Headphone amps HD what are the choices?


I'm lost a little..pretty new to headphones :p

the headphones out of the sound card i will be getting the is not really good compare to the quality of it's normal line out..the stereo dac that was used + the small amp doesn't give any good headphone justice in quality ( the signal range is pretty bad also)

i will be purchasing HD-580 or Hd-600 in maximum 2weeks

so i'm on the market for a small good quality headphone amp
i need something that will match up good with the sennheiser's and something that will leave the sound untouched as much as possible
i am on a really tight budget
and i don't know anything about headphone amps!

SO this is where YOU knowledge people come into play! I need advice on what to look for, what kind of $$$ will i be paying for what range of quality ( i do not care to buy used at all)!!

Did i say i was on a tiite budget? hihi :)

Thanks all for your time and comments :)
jinmtvt
I have the Sennheiser HD-600, I use them with the MG Head DT OTL amp. Instead of the stock tubes, I suggest 5751 in lieu of the standard 12AX7for the preamp end. Replacing the power tubes did not make a significant difference in my system.

Remember the three mica, blacks 5751s are the best. Among the better ones are NOS (new old stock) GEs, Raytheon, are telefunkin. The ultimate 5751 is said to be the Syvania Gold but I have not heard it. It commands a premium price too.

Read Joe's tube lore on the web - that is where I got most of my info.

Even with the stock tubes, this system sound wonderful so don't splurge before listening. Incidently, I have seen the MG Head DT advertised for $ 150-200 used on Audiogon. The Sennheisers have been advertised for $ 239 New.

Always listen first.

Erider
thanks for all the great help...

unfurtunalty i do not think i can listen to anything before buying in that domain because there is simply no stores that have such amplifiers in around here :(

maybe in Montreal there are a few

i ll look to see if i can find anywhere where i can go test the antique and other..
i m not really a fan of tubes, but this is for a headphone so it might be very different!!

thanks again pple :)