[bloop]

I'll start by saying that I'm generally happy with my particular headphones out of my iPod classic's headphone out (I just use the PX100 most of the time, but the AD700 sounds fine to me directly from the iPod also), but the headphone out itself has become picky with the autopause nonsense with only slight movement - when I haven't unplugged the headphones. It's well out of warranty, so, I'm thinking a Fiio L9 to a very small, unobtrusive amp would do the trick and solve my issue.
 
So, I'm looking for suggestions that would at least be a mild upgrade from the headphone out of the iPod. My situation with the iPod is not quite dire yet, but I fear it may become worse. I'm hoping to not spend much more than $50 or $60 on the whole enterprise right now.

 

[ClieOS]

I guess you can get a FiiO E6 (about $30) with the L9. For $60 and a larger size, there are the E11 and cmoyBB.