🏆The BEST Headphone Amps For The AKG K701 & K702

[@HomeStudioBasics]

A couple of things I didn't mention: 1. This video is TIME SENSITIVE, but the blog ain't so check that sh** homie! All future updates to this video WILL BE IN THE ARTICLE. Talk soon and share!! 2. This guide applies to both the K701 and K702 as they mostly sound about the same. I own the K612, and would apply it to that headphone as well. It can also apply to K7XX, Q701, and K712. I do not own those headphones but will be getting them all here for a final shootout! Research 3:00 Experience 4:31 As for my choices, any one of them will sound great with the K702. Out of the researched ones, definitely consider the Heed first, then Vioelectric if you want to splurge, followed by the SPL Phonitor and Darkvoice. All links and articles are in the description!!

[@5ChSP2UxVtswQh-Znzkpbg]

Acabo de recibir un AKG 702, hace cuatro horas. En mi DAC PC (ALC 1220VB / Ess Sabre 9118) y un MT-602 (tubos Voshkod Rocket 6j1p-ev). ¡Me gusta mucho su sonido! Las almohadillas son un poco duras, espero que cambien un poco con el tiempo. Tengo un AD500X desde hace cuatro años, los K702 son una MUY BUENA ACTUALIZACIÓN, van en la misma línea. Thanks for the info! New sub ¡¡¡Saludos!!!

[@HomeStudioBasics]

¡Me alegro mucho de oírlo, hombre! K702 son unos auriculares fantásticos y me alegra que los disfrutes. Me encanta el bajo y lo natural que es. Incluso puedes ecualizarlo un poco para obtener un poco de golpe a 60-90 Hz, pero es excelente y sorprendente para el bajo de jazz. ¡Me alegro de haber ganado tu suscripción! Pronto tendremos algunos videos nuevos, así que estad atentos. :)

[@5ChSP2UxVtswQh-Znzkpbg]

@@HomeStudioBasics también me encantó su bajo, la escena sonora, separación, dinámica, etc. Ya lo estoy usando con un K5 Pro Ess y mejoró bastante. Aunque a veces para cierto tipo de música uso el amp híbrido. La comodidad mejoró con el tiempo. La verdad por $180 nuevos, me parecen muy buenos. No se a cuáles tendré que subir para lograr un verdadero upgrade notable. Pero ni pienso en eso, solo los disfruto! Saludos amigo Pd: los he ecualizado a Harman (Oratory) pero se me hace muuucho bajo. Prefiero así como vienen, sin tocar nada.

[@luizengrazia5169]

I just got a K702 today and...oh man. Miles better than the HD560s on the K7 SE. The timber just sounds much more...wide, open and true to life. It just "rounded out" the edges on the 560s andthe Bass, although less than the 560, I found it to be much more accurate. Actually, I found everything to be more accurate and true to life. The highs...suoer clean and excellent separation. Indeed "planar like" like you stated. Also, on the "true to life" .... The soundstage 🫠 I read many say that its unnatural, but I have to register here my disagreement. It sounds JUST LIKE REAL LIFE. Really impressive. In Dead Space, a necro got out of a vent on the second floor in the other side of the place and I was drown STRAIGHT to it. Very accurate indeed. Gunfire and everything also have a much sharper true to life timbre. Ill pass my 560s forward lol

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Yup. K702 is an amazing headphone. I use one for mixing when not using my HS7s. I also use it for general music listening. I'm actually coming out with a new video on the 702 to reinforce how good they are. I get so annoyed when people say the Soundstage isn't accurate or it's too wide. I wonder what the f those people are listening to. 560S is a good headphone, well-tuned, but dull after a while and extremely boring like the rest of the 500 series line.

[@antoinep9733]

Now that you’re officially certified, I predict this channel really going places, despite follower abuse (4:48)

[@HomeStudioBasics]

XD Heheheh I knew you'd like that one :P

[@ApathyTea]

Thanks to that certificate I can finally take you and your reviews seriously. Mr. Stu

[@HomeStudioBasics]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHvFnnVvoJeMbpo XD

[@redforrori]

I do not understand why your channel doesn't have 10K followers. You are one of the most erudite & well spoken audio reviewers on YT. Thank you for all the work you put into your reviews, recommendations, and videos.

