[Killbox]

Hi guys, I've recently purchased AKG Q701 and I need a headphone amp recommendation. So far I've been checking out Schiit Asgard/Lyr and Audio GD Sparrow. After some reading I've figured out that the Q701 needs a lot of power(?)
 
 
Audio GD Sparrow  A version?
Matrix M-Stage
Schiit Asgard, Valhalla, Lyr
Maverick Audio TubeMagic D1 DAC
Beresford TC-7520 
 
 
Thanks in advance
 
 
 

 

[sphinxvc]

Yes sir they need a good amount of power.  Certainly doesn't hurt.  What kind of source are you using?  How do you like them on whatever you're using right now?  If you don't have a source yet, which I'm guessing you might not since you're considering the D1 DAC, and if your budget is tight, then I suggest you go for any of the well known amp/DAC combos. I can vouch for the Audio-GD Fun I had a while ago with the AKG X70X series, very nice synergy there and great bang-for-buck performance.
 
If your budget isn't so tight then the Lyr will be a fantastic choice.  It's warmer signature tames the 70Xs and gives it all the power it could need.  Puts it through it's paces.  Of course you will need a DAC as well.  If you're trying to save money you can find a budget source in the FS forums.  If not, well, you get the idea.

 

[Killbox]

My source is Flac music on my computer mainly. At the moment I have a Nuforce udac (ver.1) with my Denon ah-d1000, while the AKG Q701 is on it's way. I guess the nuforce is way too weak, so that's why I would grad a amp/amp dac combo as well.  I got really tempted by the Maverick, but that was until i read that the TubeMagic A1 Amplifier is way better than the TubeMagic D1 which also have a dac. 
 
At the moment I see two scenarios. 
 
1. Buy a OK amp + dac combo 
2. Buy a pure amp, an then later save up some more money to buy a dac aswell. 
 
I think 500$ included shipping is the max I want to spend now. 

 

[sphinxvc]

Option 2, the Lyr is a solid choice.  The uDAC will tide you over for the time being.

 

[Killbox]

Ok. I really appreciate all the input I can get. The Schiit Lyr looks great. It's 512$  in total shipping to Norway, so that's really the budget roof. 

 

[Killbox]

Is Little Dot MK III a good option? Or is it too weak?

 

[sphinxvc]

All Little dot's are are OTL, not a good match for low impedance X70Xs.  Look for transformer coupled tubes for X70Xs.  There's a Ming Da 84 70C in the FS forum right now shipping out of Ireland for about $200.  I've heard good things out of that combo on the K701 appreciation thread from SP wild, look for his impressions.  Good luck.