[Shaffer]

That amp looks pretty awesome, but it's way out of my price range. The Schiit Magni 2 or the hifiman ef2a are the amps I'm looking at as they are under $175. Any other suggestions?

Unfortunately, that's the only lower-priced piece I can suggest with confidence as a good match for the K702. It comes up in the classifieds fairly often for ~$150.

 

[machacker]

Unfortunately, that's the only lower-priced piece I can suggest with confidence as a good match for the K702. It comes up in the classifieds fairly often for ~$150.

Another potential option is the O2 from mayflower. I am fairly competent with a soldering iron so getting the O2+ODAC kit would be pretty close to my budget and a fun weekend project. I have heard a lot of good things about O2's, but can anyone think of anything I might have to look out for if I go this route? Thanks for all the advice so far!

 

[xtroria]

  Another potential option is the O2 from mayflower. I am fairly competent with a soldering iron so getting the O2+ODAC kit would be pretty close to my budget and a fun weekend project. I have heard a lot of good things about O2's, but can anyone think of anything I might have to look out for if I go this route? Thanks for all the advice so far!

 
I don't know about O2 honestly, given that now magni has gain switch and it sounds so similiar to O2 and it's cheaper, almost no reason to grab O2

 

[Solrighal]

Has the OP actually heard the Q701? They're not for everyone.

 

[Roy Munson]

Has the OP actually heard the Q701? They're not for everyone.

Based on the original post I'm assuming no.

 

[Solrighal]

  Based on the original post I'm assuming no.

 
That could be a problem then. I always find it best to hear something before I declare I like it.