Empyrean Headphones/Sennheiser HDVD 800 + 'what DAC'?

@labelman 

Yes - the HDVD 800 includes a DAC. I'd have a listen to that first before making any changes. After all, it was designed to work with Sennheiser headphones.

Thanks guys.  I'm thinking I need to get a DAC/headphone amp that better matches the Empyrean headphones.  I see one suggestion above but 'new' the DAC is $2K.  Looking for headphone/amp/DAC (ideally all in one, ideally small) that is $2,500K or less all-in.  Thoughts?  Ideas?

I'm thinking I need to get a DAC/headphone amp that better matches the Empyrean headphones.

Again I must ask the key question, what improvements are you looking for and what sound characteristics are most important to you?  Without this critical info it’s impossible to make a meaningful recommendation. 

The Empy is a warm headphone and mates well with a neutral headphone amp.

I had the following unit and it was good with the Empy.

Matrix Audio Mini i-3 Pro Streamer, DAC & Headphone Amp (headphones.com)

This unit is one of the most versatile pieces of gear I have used. You can stream from Ethernet (best), Wifi, Bluetooth. The unit is almost like a portable headphone amp.

I also tried the Topping A90 with the Meze, but you need the DAC and streamer to go with that.

Topping A90 Headphone Amp for Desktop (headphones.com)

It is also a good match.

The best match was the Benchmark HPA4. It is super clean and so quiet. The Meze love the HPA4 the most but the other 2 were very good for the price.

Benchmark HPA4, silver For Sale - US Audio Mart

Thank you YYZ~.  I'd love to get the Benchmark but that plus the DAC adds a lot of cost.  I think i'll try the Matrix.  Anyone want to buy a Sennheiser HDVD 800??