The problem is, I don't have an Hi-Fi shops near me to try. And no meets happen where I live. It sucks. So my only option is using Amazon (when they have them in stock), and get 30 days to try stuff out.

Realistically speaking, I'm someone that has no business owning the HD-800. I've been an audiophile for 12 years now. And I've been dreaming of getting the HD-800 since they first came out. Every year, I've wanted them so badly. And finally this year, I had enough to get them at a price drop.

Problem is, I didn't have the proper set up to be getting the best out of them. And so I made the classic mistake of buying headphones before having the proper set up to use them. But owning the HD-800s were a dream of mine, a really important dream. And I couldn't resist. I realize I'm probably an idiot, and had no business buying them if I'm not financially ready to use them.

Luckily, I'm also a casual audiophile (meaning, I love collecting headphones for different sound signatures, and appreciate high quality audio). But I also don't have great hearing, or an understanding of the technical side. Because I already had a Schiit Lyr, it was able to technically "amp" the HD800 (I say technically, because I'm sure it's not coming close to truly driving them).

But I'm in love with the HD-800 even with my terrible set up. Ignorance is bless heh.

But my point is, I'm just trying to aim for a "decent" set up that can last me 2-3 years, so when I eventually have more money, I can get a proper set up. That's why I was aiming for the Schiit stack combo. I know it might not be generally recommended, but I've seen folks on Reddit and Headfi use a Valhalla 2 or Lyr 2 w/ the Bifrost to drive their HD800s, and they love it.

But admittedly, they are prob in the minority. I'm sure.