GloomyMoonieDon't do it.
You'll get more bass, but lose out on everything else - detail, soundstage, midrange. all the good stuff Q701 is known for.
These amps sound best with high impedance headphones. DT880 , HD650 etc.
Depending on your budget, you should try the Centrance DACPort , Audioengine D1 , Matrix M-Stage , O2 + ODAC / Schiit Magni + Modi.
A good DAC is a must for the Q701 .
LQDForceThanks!
Which one of these would have the highest value? Currently leaning towards the O2 + ODAC.
PS: is there a way to get notified each time you get a response?
GloomyMoonieWhat headphones?
O2 is great, can handle virtually any headphones out there.
ODAC is a bit too bright for my taste though, I'd get a Schiit Modi instead.
LQDForceAs I've said in the post you've first replied to, the headphones are the AKG Q701. Could you elaborate on what you mean by "bright" please? Not really accustomed to the audiophile jargon yet :D
Edit: I have referred to the audiophile glossary, and would like to update my question: are the Q701's too bright by themselves, or does the ODAC brightens the sound that goes through it?
GloomyMoonieoops, my bad o.O
Q701 are a little bit bright, but never harsh. mostly because people tend to confuse detail and transparency for brightness and treble emphasis. this is not the case here.
If anything, it's the ODAC that tends to reveal the weakness of your setup. Even If your headphones are a just a wee bit on the bright side, the ODAC might make them sound overly bright , to the point of harshness and screeching treble.
I recommend the Modi instead, it is more forgiving and far more musical than the ODAC.
LQDForceOkay, thanks!
What about an amp though? Would going with an entry-level Magni suffice, or is there something more optimal in terms of value?
I am also buying this combo for the HD600, do you have any experience with those?
Btw, JDS Labs actually have the Q701's in the header of the O2 +ODAC page :O
GloomyMoonieMagni is kinda bright, better go for the O2 .
Can't go wrong with the O2+Modi. Will be fine for the HD600 as well.
Another viable option for both headphones is the Audio-GD NFB-15