DAC, amp & headphones 1k


I would like to put together a small 2 channel tubed system
for my wife . At present it would use a cable box for the source using either a digital audio out or optical audio out connection . I would like the cable box to feed a DAC and then go to a headphone amp and a set of good headphones . I do not want to use any speakers at this time .

Of course I want the best sound that I can give to her but keep the cost down to $1,000 total . While the DAC and amp can be used I would prefer new headphones .

I have done some research and found Sennheiser HD650 and AKG 701 headphones to be the most recommended .

Amps and DACS seem to be seperates and also combined units . Either would be fine for now .

She prefers tubes to SS and was instrumental in choosing my first tube system consisting of a Cayin A88T integrated with Reference 3A Di Capo i speakers . She prefered these speakers to Von Schwiekert and Usher . I would like to get her something with good extension , dynamics , detail and musicality .

She has always prefered 60's , 70's and 80's pop . I would like to introduce her to blues , jazz and the standards as well .

I would like the amp to have at least two inputs so that I could add a CDP later should this take off for her . Right now it will be just the CD quality music channels from our cable service .

Any suggestions ?

Thank you .
saki70

Showing 2 responses by saki70

Thank you for these suggestions .

Ironmine... are you in the U.P. ?
Can you describe the "very specific sound" of the AKG's ?

I have read where the Senn's need more power than what is normal for headphones . Is this true ?

Keep'em coming please .
I have visited the Headfi site and find it a little daunting . I was hoping to narrow , at least one area down , so as to take the research in one direction only .

Thank you .
Shadorne ; good info...I had not considered either aspect !
Have you ever compared the HD-25's to the 650's ?

Why offer headphones that allow the sounds to travel into and out of the units for audiophile listening ?

Thank you .