[plexxx]

I'm interested in a new upgrade to help bring out the best in my Beyer DT990-600 Ohm headphones.  My setup is located in my living room and uses my AV receiver as my DAC.
 
Currently my main setup is as follows:
 
Ipod > Pioneer AV AMP via proprietary cable > Darkvoice 3322 Tube Amp > DT990
 
For CD playback:
 
Marantz CD5001 > Pioneer AV AMP > Darkvoice 3322 Tube Amp > DT990
 
I'm considering a dedicated DAC (DacMagic) and if I go that route I'd connect it via optical to the receiver and continue to use the ipod.
 
Pretty much all my music is digital high-bitrate MP3 and FLAC files. However, I don't like the fact that I cannot playback in FLAC with this setup.  
 
So, any advice on what would have the most improvement to this setup?  I am not interested in changing the headphones or Darkvoice amp at this time.   I'd spend about $300 for this next upgrade.
 
 

 

[Gwarmi]

Quote:

I'm interested in a new upgrade to help bring out the best in my Beyer DT990-600 Ohm headphones.  My setup is located in my living room and uses my AV receiver as my DAC.
 
Currently my main setup is as follows:
 
Ipod > Pioneer AV AMP via proprietary cable > Darkvoice 3322 Tube Amp > DT990
 
For CD playback:
 
Marantz CD5001 > Pioneer AV AMP > Darkvoice 3322 Tube Amp > DT990
 
I'm considering a dedicated DAC (DacMagic) and if I go that route I'd connect it via optical to the receiver and continue to use the ipod.
 
Pretty much all my music is digital high-bitrate MP3 and FLAC files. However, I don't like the fact that I cannot playback in FLAC with this setup.  
 
So, any advice on what would have the most improvement to this setup?  I am not interested in changing the headphones or Darkvoice amp at this time.   I'd spend about $300 for this next upgrade.
 
 

 So you're effectively asking for a DAC recommendation since the Darkvoice amp and DT990's are staying put?
 
 $300 for a DAC to top your current Pioneer is not going to give amazing results.