Some Amp Questions (from a newb)

[iKonoKlast]

I got the HD595 a month ago with the counsel of Head-fi and since then I've just marveled at these headphones whenever they are around my ears and I'm listening to a good song. I've noticed things in my favorite songs that I had never paid attention to in years. But now that I am enlightened of the benefits of audiophile quality headphones, alas, I want more.

I am totally new to the field of headphone amps and even after reading numerous threads I'm still a bit unclear about them. Based on my intuitions I should get a tube amp because I crave warm, detailed sound. The HD595, even though I love them very much for their relatively upfront detailed high-end but overall calm presence, at times leave much to be desired. Some of my favorite classic rock recordings just sound too digital and cold. I never understood what "warm" meant until my friend bought his first electric guitar tube amp and the sound was just so juicy and full and it pleased my ears the same way a nice juicy steak pleases my taste buds. Since then I've been searching for that kind of sonic experience in my home listening.

I know the HD595 aren't 'phones that will improve much with amping so what should I get? And is amping what I really need? My source is a Macbook and all my files are Apple Lossless. Currently the HD595 are just connected straight to the 1/8" headphone out jack. Should I get an external DAC? Is that what I really need for rich, warm, full, detailed sound? Should I get new headphones? The HD650? Based on what I've read so far, these are a few products that have stuck out to me: WooAudio 6, iBasso D1, Headamp Pico, Music Fidelity X-Can... I know what these all are and the extent to what they do but I have no idea what to get! There's no real way for me to go out and audition all these things because I'm a college student with no car. I have a maximum budget of around $1000 but ideally I would like to spend half of that. However, I'm willing to get whatever is the best value and will give me the least buyer's regret. I'm starting to regret buying the HD595 after only a month, so I want the best for my money.

Please help me out... all this is driving me crazy!

 

[Mysteek]

I think that the iBasso D1 won't let you down. You certainly have done your research if you were able to name most of your options. I use an external dac even though I have an X-Fi Xtreme Music sound card and I actually do notice a big difference in sound quality.

Good luck in your search! Personally I found that looking for amps was harder than looking for anything else x_x

 

[iKonoKlast]

Thanks for your response, Mysteek. I've been researching madly for the past couple hours and was heavily leaning to get the iBasso D1 before reading your response... and you just reaffirmed my inclination. It seems to be the best bang for the buck for now... has a good quality DAC with enough power to drive the HD650 should I decide to upgrade to that, since by most peoples' accounts it has a warmer, fuller sound than the 595. Even then if I'm unsatisfied, I suppose when I do upgrade to a better DAC/amp, I will notice and appreciate the difference in improvement much more.

 

[jterp7]

650s according to the senior members on this forum require some decent amps behind it, and as such I am still undecided and still running it through my TBAAM interim solution. In your situation I'd just get an amp, unless you're prepared to drop the ~250 for the hd650 + whatever amp u decide to power it with and sell your 595s.

I can't really recommend you an amp since I'm still looking myself, but these are the ones I'm looking at right now

Ibasso D1 dac/amp 249 b4 ship
Predator $425 + ship for holiday preorder (whenever he decides to start taking orders)
Pico $499 w/ dac or 299 w/o

the non portable ones i'm still considering are the aria (450) and the cantate (570)