[livetaswim]

I have been on Head-Fi for some time and based my first purchase (Shure srh840) from recommendations. I also purchased the amp/dac, Nuforce uDac, based on recommendations to pair with my Shure's. Recently I added the open air Sennheiser 598s to my collection and I need to get an amp that works well with them.
 
There are a few reasons I need/want? an amp:
1) The Nuforce uDac does not have 1/4 plug so I would have to use the adaptor with the Senns, which I don't want to do.
2) I do not like the look of the uDac anymore, I would like something that glows and looks beautiful, ahem tube amp.
 
I can use the uDac as the DAC if necessary, but I would prefer to have an amp/dac combo. My budget is 200, can be stretched to 250 or further as it tends to do. I also have no problem with a kit, I liked the Bottlehead OTL one, but it's only good for high impedance. I like the Little Dot I+ 6JI, which is an amp, but would prefer it to have a dac as well. I am also pretty new to tube amps, so any suggestions would be great.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  I have been on Head-Fi for some time and based my first purchase (Shure srh840) from recommendations. I also purchased the amp/dac, Nuforce uDac, based on recommendations to pair with my Shure's. Recently I added the open air Sennheiser 598s to my collection and I need to get an amp that works well with them.
 
There are a few reasons I need/want? an amp:
1) The Nuforce uDac does not have 1/4 plug so I would have to use the adapter with the Senns, which I don't want to do.
2) I do not like the look of the uDac anymore, I would like something that glows and looks beautiful, ahem tube amp.
 
I can use the uDac as the DAC if necessary, but I would prefer to have an amp/dac combo. My budget is 200, can be stretched to 250 or further as it tends to do. I also have no problem with a kit, I liked the Bottlehead OTL one, but it's only good for high impedance. I like the Little Dot I+ 6JI, which is an amp, but would prefer it to have a dac as well. I am also pretty new to tube amps, so any suggestions would be great.

 
Here is an aftermarket  cable for the HD598 that comes with a 3.5mm plug and you can order it from 1.2 meters to 3.0 meters in length ($18-$26)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261255113290?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&var=560313338477&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

[livetaswim]

   
Here is an aftermarket  cable for the HD598 that comes with a 3.5mm plug and you can order it from 1.2 meters to 3.0 meters in length ($18-$26)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261255113290?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&var=560313338477&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 
While that is certainly a solution to one of the problems, do you have any recommendations on a good tube amp to pair with this headphone?

 

[PurpleAngel]

  While that is certainly a solution to one of the problems, do you have any recommendations on a good tube amp to pair with this headphone?

 
I'm not sure i would spend a lot for a tube headphone amplifier for the HD598.
Personally I would sell off the HD598 and put the whole audio budget for new headphones.
 
But if you still want a tube for the HD598.
Indeed 6922, this is about as much as i would spend ($103) for a tube amplifier for the HD598.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/290678335270?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
 
Bravo Ocean Tube, this one seems to get a lot of good feedback ($102)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/171444110985?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

[livetaswim]

   
I'm not sure i would spend a lot for a tube headphone amplifier for the HD598.
Personally I would sell off the HD598 and put the whole audio budget for new headphones.

 
Why would you recommend that? Everything I have seen has said the HD 598 is a pretty decent can, and especially that is is very comfortable which is important to me as I couldn't wear the Shure SRH840 for more than 30 minutes without pain.
 
I have seen the HiFiman HE 400s recommended, but they are 300 now, plus need a hefty amp I assume (haven't ever heard an ortho, but I hear they are hard to drive).

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Why would you recommend that? Everything I have seen has said the HD 598 is a pretty decent can, and especially that is is very comfortable which is important to me as I couldn't wear the Shure SRH840 for more than 30 minutes without pain.
I have seen the HiFiman HE 400s recommended, but they are 300 now, plus need a hefty amp I assume (haven't ever heard an ortho, but I hear they are hard to drive).

 
I own the HD558, with the black rubber tape removed. So my HD558 are fairly close to sounding like the HD598s.
The HD558/HD598 do not have a very warm sound and to some are bass light.
Me personally, I do have any issues with the sound of my HD558s, they are decently good for just about any use.
Headphones like the Philips Fidelio X1/28 would offer more bass.
 
Anyway, my two cents is I do not think it's worth spending more then around $100 (maybe $150) for something to drive the HD598s.
 
What sources will you be plugging the DAC/Amp into?

 

[livetaswim]

I only have the motherboard audio out on my computer or the udac amp. I would prefer to use the udac as the dac and get a tube amp to drive the phones.