Headphone Amp for AKG701

[alcarp]

Any recommendations for a suitable amp for these headphones? Would prefer one with balanced inputs. Thanks

 

[MarkS]

The only balanced amps that come to mind are the Ray Samuels models. Try poking around head-fi.org. It's a great resource.

 

[eugenius]

The headroom balanced desktop amp is well suited to the K701.

 

It has a slightly warm sound, good bass and the crossfeed setting boosts the bass, which the K701 needs if you play modern music.

[MusicaAcoustics]

There are so many option in balanced headphone amplifiers portable and home. Mentioned here was the headroom one. It is very good but very big. You can get true balanced headphone amp from iBasso, Ray Samual, MST, even GoVibe is making one. Price is concern as all are very expensive. Good luck!

[Part-Time Audiophile]

Have you looked at Woo Audio?

[MusicaAcoustics]

Have you looked at Woo Audio?

 

Woo Audio is very good, but you don't need such large amp for Woo Audio. Recently I try the GoDap Unit 4 with Q701 which was perfect no matter it so small. And it sound great with Benchmark HDR 1 or USB 1. There so many good sounding devices for the Q/K701 headphones.

[SteveS1]

Any recommendations for a suitable amp for these headphones? Would prefer one with balanced inputs. Thanks

 

Pity about the balanced input requirement because the Heed Canamp matches the 701s a treat. Well worth an audition if you can, very popular combo.

[alcarp]

Pity about the balanced input requirement because the Heed Canamp matches the 701s a treat. Well worth an audition if you can, very popular combo.

 

Only reason for balanced inputs is that by DAC has its unbalanced outputs already used by a power amp leaving its balanced outputs free. An alternative would be to use an A/B switch to the unbalanced outputs of the DAC to switch between the headphone amp and the power amp. Would this degrade the SQ?

[sandyk]

Guys

To obtain the added benefits of using balanced outputs with headphones such as the K701, you need to recable the headphones to 4 wires instead of the usual L and R plus a common earth return.This means using a 4 wire cable for the headphones., Ideally, the AKG K701 should also be driven from a 120ohm source impedance as it complies with IEC61938. This will result in the best balanced sound. However, to do that well, you also need a headphone amplifier with higher than average voltage drive capabilities. This would normally mean headphone amplifier with relatively high voltage supply rails. e.g. > + and -12 Volts or a single 24V supply.

I can't advise you on which commercial headphone amplifier is best suited to these requirements as I am a DIY person.

There is a good article, complete with diagrams of balanced operation at the attached link

Regards

Alex

 

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/balancedheadphones/one.html

[KDinsmore]

I've had the 701's. You definitely do not need a balanced amp. Even with a super high-end rig. I used to power mine with a SS HeadRoom amp that was quite good. Tubes can add that smooth sound but you really don't need those either. First determine how much you want to spend and go from there. These days there are many choices. Also go over to http://www.head-fi.org/ and go nuts trying to figure it all out! Quite a group of enthusiasts!

 

Also TheCableCo has loaners you can check out if they have something you like.

[jaynyc]

I am using AKG 701 with Headroom Desktop. The combination is excellent for me (mostly modern music)

[mav52]

I don't have the AKG701 but another recommendation for the HeadRoom Desktop, and if that amp is too big (Dimensions: 6 ¼” x 6 ¼” x 3 1/3”) give the Headroom Micro Amp (Dimensions: 3.5" x 4.5" x 1.5") a try.

[Vade_Forrester]

I haven't tried it with my K701s, but the Bryston BHA-1F headphone amp has balanced inputs.

[WLVCA]

One simple solution would be to use a balanced to single ended cable to connect your devices. I am doing exactly that in my headphone rig - DacMagic Plus balanced out to single ended in on my headphone amp.

 

I have the K702 headphones and drive then with a Burson HA160 amp with excellent results.

[Part-Time Audiophile]

I've been using my AKG K701s as a "reality check" on various speakers to verify things like detail, &c. I've been trying out some dedicated head-amps, but the best luck I've had was with the included amp off the Luxman L-505u. Spectacularly good and the best I've heard those 'phones sound.

[crazy4cans]

Have you considered the SPL Phonitor or Auditor? I love it with my K701!

 

Here's a link where you can compare all 3 models: Compare These items

 

I have the Auditor. It only comes in black. I really wish it came in the silver color. Either way, I highly recommend it with the 701. It's one of the best pairings in my set up.

[Bear]

Check the new balanced Mjolnir from Schiit Audio out - coming in June $749. Personally I am using the Lyr with my 701's and love it.

[MarkS]

I'm not sure about the AKG phones, but I've had great results using a Woo Audio WA5-LE on Senheiser HD800's and Audeze LCD-3's. I've also heard some of Woo's less costly amps that also sound excellent.

 

I think The Cable Company MAY (stress may) be doing some loaner headphone amps.

[flatmap]

The new ALO Rx Mk3 (portable) amp also has balanced inputs (and outputs). As a K-701 owner, you might also be interested in the bass control on this amp.

 

I'm not positive, though, if you can take the balanced input to the singled ended output. Are you going to re-cable your K-701's?