Hey guys I need some help here, I'm trying to find a decent amp/dac  for my babes a2000x and sa5000 to replace my fiio e10k.
Apparently I'm currently living in an headphones dessert so the only ways to buy is blind buy online. I don't know if I want to go either the cheap route around $400 or trying to mummified myself few months to get the yammy ha-02 or ha5000.
Have anyone test these phones before and which dac/amp will make 2 of those shine the most?

is the M2U actually better than an Asgard v2 though? I have not heard the M2U yet, but I thought the Asgard v2 was quite a bit better than the Magni.
it should be within price range still.

The new Magni 2 Uber is quite a bit better than the original Magni. I found the original Magni pretty harsh and fatiguing. That wasn't the case with the new M2U, and the treble in particular seems much improved. With the Magni 1 vs Vali, it was a no brainer. With the M2U vs the Vali...I had to take the whole Schiit-provided return time to decide.

I haven't had a very extended audition with the Asgard 2 - just a few times at meets. If my memory holds, and auditory memory can be pretty sketchy (YMMV, IMO, etc. all that good shit), my impression is that the Asgard 2 does bass slam and low bass control/resolution better than the M2U. I think that the A2 probably has the edge on resolution and detail extraction across the spectrum as well. The biggest difference to me is that the M2U retained some of it's predecessor's sonic thinness (i.e. why I think so many people thought of the Magni as a "bright" amp), where the Asgard 2's sound seems more substantial. It has a bit more weight to it.

Oh, one other thing: I don't think that the M2U gets hot enough. I couldn't use it to effectively keep a muffin warm or to soften up a bagel. I don't trust amps that can't warm a pastry.

Asgard 2 is still worth the $100 difference but the Magni 2 Uber is tailgating it pretty closely.

Munch: I can't compare to Magni2 Uber, but I have been very pleased with Asgard 2 performance with my HE 560 (and also with my k7xx). My listening preferences are on the analytic side, but it was a huge step up from the O2. It gives great bass slam, and I don't find it cold/sterile. For $250 + shipping I think it is still the deal to beat for low z headphones.

Asgard 2 is still worth the $100 difference but the Magni 2 Uber is tailgating it pretty closely.

Also, if you are willing to be patient, you can find the Asgard 2 b-stock on amazon for less. Schiit sells their b-stock through amazon listings, and asgard 2 is the amp I see most frequently listed as b-stock.

Also, if you are willing to be patient, you can find the Asgard 2 b-stock on amazon for less. Schiit sells their b-stock through amazon listings, and asgard 2 is the amp I see most frequently listed as b-stock.

Definitely this. I camped out the Amazon B-Stock listing for a while (http://www.amazon.com/Asgard-2-Headphone-Amplifier-B-Stock/dp/B00GRYTROI/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top) hoping one would come back in stock.

I'm looking for stand with shelves for my audio gear (CDP, DAC, amp, &c.) Which do you recommend and why?

A cursory look a Music Direct here in Chicago shows they sell two brands: Salamander and Boltz. What do y'all think of those?

Also, I know I asked this before, but is there a CD bookcase / shelves that you regard highly? My 1000+ capacity rack has long been completely full and I need something to put the other 1000+ discs into.

Thank much for all your perspectives.