[@redforrori]

BTW, here's a pic (vis a vis our conversation on Patreon, ;)

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Thank you so much for YOUR support Rori! I feel as though my channel is going to break through here soon, just gotta keep plugging away. I honestly think part of it is that people don't like ME. Of course there is always room for improvement as far as the content goes (which I'm always working on), and I do plan on upgrading my camera. My lighting can def use some work, but I think that a lot of what I'm doing is effective. I also think my personality can be off putting to some people. Also, if you go back and watch some of my older videos ... yeah lol. I mean we all have to start somewhere, and it's true for any video creator; even guys like Sean Cannell @ Think Media and Tim Schmoyer @ Video Creators, (both of whom are huge inspirations to me). But yeah, some days I'm at a loss for words as to why I haven't grown faster. But I have to just put my head down and keep it moving because nobody owes me anything you know? It's about growing and evolving, which is painful at times, spiritually or otherwise.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Got it!

[@redforrori]

@@HomeStudioBasics Ima answer this in a DM. xo

[@arthurcrosby5755]

Hi Stu. Nice of you to do this review! Thank you! Now I don’t believe in giving “thumbs down”. If I don’t like what I see and hear, it doesn’t mean that my opinion is better or worse than any one else’s. So if I can’t give a “thumbs up”, why should I be the one to spoil someone else’s day?! Now I must pick you up on the treatment you gave the little boy who, you say, “thumb downers” are like. He was only on your video for a small fraction of a unit of time, which since time is relative, I don’t need to mention here. Second. That boy was sitting playing chess. Of course, chess is a mind game as well as a game of logic. So, if he was demonstrating a facial expression calculated to send shivers down the spine of his opponent, that’s all above board (not the chess board). I expect that boy also knows more about DAC’s than most; and who’s going to argue with that aggressive physog? Especially when he is well versed in changing his men into Queens with no arguments from the Bishop. DAC’s are great. Check mate 😀.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey Arthur! Thanks for stopping by. LOL that kid is just mad tho. He may be playing chess, but he's thinking about DACS like everyone else and obsessing over them XD

[@360Fov]

In the application of using K702 for gaming to create a great stereo-image, is there any merit to looking into tube amplification? I've been amazed by the performance of budget-priced gear on Amazon, like the Lepy amplifiers for driving Acoustic Energy speakers, and Nobsound for driving headphones etc.. - there are some extremely affordable tube-solution and I wonder if they would colour the sound in a way that adds depth and realism to the soundstage, or give sound effects like foot steps, gun shots etc.. any more detail and definition. It probably sounds like a crime pairing AKG702 with super cheap amps but I'm really seeing that the performance difference is almost non-existent between many budget and brand-name equipment. Obviously there's a huge difference when it comes to packaging and presentation though, but I'm' happy to completely sacrifice on look / feel / packaging / customer support etc.. and focus exclusively on raw performance (at least on smaller gear that doesn't take up a lot of desk space or can be enclosed... it'd suck having nice RGB, mouse/keyboard, curved display etc. - then a bunch of big ugly cheap amazon gear lol)

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Seems like you're one of the few enlightened individuals in this hobby man. I don't know if I'd pair a K702 with a pure tube amp, but I did have some luck with say the Bravo Ocean hybrid tube/solid state offering paired with the DF Red as the DAC. Used a bunch of headphones including 4xx and 702. Super clean with a hint of warmth. Ocean is only about $100. Did you see my desktop shootout? homestudiobasics.com/ifi-zen-vs-fiio-k5-pro-vs-jds-atom-vs-bravo-ocean/

[@MrWkendwarrior]

I bought the original German made K701...comfort, timber, instrument separation, clarity r to die for....but it never reached its full potential....tried Schitt Magni 3, Fiio E17k, K5 (non Pro), M11, Oriolus BA300s, Aune DAC/amp, Bravo mini tube amp...all improved sound and power, but not enuff. About 5? Yrs ago, i did a bunch of research like u did, what various K701 owners did for amps (not DACs).....i agree with u....a good amp paired w a good DAC IS THE BEST way to go! Here is my list, as i rebuild my sound room, and move back to headphones, sharing time w my IEMs...this would be what i would consider, in no particular order...Heed Canamp, Doge 6210, Bada ph-12, TTVJ FET A, woo audio 6, Head Direct ef1, Ming Da 84c07, Headamp Gilmore Lite....forgive me if brands, names or model #s not complete...but 5-7 yrs ago these were the best available to i prove k701....granted tech now is much i proved over these amps, and adding a DAC...imo is no a prerequisite! Keep up the good work....like to see u get into good IEM amp/DAC pairings too! I currently like my FiiO M11 tethered w Oriolus BA300s tube amp...powering my Tin Audio P1 planars, and Shuoer Tape hybrids, occassionally use my Schitt Magni 3....

