The Nuforce Icon fits your budget at $250. It will also work as an integrated amp and does a nice job of powering some of my home speakers (including some bigger floorstanders that I should not even try hooking it up too because they are not that efficient). Very good as a headphone amp too.

The Nuforce Icon can triple as a USB DAC, headphone amp, and as an integrated amp ($250). It does a very good job at all three for the money. Pair this with a used pair of Polk RT25i's (no joke, these really are quite good - Stereophile had it right about these in the late 90's) for $100 a pair...

Grado SR200's (with HP 1000 drivers) I have had two pairs (now one) since 1993. Still like em. Very revealing and dynamic

Do yourself a favor. Look for a pair of Polk RT25i or Paradigm mini MKII on ebay. These will work well with your amp and will sound MUCH, MUCH better than many of the above options. I have owned both (and probably 25 other pairs of speakers over the years - I am down to 5 pair) and always set...

Welcome - Search back through the forum the last couple of days. There was a similar question within the past day or two with a number of responses (it is also a question asked and answered many times over and you may be able to find some good guidance by using the search function too).

No, unfortunately I do not have a better idea. Like with anything on the net, you have to separate the wheat from the chafe. I agree that greater numbers will eventually even it out. I have always used non-professional reviews as a starting point for what I WOULDN"T consider and then go listen...

I have both the 880's and the 770's. For the music you listen to, the 770's are much more fun. That said, the 880's are a better headphone overall (more refinred). The slam and raw energy of the 770's sure is fun and I like them for electronic, chill, club, etc.

You source components are very good and not dry or strident. I would even say both the Rega and the Naim are on the warm side of neutral (the Brirtish sound - kind of mellow, but with really good rhythm and timing). That said, it is likely that the 701 sound is not for you regardless of the...

They are neutral and maybe a little dry at times. For some people that can be a poor sounding combination. Also being somewhat neutral, they really respond to changes in equipment and can sound downright nasty with certain source components. However, pair them will a good source and they are...

The DT880's make everything sound good. They do leak. Someone in the same vicinity will know you are listening. I do agree, there is less leak than my Grado's. I may have a used pair for sale, as I am debating an expensive upgrade. I would have to look up the current market price. I recently...

Fork out the extra bucks for the SR80's. In the long run as you other equipment gets upgraded you will be happier

And please, everyone, submit more reviews! Even if you don't have a lot of experience i'll approve people as junior members, your comments will still be useful and valuable. ---- Who is to say that someone with a lot of experience will still make a great review or reviewer. I know many...

Iam not usually a fan of Polk speakers, but one of their models from a couple of years ago was very good and would work well for what you want. Tha Polk RT 25i should be able to be found on ebay for about $100. Got good reviews and rightfully so. The don't play super loud, but for a desktop...

I agree with both of the above posts. A rotel integrated is also a good option. AND if you do go the 1970's receiver route, consider a Marantz receiver from back then as well as the Pioneers. Well regarded and resale is still very brisk. DO NOT find a receiver from the early 80's that starts...

Re: Dynaudio How can a speaker be too dynamic? Isn't live music be even more dynamic than recorded music? - Check out ecoustics.com Type in Dynaudio or whatever speaker you want to know all about. This will give you all the web-available magazine review on whatever piece of equipment you...