[MFierce]

Hi, Currently i am using the Xonar STX as my main amp for my Audio Technica ATH - M50.
 
Im interested to upgrade it for a nice tube amp for around 300-400 $.
 
Thanks ; )

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Hi, Currently i am using the Xonar STX as my main amp for my Audio Technica ATH - M50.
I'm interested to upgrade it for a nice tube amp for around 300-400 $.

 
Hopefully you disabled the motherboard's on-board audio? in the BIOS
 
For audio quality improvement.
I think you would do way better to upgrade from the ATH-M50s headphones.
Audio Technica ATH-A900X closed headphones with Hifiman Velour ear pads
Bestbuy has the ATH-A900Xs on clearance for $189.86.
Hifiman Velours usually sell for $10+shipping.

 

[MFierce]

   
Hopefully you disabled the motherboard's on-board audio? in the BIOS
 
For audio quality improvement.
I think you would do way better to upgrade from the ATH-M50s headphones.
Audio Technica ATH-A900X closed headphones with Hifiman Velour ear pads
Bestbuy has the ATH-A900Xs on clearance for $189.86.
Hifiman Velours usually sell for $10+shipping.

Thanks for the reply.
 
But i am going to switch my pc to ultrabook. so it's a must for me to get an external amp.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Thanks for the reply.
 
But i am going to switch my pc to ultrabook. so it's a must for me to get an external amp.

Spend $75 for the FiiO E10 USB/DAC/Amp, spend the rest of your cash for upgrading headphones.

 

[MFierce]

Not interested on upgrading the headphones.
More comments please ; )

 

[XVampireX]

Schiit Lyr

 

[RedBull]

It's cheaper than your budget, but Schiit Vali sounds very nice to me.

 

[Quazimoto]

   
For audio quality improvement.
I think you would do way better to upgrade from the ATH-M50s headphones.
Audio Technica ATH-A900X closed headphones with Hifiman Velour ear pads
Bestbuy has the ATH-A900Xs on clearance for $189.86.
Hifiman Velours usually sell for $10+shipping.

 
Forgive the newbie question - but Hifiman make pads to suit other headphones. in this case the A900X's?

Where would I find their range, if so? Thanks.

 

[PurpleAngel]

   
Forgive the newbie question - but Hifiman make pads to suit other headphones. in this case the A900X's?

Where would I find their range, if so? Thanks.

To the best of my knowledge the Hifiman Velour ear pads were originally for Hifiman headphones.
The Hifiman Velours might be a few millimeters smaller then the stock Audio Technica ear pads, but with a little work, you can get the Velours to fit on the Audio Technica 900 series headphones. 
 
There are lots different sizes of generic/OEM Velour ear pads sold on eBay, costs around $16 for the pair.