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man! I like your list! Thank you for the kind words. Should help people out in deciding. That said, I'm not a huge proponent of the idea that Amps and DACS make a world of difference. I mean yes, they help and are necessary because they get the music from point A to point B, (Dac) and amplify the sound if you need power. So I will always (sometimes begrudgingly) talk about them. But as far as like "synergy", the never ending options for dacs (a scam really) and all that, I think it's kind of overrated to be honest. I did a video on this because it had to be said and frankly I'm just tired of others placing way too much emphasis on the dac/amp when those are secondary considerations and in no way will make or break how your music sounds. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYukhZ1urZeBarM

[@MrWkendwarrior]

Home Studio Basics thx watched that vid, great points on DAC amp. Like u pointing out not all hi Rez source files sound good...all about how they were engineered, I deleted quite a few crappy hi Rez files in fav of CD level files.

[@pepeibz21]

Thanks for the recomendations, regards from Spain

[@HomeStudioBasics]

You're quite welcome my friend! Glad to have you! Which one are you considering?

[@robertwilfred12]

Just purchased these at Thomann (way cheaper than Amazon 😏) and I'm really loving these so far! Soundstage and detail retrieval from these are exceptional

[@Starstreak170]

Really enjoy your content. No bullshit, but still entertaining. Would be cool if you could review the TempoTec Sonata HD Pro. Seems to a more affordable, but technically superior alternative to the Dragonfly Red. Measures very well.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man thank you so much! That one looks interesting. I will write it down.

[@qirk3]

What amp/dac for dt770?

[@leonardozumaeta4354]

Thanks for this video! It was really helpful:) I had a question, how good do you think a Fiio Q3 or Q11 would do with k702s, for classical music specifically. I know it’s been a while since you posted this video but I thought I might try haha

[@wypych1209]

Hey men. For films and movies this 702 with amp MAGNAT MR 780 will be work well? Good job and take care

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Power wise, yes I think. I just looked it up. I don't know if it pairs well though since I hardly ever use receivers with headphones.

[@SatanDynastyKiller]

I can vouch for the K702 and Ifi Zen combo sounding great, with the True Bass on 👌

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Lmao. Just imagine True bass instead of True coat: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGOvfXVveKyZgtU Jerry is iFi. 😂

[@daburabu308]

is zen DAC enough?

[@tkhalid1379]

Hi Stu, any DAC amp for 702 that can be used with Android for tidal masters?

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man K5 Pro will work. Just make sure to go into Tidal settings and set to exclusive mode to see the color change from Blue to Yellow (indicating files over 48k). Let me know how it goes.

[@tkhalid1379]

I got a reply from the legend himself!!!!!!☺️☺️

[@bandhanjha8563]

Ordered the K712. Shoud reach by the end of this week. I have a dragonfly black right now. Am I good to go ??

[@HomeStudioBasics]

WOOP WOOP!! You'll probably be mostly maxing out with a small bit of headroom, and you may want it to get louder but maybe not. Just let me know. I'd wait and see how you like it and then decide if you want to get something else. My guess is that it's not going to get quite as loud as you like, but the K700 series isn't as hard to drive as some people say. I don't have the DF Black on me to test with my K702 (same Imp. and Sens.). Keep me posted my friend!

[@bandhanjha8563]

@@HomeStudioBasics Hey hi. Got my K712 delivered today. Dragonfly is doing a decent job but looking for something better. Can you recommend a portable amp around 150$ that can drive it ? P.S. You might ask why not desktop amp.... because I like listing from phone sitting on couch. That's the reason why I purchased dragonfly black a year ago. Anyway will consider buying a desktop amp if there are no good portable options available around that price point.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man! Why not go with the Red DragonFly or an NX4? Has much more power and drives pretty much any headphone well. If desktop, I would def consider the Zen. What do you think? Did you see my desktop shootout? kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJauiqF7p7OSbLc Also here's the hip-dac shootout as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWarfaepjcuUY7M

[@mrfr3d33x]

Try this Mod: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2PTeX-Cnpyfe7M

[@jairomaldonadocarrillo]

Hello! do you think a DAC-amp like the Fiio Q1 Mark II could work acceptably well with the AKG K701? Thank you!

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man! Yeah I think so! What specifically is making you lean towards the Q1 though?

