(cheap!) amp for HFI-650?

[arnham]

So, about a month and a half ago I bought some Ultrasone HFI-650's. They were my first quality headphone purchase, and I have been extremely pleased with them. Now, I'm ready to take the "next step" and pick up an amp for them.

I'm looking for something in the $100-$200 range if possible, or cheapest reasonable amp if there's nothing in that price range. Obviously this is the bottom of the line (and possibly used, too, as I'm not adverse to buying used). This will be a stationary amp, so portability or use with batteries is not important to me. I'm pretty much a complete newbie to the amp/headphone scene, so if you could explain anything I might need to know, I'd really appreciate it.

Oh, and the primary source will be my computer...I know, not the best source, but I really enjoy the "one click away" collection of music I've got on it. I do, at least, have a decent soundcard (chaintech something...Envy24 based IIRC). The only other source I may use (in the near future, anyway) is an Ipod and perhaps a random cd player or two.

I can also probably manage to assemble a DIY kit, but building my own amp is beyond my skills. Although, if someone wants to build an amp FOR me...

So, with all this in mind, please help me find an amp!

Thanks in advance

-Arnham

EDIT: Few typos fixed, slightly changed wording in a few spots

 

[scamper]

They are pretty great cans, eh.

Although I cannot speak from experience yet, you might try the Portacorda II group buy. I suspect they would work pretty well together.

 

[ReDVsion]

er... no offense, but WHY? I had the HFI-700 and really didn't think adding a headamp (Gilmore V1) was worth the cost (or wouldn't have been strictly for those cans). The HFI-650s should be just as efficient.

Edit: If you really want one though, I'd go for something relatively inexpensive, like a headsave go-vibe. That PCII group buy going on is a sweet deal, though...

 

[arnham]

Because even a modest increase in quality and (mainly) volume would be worth the $100-$200 to me. And I may like crossfading, as well. While they are driven pretty well unamped, it's just not quite as loud as I'd like them to be. The Porta Corda deal does look very nice...I'll wait a few more days to see if anyone else has any experience with that combo, or for any other recommendations someone may have.