Starting over

One way to start over for less than $1000 is to go with the Fatman - iTube - Stereo Integrated Amp w/iPod dock. You get a tube hybrid integrated amp with 13 watts per channel and an iPod dock. Audio Advisor has these on sale for $400 w/o speakers, and $500 with speakers. Add an iPod, a pair of small monitors (if you don't go with the "with speakers" choice that Fatman offers) of your choosing and/or a set of headphones, and you should have a MUCH better than average sounding iPod based system. Down the road when you finances improve, then the Fatman system would make great second system in a bedroom or office enviroment.

I went the heaphone route when I had to get rid of the main rig due to twin boys arriving. Got the Senn 650's and a Mier Audio Corda Aria amp w/ the built in USB DAC. I have to say I have been pretty happy with the it so far. May try going with a tube amp and separate DAC at some point as the sound is a bit thin for my taste but, it does satisfy the craving.

Got the Senn's used for $250 in mint condition.
Bought he Mier new for around retail

Hifisoundguy: Are you new hear? You know you're not allowed to use the B__e word on Audiogon?

I know! but have you all ever heard one after you do the Absolute Phase Tweak to it? It sounds a lot better!

Hifisoundguy, given your previous long threads about putting plumber's tape on the body of a protection fuse for improved sound, and extolling the virtues of the Clever Little Clock (both extreme examples of far out subjective tweakery), punctuated by sporadic forays into Bose products (the epitome of mass marketing audio crap to an uninformed buying public, and the nemesis of the high end), I question your sincerity.

Like a plastic boom box with $2 Rat Shack quality drivers in it marketed at the audacious price of $1079 belongs in this discussion? Puh-leeeeze.