[SOLVED] iFi XDSD with AKG 712 Pro’s

[sizzling]

Hi

I am new to this level of audio equipment. I have a pair of AKG 712 Pro’s which when run from my Asgard 3 with multibit DAC sound brilliant. I do use an equaliser in Windows to brighten the low end a little. I already found the Sound Blaster X7 I had wasn’t really up to the job. I am struggling to decide if the iFi XDSD would power these headphones properly and I would be wanting to use the Bass enhancement mode. Has anyone run this setup or have an opinion on if it would be good as a mobile option.

Thank you

 

[Deleted member 217926]

I don't find the K712 Pro to be difficult to drive at all. The iFi shouldn't have any problems.

 

[sizzling]

I don't find the K712 Pro to be difficult to drive at all. The iFi shouldn't have any problems.

Firstly thank you for sharing your opinion. I’m no expert but I have seen a few reviews saying they are harder to drive than average and I feel some of the improvement especially in the lows and mids from the Asgard 3 over the X7 was from the increased power. It’s the big difference I noticed going to the Asgard 3 that worries me that a portable DAC/Amp is going to struggle. There seems to be nowhere near me that stocks the XDSD so I cannot try before I buy. The more reviews I read the more unsure I become, some say the XDSD does struggle with other ‘hard to drive’ headphones but other reviews say it can drive them. Unfortunately the headphones in the reviews are never 712’s and I don’t know enough to draw a comparison.

 

[Deleted member 217926]

Oh no it won't struggle. My LG V35 drives them fine. You may notice some sound differences though since the Asgard is class A and class A amps impart a little 'warmth' into the sound over neutrality. And the K712 isn't hard to drive like say a Sundara or other planar. The iFi looks like it supplies a half watt which should be fine.

 

[Deleted member 217926]

I've owned about 15 headphones at this point. Almost everything mid-fi worth owning. The K712 is hard to drive only in the sense that it's a 62ohm headphone so you'd expect it to get loud with any source but it's not very sensitive. So I wouldn't expect a ( non LG ) phone to do well or a laptop but as long as you have some amplification they'll be fine.

 

[Deleted member 217926]

Extra bass and warmer mids are from the class A influence and not the power most likely.

 

[Deleted member 217926]

I will also say the K712 pro scales surprisingly well. Both with better amplification and a better DAC. So while a portable device may not give you the exact same sound as your desktop device that doesn't mean it isn't worth getting one if you need the portability.

 

[sizzling]

I will also say the K712 pro scales surprisingly well. Both with better amplification and a better DAC. So while a portable device may not give you the exact same sound as your desktop device that doesn't mean it isn't worth getting one if you need the portability.

I really appreciate the feedback, it is reassuring that this will be a good purchase. I’m not expecting it to be the same as the desktop but really want something that is good in its own way considering the size of the device.

 

[Deleted member 217926]

I got a huge jump going from using an Aune X1S as a DAC to the SMSL SU-9 I have now. I was surprised by how well they responded to a better DAC. They still stage better than any headphone I've heard short of the HD800 although the Ananda is close.

 

[sizzling]

Oh no it won't struggle. My LG V35 drives them fine. You may notice some sound differences though since the Asgard is class A and class A amps impart a little 'warmth' into the sound over neutrality. And the K712 isn't hard to drive like say a Sundara or other planar. The iFi looks like it supplies a half watt which should be fine.

Hi, I just wanted to say you were correct. The XDSD is running the 712’s with no problem. I have only used it for a couple of hours and I like it, definitely different to the Asgard 3 but good in its own way. Once again thank you for sharing your experience.

 

[Deleted member 217926]

Glad you like the pairing! I really like the 712. I'd even go so far as to say it's my favorite mid-fi open back dynamic. It gives you a flavor vs the blank stare of the typically recommended more neutral HD600/650/660S.