D5000 Amp Choice

So I'm aware there are certainly a number of D5000 amp threads but many are >2 years old so I figured I'd toss another line out and see if anyone bites with some potetially updated info...

I listen to a lot of prog-metal (Substructure, Veil of Maya, etc) and electronic (Electrocado, Atra Aeterna, etc) so I'm looking for an amp that plays to the Denon's strengths (bass), but I'm certainly also looking for a clean sound that isn't COMPLETELY saturated with low end...just want a strong, solid punch.  Price ceiling is 1Kish.  So far I've taken a look at the following:

• Schiit Asgard

• HiFiMan EF5

• Burson HA-160

• Benchmark DAC1 USB

• Emmeline HR-2

I've been running the 5000s through a Sumiko Pro-Ject DAC and a Yamaha AX-497 receiver for a while now but decided the 497 is taking up a bit too much space to just run as a headphone amp.  I've been fairly content with the combo but am certain an amp designed to drive headphones (rather than speakers as in the case of the 497) can take the sound up a notch.  I believe from my own experience and from other reviews that the Pro-Ject is an excellent DAC--nigh unbeatable in its price range--but I would be open to a combo such as the DAC1 USB with a small amount of convincing that the improvement would be noticeable .

What do you think, Head-Fi?

bump

Thanks for the insight ape!  I probably should have mentioned in the op that I'd love to buy USA-made if possible (was leaning strongly toward the Asgard).  However, I've been reading heaps about the Lyr and its sheer power for pristine dynamics.  I know tubes+Denons is considered something of a head-fi faux pas but from what I've been reading about tube rolling and the difference it can make, I find it hard to believe that I wouldn't be able to find a set that compliments the 5000s well.  But I certainly could be wrong...

In all fairness, the Lyr is a hybrid so the sound certainly wouldn't be pure tube but I definitely hear what you're saying and it's been repeated by the masses so I'm certainly inclined to believe it.  I've been researching basically all day and though I'd love all that power, I think I'm going to stick with the original SS route.  That said, Burson has certainly received raves when paired with the 5000s but I'm not sure the ~$400 premium over the Asgard is justified.  Also having a hard time finding anything regarding warranties with the Burson where the Asgard is guaranteed for 5 years...

Hey moose, thanks for joining in.  That was my thinking too...more power = more driver control.  I emailed Schiit today; Jason replied and said they actually have some 5000s in house and they most definitely prefer them with the Asgard, claiming the Lyr was just too much.  Even though it (the Lyr) has a clear power advantage, the Asgard seems to reign in the boom and brings out more of a punch (tis what I've heard anyway...)  Seems to be a 'control by design' vs. 'control by raw power' with the SS coming out ahead in this case.  I may just end up springing for the Asgard this weekend.  15-day money back guarantee so I don't have that much to lose and if I keep holding off for the sake of research I'll still be ampless this time next year .

Hmm first fully positive review I've heard of a tube amp with the 5000s.  Reviews seem to point to a little more liveliness in the upper end as opposed to the mid-low as with most tube amps (without really sacrificing lows, just less of an emphasis).  Possibly slightly lean on the mids but I don't see that being an issue.  Quite interesting...stock tubes?

Definitely good to know.  Also found a few reviews stating the Woo Audio 6 matches quite well with the Denons (even moreso with a little tube rolling)...anyone able to vouch for this?  Magiester you say you weren't impressed with the 6se...any specific complaints?

Hey fearless...believe it or not, I actually had my eye on the 540 before reading a lot about bad tube/Denon synergy.  What kind of music do you listen to?