Thanks for the advice. I'm not *that* budget constrained; I just don't want to spend $1000 on an amp/DAC.   My specific concerns:   1. iPod songs are high quality (256kpbs+ or AAC) but supposedly headphone jack sucks -- how to deal with this in a reasonable way?   2. Thoughts on my...

I should add I have a Pro-Ject HeadBox II amp but am not incredibly impresssed. It also seems underpowered (I need to turn my iPod up to nearly 100% to get decent volume with the amp turned up halfway). Also, i've heard the ipod headphone jack itself is a major source of degradation so how do i...

Hi,   A family member recently bought me a pair of Grado RS1i as a gift -- somewhat spoiling me given my previous pair of headphones were Bose (the difference in sound is immediately obvious). Anyways, I'm wondering how to get the most out of them without spending a ridiculous (re: $1000+)...