Inexpensive headphone amplifier

I do not use headphones often at all, have a pair of Grado 325’s, which are very nice. As my new Belles Aria Signature preamp has no headphone amp, I also looked for an inexpensive headphone amp. Was strongly considering Schiit, but really wanted a tube. Yes, Schiit has one. Then a used Bellari Audio HA540 became available, and I jumped on it. The stock tube is crap, but after tube rolling some 12ax7’s I had, realized I could improve upon it a lot. Found a RAM EI smooth plate, essentially close to a Telefunken, as they were produced on Tele machinery. A good deal for a ‘Tele’ smooth plate, and gave the Bellari a very nice upgrade in SQ. I’m pretty pleased for my investment, under $200 with the RAM EI tube.

Schiit Jotenheim II, if you're not wedded to tubes.

The Musical Fidelity LX2 HPA is an overlooked gem of a headphone Amp. You may still be able to find one new, maybe.. they made a great bunch of small box components prior to being bought out by pro-ject. That would include the awesome little V90 dac.

Here ya go, 2 left on Amazon, from Audio Advisor...

http://Musical Fidelity LX2-HPA Headphone Amplifier (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079M4KRNZ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_3JB54V5BSMEZF8VB996B

I've got a Schitt Mani (I think that's the model) I bought from a forum member a while back. It was built from a kit, if I recall correctly, and I got it to use with my Grado 325is cans, with great results. 

My new integrated has a headphone amp built in, so I'm going to sell the Schitt. IM me if you might be interested.

Jeff

while I don't have a Vali, I have several other pieces of Schiit gear and really like the way they approach things, and their sound quality is excellent, especially so for the price points of their various units.   The ONLY drawback I've bumped into so far is their stuff does run hot, so make sure you can give your unit some space.

The Vali 2 sounds fine, somewhat tube sensitive. Good with an RCA clear top.

Mine has a bad power up surge. Ask if they have fixed that or keep cans of ears for first 20 seconds.

I see some better Schiit out there used on USAM. Just FYI.