Iphone -> Audioquest Dragonfly Red -> Hifiman Ananda

@chrshanl37  The Arya Stealths are great, but if it’s at all possible I’d recommend stepping up to the Arya Organics that are actually close in performance to the HE1000SE, which is a big step up for only an extra $275 IMO.   Read the review of the Organics on stereonews.net if you haven’t, but if you can’t swing them I’m sure you’re gonna be really happy with the Stealths — I’ve got no itch to upgrade after 3.5 years.  Out of curiosity, what amp will you be driving them with?  I’m using a Singxer SA1 Class A amp and it’s a really great pairing.  

I have a Leben CS 300 XS in my second system that I also use for headphone listening. But I mostly listen to headphones when I travel for work and I have a Woo Audio Topaz for that. My apologies @carl292 I didn’t mean to hijack your thread. Thanks @soix for your suggestions much appreciated!

Maybe try an iFi HipDac 3. Fully balanced, and it has its own battery so your phone won’t be hollering !uncle!  Decodes everything (PCM 24/384, native DSD, MQA) right from your phone with the included cord. Burr Brown chipset. USB-C.  Plays nice with your home rig. About the size of a small flask. 2 bills. Happy Listening!

I had a similar experience as the original post with iPhone, AQ Dragonfly Cobalt and (now discontinued) wired Sennheiser Momentum headphones.  It convinced me that I needed a new DAC in my main system . . . and subsequent upgrades as well.  But yes, how can a miniature device such as the Dragonfly sound so good?