2. amps-preamps
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Looks for Headphone Tube Amp

Hey everyone,

I’m not an audiophile, but I’m looking for help when it comes to finding a small tube amp for a pair of Meze 99 Classic closed back headphones. Something between $100 - $250, I mostly listen to indie, acoustic, pop, and hiphop

They don’t require much power to drive them--I could use them w/o an amp--but I’d love to have an amp simply to improve the sound quality as much as possible, within reason. Looking to use the headphones and amp for an iPhone and Macbook air.

Would love any suggestions and reasoning behind the suggestions.

Again, I’m not an audiophile, and know these aren’t audiophile quality headphones, but I like seeking the advice of experts!
whyistherenopie
8044drussell
93 posts
 
I have the Vali 2 and love it.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/schiit-audio-vali-2-headphone-amplifier
Post removed 
whyistherenopie OP
18 posts
 
Not using a DAC, should I use both a DAC and an amp?

RN using Apple Music, but will be getting tidal once I get my headphonees
ghdprentice
6,961 posts
 
You have opportunities to get substantial improvements from upgrading the amp, DAC, and streamer (source). 

About fifteen years ago I bought a decent set of headphones for my iPod… then did incremental upgrades (each a step up) to my system….  7 different amps, 5 DACs, and 5 different streamers. You can see my current system by clicking on my user name. Each of the many upgrades was substantial and wonderfully rewarding. The more effort and money you invest can be very enjoyable. I think amp, DAC, and streamer in that order is the way to go until they have similar quality (think very roughly cost). Then do it again. When your system is getting really good, do not neglect the streamer… it is easy to think the streamer just forwards bits… how could that impact the sound… it does. I learned by delaying too long.
loomisjohnson
1,941 posts
 
i got an aune t1 tube headphone amp on ebay for around a hundo and really like it
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