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April 3, 2008 - 9:12am
#1
Love the AKG sound - what is similar
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So you want a 2-channel speakers system that sounds much like AKG headphones??
Ok, I've got AKG K701s and love them. My stereo has a similar tonal balance and it's composed of Vienna Acoustic Beethoven Baby Grand speakers, a Conrad Johnson CA200 control amplifier, a Pro-ject RM10 turntable with a Sumiko Blackbird cartridge and a Pioneer AV-58DV universal player with mods by Ric Schultz. I drive the 701s with a Woo Audio WA6 single-ended, class-A, tube-based headphone amp.
Is that what you had in mind?
Dave
Oh, welcome,BTW.
I have the AKG 701s, too, and speaker-wise, I'd say the Vandersteen 2CeII Sigs had a similar airy, detailed quality, tempered with some warmth. I'd also say Devore 8. I agree w/ Dave & think the AKGs sound the best with tubed amp, like Dave's Woo Audio (I use an amp by Leben.) As for your stereo system, it depends on whether or not you want to go tube or solid-state, completely your preference. (Also, what's your budget?) A lot of solid state amps can do warmth as well, if not better, than a lot of tube amps. Plinius amps are known for sounding warm, without sacrificing clarity... especially their older models. I like Primare, too. Tube amps: just so many choices, you know? It would really help if you gave us a ballpark budget, what you're willing to spend, etc.
Oh, one integrated amp I REALLY liked was Pathos Classic MkIII, and you might like it. Gorgeous looking. And sounds even better. Interesting hybrid design, solid state, but uses tubes in pre-amp stage. So you get the best of both worlds. The sound is incredibly liquid, fluid, and warm, but very clear at the same time.
wow you guys are way beyond me. Let me do some research to parse what you guys said (which i think was extremely kind and helpful) and i will get back to you.
As for how much im willing to spend, this is sorta my first foray into a high end home system so Im not sure.
Neither selfdivider's nor my system are "budget" items, but he's actually pretty new to audiophilia and I'm decades into it. You might review his posts for the last few months to get an idea of how one newbie approached the issue.
There are lots of price points that you can enter and this group can help you get the best value for your money, so just let us know the target.
Dave