HELP WITH SETUP

[Nalittle98]

Ok, I am a rookie and tired of reading forums.
 
I have a pair of powered speakers -- Paradigm Shift A2s (which are awesome by the way) and two pairs of headphones -- Philips SHP9500 and Audio Technica ATH-m50s. I am also planning on buying another pair of high end, planar magnetic headphones. 
 
I also currently have a Fiio E10k DAC. 
 
I want some kind of DAC/Headphone Amp. Am I crazy? Do I need that?
 
I understand that I cannot run an amp to my powered speakers...how about a pre-amp. 
 
I am asking what would you do with my current set up? I have about $500 to spend on this. And about $500 to spend on headphones too. But please offer some less expensive options...

 

[Me x3]

Hello,
 
The headphones and your recordings are the most important links of the chain at this point.
If you have 1000usd then the best you can do is find the headphone that suits your preferences the best among all sub 1000usd headphones. Price doesn't matter much, you may like a 400usd headphone much more than a 1000usd headphone or viceversa.
After picking a headphone, start looking for the best possible DAC/Amp with the rest of the money.
 
What kind of sound signature do you enjoy?
Big bass o Neutral bass? Warm or cold?
Bright treble or dark/soft treble?
Big stage or intimate stage?
....
 
Tell us about your preferences and we will be able to help you.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Ok, I am a rookie and tired of reading forums.
I have a pair of powered speakers -- Paradigm Shift A2s (which are awesome by the way) and two pairs of headphones -- Philips SHP9500 and Audio Technica ATH-m50s. I am also planning on buying another pair of high end, planar magnetic headphones. 
I also currently have a FiiO E10k DAC. 
I want some kind of DAC/Headphone Amp. Am I crazy? Do I need that?
I understand that I cannot run an amp to my powered speakers...how about a pre-amp. 
I am asking what would you do with my current set up? I have about $500 to spend on this. And about $500 to spend on headphones too. But please offer some less expensive options...

 
Schiit Modi 2 DAC ($100) and Magni 2 Uber head amp ($150).
Connect the Magni 2 RCA line-outputs to the Shift A2.
 
Beyerdynamic T90 headphones, currently my preferred headphone for everything
Used if fine, $300-$400?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/142008531427?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
 
Might as well sell off the E10K, SHP9500 and ATH-M50.

 

[cel4145]

JDS Labs Element would be a nice dac/headphone amp. It has pre amp out: https://www.jdslabs.com/products/151/the-element/

 

[Nalittle98]

Makes sense... I want something with formidable bass, but not excessive -- tight and punchy... Also, definitely a wide soundstage.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

  Ok, I am a rookie and tired of reading forums.
 
I have a pair of powered speakers -- Paradigm Shift A2s (which are awesome by the way) and two pairs of headphones -- Philips SHP9500 and Audio Technica ATH-m50s. I am also planning on buying another pair of high end, planar magnetic headphones. 
 
I also currently have a Fiio E10k DAC. 
 
I want some kind of DAC/Headphone Amp. Am I crazy? Do I need that?
 
I understand that I cannot run an amp to my powered speakers...how about a pre-amp. 
 
I am asking what would you do with my current set up? I have about $500 to spend on this. And about $500 to spend on headphones too. But please offer some less expensive options...

 
AudioGD NFB-11. Will run most planars loud enough in a quiet room without breaking a sweat, has a preamp output. Also a an input and output selector switch in front - no need to unplug the headphone to switch to speakers.