the3lement

hey guys i just picked up a pair of these headphones.

do you guys think i should get an amp or something?

chinesekiwi

um, yeah, these headphones basically require a headphone amp.
I personally dislike the K701 (screwy soundstage) but yeah, these require a headphone amp to sound anywhere close to its potential.

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the3lement

whats a good amp?

chinesekiwi

what's your budget?

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the3lement

$200ish, but i can be persuaded to go higher. is there like a good bang for the buck one?

chinesekiwi

As the AKG K701 is notoriously amp picky, I really don't know tbh. I think it'll be best to ask on Head-fi but really, the bass goes to crap if it isn't properly amped. Depending on your music tastes, there might be a better headphones for your needs but I'll understand if that's a bit of a nuisance for you.

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Aura

I amped my K701 loaner with a very hefty, single-ended triode, Moth EC2A3 and to my ears the bass was still garbage. If there is a "proper" amp for the AKG I have yet to hear it.

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soloz2

The SinglePower MPX3 SLAM I had sounded wonderful with AKG k701, but beware of purchasing one (and it's just a bit over your budget)

The MOSFET Millet Max does a pretty good job with k701 as well (actually a great job) as it's got lots of output and can handle high current, which they like. The Meir Corda pairing I heard them with was decent as well.
I haven't tried this combo, but I'm thinking one of the higher Woo Audio amps would do well too.

I actually like the k701, but find the headband too uncomfortable for more than 10min at a time

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Please do not PM me general audio questions that should be asked on the open forum. I reserve the right to ignore your PM's.

Current Sound: SA tweaked Auzen X-Fi Prelude > SA Reference IC > Musical Paradise MP-301 6v6 tube amp> Tekton Designs 4.1 single driver loudspeakers

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chinesekiwi

Heh, the K701 is the love-it or hate-it headphone tbh.

I am, unfortunately, part of the 'hate-it' club. I really don't like the unnatural soundstage tbh, not to mention weird fit comfort wise.

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Aura

I didn't really have an issue with the fit, the headband is a little odd but I didn't find it uncomfortable.

This is a write-up I did that pretty much summarizes my thoughts on the AKG. I don't hate it, but I think that the HD600 (and now the AD2K) have some similar traits but in general are just flat-out superior headphones.

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