So for a while I've wanted to upgrade my playback system. Right now I just listen to my headphones via my computer/media server.
Ideally I'd get a full playback system with and integrated amp, and some nice speakers, but I don't think my neighbors would be too happy with me, so for now I think the plan is to get a nice headphone amp.
For cans I now own a pair of Sennheiser HD280 Pro's and Grado SR80's. I may upgrade to a nicer pair of Grado's in the future as I really love the SR80's.
This is my criteria for what I'm looking for:
(1) MULTIPLE inputs. At least on analog and one digital. My computer has an optical and SPDIF out on it, and I'd like to use that plus the analog input for hooking up my turntable (via an external phono preamp). USB input is okay if it can pass a 24/94 signal.
(2) Output to pass line signal out. I'd like this for 2 reasons, first to output the signal from the turntable to my computer sound card (Emu 0404) and also to hook up a pair of nicer powered speakers (another future purchase). In case you're interested the short list for the speakers are the B+W MM1's or the Audioengine 5's. The speakers will also be a possible future purchase.
(3) Budget of $500 or less Less is okay/better. This is a temporary solution for me for the next year or so. I'd probably still keep it, but hopefully next year I can buy a place that will allow me to make more noise.
I really like the Grace m902 and it seems to have everything I want and more, but I can't justify spending $1600 on it. I want something that is "medium nice" for now.