[@jairomaldonadocarrillo]

@@HomeStudioBasics Thanks for answering! I was hesitant to buy the Fiio K3 or the Fiio Q1 II. I opted for the Q1 since it has a battery and I can use it with my smartphone. Although I don't know if I was wrong, since the power of the Q1 seems to be considerably less than that of the K3. My senesations when using it (the Q1) with the AKG K701 are good. But I wonder if I'm still not getting the most out of the headphones. Will I be missing the potential of these headphones by using them with this Amplifier? I don't know whether to exchange it for the K3. Thank you!

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man my pleasure! If you don't feel like you're getting enough power, I would try the Topping NX4. Is that your issue? I can see where you're coming from as the Q1 is a bit under-powered but I found it to drive the HD600's a lot better than I thought. The K701's aren't that hard to drive but let me know if you're getting enough headroom!

[@A.Liev94]

Hey dude the AKG K702 it's good for electro, pop, rap, rock?

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man! Yeah! I personally love it. Some people may find it a bit light, and certainly you shouldn't really try to push it that hard as it won't respond very well. But the 702 for those genres has really grown on me. It's a headphone I find myself reaching for the majority of the time because of how crisp but yet still natural it sounds. No sibilance, great mid-range, slight mid-bass emphasis which helps immensely. The treble has a rise but it's done quite tastefully. I have never once had a complaint about brightness or essiness in the top end. The bass does roll off a bit going into the sub bass, but man it's just a great sounding headphone. Highly recommended. It's a more clinical, detailed sound with fantastic Soundstage and instrument separation. Have you seen my Top 5? K702 is definitely one of the best under $500 imo. Consider getting one through a link on my site! Helps keep the blog and channel going :) homestudiobasics.com/the-5-best-audiophile-headphones-for-under-500/

[@A.Liev94]

@@HomeStudioBasics Thanks dude! I'm very interested un that headphones, the soundstage over all and I think the K702 is a great and cheap upgrade of my HD 599, I saw very similar the 702 and 712 pro but is more expensive and there are not many difference between them. I'll check your page bro, thanks for your response and experience. I'll use the k702 with a DAP like iBasso DX160 or Fiio m11

[@A.Liev94]

@@HomeStudioBasics Bro I have a question, I've bought an ifi hip dac ¿Do the AKG K702 will be benefited about the extra bass? I remebered that the k702 doesnt have too much bass as well, specially with the rap, hip hop, electro and rock, ¿What do you think about that combo?

[@daphoenixto]

Stu I just bought a PO-33 and Status CB-1 Headphones its obvious I need a Headphone Amp\DAC ...But here is the big question what would have longevity and sound quality if I would like to take my show on the road say Sampling in the Park or on the bus ? that's budget friendly in the CoVideo Times

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Lol hey man! Just looked that up. Sounds really neat! So its a sampler and you can loop tracks with it? Looks like it has a 3.5mm i/o. Perhaps you could run it into something like a FiiO Q1?

[@x-ray3431]

I remember sending back the k712 pro because I couldn't bear the headband it bothered me so much. I only own the HD599 I have no issues with that HP.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man! I heard people have had issues with that. The K702's and 612's both dig a little as well. It's not too bad but after awhile some sort of slight adjustment is needed. :)

[@TheSolidlad]

Oh, the 712 band is still much better than most AKG bands...

[@mrfr3d33x]

Mod Akg K712: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2PTeX-Cnpyfe7M

[@ragscool1984]

Hiiii..... just need a quick suggestion.... I have fiio q1mkii which I am using to power my Beyer custom studio.... HD599 also sounds great with amp but also it runs good directly from the iPad Pro. Now there are 2 options for openback with good soundstage after reading and listening to many reviews..... Fidelio X2HR K702 Please suggest which one to go for, both are on the same price range for 90$ or so.....used but very good condition. I am looking for soundstage and soundstage and soundstage with moderate imaging..... HD599 has great imagin but lack soundstage..... But now I want soundstage....:) rtings rated x2 as high so as the inner fidelity and Zeous, but k702 not much reviews, but still many say AKGs have great soundstage too...

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man I'd go with the K702!! Check out my article/video and comparison to the HD600. I actually have one on my head right now! The funniest part about it is that I actually don't like using it that much because it always makes me paranoid that someone's breaking into my apt!! LOL. That's how good the Soundstage is. You're always wondering whether the different sounds are coming from outside the cans. Here's the article: homestudiobasics.com/akg-k702-vs-sennheiser-hd600/ I think it will really help you pull the trigger on the K702. Keep me posted my friend!

