[midfi]

but it is what it is.  I've been playing my Shure 840's thru the phono out of my pre in the bedroom (Adcom GFP-565) and in the pre in the den (B&K CS-117) and believe it or not the Adcom actually sounds slightly better though the B&K has a blacker background.  Both are ok but I want to clean the sound up a little.  A dude that works at the local Hi-Fi here (Bjorn's) says the headphone section can be modded just like the rest of the pre but I don't want to push my luck as it has been pretty good lately. I'm thinking small tube head amp $250-300ish.... 

[Elizabeth]

The vast majority of in integrated, in receiver, or in any electronics audio device is only a small 'integrated' board. Usually as cheap as possible, even in better brands.
A waste of time to try to 'upgrade' it IMO.
Yes get a small headphone amp.
Cannot say which ones are great at your price point, as i use a Rudistor RPX33mk2 ($1,200 used)

for a little more than your price point a used tubed DAC/headphone like the TDAC I have (with 'tubyness" knob!! ) I got for $550. used last year. With that you would have both a new tubed DAC, AND a good headphone amp.

[eclein]

+1 on what Elizabeth said....headphone amps can be inexpensive, there are a lot of choices most all of which depend on your budget. You'd be opening a huge can of worms in my opinion trying to update what you have. Do you want a portable or desktop amp? Tube or Solid State?
 Creek, Hifiman, Burson, Fiio, Nuforce, and many more folks make fine stuff.....

[mcgsxr]

Lots of great headamps out there used in your budget.

Troll the Head Fi classifieds!

Loved my Millet Hybrid Max (which was around $300).

[eclein]

I guess I should reread the post I'm posting too...LOL....I see your budget and agree with Mark..check out head-fi
Mark..I'm getting old bro....my mind is gone..LOL

[saisunil]

I just sold my hifiman EF-5 - that was within your budget, it would be hard to find a better amp at its price - it is a hybrid and drive most phones with authority ...

840's are very sensitive - you do not need a lot of power to drive them - they sound fine straight out of an ipod, for example. Depending on your listening habits - for $300ish - you could buy a very good portable amp - that could serve you beyond your current listening habits ...

I am going on a tangent now - you could possibly buy a quality portable digital player with built in amp. Of course you will need to upload your music in MP3, FLAC or another compatible digital format.

I have one that I got for a very good price during holidays and can let go of it for half price

http://www.hisoundaudio.com/products/
http://www.head-fi.org/t/586947/rocoo-p-dap-full-review/30#post_8010546
http://www.head-direct.com/Products/?cid=5
 
Not trying to push the sale, just trying to be helpful ...

Cheers

[midfi]

not gonna try to Mod the headphone section of either unit, just stating that someone told me it could be done but I guess its easy for him to say being he's a Bjorn's employee.

Listening habits is low to mid/low volume.  I don't like it so loud that I can't hear anything around me!

Does not have to be portable as I only listen to headphones whilst in the comfort and safety of my home.

Either new or used will suffice for me...

[tjohnusa]

I have seen older Darkvoice amps going for ~$300 at headfi....nice amp with alot of tube rolling options

[midfi]

thanks tj, I'll look into one, do some "googling" and whatnots...