Is there any reason I shouldn't get the AKG K 702 headphones, and what amp?

[Corran]

I've used my AKG 240 headphones for many many years, but I would like to upgrade. After much reading and also the fact that I really like my 240s, I've decided on the AKG K 702 for my new headphones.

Is there any reason I shouldn't buy these? Of course my short list included the HD600s but it seems like the 702s will be as good. Looks to be a lot more comfortable too.

I do know about the "burning in" requirement.

Also, is a headphone amp a real necessity? My 240s can get frighteningly loud directly out of my line mixer when monitoring. If you have a suggestion feel free to share. I honestly have never had a headphone amp and know nothing about them. I definitely cannot afford some super expensive one, and would like the smallest possible box (I'm trucking enough equipment already).

These will be used on location for monitoring classical and jazz recordings, as well as other genres but not much. Don't complain but these 'phones will be my only monitor. I'm not able to bring the speakers.

[Teddy Ray]

As a long time user of the AKG 701s, I can tell you that there is no difference between the 702 and the 701 other than the detachable cable. The AKG 701s have a low impedence and need an amp that delivers a healthy amount of current. These cans really do quite well in terms of fidelity/build/price. Since i have purchased these, my sennheiser hd650s have not seen the light of day. . The porcelain finish is a bit off putting for some, but I quite like it.

There is a company called "Little Dot" that offers HQ, low priced headphone amplifiers and seem to do quite well with these cans. Another company is called Ibasso their model "t4" goes for 109USD.


I drive mine with the headphone amp of my D/A(mytek stereo 96)
eBay

as for the "burning in" comment, that is a subject that is at best highly controversial(outside of audiophile circles where voodoo/snake oil science has taken precedence over commonly accepted scientific principles). I have not noticed any of this in the 2 years that I have owned them.

there are no , as I see it...legitimate reasons to go for the 702 vs the 701 unless you are anticipating doing a cable "upgrade" from one of the many aftermarket cable vendors or if you happen to prefer black to white.

they are the same cans, essentially.

Originally Posted by Corran

I've used my AKG 240 headphones for many many years, but I would like to upgrade. After much reading and also the fact that I really like my 240s, I've decided on the AKG K 702 for my new headphones.

Is there any reason I shouldn't buy these? Of course my short list included the HD600s but it seems like the 702s will be as good. Looks to be a lot more comfortable too.

I do know about the "burning in" requirement.

Also, is a headphone amp a real necessity? My 240s can get frighteningly loud directly out of my line mixer when monitoring. If you have a suggestion feel free to share. I honestly have never had a headphone amp and know nothing about them. I definitely cannot afford some super expensive one, and would like the smallest possible box (I'm trucking enough equipment already).

These will be used on location for monitoring classical and jazz recordings, as well as other genres but not much. Don't complain but these 'phones will be my only monitor. I'm not able to bring the speakers.

[Corran]

Actually I do like the color scheme on the 702s better

Not sure I want a tube-based amp. I want to be able to toss it in my bag of random stuff and not worry about it. The solid-state Little Dot amp was a lot more expensive. I'll look around though at your other suggestion.

[Teddy Ray]

Originally Posted by Corran

Actually I do like the color scheme on the 702s better

Not sure I want a tube-based amp. I want to be able to toss it in my bag of random stuff and not worry about it. The solid-state Little Dot amp was a lot more expensive. I'll look around though at your other suggestion.

there is a sea of stuff out there, Corran. The reason I suggested those is that the companies from which they originate specialize in Headphone Amplification. I have direct experience with the Little Dot and it does very well.

If you were a DIY Type, there is a great little amp called the "PIMETA" that is quite easy and cheap to construct..

[Corran]

Hmm I'll check that out - I have wanted to do some DIY projects anyway.

Thanks!