zero DAC and I would like to keep the amp under 175 dollars.

 

[feifan]

I've had positive experience with the PH100 - but it costs a bit more than $175. For me, it makes the K701 come alive in this lineup: PCD300A (CDP) > TC7510 (DAC) > PH100 > K701

 

[olblueyez]

Little Dot I+ or the PH100 both provide lots of power to low impedance headphones like the 701. Some of the tube models you mentioned wont work so well with the 701. the LD I+ is the exception to this rule because its a hybrid with a solid state output. The EF-1 from head direct looks like a nice little hybrid too, has lots of tube rolling options as well.

 

[blue_lammer]

I knew it. Thanks for the help guys. Sigh, i wish this came out a few hours earlier because I just bought the LD II++ amp.

The Shanling is really hard to find and it goes for 260 dollars US including shipping on eBay. I heard a lot of good things about it, unfortunately I'm a poor student and I have a Zero DAC to purchase in the near future.

I'll let everyone know how it sounds although I'm not sure how useful my review will be seeing how im coming from a AD700 setup and a limited HP background

 

[feifan]

I have the LD2++, too, and I know you won't be disappointed. It works fine with the K701 -- as well as with other reference cans. I'm definitely interested in reading your review based on the equipment you have.