[lynx121]

Hi guys, I need advice on what to buy next. I currently have AKG Q701 and Hifiman HE-400 for headphones, Fiio X5 for portable player / external dac, and Cayin C5 for portable amp. I plan on buying a hybrid tube amp Project Ember and a couple of tubes with it but I'm worried that my current headphones would not significantly benefit from it since from what I heard, high impedance headphones like the Senn HD650 really benefit from tube amps. So my question is, should I go for the Project Ember or an HD650 first?

 

[cel4145]

I think the Project Ember amp is a hybrid solid state/tube amp. If so, it might work quite well with your headphones.

 

[lynx121]

I get that, but is the new sound sig difference ($500 for ember + tubes) worth it compared to a new sound sig I will experience with HD650 ($200~$300)? I plan to buy both in the future so for now I'm choosing which path has more value into it.
 
Edit: My only amp is the Cayin C5 so if it won't power the HD650 to its potential then I might as well buy the Ember first.

 

[cel4145]

Transducers (speakers/headphones) are almost ALWAYS a better investment than putting a lot of money into the electronics that hook up to them.