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Which dac/amp for AKG K702

Luka

Active Member
Hello,
I'm sorry for asking this question, I feel like it was probably addressed many times, but I've been looking for a DAC/AMP for my AKG K702…
I don't know how many forums and articles I read online, but I'm still completely lost! I can't figure out what would be a good choice for the money I want to put on it (around $200).

Sometimes, I find someone saying they use their AKG K702 with a certain amp (FiiO E10K, for example), but then elsewhere, someone says it's not powerful enough.

I found this:
But with the DAC added, it's over my budget…
Maybe I won't find anything below $300?


Anyone uses the AKG K702? Which DAC/AMP do you use with it?
Help! :shocked: haha
 
Hello,
I'm sorry for asking this question, I feel like it was probably addressed many times, but I've been looking for a DAC/AMP for my AKG K702…
I don't know how many forums and articles I read online, but I'm still completely lost! I can't figure out what would be a good choice for the money I want to put on it (around $200).

Sometimes, I find someone saying they use their AKG K702 with a certain amp (FiiO E10K, for example), but then elsewhere, someone says it's not powerful enough.

I found this:
But with the DAC added, it's over my budget…
Maybe I won't find anything below $300?


Anyone uses the AKG K702? Which DAC/AMP do you use with it?
Help! :shocked: haha

Very limited usage so far, but very pleased with decision to go with Schiit Audio - Modi + Asgard 3. Had excellent, ongoing e-mail Support while making this choice ! Brand new Beyer DT880 Pro - 600 ohm hdfones and recent inclusion of Eris E8 monitors. No Audio I/F on this Desktop Win10 Pro /Reaper DAW and this setup works well. Driving Modi from ASUS MB /Realtek Toslink out.

Asgard 3 Gain Switch is fine in either position, with Volume Knob way down in High position, near midway in Low. position. Support assures me there is no degradation with either choice.

Be aware ... you must choose either Headphones plugged in, OR out for Monitors. Doesn't drive both simultaneously. Small pita, but avoids need for Audio I/F.

Good luck with your decisions, and take advantage of Schiit Audio email Support to make sure all of your concerns get addressed.
 
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What audio output ports does your iMac have? (I'm a Windows person, so I need to ask that.) Is there an optical digital port?
 
No, there's only 3.5mm jack, USB or USB-C

So your audio is restricted to USB which suggests an Audio I/F instead of DAC or non-usb headphone amp. Several choices, but limited at $250. Focusrite Scarlett Solo or 2i2 (3rd Gen) are something to checkout.
Amazon has $110. to $160.
 
Have a look at audiosciencereview.com

Very good reviews there based on measurements and facts. Some affordable dacs/amps measure very well, and that's the ones you should be looking at.
 
I’ve used my K702s with a 1st gen 2i2 and 2nd gen 6i6 for about four years now, and I’ve nothing to complain about. They drive them more than enough.

They seem to be for recording… Isn't it counterintuitive to have this to use as an amp for headphones?
I'm sorry for my complete ignorance with all of this stuff, I'm completely new to it and don't understand much of how it all works… haha
 
If you don't have an audio interface, get one (Focusrite, Behringer, Steinberg have cheap and very solid options)..they have headphone amps integrated plus you can connect your speakers to it and drivers and conversion will be much better than it is with your computer's sound card..

Headphone amp is just a dedicated box that isn't necessary for you since your headphones are really easy to drive..
 
Your initial post caused poor assumptions on my part and I basically 'retract' now with your further info.
Yes you can try K-702 with iMac to listen and decide. If more volume or quality is your choice, then budget will drive available options. Apologies for jumping ahead based on initial DAC/Preamp basis. :blush:
 
So your audio is restricted to USB which suggests an Audio I/F instead of DAC or non-usb headphone amp. Several choices, but limited at $250. Focusrite Scarlett Solo or 2i2 (3rd Gen) are something to checkout.
Amazon has $110. to $160.
Yes. The Focusrite Scarlett series is very good overall for the price. But it might or might not be a good match for the AKG 702 headphones. Apparently these headphones require more power than a lot of other models.

EDIT: @gtrwll above has good things to say about Focusrite and K702s working together. So I'm probably wrong about this.

I hope that someone else who knows what specs to look for can join in here.
 
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Screen Shot 2020-05-15 at 16.28.23.png

I saw that on another forum… I don't know what to think anymore haha
 
K702 are 62 ohms, so not sure what other issues are impacting results from most 'mainstream' Audio I/F(s). Direct from this iMac ??? Can only try appropriate connection and listen.
Nice headphones, and worth getting best from them !
 
K702 are 62 ohms, so not sure what other issues are impacting results from most 'mainstream' Audio I/F(s). Direct from this iMac ??? Can only try appropriate connection and listen.
Nice headphones, and worth getting best from them !
In addition to impedance, you need to consider sensitivity -- how many milliwatts of power from the amplifier to get a given volume.
 
Screen Shot 2020-05-15 at 16.28.23.png

I saw that on another forum… I don't know what to think anymore haha
Thank you for this. It makes an important point. If you get an interface that is powered from the USB connection to the computer (Scarlett is an example) then you will probably want a powered USB hub in between your iMac and the interface. These are very inexpensive. Anker is one good brand.
 
One option would be to buy an interface (Focusrite or other) and try it out. Just find out if you can return it if needed. In Europe e.g. Thomann has a good returns policy.

They seem to be for recording… Isn't it counterintuitive to have this to use as an amp for headphones?
I'm sorry for my complete ignorance with all of this stuff, I'm completely new to it and don't understand much of how it all works… haha

No need to feel sorry, it’s never a bad thing to ask :)

I’m not sure what you mean by counterintuitive? If you’re used to setting the volume from your iMac, when you get an interface you usually leave the computer volume be and set the volume from the interface itself. The most important thing is that the interface has a phones output and a dedicated volume knob for it.
 
They seem to be for recording… Isn't it counterintuitive to have this to use as an amp for headphones?
You need a headphone amplifier with a USB input, because your iMac doesn't have a digital audio output. It might seem counterintuitive, but the most economical way to get this is with an audio interface that also has inputs and speaker outputs.
 
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