RickEC

Fukuyama Masaharu's The Golden Oldies http://wiki.jpopstop.com/wiki/The_Golden_Oldies

You are not a customer to them. I think they make you feel like you are THE customer. Teng: Thanks for warmly responding to my query on HD650 yesterday. It was a pleasure knowing how you guys do business.

Was at Stereo this afternoon. Once again, I felt the "human-touch" services. Like few other nice businesses around, this shop is more than aiming to do pure business. Based on my anecdotal and brief experiences with them, I found that they are expressive and positively contributive to customers and industry in other ways. Though I have only interacted with Teng, but I think the group of them has good mindset in servicing customers. Thumbs-up and Kudos to you all at the Stereo Electronics!!

Peanutbutterjam, I just got one Zero (OPA627) to test. When compared to DV337, the headamp output is way way way different. Shows that you might want to consider a standalone headamp to drive your K701 to fuller potential. Hope that helps. Off-topic 1:I'm using Zero to bypass my Marantz DAC department. First impression is that it make a rather huge difference. Cannot say for sure until I do A/B testing. Off-topic 2: The MOer, Monsterlim, is a recommended reseller. Have not had any issue so far dealing with him, apart from him being a too efficient avenue of cash outflow for me.

Also available at Hereen HMV.

I have read many good words regarding Zero and Zero+. I have not tried it, I am not sure. I believe the amp department of Zero should be very good relative to other similar priced DAC/AMP units. But when compared with dedicated headamp, it is likely to be not as good, especially when we are talking about driving the more challenging K701. My interest - classical, female vocals and instruments - means that I need clarity, accurate high, full midrange and wide soundstage. That is somewhat similar to your needs. My Marantz->DV337->K701 is quite satisfactory in this arena. If you keen to try DV, you can try to audit at vendors' sites. Especially a place with with numerous amps for you to A/B. If you can't find, you can bring your HP and DAC to my place to try out the DV. Just give me a pm.

I read online info for some time. K701 is said by others to go well with Solid-State: Heed Canamp, Stello Tube: Yamamoto, Cayin HA-1A, Bada PH-12, Darkvoice I am currently using it with Darkvoice. Still burning in. Not a bad combi in my opinion. For me, hunting down an amp is part of the pleasure in this hobby. Enjoy your amp search!

u got PM

Discernable difference it makes.