A tube unit represents an excellent (and possibly the preferred) choice for headphone listening, but portability cannot be a factor. In fact, I'd go so far to say that portability shouldn't be a factor at all in selecting a really good headphone listening device; tube or ss. If you occasionally need a portable device, get one just for that purpose, and another one for 'at home' listening.
As with audio amplifiers, ss devices will drive any impedance cans, whereas the best tube devices perform optimally with either hi or lo impedance phones. I think ASL products represent an excellent value; but I suggest you check out the head-fi forums to expand your knowledge about the subject: http://www.head-fi.org/
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As with audio amplifiers, ss devices will drive any impedance cans, whereas the best tube devices perform optimally with either hi or lo impedance phones. I think ASL products represent an excellent value; but I suggest you check out the head-fi forums to expand your knowledge about the subject: http://www.head-fi.org/
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