Am currently running the Ultrasone ALO-780 out of the Qinpu A-3 which is fed by a Zero DAC playing lossless files. I actually almost prefer the sound coming from my Zero. I do not think tubes with Ultrasone's match particularly well. Sure, there is a nicer, heavier bass, but that's about it. I do not need a new tube amp, as I want Grado's next and will use them with my A-3 until I can afford a really good $800 tube amp. I can also upgrade my Zero DAC to a Little Dot DAC_I (don't want the Benchmark right now, not worth it IMO). Just gotta sell my P-51 Mustang and I should have the funds. I am currently looking at the Little Dot MKVII, as it is balanced and I am thinking of doing that in the future

Currently looking at something like the Burson HA 160 and Little Dot MKVII. I see Little Dot is also releasing some more amps soon also. The Burson, yes I should be able to get it under $500 (bargain hunting ), so don't worry about the price. If genre matters at all, I listen to metal, pop, electronica and some rock. I have heard some wonderful things about the MKVII balanced, so I may get that, get the Little DAC_I in the future and get my Ultrasone's reterminated if it will be worth it. I don't know if the Burson is any better though, if it is, I will probably go with that if getting the ALO-780 (4 copper wire) isn't worth getting balanced.

Thanks