[Gubretti]

 
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Everyones talking about WA, which is out of the OP budget! Honestly I think the Phenix G3 is a really good amp for the price and is what I use for my Beyers. I would love to get a Darkvoice or the WA but at that point I don't think the extra $$$ is worth the improvement over my Phenix. With that extra money saved I'd rather get a new chefs knife
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[TheWuss]

right, right... let's stay on target here.
 
so, OP, if you get the nuforce udac, that's $99. 
an awesome little unit for the money.  done. 

 
now...  how much cash do you have left for the amp? 

 

[Ultrainferno]

Maybe a Maverick D1 Amp/Dac with a Bravo V2 amp? New like 250$ max
I'm very happy with that (but I will be ordering a WA3 because of the upgraditis I've been infected with)

 

[hodgjy]

Not to put anyone's gear down.....and not to start a flame war.....and I know the Mav gets a lot of praise here in the Mav thread, but I personally think it's poor device, even despite its modest price.  I had one.  I gave it away for free because I didn't want that thing anymore.  The entry level Woo 3 blows it away in every aspect (despite not having a DAC).  I could go on about why I didn't like it, but this thread is not the place.  I suggest looking for something else other than the Maverick products.
 
Quote:

Maybe a Maverick D1 Amp

 

[Ultrainferno]

Well I only use the dac and I really can't complain. I think you're one of the few that don't like it actually...
Everyone's entitled to his opinion but you honestly can not compare the D1 to a WA3, amp wise. Of course the WA3 blows that away

 

[hodgjy]

That is very true.  I will say this, as a DAC, the Mav wasn't bad.  As a tube buffer, the effect was almost unnoticeable and as a headphone amp the thing was downright unacceptable.  Perhaps I got a lemon.
 
I think the NuForces are much better than the Maverick.  The OP might consider looking into these, which are in the price range.
 
http://www.amazon.com/NuForce-Icon-Integrated-Desktop-Amplifier/dp/B0016XEVHS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1281189132&sr=8-3
 
http://www.amazon.com/NuForce-Icon-uDAC-2-Silver-Headphone/dp/B003Y5LY1C/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1281189233&sr=8-4
 
Quote:

 but you honestly can not compare the D1 to a WA3

 

[Calypso]

If you want to keep it really cheap, there´s another option. But you might have to slap on another cable on the DT990. Those Tripath amps does deliver an amazing bass and midrange in the Beyer 600 ohm HP´s:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/505911/amplification-for-600-ohm-headphones

 

[Zombie_X]

You beat me to it again man! That's what I was just going to recommend!
 
Yeah what I love about the 5998 is that it does not roll the treble like other power tubes do.
 
Quote:

This is getting off topic a bit, but I simply love my Woo 3.  It's simple.  It was three tubes.  Don't need to worry about matching power tubes, especially my favorite one--the 5998.  Great sound.  Tubey, but still has clarity and speed. 
 

 

 

[lyramax]

Quote:

What about a Woo Audio 6, Graham Slee Solo or Mapletree Ear+HD?
 
(I realize this is above the original budget)

I too would be interested in hearing if the Ear+HD is a good match for the 600-ohm DT.

 

[lescanard]

My M-Stage is brilliant with my DT900s. It has great power (even with a gain of 10) and makes these things sing. With a DAC it may be a bit over budget - but man does it sound nice to me.

 

[thinkpol]

I was definitely looking at the M-stage. I like its size and have heard great things.
BUT I've also heard that the DT990 benefits more from a tube amp rather than solid state. Is there any truth to this?
 
Thanks!
 
(Also looking really hard at the WA3 right now)

 

[Zombie_X]

Solid state is really good with providing current, but the DT990's need more voltage than current. The thing is that most solid states also have a lower output impedance which from what I understand, is not desirable. Tube amps have ample voltage and a higher output impedance which helps mate far better with higher impedance headphones. That's why I recommend tube amps for high impedance headphones.
 
I can Say my WA3+ powers my DT990's better than my ROC can. Tubes just have far more power output for higher impedance stuff.
 
 
Quote:

I was definitely looking at the M-stage. I like its size and have heard great things.
BUT I've also heard that the DT990 benefits more from a tube amp rather than solid state. Is there any truth to this?
 
Thanks!
 
(Also looking really hard at the WA3 right now)

 

[hodgjy]

Head-fiers David.M and the Wuss would call that statement a "truism."  And Zombie is right--tubes give better voltage for high impedance cans.  I have the Woo 3 and think it is awesome.  I currently have the DT880/250 cans, but some rock just sounds dead through them, so I just ordered the 990/600s based on all the reviews and threads I've read here.  I can post back in a few days with my impressions if you want.
 
Quote:

 
BUT I've also heard that the DT990 benefits more from a tube amp rather than solid state. Is there any truth to this?
 
 
(Also looking really hard at the WA3 right now)

 

[melomaniac]

a bit cheaper than a Woo 3 or 3+ would be a number of other tubed headamps, like the Lunchbox Pro, or the Schiit

 

[hodgjy]

I am early awaiting reviews of the Schiit Valhalla.  It would make a great second amp, perhaps for the bedroom or at my office.
 
Quote:

 or the Schiit