[lovethosebeats3]

Those of you guys that did this what kind of difference was there?  Significant?  Worth while?
 
I've got the xonar on extra high gain setting pushing a pair of DT990 pro's 250 ohm.  The sound is pretty good, but I feel it could use a bit more zest.  a bit more shizazz if you know what I mean.
 
What do you guys think?!\
 
I'm looking at the little dot mkIII and also the HIFIDIY.  Thoughts please!!

 

[Headlab]

Night and day difference
 
In my office setup a while back I started with just an Essence feeding HD650s. Competent sound, but as you say, something was missing. After burning myself and making a mess I finally finished building a tube amp based on the Van Waarde OTL design, and the results were excellent.
 
Tube sound has a very different character, caused by different harmonics which add a distinct flavour. I'm sure no matter which tube amp you go with you'll be happy with it. If I were you I'd wait for the Schiit Valhalla which will no doubt be great value for money.