Need Source Help / Advice

I am in a difficult decision process in what will yield the best enjoyment for my limited funds. Currently All my major stereo equipment is in storage far away. I have been acquiring some budget gear to try and suffice. Still have a need that goes unfulfilled for true good sound reproduction.

I currently have on hand:

iPod 4th gen with 192 kbps AAC files and can not re-rip at better rate for a long while since CD's are stored

PA2V2 that is my first headphone amp taste. Like it's performance w/Koss and IEM below.

Koss Porta-Pro that satisfies my bass cravings.

iMetal 590's that may go back to Amazon since I cannot get them to stay sealed in ear. May try Sony Hybrid tips as suggested here.

I am considering:

Little Dot Mk II or I+ with upgraded tubes or OPamp / tubes. Schiit Valhalla that may not even fit finances.

A budget turntable cartridge combo (Pro-Ject's cheapest comes to mind) . Willing to buy an LP or two a month and build library. Don't know if I will need a phono amp or could simply plug directly into Mk II that has two RCA inputs. 25 years since I had one :~(

After listening to my AKG 601's through PA2V2 that had to be set to max I am doubtful that even a high quality home headphone amp will be ideal without another sort of source.

Suggestions?

Bump...

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Buy better headphones first.

Sorry, had to go back and edit my OP. The AKG's I referred to are the 601's. I thought they are high end?

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Why not get a DAC/headphone amp to plug in to your computer?

I think making your computer your source makes more sense than buying a turntable.

If you don't have a computer maybe a Mac Mini would be nice?

Currently all computers except a G4 TiBook are in storage. The Book only has a 40GB HD and I try to use it as little as possible. Mac Mini's are indeed nice as I sold my brother one when they first cane out before I quit Electro retail. I am probably mostly trying to relive glory days when we would put on an LP and let it ride. CD's IMHO take a lot of the enjoyment out of the actual music source. The TT will be added later down the line. My goal is to use the iPod as a source for now and need an integrated or headphone amp and possibly some small monitor speakers. Currently I am working toward moving my iTunes library to an external to free up the 40 and hopefully reduce it's workload. A DAC may be an option. Care to recommend a few that are great values?