Heahphone Amp / DAC for Beyerdynamic DT-880 /250 and AKG K701 - Newbie to the HeadAmp-World....

Hi!

As I'm new to the headphone-amp world, I wanted to ask you guys for advice.

Background story (short version): I got a bunch of nice headphones for testing last week (Beyer DT-880/250 -2005 Edition, Beyer DT-990/250 Pro, Sennheiser HD-650 and AKG K701) for use at my computer. I haven't decided yet which one I'm going to keep but atm I'm tending to either the DT-880 or the K701.

Anyways, I have an Auzentech Bravura soundcard which has an integrated headphone-amp, but I'm not completely happy with the sound. I tried the headphones in combination with an older Technics audio-receiver and the sound was much better when compared to the soundcard.

Now I'm looking for a DAC/Headamp combo to replace my Bravura.

Budget: max. 200€/$270

I did a lot of reading yesterday and so far, I've come up with the following devices.

1. Maverick TubeMagic D1 DAC/Amp

+ Has SPDIF-in

+ Easily upgradeable (switchable OPAMP-sockets, the posibilty to buy a more advanced amp in the future and use it with the D1 as preamp (tube-preamp))

+ nice design (in my eyes)

+ seems to be popular among lower budget Head-Fi users (???)

2. FiiO E9/E7 Combo

+ E7 can be used as portable AMP

+ nice design

+ can be bought in Europe (i live in Germany)

+ very good first reviews

3. HLLY DAC-01

- didn't find any info on this AMP so far

4. HiFiMAN EF2 USB

+ found just a little info so far, some say it sounds better than the D1

+ tubes (Hm, acutally, I'm not exactly sure if this is an advantage. Tell me )

OK, so these are my alternatives so far. The most important aspect for me is the sound quality. The device will be used with K701 and/or DT-880/250 headphones.

I really would appreciate you posting your opinions on these devices, concerning mainly the sound quality. Any other suggestions (within the 200€/$270 price range) are also greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance for your upcoming replies!

PS: Apologies for any grammatical/linguistic mistakes, as English isn't my first language.

Greetz

First of all, thanks for the reply.

As I did the research yesterday, I also checked Jan Meier's site. I already knew it and I also had in mind that there was a "lower"-priced portable AMP/DAC product he was offering. But I didn't find it anymore.

This is the site I checked

I didn't find the 3Move there. The portable AMPs offered there have no DAC. Only this DIY portable-amp has an inbuilt DAC.

I don't know whether the 3Move isnt beeing produced anymore or if you need to email Mr. Meier, if you need one?

PS: Do the portable amps by Meier-Audio have a DC inlet for stationary usage? I mean, it does make more sense to use a power supply than a battery when used stationary.

Hm, I try to email Mr. Meier, maybe he can help me out. Thanks for the advice!

Are there any other suggestions? Or opinions on the sound of the devices I mentioned?

OK, the Corda 3Move isn't available anymore.

Any other suggestions or opinions on the devices i mentioned?