Massdrop x AKG K7XX Red Edition Discussions | Drop

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Massdrop x AKG K7XX Red Edition

Audiophile

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Arrowman1256

Oct 12, 2016

Would the Audioengine D1 be acceptable for these headphones, and if not, what else would be a good choice?

Oct 12, 2016

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AvroArrow

Oct 13, 2016

Arrowman1256As a DAC sure, as an amp, no. The D1 only pushes about 100mW @ 32 ohm. The AKG K7xx/Q7xx series are current hungry, not voltage hungry. You need something that pushes at least 600-900mW @ 32 ohm to make these sound good IMHO. When I was using a D1 to power my K702 65th Annies I thought it was awesome and I could crank it loud. Then I added a Fiio E09K to the chain and wow, what a difference that made. I didn't know how much depth and bass the Annies could make until I fed them enough power. I later upgraded to an Asgard 2, then Lyr 2 and the subsequent differences were much less than the initial jump from the D1 only to D1+E09K.
Even with enough amping power, the KXX are not bass monsters by any stretch, it's a very nice neutral headphone with some bass thump (less than Philips Fidelio X2, way less than Fostex TH-X00). If you're on a budget then the Massdrop O2 amp would be the absolute minimum I'd suggest. The Schiit Magni 2 ($99 USD) or Uber ($149 USD) would be my recommendation if you can afford it.

Oct 13, 2016

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Arrowman1256

Oct 13, 2016

AvroArrowSo im just getting into audiophile stuff, and I dont understand a whole lot all things considered, so I really appreciate the help. I am curious though, do you think the Uber would be better overall? I see it has an optical input whereas the magni 2 does not, are optical inputs generally the way to go? And also am I missing something, as it seems one is listed as an amp and the other as a DAC, do I need both or just one?

Oct 13, 2016

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AvroArrow

Oct 13, 2016

Arrowman1256Optical input? Oh, you were looking at the Modi 2 Uber DAC? I meant to get either the Magni 2 or Magni 2 Uber amp and chain it with your D1. Since you were asking about the D1 I assumed you already own the Audioengine D1. If so, you don't need another DAC. Actually, both the D1 and the Schiit Modi 2 use the same AKM4396 DAC chip (Modi 2 Uber uses AKM4490).
Quick FYI, DAC=soundcard, Amp=...amplifier/power. You can buy them separately or as amp/dac combo units. Technically the D1 is a amp+dac, but the amp section is really weak. Fine for driving low powered headphones, but not so good for higher powered headphones like the KXX.
If you are starting from scratch and was just asking if the D1 was a good choice to buy to pair with the KXX, then I would change my recommendation. I'd suggest the Modi 2 Uber + Magni 2 Uber stack/combo for ~$300 USD. Power and feature wise, it's very similar to my last gen Bifrost Uber USB + Asgard 2 stack for far less money. This way, you can spend more money on trying different headphones instead of 4 different amps and 4 different DACs. If you really don't need or want the extra inputs & outputs of the Uber versions, then the plain Modi 2+Magni 2 stack is $100 cheaper. The extra $100 buys you more inputs (optical+coax), different/better? DAC chip, 1 extra output (for powered speakers), more power (16-25% more), nicer aluminum top chassis (vs painted steel). The Uber version chassis also matches the Vali 2 tube hybrid amp if you want to try tubes later on. RCA and USB cables not included.

Oct 13, 2016

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Arrowman1256

Oct 13, 2016

AvroArrowI apologize I should have specified that I didnt have the D1, so then you think that the Modi2 and Magni 2 would be a good combo for this headset, and that, while the ubers are better overall, arent really necessary?

Oct 13, 2016

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Arrowman1256

Oct 13, 2016

AvroArrowOr I suppose I should ask, will I get significant sound quality differences going to the ubers, or do you think there would be no noticeable difference between the uber and non-uber

Oct 13, 2016

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Kenzo

Oct 13, 2016

Arrowman1256mostly, it depends on your dac and amp. it's akg after all.

Oct 13, 2016

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AvroArrow

Oct 13, 2016

Arrowman1256Although I haven't A-B'ed them side-by-side, from my experience with several higher powered amps and the AKGs, I doubt you'll hear a significant difference. And yes, while the Ubers are nice to have, they aren't really necessary unless you need the extra inputs/outputs.

Oct 13, 2016

Arrowman1256

Oct 13, 2016

AvroArrowAlright, appreciate the help :)

Oct 13, 2016

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