Quote:   Wow what a collection. And thanks for the impressions!

Quote:   Now it just sounds like you received the wrong pair of headphones. The momentums are some of the smallest portable cans I've used.

The new Sony MDR-1RNC should be worth a look.

Quote:   The Sony MDR-1R retails at $299 USD. The other two models are called MDR-1RBT and MDR-1RNC, respectively.

Quote:   I would totally grab that if I didn't just pay for the iPhone 5 today..

Really looking forward to the impressions as well. If these sound even just slight better than the HD25 then I'll get a pair for sure.

Can never go wrong with the Benchmark DAC1 HDR

If you want immediately noticeable difference, your best bet is a pair of full-sized can at around $100. (The sr80 comes to mind)

Amarra might be expensive but is definitely the best one I've ever heard

The Audioquest Dragonfly produces very impressive sound for its size. Could be a bit over your budget though.

1. HD600 (most balanced I've heard till now) 2. Beyer T70p (despite the higher price, was a bit too bright for me) 3. Monster Pro Turbine Copper (very good IEM, but not comparable to full-sized can yet) 4. Etymotic Hf2 (decent IEM, sound was a bit thin) 5. Bose IE1 (bass was great, highs...

Used to own a pair of Etymotics Hf2. Not exactly under $100 but was worth the price.

Anyone at all?

Hi there. I'm looking for a (preferably portable) DAC to pair with my Beyer T70p and MBP with Amarra. Budget is around $500. The genres that I listen to include pop, R&B/soul, classical and occasionally rock. I'm currently looking at the Music Fidelity V-Dac II + V-PSU II combo. Any input is...