[mandrake50]

I think that with the last reply from @avsmusic1 he said he was really looking for an DAC/amp as he doesn't currently have a DAC, So it would be bot for under $1K.
I think the iFI iDSD Black might be a good choice to get started. I use mine with the 560 quite a bit. Keep an eye on BB photo. Thye used to have sales on it for a real nice price (Mine was $379 delivered) The Jotenheim from Schiit has a pretty big following. But some say it is bright, which wouldn't be my choice with the 560. I also found the Magni/Modi combo to be too bright for my taste. The Bifrost (multibit for a couple of hundred more) and Lyr 3 combination sounds like it would work well for the 560, and is under $1K but I have never heard it. So take that for what it is worth.

I used an Emotiva Stealth DC-1 for a while. It sound good with the 560 sand is very versatile with balanced and SE outputs for connecting external amplifiers. It has a decent headphone amp as well

There are lots of things that work fine, but I am struggling to say what I remember as the "best" for under $1K. That happens I guess when I have had 560s for so many years and gone through so much hardware in the interim.

I am surprised @DavidA hasn't chimed in...
I have to go back to my standard disclaimer though. A person should do everything that they can to actually listen to gear if at all possible before making a purchase. Headphone shops, local meets folks at Headfi that live close are all good ways to do that.

My best will seldom match someone else's idea of best.

 

[raoultrifan]

iFi DSD Black got decent measurements recently by our HeadFier Amir, so it’s quite a good DAC/headamp combo. Dead silent and powerful headamp.

However, Burson PLAY with its latest PCB revision (v2.1) is a very good option too. I had it tested with HE-560 and T50-RP MKiii and I found a perfect pairing with both planars. PLAY has the same 2W/channel output stage, so I can recommend it in Basic version (NE5532/5534), but also in SS V6 Classic version as well.

The PLAY V6 version would make this combo an 100% solid-state headamp with no opamps and no caps in the signal path, in case this matters for you.

 

[gardibolt]

FWIW I love the Lyr 2 with the HE560, but if you need a DAC combo I can't help you there. Plenty of power for the 560s, and they are seriously power hungry. Not quite in the HE-6 league but by far the most of any other headphone I own.

 

[Mike-WI]

There is a Lyr3 with multibit B-stock for $649.
http://www.schiit.com/b-stocks

 

[ScottieB]

I love my he560 with my audio-gd nfb-29.38 which is a DAC/Amp combo that goes for ~$900. It's quite powerful, worth a look.

 

[FullBright1]

Is there an amp =<1k that’s generally thought of as the best pairing?

-
You might try a used Oppo BDP - 93 "SE" edition going into a Rupert Neve RNHP Headphone amp.
This setup is one of my personal favorites.
You also might try the HE-500's.

-
https://darko.audio/2018/05/arresting-simplicity-from-the-rupert-neve-rnhp/

 

[parkerlewis]

Now this is interesting.. Adorama is selling a HiFiMan HE-560 V2 for $299 and they are apparently the exclusive vendor for these:

• Headband - V2 of this custom model includes the same headband as HiFiman Sundara
• Unique Color - V2 on this custom model comes with a brand new color scheme (please refer to our pictures for the exact colors)
• Custom cables - this custom model includes a shorter 6ft cable with 1/4" plug & 6ft 4-pin XLR balanced cable

 

[avsmusic1]

Seems like the QC issues have really done a number on what they can get for these

 

[Rhamnetin]

Seems like the QC issues have really done a number on what they can get for these

Not sure if it's QC issues or just the result of the HE-560 not being tuned to peoples' liking and not faring well technically for its original price of $900.

 

[Mike-WI]

Now this is interesting.. Adorama is selling a HiFiMan HE-560 V2 for $299 and they are apparently the exclusive vendor for these:

• Headband - V2 of this custom model includes the same headband as HiFiman Sundara
• Unique Color - V2 on this custom model comes with a brand new color scheme (please refer to our pictures for the exact colors)
• Custom cables - this custom model includes a shorter 6ft cable with 1/4" plug & 6ft 4-pin XLR balanced cable

Interesting. However, get this message on site:
https://www.adorama.com/hmhe560v2.html

$899

 

[Loneract]

Now this is interesting.. Adorama is selling a HiFiMan HE-560 V2 for $299 and they are apparently the exclusive vendor for these:

• Headband - V2 of this custom model includes the same headband as HiFiman Sundara
• Unique Color - V2 on this custom model comes with a brand new color scheme (please refer to our pictures for the exact colors)
• Custom cables - this custom model includes a shorter 6ft cable with 1/4" plug & 6ft 4-pin XLR balanced cable

Back up to $899!

https://www.adorama.com/hmhe560v2.html

 

[Guidostrunk]

I got the same. $899
At $299. I went there with the intention of buying one. Lol

 

[phthora]

Looks like a bunch of hobbled together leftover parts to me. A Frankenstein's monster, complete with the bolts. Pass.

 

[Sharkhunter]

I got the same. $899
At $299. I went there with the intention of buying one. Lol

I am no way affiliated to slickdeals.
https://www.adorama.com/hmhe560v2.h...t&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_source=rflaid62905

Try this link above. you should see 299$.

 

[Loneract]

I am no way affiliated to slickdeals.
https://www.adorama.com/hmhe560v2.h...t&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_source=rflaid62905

Try this link above. you should see 299$.

Yep! Tempting.