[REB]

Originally Posted by jpscool4u

OK, so a couple questions.

Regarding the DAC/amp, why do i need a DAC if the iPod has a DAC built-in (and apparently has hi-fi quality)? Even if i use a LOD (Pocketdock Line Out), won't it have already be converted to analog?

You're right, you won't need a portable DAC, the iPod has one built-in (although I wouldn't say it's hifi quality)

I have a Creative X-Fi Sound Blaster 24/96 external soundcard (expresscard), which has optical and line out, so shouldn't I just use that and output it to a headphone amplifier? I assume the sound card can do a decent enough job as a DAC, no?

I don't know your soundcard, but if I were you, I'd invest in an amp first. You can always get an external DAC later. For me BTW, a quite cheap Zero DAC made a world of difference when I put it between my soundcard and my amp.

I don't think I would try to use my HD600 in public. It is too liable to get broken and amping is really hard. I have Graham Slee Voyager portable amp which does a more than decent job with the HD600, but it's not in the same league as my stationary amp (GS Solo).

Also, for the interconnect, should I get 1 cable that's ipod dock to minijack, or should I get the pocketdock line out and then just use minijack-to-minijack?

Depends if you're going to hook up your source to an amp later. If so, it's easier to use a pocketdock line out and then a minijack to RCA. If not, you might as wel buy the complete cable.

Is there anything special about those interconnect cables that cost $50-$100? I see them on ebay and other places, they just look like regular cables with stitching on the outside. Do they sound better?

My interconnect was about 75 dollars (Microshar) and I can barely hear the difference when compared to cheaper LODs. So I'm a bit skeptical about the use of really expensive interconnects.

Based upon your music preferences, I'd go with a Beyerdynamic DT990 or Sennheiser HD600/650 (if you like to feel your bass, forget about the AKG K701) and buy a (cheap) portable phone as well (beyerdynamic DT231, AT ATH-ES7). There is the cable issue with non-portable phones (too long, not sturdy), the phones themselves aren't meant for that kind of use and transportation, SQ is compromised and open phones aren't the most convenient when used as portables.

That's my 2 cents.... Good luck and welcome to Head-fi and sorry for your wallet !