Need help selecting a new pair of headphones and DAC/AMP combo

[i c a r u s]

Hi everyone, I'm new to head-fi so i hope I'm posting this in the right place?
 
Im looking to buy myself a DAC/AMP combo as well as a new pair of over-ears for travel/outside of home use.
So far my research has led me to have a look at headphones such as the M50x to Oppo PM-3. My budget is roughly around 400USD max for headphones and I was thinking of just getting a Schiit Fulla 2 for home use. Are these any good? Im still new to the "hi-fi" term but I'd really like some input in my decisions. Thanks!
 
EDIT: Also considering getting a sony m1000, not sure about the model, but the wireless noice cancelling one. Any input on that over Planars other than the noise cancelling and wireless..?

 

[ProtegeManiac]

 
EDIT: Also considering getting a sony m1000, not sure about the model, but the wireless noice cancelling one. Any input on that over Planars other than the noise cancelling and wireless..?

 

Just note that if you're getting a wireless, ANC headphone anyway might as well not bother with a DAC-HPamp for it. For one, you can't use it when using it wireless - they have a DAC and HPamp circuit in the earcups since transmission is wireless and you need an amp circuit to drive the headphones.

 

Second, even if it can operate in wired mode, it probably still wouldn't use the amp as the input on it effectively functions as a line input into its amplifier, bypassing the wireless receiver and DAC. At best, your DAC-HPamp isn't adding audible distortion and noise at low levels.

 

Third, even if it works to bypass all active circuits in the headphone, it's still unnecessary. Manufacturers already design these with very high efficiency and likely less need for current either (neither voltage, obviously, because you can't squeeze out a lot from a small battery in the headphone). They prioritize that in the design over the response curve, and some of the curve issues can be more easily dealt with in a closed headphone if they can cram some dampening material in there. Even the bass by default has a tendency to be louder on closed headphones than open, given you have less ambient noise coming in on top of the bass freqs coming out the rear of the drivers bouncing around in there, and that plus the efficiency means you don't need a lot of power either.

 

If you're after a good degree of convenience and will spend for it then might as well spend more on a better wireless headphone rather than have to blow some of the money on a DAC-HPamp that you don't need for it. Preferences aside though one real downside here is how you'll replace the battery in the headphone when it wears out, ie, if it isn't powered by batteries like AA or AAA then is there longer term product support?

 

[i c a r u s]

ah, the dac and amp would be for a different set of headphones for home use (AD900x). Should have pointed that out more clearly. Otherwise im still looking for a pair of cans i can use while away from home.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

ah, the dac and amp would be for a different set of headphones for home use (AD900x). Should have pointed that out more clearly. Otherwise im still looking for a pair of cans i can use while away from home.

 
I'd get either IEMs like the Fender FXA-2 or Westone UM30 for use outside. If you're totally set on larger headphones, there's the Focal Spirit Pro. All these are well under $500.
 
As for the DAC-HPamp for use at home, if it's exclusively for home use anyway, might as well save up a bit and get one that can pretty much drive any headphone you might get in the future apart from what you have. Like a Schiit Modi2 Uber with the Vali2 or Magni2 Uber.