[kizmiaz]

Hey everyone,
 
I recently purchased the Audeze EL-8 (Open Back) and am in need of a desktop Amp and DAC (or combo) to power it. 
I currently listen to them through an Apogee Quartet's headphone output or my iMac's headphone out (which is surprisingly decent).
 
Whereas the quartet's output has more resolution, the iMac's output has a stronger lower end that i actually prefer listening to. Im looking for something that would make them sound full, with stronger lows. Something with some form of bass EQ could be exactly what I'm looking for.
 
I would appreciate any recommendations (preferably under $400) that i could look into. 
 
P.S. I have also preordered the closed back version that I plan on testing, before keeping one of them. Although I feel the closed version may compensate with stronger lows, I really like the soundstage of the open back version.
 
I have been looking into the JD Labs O2 + ODAC Combo. Any idea if that would be a good match?
How about the Schiit Audio Vali + Modi 2?

 

[NickRuthless]

You could for the Hugo TT or the Violectric V281 if you have the pocket... 

 

[JoeDoe]

ALO Pan Am or Schiit stack

 

[kizmiaz]

Sadly, the Hugo, Violelectric and the Pan Am are over my budget.
I am considering the schiit stack and replacing the Magni with the Vali. 
 
Any other suggestions or advice on my current picks?

 

[YtseJamer]

Sadly, the Hugo, Violelectric and the Pan Am are over my budget.
I am considering the schiit stack and replacing the Magni with the Vali. 

Any other suggestions or advice on my current picks?

The Vali is a very good match with the Open EL-8.

 

[kizmiaz]

The Vali is a very good match with the Open EL-8.

It would be great if your could elaborate. Have you tried the combo yourself?

 

[YtseJamer]

 
It would be great if your could elaborate. Have you tried the combo yourself?

 
Yes I'm driving my EL-8 with the Vali at home.
 
The Vali is the perfect 'affordable' amp to tame the treble of the EL-8.  (Yes they are brighter than the other Audeze headphones.)

 

[kizmiaz]

Bump! Any other suggestions?

 

[Randle81]

No, but I would be very interested to hear what you come up with as these headphones are on my shortlist and I'll be looking to purchase over the next few months. Personally I would be buying the best quality amplification you can find on a value for your money basis. So I'd be checking out the for sale listings to get something good second hand.

 

[aznever]

I am using a creative e5 with my el-8, and it sounds great with Creative's SBX preset.

 

[musicmac]

Using the EL-8 with a Marantz HD-DAC1 and really enjoying the sound...

 

[wellers73]

I just bought a pair of EL-8s and would love more inexpensive amp recommendations. Thanks!

 

[inthere]

I have the EL-8 closed on now, listening with an Aune T1 mk2 Amp/DAC with a Phillips E188CC tube and it's sensational. It's my personal favorite combo.

The EL-8 also sounds great going through Magni 2 Uber, Asgard, and iFi iCan Micro.

It's very easy to drive and sounds great on anything.

Sometimes I do combos like Aune T1/Asgard or T1/iCan because the iCan has a bass boost switch, most of the time I get plenty of bass just using theT1. That wasn't always the case because the EL-8 arrived with absolutely no bass and took well over 200 hours of burn in before the bass showed up. Now it's super sweet though

 

[wellers73]

Thanks! Any suggestion for tube amps, or would they not suite the EL-8? I have the open model, btw.

 

[maharaja]

I have a Gustard x12 and h10 going. Delightful sound