[@ragscool1984]

@@HomeStudioBasics thanks a lot.... can you also provide your views on akg k275???? It’s also on sale now on amazon Europe.....tempted... and I now follow you :):) Please let me know....🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@HomeStudioBasics]

You're welcome man! Haven't heard that one. Is that new?

[@sal8697]

This is out of video content but man i just find the k3 on aliexpress at the same price of e10k on amazon so do you recommend the k3 over the e10k since it is at the same price ???! But i found som e people on amazon saying that the e10k sounds batter with 3.5 ?? So what do you think ?? Specially with SHP95000

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man! The only real differences between the 2 come down to 1. Power. If you ever plan on driving more demanding headphones the K3 won't really cut it. 2. Balanced and DSD. If you plan to run balanced cables or DSD files, Tidal masters etc, the K3 is what you'll want. 3. Sound. The K3 is ever so slightly smoother/cleaner sounding but to me it's not a big deal at all. If you plan to upgrade cans later, E10K. If you plan to listen with mostly low impedance, highly efficient cans, K3 + if you want to listen to files over 48kHz etc. Let me know what you think man!

[@sal8697]

@@HomeStudioBasics i have the shp9500 so it is better to go with the k3 ? since it has the same price of e10k and you already know that i just need the 3.5 because i don't have balance 2.5 and don't know if the shp9500 support it or not, another point is did you use the balanced or the unbalanced of the k3 when you did your comparison of the k3 vs e10k? if i just want the 3.5 jack of the k3 which will be the better the k3 or the e10k in terms of sound clarity and quality ?? because you said in your video that the k3 with unbalance have only 120mW which is less than the e10k and that made me confused so what do you think in the end ? k3 with unbalanced or e10k ? again it is at the same price...! i am sorry for my lots of comment but i want to buy the appropriate one

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man! Yes comparison was unbalanced. Wouldn't be fair to compare a balanced since the E10K doesn't support that. The K3 is a bit smoother and more refined sounding but it's a small diff. Sound clarity between the 2 is the same, quality I give slight edge to K3. Both are equally as detailed; the K3 is just more elegant sounding and less grainy. The E10K is a smidgen grainy but you don't notice it unless you're vigorously going back and forth i.e. you're not going to really care. Yes, the K3 is under powered out of the unbalanced jack. It doesn't give you as much which is why it's always hard to recommend one over the other. A lot of factors come in. Like what headphones you have now and will be using in the future. For NOW, the K3 will be fine with a 9500 as that headphone is very efficient and doesn't need much power from an amp. If you ever decide to purchase a more demanding headphone, the K3 will struggle UNLESS you decide to run balanced cables. So think about that as well. For now I think K3 and 9500 is a fantastic combo. :) Let me know what YOU think!

[@sal8697]

@@HomeStudioBasics so as a gamer (me) what do you think is batter for hearing footsteps and other background and far details the k3 or e10k ?

[@A.Liev94]

Dude can the iBasso DX160, or the Fiio M11 can drive the K702 as well? I was thinking about the R6 pro too

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey Andres haven't heard those unfortunately!

[@A.Liev94]

@@HomeStudioBasics Thanks dude! The main reason about this question is if the k702 it's hard to move or listen in a 100%

[@BigBoss-kk8hq]

Any recommendation to pair with the Anananda?

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey Big Boss, Solid Snake here. *Snake Voice* I think something like a Zen or K5 Pro would be a great fit as they're neither too cold/clinical or too warm. Both strike a nice balance of musicality and crisp, the Zen a little more crisp than the K5 but it's not a night and day difference. I also used a DF Red and JDS Element at the time of demo. Check out my review: homestudiobasics.com/hifiman-ananda-review/ What do you think? The Ananda isn't that hard to drive either as you may or may not know.

[@Zumpster]

How about an vintage amplituner ?

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hmm. Like a Marantz or something? I have an Onkyo receiver as you saw and it sounds great with my HD600's. I should have tested it out with the K702 and maybe included it in the video. I can do that and get back with you!

[@Zumpster]

@@HomeStudioBasics Please do a short review on headphones driven on vintage amplituners.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Sounds like a good video idea! Thank you!

[@Inlakesh91]

I have two portable amplifiers topping nx5 and takstar ha101. Takstar ha101 6a head higher, I recommend.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Nice!

[@maxw5156]

thanks man

[@ugielka]

I thought your name was really Studio. now I’m disappointed

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Well, technically it is. STU-dio. Just call me Stu Dio. LOL.