HD 800 pairings

[Ashemoni]

Hello everyone, 
 
I'm new to the head-fi world, starting out because I wanted to drown out the noise of my roommate's grunts and annoyingness.
Like many people my age (19), I never thought headphones could really be comparable to a nice set of tower speakers.
I bought a pair of senn 598s, only to be drawn to the 600s, only to be drawn to the 800. Luckily Amazon has a killer 30 day return policy. 
 
The 800 completely outclass the rest of my chain; Macbook - focusrite saffire 40 - NAD C352(headphone out). or Debut carbon(vinyl) - NAD pp2 - NAD(headphone out).
 
I was a little surprised that I spent so much money on the 800, but its so worth it. I've decided to wait until the end of this school year and I'm looking at the Woo WA2.
 
My question is, would it make more sense to invest in a better DAC (Schiit bifrost level) before the Woo? The only thing I'm concerned about the focusrite is that the output is two 1/4 Jacks and I'm simply converting them to RCA through an adapter.
 
Unfortunately I'm nowhere near any headphone shops where I can test anything out here in Canada.
 
Any suggestions of what I should be looking at first, or good synergies for the HD800 would be much appreciated.
 
I listen to everything and am looking for naturalness, a deep soundstage (the width on the hd800 is perfect already), speed, and a touch of warmth.
 
Thanks!

 

[Lifer1970]

I just killed my bank balance at Headroom by picking up a Meridian Prime.  I like it so much with the HD800s, I may get rid of my EL8s to fund the Prime power supply.
 
Not sure how easy it is to get Meridian in Canada
 
If I lived in Canada, I'd go Bryston......

 

[NA Blur]

Does the output change from the 1/4 inch jacks on the Prime? If not then it is most likely taking the signal directly from the DAC and unless you notice some serious noise issues the DAC is not your weak link.
 
If you do not notice anything drastically out of place your setup might already be sufficient and enjoyable thus saving you a ton of cash trying to guess at upgrades. Hopefully when you decide to "upgrade" you can directly compare it against your current setup and make up your mind that way. I know Schiit has a 15 day guarantee, but I am not fully aware of the any stipulations they may have when it comes to refunds.
 
I enjoy the HD800 out of a solid state amp more than a tube amp, but the pair I listen to has been Anax modded. I just hate the thought of having too much heat, too little room to stack on top of, replacing tubes, and fighting noise from a tube amp. Tubes can sound fun and all, but aren't we just altering the sound with an amp which is really designed to pass the signal right along. I would rather change the sound signature with the headphone and get that right in the first place.

 

[Lifer1970]

Only thinking of the power supply as may use it as a pre amp for some active speakers in due course.
 
I am quite lucky and picked up a Liquid Carbon.  Just waiting for a mate to drop off an Emotiva DAC, which will be the system for my computer.  Will let you know what that sounds like linked with HD800s although maybe not helpful as sold out.
 
And now I have found out about the offer from Cavalli......

 

[Ashemoni]

Thats a good point, I guess I'm still at that point where I think I can just spend on something and everything will improve. I'm a little hesitant with the Woo and tubes in general just because I know I will spend way too much on tubes. I had a chance to listen to a Moon audio 230HAD with the HD 600, it really did improve some of the lacking qualities like speed and some of the soundstage. Thats why I'm thinking the it would do the same for the HD800. 
 
I'll look into the Schiit 15 day guarantee because I think thats my best bet with auditioning different amp configurations.