[randytsuch]

Bottlehead crack with all the upgrades? or possibly a B22?

Over at diyaudio, there is a thread going about building a DHT SET headphone amp that can drive any can.

The thread starter has a pair of HE500's, which is my currently the can which gets all my head time.

Its a long thread, with a fair amount of "noise", but some interesting info mixed in.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/tubes-valves/228625-all-dht-set-headphone-amp.html

After some results come in, I may give it a go.  It would be the most complicated tube project I have ever undertaken, and be fairly expensive.  I have a set of 300B tubes to use, but I would need to buy the transformers and most of the other parts, which would add up.

Randy

[cujobob]

What's wrong with the M40's? They are pretty decent from what i remember. I'd definitely get a pair for my collection.

I haven't listened to them in a while (loaned out)...but if I remember right, they have a bit of sibilance, the cord wasn't the best (mostly the connection), and I believe the bass was a little over the top. They weren't really the most transparent, either. They were fun, for sure, despite that...I purchased some Senn HD 25-1 II based on reviews and such and they're boring as heck (though maybe I just prefer circumaural).

The HE500s are pretty tempting, but for that price I might demand better build quality, personally. Some Beyer T1 for $850 I'm trying to ignore right now (used market)...so many choices...

[eclein]

I'm..... . Used to love my grados when I got into this.

cujobob if it's been awhile since your Grados you might try some of the SRIXXXX ones as they may well grab you again.
Even when I bought my first used 60s I immediately replaced the flat ear pads for 20 something dollar bowel pads and never had comfort issues. So if the comfort issue some folks have is a reason you moved on from them there are options if your not already aware of them.

[G Georgopoulos]

Lol Georgopoulos, that is a never-ending topic (speakers vs headphones)

Hi Nosey ears, your username says it all!!!,I have to say I still use headphones but in moderation...