[Alphaleus]

Hello,
 
I am currently looking for a new Amp as my current one seems to be on it's way out, I have a Schiit Stack V1 so I already have the Modi as a DAC, I have the Mad Dogs by Mr Speakers and AKG K7xx headphones and I am looking to spend about $300-$400 also I don't mind if it's a Amp/DAC combo

 

[Currawong]

Audio-gd NFB-11 or you could get a Vali 2* and use it with the Modi. JDS Labs also has their new Element DAC/amp in that price range, but I haven't yet heard it to be able to given an opinion.
 
*Which I'm mentioning because I have one in for review at the moment. I haven't auditioned the Magni ever.

 

[Alphaleus]

  Audio-gd NFB-11 or you could get a Vali 2* and use it with the Modi. JDS Labs also has their new Element DAC/amp in that price range, but I haven't yet heard it to be able to given an opinion.
 
*Which I'm mentioning because I have one in for review at the moment. I haven't auditioned the Magni ever.

 
Yeah I was looking at the Audio-gd NFB-11 and Element last night but couldn't decide which one I should get, I have never heard tube amps before but I heard they go well with the Mad Dogs but I am not sure how well they would go with the AKG.

 

[Currawong]

The Vali 2 is a tube hybrid, so the output is solid-state. The tube is just used for voltage gain. We're at the stage, after so many years, that it is hard to make a bad choice (unless the lack of 192k is an issue with the Element) such that choosing the most suitable headphones for the genres you like is far more important IMO. 

 

[Alphaleus]

I mainly listen to Rock/metal and alternative