Xonar Essence Amp vs Nuforce HDP

[vlrnmz]

I am currently enjoying music through the AKG501 driven by the Xonar Essence STX integrated amp with LME49720NA opamps. I like the sound I'm getting but I think it lacks a little bit of refinement especially in the mid range. My main musical genres are classical music and opera. I am thinking about upgrading to a Nuforce HDP. Do you think I would get a major improvement in sound quality and power ?
Thanks in advance to everybody.
 

 

[matchuk28]

why dont you consider akg 701 or 702 with the hdp price, your xonar will drive it fine and u will hear alot more benefits than from just upgrading from xonar to hdp

 

[vlrnmz]

I'm quite happy with my akg 501. I think they're perfect for classical music. However you are right, the lower impedance of the 701s make them easier to drive. I'll think about it. Thanks for your advice.

 

[matchuk28]

i always like to think an amp allows your headphones to perform at its best so not pt having a hdp driving ur 501 if better sound is what your looking for, i think you should have a listen to 701 or 702's and compare
 
you might also want to consider hd 650s which is known to be good for classical

 

[vlrnmz]

matchuk28,
I followed your advice and bought a pair of AKG 701. They are really amazing! I've never heard such a realistic sound, especially with strings and piano. The improvement over the AKG 501s is impressive. The midrange is very similar but the bass and the highs are really great. 
Thanks a lot.

 

[c540]

 
 
This is on of the most satisfying threads I have read for a while!
 
5 posts to audio joy!

 
Cheers!
 
 
 

 

[PelPix]

Don't forget to burn them in. They take quite a while!