So I had another audition with the HEK Stealth, and this time I compared it to the Arya Stealth and the MM-500. The Arya is not that far off, but I felt the overall Imaging and especially the depth of the sound stage was better on the HEK. As they are almost the same price here, the choice is pretty easy for me, the HEK's win.
The MM-500 are really nicely built, but they were not as comfortable for me. And since the sound stage was considerably smaller, I overall prefer the HEK. The MM's has great "texture" and volume in the midrange, which was great, but with a bit of EQ I think I can make the HEK have largely the same tonality if I want to. The MM's are also about $500US more, so again an easy choice.
At this point, I'm pretty sure I will go with the HiFiMAN's.
I currently only have a SMSL C200 to run them, but I hope that is okay for a start?
I could maybe get something else in the $500 range instead, would that be worth it? I have considered trying out a tube amplifier, as I've never had one, and they are supposed to have great imaging, which is very important to me.
Anything worthwhile in this price range? Or should I just stay with the SMSL until I'm willing to pay more?