[Kohli]

Hi everyone. New here, I am a music producer and dj and as such bought myself the audio 10 interface. This move was primarily for djing, however I have been using this sound card to produce with also. I have recently acquired some Akg K702s and was wondering what I should do. I have read everywhere that these headphones really need a good headphone amplifier. My question is will I need one despite already having an (for me, a student) expensive sound card. If so what is an inexpensive solution? Of course I am hoping that running the headphones out of my audio 10 will heed great results, however as a producer I really am looking for the best possible sound.

Many thanks in advance! I would be so grateful for any advice as my technical knowledge of sound is limited.

 

[Acix]

Out of my Kontrol 1 the K702 sounds good and is a great start for any music productions. With the time I've got the SPL Phonitor for the K702, as well I upgrade my DAC for a better result.
 
I'm assuming the Audio 10 interface have the same hps amp unite as the old Kontrol 1, but I'm not sure you'll need to check this out.

 

[Kohli]

Thanks for the help man, yeah I'm sure it does as its the most high end sound card they do! So u reckon even with the sound card I may in the future need to get a DAC too? Or even professionally will the K702s work fine out of the audio 10? Thanks in advance for any replies!

 

[Acix]

As I said, this combo probably will work more than fine. I'm under the impression of the Audio 10 having the same headphones amp unit as the NI Kontrol 1sound card. Here is more info: http://www.head-fi.org/t/393139/k702-in-the-studio
 
As well you'll need around 200 hours of burn in for the K702 to sound the best. A better cable can help a bit too, http://www.head-fi.org/t/378255/akg-k702-build-your-own-cable

 

[Kohli]

Ok cheers for your help. That's good to know! Have you changed your cable and found discernible differences?

 

[Kohli]

I mean audio differences. I see you say better but not sure if this is quality wise or the actual sound

 

[jibzilla]

.

 

[Kohli]

Yeah I got krk rokit 6s bruv, definitely agree with u there I'm always banging stuff out but just thought i do need some good studio cans for mix downs and stuff! What makes you say I should invest in a headphone amp? Will the audio 10 not be good enough?

 

[Kohli]

With regard the burn in time I'm just gonna leave them on playing through my tunes for a couple days. Reckon that will suffice? Should they be full volume or lower?? Any help appreciated

 

[Acix]

Ok cheers for your help. That's good to know! Have you changed your cable and found discernible differences?

 
Not day and night, more like 10-20% audible differences with better focus sound separation and a bit more air in between the instruments. 
 
In my experience acoustic treatment for your room will be very important.

 

[Kohli]

Surely acoustic treatment isn't necessary for headphone use? I agree though in general, definitely need to try get that sorted

 

[Acix]

Surely acoustic treatment isn't necessary for headphone use? I agree though in general, definitely need to try get that sorted

 
I meant acoustic treatment for your room/studio. The acoustic treatment of your K702 are fixed, but you can mod the sound by using the the K712 pads.

 

[jibzilla]

Yeah I got krk rokit 6s bruv, definitely agree with u there I'm always banging stuff out but just thought i do need some good studio cans for mix downs and stuff! What makes you say I should invest in a headphone amp? Will the audio 10 not be good enough?