[nami]

I guess the title says it all. I'm not looking for anything special, just something that is good-looking and affordable (under 200€/175£/$285). I mostly listen to artists such as Eric Clapton, The Smashing Pumpkins, Fleetwood Mac and Counting Crows.

 

[grmnasasin0227]

Is that figure including shipping? The M-Stage gets thrown around a lot for a cheap K701 amp, but it's scraping the top of your budget.

 

[nami]

I would like to stick with the given budget (inc. shipping) but if there's a big improvment to be expected from choosing a bit more costy amp I guess I can just and just raise the budget by 10 or 20 euros. I live in Finland so shipping from outside of EU area can cost quite a lot.

 

[NobleSix]

with your budget, id say the m-stage is a good choice.. but im running my K701 from a hifiman EF-5 to give more warmth and midrange presence to the headphone.. the asgard is also pretty good with the K701

 

[imackler]

I also hear that the Schiit Asgard has good synergy with the K701; it retails for $250 but not sure how much shipping will run you.
 

 

[12345142]

Maybe you can find a used Purity Audio Caliente. It gives the K701s a bit of much-needed 'oomph.'

 

[evanwier]

 

Schiit Lyr
 
 
Not quite in your budget though... hah...
 
The  Asgard is actually a good option as one other mentioned
​

 

[mikiphile]

How about the Schiit Valhalla? Does it pair well.? I have heard comments from people saying its not powerful enough for the K701s.. however I number of people who enjoy this combo told me the opposite!!! IM going NUTS!! 
 
I am asking ONLY about the Valhalla!

 

[liamstrain]

the Valhalla is plenty powerful for the K701. What I would be unsure about is the output impedance being a mis-match... most OTL tube amplifiers have too high an output impedance for the K701, which can result in distortion and other nastiness in the bass. 

 

[mikiphile]

Quote:

the Valhalla is plenty powerful for the K701. What I would be unsure about is the output impedance being a mis-match... most OTL tube amplifiers have too high an output impedance for the K701, which can result in distortion and other nastiness in the bass. 

Well.. i suppose someone suggesting that it sounds good hasnt experienced any distortion.. we are merely discussing detail and dynamics here. Distortion is out of the question.
 
I know  that the Valhalla is normally recommended for high impedance cans, however I believe that even Jason from Schiit has mentioned that the K/Q 70Xs are an exception! I made an inquiry to Schiit myself, and received his reply saying that the Valhalla should be a good match for the K701s, however he thinks that the Lyr should drive them to their full potential.
 
It gets even more confusing. I thought that the Lyr will make them even worse than they actually are.. dry, analytical and bright  

 

[bluemind]

Quote:

I also hear that the Schiit Asgard has good synergy with the K701; it retails for $250 but not sure how much shipping will run you.
 

I'm from Finland and just ordered the Schiit Asgard, it's a great amp, but won't fit into your budget, because ordering from Schiit directly costs somewhere around $380 / 285€ with shipping and customs fees included.

 

[Allforheather]

why not just get a E9?? it works pretty well with the 701

 

[mikiphile]

Quote:

why not just get a E9?? it works pretty well with the 701

Very doubtful. It works ok, but not excellent! 

 

[ACDOAN]

 
Quote:

Well.. i suppose someone suggesting that it sounds good hasnt experienced any distortion.. we are merely discussing detail and dynamics here. Distortion is out of the question.
 
I know  that the Valhalla is normally recommended for high impedance cans, however I believe that even Jason from Schiit has mentioned that the K/Q 70Xs are an exception! I made an inquiry to Schiit myself, and received his reply saying that the Valhalla should be a good match for the K701s, however he thinks that the Lyr should drive them to their full potential.
 
It gets even more confusing. I thought that the Lyr will make them even worse than they actually are.. dry, analytical and bright  

On the good recording, the K701 is okay with the Lyr however if you play a bright recording or if your upstream components are on the neutral to bright, your reasoning is right on the spot. Lyr is a good amp, there is no doubt but it does not sound like tubes and the K701/702 is extreme reveal = not a perfect match . If you are looking for warm, lust sound look somewhere else. The Lyr will drive the K 701/702 ( 50 Ohm/ 105 DB if my memory serves me well ) but your ears may not appreciate the top end.

 

[Mellonhead3013]

Solid State matches well to the AKG's  My 702's sound fantastic with the Graham Slee Novo.  Perhaps it is in your budget where you are.