Poll: amp synergy for k701

[TigzStudio]

I am leaning towards tubes but a certain SS amp has made the cut. Which would you go with?

Headamp GS-1
PPX3 6sn7
PPX3 Slam
WooAudio 3
Earmax Pro

 

[Afrikane]

Of the amps I own the MG Head with a Raytheon 5751 is the most fun. The EAR HP4 is also a pleasing match.

 

[ghiberti]

Sugden HeadMaster is a very good match for K701

 

[PFKMan23]

Headamp GS1, Singlepower PPX3 SLAM. MPX3 SLAM or other Singlepowers amps using high current/powerful output tubes (6BL7GT, 6BX7GT, 5687, 6350, 6463..)

 

[lexnasa]

Larocco PRII w/AD8620

 

[ken36]

MPX3 is the winner in my lexicon of one amplifier. Love the power and detail.

 

[sacd lover]

I have tried the 701's with a number of amps and I find the headphone needs a hefty amount of current in order to display their full potential ... especially in regard to bass response and dynamics .... and of course the amp needs to sound good or the 701's exceptional resolution and transparency will let you know.

The best amps that are on your list that meet this criteria, IMO, have been the Singlepower SLAM series and the Headamp GS-1. Of these amps the SLAM ppx3 seems to be the least critical about ancilliary equipment and never fails to please. The Singlepower ppx3-6sn7 does not supply enough current to drive the 701 in some situations, again IMO, and I definitely prefer the SLAM versions.

In my setup, with the excellent sacdmods 555es or Eastsound E5 driving the Headamp GS-1 ..... the sound is everything you would hope for. But the Singlepowers have something extra that just sounds more real. However, if you want a SS amp, the GS-1 is a definite winner with the 701's.

 

[markl]

Based on what I've heard of the K701, I would go with tubes, but something that is especially known for having a truly lush and tubey signature. But it has to be something more powerful than a typical tube design, K701 is demanding.

 

[Blackmore]

Is Earmax Pro not good enough for AKG K701? Have read some good reviews about it.

 

[kwkarth]

So far, the HeadRoom MAX 2001 and the Corda Aria pair VERY well with the AKG-K701s in my system. The RSA SR-71 works ok, but is definately 2nd tier when compared to the Max and Aria.

 

[JaZZ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackmore Is Earmax Pro not good enough for AKG K701? Have read some good reviews about it.

The sonic synergy is quite good, but the power reserves aren't enough for powerful bass-drum attacks. Remember: low efficiency + low impedance aren't the ideal load for tube amps.

I second the Aria recommendation. It should actually be on top of your list.

.

 

[Nik]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaZZ The sonic synergy is quite good, but the power reserves aren't enough for powerful bass-drum attacks. Remember: low efficiency + low impedance aren't the ideal load for tube amps. I second the Aria recommendation. It should actually be on top of your list. .

Depending by the amp you have... If you consider OTL, may be... but BIG amp with fine output transformers and 4 GEC cv1075 as power tubes... I think give all what the 701 needs to give their best. I also think that the 701 needs a full bodi sound, like only tube amps can give.

Best!
Nicola

 

[kwkarth]

Nik,
Don't you find that the bloom, ringing, and smear from transformer coupling in the signal path to be objectionable?

 

[Nik]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwkarth Nik, Don't you find that the bloom, ringing, and smear from transformer coupling in the signal path to be objectionable?

Qualiti output transformers !

Best!
Nicola

 

[kwkarth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nik Qualiti output transformers ! Best! Nicola

No doubt, but even with the best transformers, all other things being equal, isn't none better than some? this is why I asked about AtmaSpere amps. I like (in theory) their design. No transformers, high output current, low output impedance.