Searching for Good Headphones & Headphone Amp


I currently use an Audio Refinement integrated amp coupled with Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Monitors. However, as my PhD-aspirant fiancée (in the middle of her dissertation) more often than not needs total quiet in our small apartment (save for when we share listening sessions!), surprisingly I find myself in need of good headphones under $100 (new only) and an headphone amplifier.

For headphone amps, I’ve read good things about Channel Islands at 6moons, but have never bought anything from CI. I don’t need anything overly ambitious, and I don’t want to spend a disproportionate amount on the amp compared to the price of the ‘phones. However, I do need these sooner rather than later, lest I be too long without listening!
ivyinvestor
I own the CI audio headphone amp and external optional power supply paired with Grado SR-60 and I love this combo. I also lokked at the Grado amp and the Musical Fidelity amp but found the CI Audio more dynamic and easier to listen to with all kind of music as opposed to MF and Grado which worked best with classical or jazz. Personnally I would have gone for the CEC HD-53 but it was out of my budget but if you can afford it, go for it. I also owned an Antique Sound lab but again found it a bit soft and lacking in dynamic with rock music.
I'll definitely second doing some research at www.head-fi.org. You can also find info at www.headwize.com. A couple of good commercial sites are www.headphone.com (headroom) and Todd the Vinyl (and headphone)Junkie. All of them provide really useful information. I know you'll be able to find something that meets your needs.
IVYINVESTOR! Lookin' thru some old threads & found this one again. What ever happened- some of may be curious to learn what you ended up gettin'/how/if you liked it or took any of suggestions? Post a "reply", please, thanks. -Bruce30
It's an old thread but for anyone else still looking at this I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Grado SR80s.

All the Sonys I've ever heard have been garbage, and I've heard a whole heap of them.