[ChaobSiroc]

I love listening to music (certainly my favorite passtime) so I though I should put some money down on a good setup.

I am completely new to this whole idea of headphones amps and such. I currently am using an HD595 powered directly by the HT Omega Claro Halo since it has a built in headphone amp, of what quality it is I do not know but it was the only soundcard I could find that had this capability.

So what do I need to buy to enjoy my HD800's to the fullest from my PC source (lossless ripped CD's and some higher bitrate MP3's)? The soundcard has RCA output as well as Coaxial and the 3.5mm headphone jack. My budget is absolutely no more than $1,200. 

 

[ChaobSiroc]

bump 

 

[FallenAngel]

Good DAC and a nice amp.

 

[ChaobSiroc]

Quote:

Good DAC and a nice amp.

Any suggestions that would stay inside of my $1,200 budget for the two?

After 9+ hours of research last night and this morning the best I've seen is CA DacMagic and Woo Audio 6 amp with Sophia Princess upgrade. Would they do well together or is there something even better in that pricerange?

 

[FallenAngel]

I'd spend much more on DAC and much less on amp, certainly not on a $150 tube rectifier upgrade.
 
I really like the NorthStar m192 DAC, add an M^3 amp to that and you've got a great system at your price.