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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
ghdprentice
6,961 posts
 
My experience is portable are generally not nearly as good as desktop, I have tried a few.  I definitely include my own A&K Ultimate SP1000 (~ $3.5K) with attached extra amp. It is good, but not nearly as good as a similar desktop equipment.
soix
9,456 posts
 
Looking closer at your headphones I’m not sure the iFi would be the best match sonically nor would a tube amp given the 99’s low input impedance.  Personally I’d be looking to a more neutrally-voiced amp/DAC like the AQ Dragonfly Red that I own so know its sonic signature well, and the Stereophile reviewer who reviewed your ‘phones also used the Red and it seemed to work well with them so you might want to read the review.  What might be an even better option for another $100 if you don’t need portability would be the Topping E30 DAC and L30 amp separates.  Anyway, just some further thoughts FWIW. 
whyistherenopie OP
18 posts
 
@soix thanks for helping w this! I bout a dragonfly Red and the Apple lightening to USB 3 cable last year around this time for a pair of speakers!

looks like I’m halfway there. 
I’m definitely going to check out the Topping E30 as well. I’m back in school for another degree so I’m always sitting at my desk. Having options will be nice! 
whyistherenopie OP
18 posts
 
@soix one more question 

I ended up getting the Topping E30 and L30 cause 1) I already owned the Dragonfly Red, which is perfect for walking around and 2) im trying to get a more permanent set up. 
I was wondering if I should connect the Topping equipment to my computer w an HDMI cord? Just not sure how to bypass my MacBook’s DAC 
soix
9,456 posts
 
USB from computer to E30 should work fine.  The Toppings will probably require some hours of playtime to break in and sound their best so try not to judge too quickly.  Let us know what you think. 
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