[RMac]

Price:  under 500.  Doesn't matter if tube or solid state.
 
My cans are: AKG K550, Sennheiser HD598 and soon to be ZMF modded Fostex's.  they don't need heaps of power and I want something I can carry to and fro to work.
 
Was looking at the ALO The Pan Am, and it *almost* got it right but it had the 1/8th single ended output. 
 
I'm also looking at the Fiio E09 since I have the E17 already, it has both 1/4th and 1/8th which is cool but I'm wondering if there's any that have 1/4th and balanced. 

 

[alpha421]

The Dacport has 1/4 out, sounds great, and is very portable (price under $200 used).  If you can find one, the GoVibe Portatube+ is the best sounding portable hybrid tube amp/DAC I've ever owned (price $400-500 used).

 

[RMac]

Looking into the DACPort, I see a more expensive offering, the HiFi-M8 that will allow balanced and 1/4th with YOUR CHOICE of balanced connector.. very tempting, but $700 for a portable is outrageous.
 
The hunt continues.

 

[alpha421]

Good luck with your hunt. Another possible option is to get the ibasso DX100 or HDP-R10 DAPs.  Both has the 1/4 output.  I know it's a PITA carrying plug converters, but a Grado 1/4 to 1/8 cable ($15) might negate your hunt for equipment with a 1/4 out.

 

[RMac]

I know it's a PITA carrying plug converters, but a Grado 1/4 to 1/8 cable ($15) might negate your hunt for equipment with a 1/4 out.

 
That's what led me here.  The Senn HD598 came with a 1/4th to 1/8th that I'm using right now and it just looks ugly.  It's fine for now but I would really love if I could ditch it alltogether.
 
...
dude.
you just gave me an idea.  I wonder if I can find an aftermarket HD598 cable that's terminated 1/8th. 

 

[alpha421]

Indeed you can.  Is the 598 just a 1/8 connection to the headphone?  Options galore and very much under your $500 budget unless you opt for the boutique, custom cables.  I believe V-Moda sells cables that'll suit your purpose, or look in the FS forum under cables.  Good luck.

 

[RMac]

Nope, it has this funky locking mechanism on one end that is specific to sennheiser. 
 
i did find this chinese made cable, i think i'm gonna jump on it.  http://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Audio-upgrade-Sennheiser-Headphone/dp/B00GWCFG0Y/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0H7K7MJXTN65DBAXXP2T
 
for 16 bucks why not