[rusticdonut]

Hey guys, I am very new to the world of headphones and amp/dacs. It took me forever to decide on the AKG K7xx headphones from Massdrop. They are shipping and should be here by Friday. I purchased them mainly to play games on my computer, and to listen to music when I don't feel like using my monitors. What I need to find now is the best amp/dac in my price range. I have read tons of articles, watched a bunch of videos, and still cant seem to make a decision due to my lack of knowledge. I was originally going to order the Schiit magni/modi2 stack, but keep seeing reviews saying they are "bright", which is listed as fatiguing over long listening periods. If I am using these for games I will be wearing them for hours at a time. My budget is $300, I am honestly comfortable going above this but the value would have to be there, and the difference noticeable. Please let me know if anymore information is necessary. 

 

[PurpleAngel]

If you want to save some cash.
 
Asus Xonar DX sound card (used, $40-$60),
Bravo Ocean tube (hybrid) headphone amplifier, $80.

 

[rusticdonut]

Save some cash? Didn't I just say I was looking to spend $300? I actually even mentioned I was willing to spend over that. Cash Is the least of my worries. I just don't care to spend a bunch of money on something I know nothing about. My PC setup I just built is well over 4k at this point. I am looking for the best Dac/amp I can buy for $300-$500 for my AKG K7xx. 

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Save some cash? Didn't I just say I was looking to spend $300? I actually even mentioned I was willing to spend over that. Cash Is the least of my worries. I just don't care to spend a bunch of money on something I know nothing about. My PC setup I just built is well over 4k at this point. I am looking for the best Dac/amp I can buy for $300-$500 for my AKG K7xx. 

 
I spend $300 for my current DAC/amp (MFB-15)
and spend another $250 on a tube head amp (Darkvoice 336SE), to have a tube amp option from my NFB-15's solid state head amp.
So I have no problem pointing you at something better.
 
I just like to make sure people are  aware of decent lower costing options.
I know in the past I spent to much on home audio, would it have nice if some had pointed out smarter and simpler lower cost options.
That had at the time been more practical, for my use.
 
But anyway, if your big on detail in the audio, check out the Audio-GD NFB-11 (about $400 shipped to your door).
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/NFB112014/NFB112014EN.htm
 
I really like my Darkvoice 336SE tube headphone amplifier, $213-$250 shipped.
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/dark-voice-366se
 
Maybe stat out with a used ($67) Schiit Modi, for a DAC.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/262691355999?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT