I understand all Echo Indigo models provide 2 outputs, but I'm not sure which of the models would be right for me. I guess I can count out the I/O because the input would be no use for me...or at least I don't think it would. But I'm not sure if the DJ would be better suited than the standard version.

I'd obviously be connecting a pair of headphones up to one of the outputs, but I'd want to use the other to output to a 2.1 speaker setup. Also, would it be possible to connect up an external DAC/headphone amp to the card in the future, or would it not have proper support for that?

From your post, it sounds like the Indigo DJ is more suited to your needs. It has two outputs - one controlled by the volume knob on the card and a line-level out that can go to a headphone amp or powered speakers. And it's possible to use both at the same time. Unfortunately, it doesn't have any digital outs for connections to an external DAC.

How are digital outs different from line outs? Would a digital out be better than a line out for a headphone amp?

Line out and headphone out are essentially the same, it's an analog output. The line out needs to be amplified, the headphone out is controlled by the small volume button on the card. In theory, if you have an amp, the line out might be a bit better since it does not go through the volume circuit which might introduce "some" degradation of quality.

A digital out is a completely different thing. It's a "digital" output, so you need a digital to analog equipment (DAC) and then an amplifier. An amplifier alone will not be able to do anything with a digital signal.

If you are interested in buying an Indigo, normally it should be because you are looking at hooking up a headphone directly into it or because you have a headphone amp and need a DAC.

If you don't need to do recording, the Indigo DJ is a better match. If you have efficient headphones, you will probably plug them directly into the headphone out of the Indigo and if you have a headphone/amp kit, then you will plug it in the line out of the Indigo.

Hope this brings some clarification.

Cheers.

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Thanks...it does. The DJ sounds like a good option then...but I guess it really depends on the price difference between it and the standard. The headphone out already includes a 'high quality' headphone amp and I wouldn't be considering getting a dedicated headphone amp straight away...although it seems an obvious and very useful upgrade in the future. An external DAC also sounds like a useful upgrade, but unlikely one I'd make anytime in the near future. So it all really depends on the price of the DJ.

DJ and IO are the same price and I found them in a couple of stores between $180 and $200. The old one (Echo Indigo) is discontinued but maybe some stores still have left over stock. I'm going to get myself a DJ for my portable, I think it's a cheap and effective solution.

Cheers.

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