Hi quadpatch
To be honest I think source is already ok as I am told that the DAC and the HP output from the Linn is already pretty decent. As you would imagine I have to crank it up a bit higher for decent volume of the 250 ohm DT770's but it doesn't struggle. That said, temptation got the better of me and I'm waiting for a Graham Slee Novo to be delivered to see if it improves them further.
Take your point ref the 1100 though I hadn't really considered them.
What I have noticed this week is that, by comparison, my SR80i's seem to sound distictly anaemic after a period with the 770's though I am sure it's an 'ear' thing rather than any previously unnoticed deficiency with the cans as I have loved them for a long time. I am definitely tempted by a pair of DT990's at the moment and to see how they far as an open back alternative to the Grados.
I think I have developed headphoneaddictiveitis. :clap: