Best desktop unit for X-Fi/DT770(80), <$250

[Nugget]

After lurking these forums for a while, I ditched my low-budget Sennys for the DT770(80)...which necessitated an upgrade to the X-Fi...which now calls for an amp. I'm sure you all will make me dissatisfied with some other component soon enough....

Anyway, I do listen to a good deal of music, but I'm not a total audiophile. (Well, at least I wasn't -- the sickness is spreading quickly.) My tastes there are varied, everything from rock to classical to jazz.

The amp should also handle gaming needs fairly well. I picked up the X-Fi because I'm a gamer, and because the Fatality model only ran me $120.

I've been looking at the HeadFive at the high end. Also considering the Little Dot II+ (although I'm worried about durability there), Eddie's Lunchbox (though that might be too much for the 80ohm Beyers), or the AT-HA20 (though that might not be quite enough for the Beyers).

Any input? Other options for $250 or less?

 

[Nugget]

Also just noticed the Original Master amp. So many options, and I am so ignorant.

 

[Nugget]

Nothing? How 'bout a used Gilmore Light, or by some miracle an inexpensive used Darkvoice?

Quick, point me in the right direction before the wife finds out what I'm up to.

 

[Nugget]

Err...OK, let me be a little more specific. Assuming the source is an X-Fi and the cans are an unmodded set of 2005 DT770/80s, will I see the most benefit (however you choose to define the term) from:

1. Gilmore Light
2. Meier HeadFive
3. Little Dot II+

 

[dodap]

I too do listen to PC-music with a Beyer 770/80 amped with Meier's Headfive (fed with an USB DAC). I like it very much (but have had not much comparisons ). The amp has more than enough power and gives a nice stand for the phones (if you put it sideways) as a plus.

 

[Nugget]

Thanks, now I can assume that the Headfive isn't a poor fit. Strong possibility.

I'm also intrigued by the look and sound of a tube amp, which argues for the LD2+. I've heard both good and bad things about that one, though. I've also heard that the tubes get very hot, which probably wouldn't work well given my wife's inquisitive cat.

 

[Scotty757]

for what you're using it for, I would strongly recommend against tubes. For gaming, you're going to want something light, bright, and quick. Id consider a cheap DAC (fubar, etc), and the headfive sounds about right. I had one running a pair of darth beyers in that config and liked it very much.